Chapter 9 - THE MAFIA BOSS WHO WAS AFRAID TO LOVE
Adrian had never intended to fall in love again.
After Isabella died, he had built his life around two things.
Protecting Luca.
And never allowing himself to feel that helpless again.
Emma changed that without trying.
She didn't flatter him.
Didn't fear his reputation.
Didn't ask for expensive gifts.
She asked whether he'd eaten.
Whether he'd slept.
Whether he had read Luca a bedtime story.
Ordinary questions.
Questions nobody else dared ask.
One evening, Emma found him sitting alone on the terrace.
Snow drifted through the garden lights.
She stepped outside.
“You're going to freeze.”
Adrian smiled faintly.
“I've survived worse.”
Emma sat beside him.
“That's not the same as taking care of yourself.”
He looked at her.
“You always say things nobody else will.”
She shrugged.
“Somebody has to.”
He smiled.
Then grew serious.
“Emma.”
“Yes?”
“I'm afraid.”
She looked at him.
He stared toward the garden.
“Of losing Luca.”
Emma nodded.
“I know.”
“Of finding out Isabella suffered because someone failed her.”
She touched his hand.
“I know.”
He turned toward her.
“And of wanting something I don't know how to deserve.”
Emma's heartbeat quickened.
“What?”
Adrian looked directly at her.
“You.”
Silence.
Emma's breath caught.
He continued quickly.
“I know the circumstances are complicated. I know my life isn't simple. And I know you don't owe me anything.”
She stared at him.
“Adrian…”
“I'm not asking you to stay.”
His voice softened.
“I'm asking whether you might want to.”
Emma looked toward the house.
Toward the nursery window.
Toward the life that had slowly begun to feel familiar.
Then she turned back.
“I want to know you,” she whispered. “Not the man everyone is afraid of. You.”
Adrian's expression softened.
“That might be harder.”
Emma smiled.
“I'm not afraid of hard things.”
He reached for her hand.
May you like
She let him take it.
And beneath the falling snow, something new began.
