Chapter 4 - Under His Roof
Harbor Ridge rose out of the coastal fog like a stone titan. Perched high above the rocky shores of Narragansett, the estate was surrounded by wrought-iron fences, discreet security towers, and rolling lawns trimmed to razor precision.
By the time the SUV passed through the double security gates, it was three in the morning. Laurel was exhausted, her silver gala dress wrinkled and her hair tumbling in messy waves around her shoulders. Maddox walked beside her up the broad limestone steps, carrying her modest overnight bag, which his men had retrieved from her apartment under heavy escort.
Inside, the house smelled of cedar, old paper, and sea salt. It was surprisingly warm, filled with towering bookcases and roaring fireplaces rather than the cold, modern steel Laurel had anticipated.
""Mrs. Bellanti,"" a polite, elderly woman greeted them in the foyer, wearing a crisp cardigan. ""I have prepared the east suite as Mr. Bellanti requested.""
""Thank you, Clara,"" Maddox said softly. ""Please ensure breakfast is served at eight. We have an early press briefing.""
As Clara departed down the long hallway, Laurel turned on Maddox, crossing her arms. ""Mrs. Bellanti? Really?""
""She’s worked for my family since I was ten,"" Maddox said, leading her up the sweeping staircase. ""Clara doesn't care about rumors. But she respects protocol. Your rooms are here.""
He pushed open a set of double oak doors, revealing a massive suite overlooking the darkened ocean. A fireplace crackled in the corner, illuminating a king-sized bed, an antique writing desk, and an adjoining private sitting area. Through an arched doorway, Laurel could see a marble bathroom equipped with a deep clawfoot tub.
""My quarters are through the adjoining study,"" Maddox said, gesturing toward a heavy mahogany door on the opposite wall. ""The lock is on your side. If you feel unsafe, turn the deadbolt. No one enters this room without your permission. Not even me.""
Laurel walked over to the French doors leading to the balcony, staring out into the churning black tide below. ""Why did you send me coffee every morning for eight months, Maddox?""
The question hung in the warm air, sudden and sharp.
Maddox paused near the door, his hand resting against the doorframe. For a second, he looked genuinely tired. ""Because you were the only person in this state who looked at my contracts and dared to tell me I was wrong.""
""I was doing my job.""
""You were doing it without flinching,"" he murmured. ""Men who control billions tremble when I sit across from them. But you? You marched into my boardroom with a red pen, marked up seventeen clauses in my harbor expansion lease, and told me my legal team was incompetent.""
""They were,"" Laurel said dryly.
""I know,"" Maddox replied with a faint smile. ""That’s why I fired them and hired Marcus. And that’s why I sent the coffee. I wanted to see if there was anything in this world that could intimidate Laurel Whitaker.""
""And did you find it?""
He looked at her, his dark eyes intense, filled with an emotion she couldn't quite decipher. ""Only tonight. When you looked at me with that certificate, thinking I had betrayed you.""
Before Laurel could formulate a response, Maddox stepped out into the corridor and pulled the heavy oak door shut behind him. The lock clicked into place.
Laurel stood alone in the quiet room. Her heart was beating entirely too fast. She walked over to the adjoining door that led to his study, reached out, and touched the brass deadbolt.
May you like
She hesitated.
Then, slowly, she left it unlocked.
