Chapter 49 Chapter 48

Chapter 49 Chapter 48
"Let’s go back home. I’ll take care of you."
I guide her to the car and open the door for Chloe. I wait until she adjusts her seat belt and only then close the door carefully. I walk toward Salvatori and Enzo.

"Sir, I believe this was just a warning from Viktor. Your father has a debt with him," Salvatori says in a low voice, avoiding my eyes.

"A debt?" I reply sharply, my hands clenching slightly. "And why am I only hearing about this now? What are you paid for?"

Enzo starts to open his mouth, but I cut him off with a short gesture of my hand.

"Spare me the pathetic excuses." My voice is firm. "The damage is already done. If he wants my attention, now he’ll have it."

Salvatori exchanges a look with Enzo — curiosity mixed with concern.

"What do you intend to do, sir?" he asks, his head slightly tilted.

"I’m going to pay him a visit. Alone," I state.

"Alone?" Enzo reacts immediately, concern clear in his tone. "Sir, that’s risky."

"I won’t repeat myself." My answer is short. "He wanted my attention, didn’t he? I’ll give him all the attention he desires."

Salvatori takes a deep breath, assessing. "We can stay at a safe distance. If you need us, we’ll be ready to move in."

I nod quickly, resolute. I feel the muscles in my neck tense and then relax. "Then go back to the house. Stay on alert. I don’t want any surprises."
The ride continued in silence. The car’s engine purred softly but steadily as the other vehicles lined up in formation behind us.
Part of me was relieved to know that Dominic had accepted the pregnancy. But another part of me knew that it meant living under constant watch. Even surrounded by men, I would have to live with the fear that at any moment something could happen.

The car slowed down in front of the residence and stopped near the entrance. Dominic was the first to get out. The sound of the door closing echoed before he circled around and opened mine.
"Come on," he said, extending his hand.

His fingers brushed against mine, and a shiver ran up my arm as he helped me step out. My eyes shifted to the lawn—there were deep tire marks, and when I looked closer, I noticed the side of the car scratched and dented. I swallowed hard but remained silent.

Dominic slipped his arm around my waist, guiding me inside the house. He led me to the bedroom and let out a quiet sigh before stepping away.
"I’ll run a bath for you," he murmured, already walking toward the bathroom.

The sound of the faucet filled the room, mixed with the gentle bubbling of water as the bathtub filled. When he returned, his eyes met mine.
"Would you like some tea too? Chamomile helps you relax."

"You don’t have to do that..." I said softly.

He approached slowly.
"Do what? Take care of my wife?" His voice was low but full of conviction. "Get used to it, because I don’t plan on stopping. Now relax in the bath. I’ll make some tea," Dominic said, already preparing to leave.

As soon as Dominic left the room, I stood there for a few seconds, staring at the empty space where he had been. My fingers began unbuttoning my clothes. The cool air touched my bare skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I took off my shoes and walked toward the bathroom.

The sound of running water filled the space. I turned off the faucet and brushed my fingers over the warm surface, testing the temperature. The water was perfect. I dipped one foot, then the other, and finally let myself sink slowly into the tub. The heat enveloped my entire body. The tension in my shoulders began to melt away, and a long sigh escaped before I realized it, as I watched the faint steam rising.

I began to gently caress my belly — there was a life growing inside me, and no matter how afraid I was, he had promised to take care of us, and I had to trust him now.

Some time later, I got out of the bath and put on a soft robe. I ran my fingers through my damp hair, pushing it away from my face as I walked back to the bedroom. The door opened, and I saw Dominic entering. He was holding a tray carefully. Dominic placed it on the nightstand and looked at me for a moment.
"Now rest," he said. "You need it."

I crossed my arms, watching him. "You don’t seem happy."

He let out a short, humorless laugh and ran a hand through his hair, messing it up. "Maybe it’s because you were kidnapped a few hours ago." His voice faltered for a moment. "How do you think I should feel?"

He took a step forward, his jaw tight, his eyes locked on mine. "You and my child were in danger." He took a deep breath, trying to steady his tone, his chest rising and falling heavily. "But... when it comes to you... I’m happy. More than you can imagine."

He moved closer and, in a hesitant gesture, touched my face with his fingertips. "This wasn’t part of my plans — not like this," he murmured, his thumb tracing a gentle line across my cheek. "But now I realize... maybe it was meant to happen."

He stayed silent for a second, then stepped back. "I have some matters to take care of, but... once I’m done, I’ll be back. And I’ll stay here, by your side."