Chapter 10 - Dawn Over the River
One year later.
The crisp morning air carried the clean scent of rain and fallen autumn leaves across the stone terrace of our home. Below us, the river curled like a ribbon of molten silver under the rising sun, the city skyline glowing with soft shades of amber and gold.
I stood by the terrace railing, holding a steaming mug of hot chocolate, wearing an oversized cashmere cardigan over comfortable jeans.
From inside the living room, the sound of tiny, delighted giggles drifted through the open French doors.
A moment later, Matteo stepped out onto the terrace. He had discarded his suit jackets and ties long ago; today, he wore a simple soft gray henley and dark trousers. But the greatest change was the broad, unreserved smile across his handsome face.
Cradled securely against his broad chest in a soft blue wrap was our six-month-old son, Leo.
Leo had his father’s thick, dark hair and strong jaw, but he had inherited my wide, curious eyes. He was babbling happily, tiny fists waving in the cool morning breeze as he reached out toward the fluttering leaves.
Matteo walked up behind me, wrapping one strong arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. He pressed a warm, lingering kiss to the top of my head while Leo let out an excited squeak, reaching a tiny hand to grab a strand of my hair.
"Ouch, little boss," I laughed softly, gently untangling Leo's fingers and kissing his chubby knuckles. "You're getting as strong as your father."
"Stronger, hopefully," Matteo murmured, resting his chin lightly on my shoulder. His gaze swept over the peaceful expanse of the estate, then out toward the waking city. "And far wiser."
"Are you ever going to miss it?" I asked quietly, leaning my head against his neck. "The adrenaline. The power. The underworld."
Matteo chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated straight through my back. He looked down at Leo, then turned to look into my eyes with an expression of pure, unshakable contentment.
"Power is an illusion, Sera," he said softly. "I ruled half the coast for ten years, and every night I went to bed feeling like an empty shell waiting for a bullet. But this?"
He leaned down, pressing his lips to mine in a slow, sweet, breathless kiss that tasted of warm coffee and endless promises. Leo giggled between us, clapping his little hands against Matteo’s chest.
"This is real," Matteo whispered against my lips, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. "You and Leo gave me a life worth living. You gave a monster a home."
"You were never a monster to me, Matteo," I replied, smiling as I rested my forehead against his. "Just a man who needed someone to hold his hand while he healed."
He smiled—a real, radiant smile that erased every shadow of his past.
Down at the bottom of the hill, the city was roaring to life with morning traffic and busy streets, oblivious to the private miracle unfolding on the terrace above.
I looked at the gold wedding band gleaming on my finger, then at the matching band on Matteo’s hand as he held our son.
Fourteen months ago, my world had shattered on the wet concrete of a hospital parking garage when I dropped an ultrasound at the feet of a dangerous man.
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I had thought that drop was the end of my quiet life.
I didn't know then that it was just the beginning of our forever.
