Chapter 7 - Shadows in the Snow
Two weeks later, the first heavy snow of December blanketed Boston in a thick, glittering mantle of white.
Inside the Torino estate, the grand living room was dominated by a massive twelve-foot spruce tree decorated with delicate silver ornaments and warm white fairy lights. Finn was currently sitting on the plush rug near the hearth, constructing an elaborate Lego fortress with the help of Dante, who had proven to be surprisingly adept at military fortifications.
Mave stood by the kitchen island, helping Mrs. Gallo roll out dough for holiday cookies, her right shoulder finally free of the heavy brace, though she still moved with a gentle, cautious grace.
She felt... whole. For the first time since she was eighteen years old, she didn't wake up in a panic calculating bills, rent, and grocery money. She didn't have to choose between paying for Finn's medication and buying winter boots.
Yet, as she looked toward the French doors leading to Rafe’s private study, a quiet ache tugged at her chest.
Over the last two weeks, Rafe had been a constant, protective presence. He dined with them every evening, listened to Finn’s endless stories about school, and ensured that every medical need was met with absolute perfection. But he was still Rafe Colazo — the master of a vast, dangerous underworld, a man whose phone buzzed constantly with coded messages and whose world was governed by rules she barely understood.
As if sensing her thoughts, the study door clicked open, and Rafe walked out.
He was dressed in a tailored black overcoat, a dark scarf wrapped around his neck, looking every bit the ruthless syndicate boss. But when his eyes found Mave across the room, the hard edge in his expression instantly melted into something warm and steady.
He walked over, stopping just a few feet away.
"I have to step out," Rafe said quietly. "A meeting with the port authorities regarding the new shipping security protocols. I'll be back by dinner."
Mave wiped her flour-dusted hands on a dish towel and nodded. "Be careful."
May you like
"Always," Rafe replied with a faint, rare smile. He turned toward the door, then paused, looking back over his shoulder. "Mave? Meet me on the terrace at eight o'clock. Bundle up. It's freezing outside."
Before she could ask why, he gave a crisp nod and walked out, the heavy front door clicking shut behind him.
