Chapter 3 - THE MOTHER'S DEFIANCE
The courtyard was dead quiet except for the whistle of the winter wind. The security guards looked at each other in disbelief, unsure whether to be amazed or terrified of Alessandro’s reaction.
Alessandro turned slowly to face Sophia. His dark eyes narrowed, searching her face. He was accustomed to people trembling before him, pleading for mercy or stammering out apologies. He expected this humble housemaid to break down in tears.
Instead, Sophia stood her ground.
Though her body was shivering from the cold, her chin was lifted. She did not step back. She did not flinch beneath his icy, intimidating gaze. Clutching the fabric of her simple uniform, she looked directly into the eyes of the most dangerous man in the state with fierce, unwavering bravery.
"Do something," Sophia said, her voice trembling slightly, but firm with defiant courage. "My daughter is beside him."
Alessandro stared at her for a long second. Most people looked at the ground when he spoke. This woman was demanding action from him, challenging his cold demeanor to protect her child.
He turned back toward Emma. The toddler was humming a nursery rhyme under her breath, using the plastic cup to pour a tiny drop of water onto Bruno’s paw. The feared beast simply closed his eyes, letting out a deep, relaxed sigh that sounded like a purr.
Emma looked up at the towering figure of Alessandro, her big brown eyes entirely innocent.
"He's busy," Emma informed him brightly.
May you like
Alessandro looked down at the child, then at the beast resting like a puppy in her lap. A crack appeared in his icy facade. A rare, faint smirk touched the corner of his lips.
"Apparently," Alessandro murmured.
