Chapter 4 - The Gathering StormFor two days, the estate was a paradise Sadie had never dreamed possible.
Finn thrived in the fresh sea air, running across the vast green lawns with a joy he had never known in their cramped, dark apartment. Mrs. Hudson doted on him, baking fresh cookies and making sure Sadie ate three full meals a day.
Sadie felt her strength returning, the dark circles under her eyes fading, her skin regaining its natural glow.
Yet, she knew this peace was fragile.
On the third afternoon, while Finn was taking a nap upstairs, Sadie walked down to the estate’s grand library to return a book. As she approached the heavy oak doors, she heard hushed, urgent voices inside.
“...Sal Moretti is calling it an act of aggression, Boss,” Marco’s voice said, sharp with tension. “He knows you took the girl out of the South End. He’s claiming she owes three thousand dollars in back rent and illegal interest to his loan operation.”
Sadie stopped outside the door, her heart sinking into her chest. Moretti.
“Sal Moretti is a dog who barks when he thinks he has leverage,” Roman’s voice replied, cold and unyielding. “He has no claim over her.”
“He’s calling a meeting of the regional heads tonight at the docks,” Marco warned. “He says if you don't return the girl to his jurisdiction, he’ll bring the matter to the Commission.”
A heavy silence followed.
Sadie pushed the door open, stepping into the warm, sunlit library.
Both men turned to look at her. Roman stood behind a large mahogany desk, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, his dark hair slightly rumpled.
“Sadie,” Roman said softly, stepping around the desk. “You should be resting.”
“I heard,” Sadie said, her hazel eyes fixed on him with a mixture of fear and determination. “Moretti... he’s threatening you because of me, isn't he?”
“He is making noise, Sadie,” Roman dismissed calmly. “Nothing more.”
“Don't lie to me!” Sadie said, stepping closer to him. “I know who Sal Moretti is! Everyone in the South End knows! He breaks legs, he burns down shops—he’s a monster!”
She looked into Roman’s dark eyes, her voice trembling. “I won't let you get hurt because of me, Roman. If I have to go back—if I have to pay him—”
Roman closed the distance between them in two long strides. His large hands came up, framing her face gently, his calloused thumbs wiping away a tear that had escaped her eye. The warmth of his touch sent a shockwave through her body.
“Look at me, Sadie,” Roman commanded softly.
May you like
Sadie looked up, trapped by the dark, intense fire in his gaze.
“Nobody touches you,” Roman swore, his voice a low, absolute promise that vibrated through her soul. “Nobody takes you from this house. Sal Moretti thinks he owns the shadows of this city. Tonight, I am going to remind him who controls the light.”
