Chapter 12 - THE FATHER WHO LEARNED TO HOLD A BABY
Damen had negotiated with criminals.
Survived ambushes.
Built an empire.
But nothing frightened him more than holding his newborn son.
The nurse placed Matteo in his arms.
Damen froze.
"He's so small."
Serena smiled from the hospital bed.
"That's usually how babies start."
He looked at her.
"You're enjoying this."
"Very much."
Matteo yawned.
Damen stared.
His expression softened.
"Hello, little man."
The baby moved one tiny hand.
Damen swallowed.
"I'm your father."
His voice broke.
"And I'm going to do better than the men who raised me."
Serena's eyes filled.
He looked at her.
"I promise."
She reached for his hand.
May you like
For the first time, the promise didn't sound like something he was saying to reassure her.
It sounded like something he intended to spend the rest of his life proving.
