Chapter 5 - The Sanctuary at the EstateBy midnight, a fleet of three armored Moretti Maybachs glided through the iron security gates of the Moretti Estate perched on the high bluffs overlooking the Maumee River.
The estate was a stone fortress surrounded by high security walls, infrared cameras, and broad-shouldered men in dark suits carrying concealed weapons.
Inside, the grand foyer was warm, firelit, and filled with the scent of old leather, cedarwood, and fresh white lilies. A sweeping marble double staircase rose to the upper suites, while a roaring stone fireplace warmed the central hall.
Ethan was ushered into the east wing guest suite by Silvio, where a full team of Moretti engineers was already waiting to review his fellowship research projects.
Meanwhile, Lorenzo guided Kira into the private library on the second floor—a warm, firelit room lined with thousands of rare books, leather armchairs, and floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the river below.
Kira stood near the fireplace, holding a cup of hot chamomile tea in both hands, wearing a warm cashmere sweater provided by Lorenzo’s housekeeper.
Her dark hair was soft, framing her delicate face, her hazel eyes searching the firelit room with quiet wonder.
Lorenzo walked across the Persian rug, taking off his suit jacket, setting it over a leather chair. He unbuttoned his collar, rolling up his sleeves, revealing corded muscle and a dark tattoo of an olive branch wrapping around his left forearm.
"You're very quiet, Miss Lawson," Lorenzo noted softly, sitting in the leather chair across from her.
Kira took a slow sip of her tea, looking into his eyes. "I'm quiet because twelve hours ago, I was rushing across a university campus trying to give my brother a tie clip... and now I'm sitting in the private fortress of the most feared man in Ohio."
Lorenzo offered a rare, breathtaking smile—a subtle, handsome curve of his mouth that made Kira's breath hitch in her throat.
"Is the most feared man in Ohio making you uncomfortable, Kira?" Lorenzo asked gently.
"No," Kira answered truthfully, her voice low and steady. "That's the strange part. When those men broke into the shop tonight... I wasn't afraid when you walked through the door. I felt... safe."
Lorenzo went completely still. His storm-gray eyes locked onto hers with an intense, unshakeable heat that set her pulse racing.
He stood up, walking across the rug until he stood two inches from her chair.
May you like
He reached into his vest pocket, pulling out the small, embroidered white silk handkerchief she had returned to him earlier, setting it gently into her palm.
"Keep it, Kira," Lorenzo murmured softly into the quiet room. "So you remember that hugging a stranger was the best mistake you ever made."
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