Chapter 5 - The Sanctuary in WestchesterBy 10:00 PM, a fleet of three midnight-black armored Maybachs glided through the heavy iron security gates of the vast Duca Estate in Westchester.
The estate was a magnificent fifty-acre limestone manor surrounded by ancient oak trees, high stone walls, and fifty broad-shouldered security operators posted along the perimeter.
Inside the grand master suite on the second floor, a warm fire crackled merrily in the stone hearth, casting golden, dancing reflections across the mahogany beams and plush velvet carpets.
Elena sat on the edge of the large king-sized bed wearing a comfortable cashmere sweater and soft trousers provided by the estate housekeeper.
The dark, terrifying threat of Victor Moretti felt miles away, drowned out by the deep, peaceful quiet of the estate.
CLICK.
The heavy mahogany door of the master suite opened gently.
Matteo walked inside, wearing a dark linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, carrying a silver tray with two mugs of hot tea and fresh pastries.
He set the tray flat onto the bedside table, then sat beside her on the mattress, taking her small hand into his broad, warm palm.
"My security team cleared your apartment in Chelsea twenty minutes ago, Elena," Matteo reported gently, his gray eyes scanning her face with an unshakeable warmth. "Your clothes, your books, and your grandmother's photo albums have been moved into the walk-in suite next door."
Elena looked around the luxurious room, then turned her hazel eyes to meet his.
"So I live here now?" Elena asked softly, a subtle, beautiful smile touching her lips.
"You live here for as long as you want, Elena," Matteo promised, his voice thick with deep, genuine devotion. "This estate was built by my grandfather sixty years ago. It has never harbored a queen... until tonight."
Elena leaned forward, resting her head comfortably against his broad chest, listening to the steady, rhythmic beating of his heart beneath his linen shirt.
"And Victor Moretti?" she asked quietly.
May you like
Matteo’s hand stroked her soft dark hair with a slow, soothing rhythm, his storm-gray eyes flashing with a quiet, absolute finality.
"Victor Moretti made the fatal mistake of threatening the only woman I love," Matteo stated flatly. "Tonight, my lieutenants and the federal task force are closing his operations permanently. By tomorrow morning... he will no longer exist in this city."
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