Chapter 1 High-paying babysitting

Emma adjusted her scarf against the biting winter wind, her cheeks stinging as she trudged through the snow-covered streets of the city. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking her focus on the job boards she'd been scrolling through for hours.

"Emma," her best friend Kara's voice chirped, "I found something perfect for you!"

Emma rolled her eyes, stepping into a small café to escape the cold. "If it's another retail gig that barely pays, I'm not interested."

"Not retail. Babysitting. High-paying babysitting," Kara emphasized.

Emma snorted, blowing on her frozen fingers. "Let me guess. Someone's kid who's the devil reincarnated?"

"Actually, it's a baby. Eight months old. And the pay is...well, insane."

Emma's interest piqued despite herself. "Insane how?"

"Ten grand a month."

Emma nearly dropped her coffee. "What? Are you joking?"

"Nope. I found the ad on an exclusive job site. It's super secretive, though. They won't tell you who the employer is until you're selected."

Emma frowned. "That sounds sketchy."

"Look, you need the money, right? What's the worst that could happen?"

Emma hesitated. Her rent was overdue, her tuition was piling up, and her part-time café job wasn't cutting it. She sighed, giving in to her curiosity. "Fine. Send me the details."

---

The next day, Emma found herself in an upscale office building downtown. The waiting room smelled of leather and faint cologne, and the receptionist eyed her with a mix of amusement and disinterest.

"Miss Harper?" A deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

Emma turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man in a sharp black suit. His dark eyes scanned her briefly, making her shift uncomfortably.

"Yes?"

"Come with me."

The man led her into a lavish office with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist décor. Behind a massive mahogany desk sat a man who could only be described as intimidatingly handsome. Sharp cheekbones, piercing eyes, and an air of authority made her pulse quicken.

"You must be Emma Harper," he said, his voice smooth but cold.

"And you are?" Emma asked, trying to mask her nerves.

"Leonardo De Luca." His gaze pinned her in place. "You'll be caring for my son, Alessandro."

Emma blinked, the name ringing a bell. It hit her like a freight train. Leonardo De Luca. The De Luca. Mafia kingpin, ruthless leader, and one of the most feared men in the country.

"I-I think there's been a mistake," she stammered, inching toward the door.

"There's no mistake," Leo said calmly. "You were recommended. I trust my sources."

Emma's stomach churned. "Mr. De Luca, I'm not sure I'm qualified for-"

"Your qualifications are not in question," he interrupted. "What matters is that you follow my rules and keep Alessandro safe. In return, you'll be compensated generously."

Before Emma could respond, a soft gurgle filled the room. She turned to see a nanny wheeling in a bassinet. Inside was the tiniest baby she'd ever seen, with bright hazel eyes and a mop of dark curls. The baby cooed and reached out a chubby hand.

"That's Alessandro," Leo said, his voice softening just slightly.

Emma's heart clenched. Against her better judgment, she reached out and let the baby grab her finger. Alessandro giggled, a sound so pure it made her forget, for just a moment, where she was.

"I'll do it," she blurted before she could stop herself.

Leo's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. "Good. You start tomorrow."

Emma stood in front of the De Luca mansion the next morning, her breath fogging in the crisp winter air. The sprawling estate was intimidating-gated, surrounded by tall hedges, and guarded by men who didn't even try to hide their firearms. She clutched her bag tighter, wondering for the hundredth time if she'd made a terrible mistake.

The front door swung open before she could knock, and the same sharp-suited man from the day before gestured for her to enter.

"This way," he said curtly, leading her through a grand marble foyer that felt more like a museum than a home.

They stopped in a sunlit sitting room, where Leonardo De Luca waited, his presence as commanding as ever. He was dressed impeccably in a dark suit, leaning casually against the armrest of a sleek leather couch. In his arms, Alessandro babbled happily, oblivious to the tension radiating from the room.

Leo didn't waste time. "There are rules, Miss Harper. You will follow them without question."

Emma nodded, her throat dry.

He handed Alessandro to the nanny, who disappeared down a hallway. Then, fixing Emma with an unrelenting stare, he began.

"Rule one: Alessandro's safety is your top priority. You will never leave him unattended."

"Of course," Emma said quickly, her voice cracking.

"Rule two: You do not ask questions about my business or my associates." His tone darkened.

Emma swallowed hard. "Understood."

"Rule three: You stay out of rooms that are locked. Those are not your concern."

Her curiosity flared, but she nodded again.

"Rule four: If anything feels off-anything at all-you notify me or one of my men immediately. Is that clear?"

"Yes," she whispered.

"Good." His eyes softened just a fraction. "Alessandro means everything to me. If you do your job, you'll have no issues here. Betray my trust..." He let the unspoken threat hang in the air, chilling her to the bone.

Before Emma could respond, Alessandro's cries echoed down the hall. Leo's cold exterior cracked slightly as he straightened, his jaw tightening. He nodded to Emma. "Go to him. Sofia will show you the nursery."

---

Sofia, the older woman who had wheeled Alessandro in the day before, led Emma to a nursery that looked like it belonged in a luxury magazine. Pale blue walls, plush carpets, and shelves lined with designer baby toys.

"There you go, little one," Sofia cooed as she placed Alessandro in a high-tech bouncer. "Emma will take good care of you."

Emma crouched down to Alessandro's level, offering a hesitant smile. "Hi, buddy."

Alessandro studied her for a moment, then giggled, reaching for her hair. She laughed despite herself, letting him tug gently at a strand.

"He likes you," Sofia observed with a smile.

Emma glanced up at her. "Has he had many nannies?"

Sofia's expression darkened slightly. "A few. But none stayed long."

"Why not?"

Sofia hesitated. "The De Luca household isn't... easy. But Alessandro is a sweet boy. Focus on him, and you'll be fine."

Emma wasn't sure what to make of that, but she pushed the thought aside as Alessandro began to fuss. She picked him up, marveling at how small he felt in her arms. He settled against her chest, his tiny hand gripping her sweater.

For the first time in days, Emma felt a flicker of calm.

Later that evening, as Emma rocked Alessandro to sleep, she heard low voices outside the nursery. Curiosity got the better of her, and she quietly cracked the door open.

Leo stood in the hallway, speaking with one of his men.

"They've made their move," the man said. "We intercepted the shipment."

Leo's jaw tightened. "Double security. No one gets near this house without clearance."

"Yes, boss."

Emma shut the door, her heart racing. It was a stark reminder of the world she'd stepped into-a world where even an innocent baby wasn't safe.

She looked down at Alessandro, now peacefully asleep in her arms. "Don't worry, little one," she whispered. "I've got you."

But as the shadows lengthened outside the mansion, Emma couldn't shake the feeling that she'd made a promise she might not be able to keep.