Chapter 18 -
Lucia hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Because Leo DeSanto does not let anyone get close. Not anymore. Not since Andrea."
The name hung in the air like a ghost. Nia wanted to ask more, but something in Lucia's face told her now was not the time.
They turned down another corridor, and Lucia's mood seemed to lift again. "But there is one place I actually like in this mausoleum." She pushed open a heavy wooden door, and Nia gasped.
The library was breathtaking. Floor to ceiling shelves packed with books, a fireplace big enough to stand in, plush chairs arranged near the windows. Sunlight streamed in, casting everything in a warm, golden glow.
"This is beautiful," Nia breathed, stepping inside. Her fingers itched to run along the spines, to lose herself in the pages.
"It is the only place I can think clearly," Lucia said softly, moving to one of the chairs and sinking into it. "Sometimes I bring Gabriel here and read to him. He loves the adventure stories."
Nia could picture it: Lucia and little Gaby curled up together, escaping into worlds that were not ruled by men like the Don and Leo DeSanto.
"Thank you," Nia said quietly. "For showing me this."
Lucia smiled. "We all need a sanctuary."
They lingered for a few more minutes before Lucia reluctantly stood. "We should keep moving. Matteo is probably back by now and panicking."
They left the library and continued the tour. Down more stairs, through more hallways. Nia's head was spinning trying to keep it all straight.
Then they heard it. The unmistakable sound of fists hitting flesh, grunts of effort, the shuffle of feet on mats.
Lucia froze, tilting her head. "The gym," she whispered.
"There is a gym?"
"Of course. Where else would these Neanderthals burn off their aggression?" Lucia moved toward the sound, her steps careful. "Come on."
They crept down a short hallway and stopped outside a set of double doors. One was cracked open just enough to see inside. Lucia peeked through first, then stepped back and motioned for Nia to look.
Nia leaned forward, her breath catching. The gym was massive, filled with weights, punching bags, and training mats. But what held her attention was the man in the center of the room.
Christian DeSanto moved like a predator. Shirtless, his muscular frame glistening with sweat, he sparred with two guards at once. His movements were controlled, precise, almost beautiful in their brutality. He blocked a punch, countered with a sharp elbow to the ribs, spun and swept the other guard's legs out from under him. There was no wasted motion, no hesitation. Just pure, disciplined violence.
Nia found herself unable to look away. This was a different Christian than the cold, distant man she had seen at the dinner table. This version was raw, focused, dangerous.
"He trains every morning," Lucia whispered beside her. "It is the only time he seems even remotely human."
"He is good," Nia murmured.
"He is deadly," Lucia corrected, her voice flat. "Do not mistake skill for humanity."
Before Nia could respond, a voice spoke directly behind them, making them both jump.
"Spying?"
The single word sliced through the air like a blade. Nia whirled around so fast she nearly lost her balance, her heart leaping straight into her throat. Micheal DeSanto stood there in the dim hallway, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest and that infuriatingly cocky smirk plastered across his face. His dirty blonde hair stuck up in several directions, like he had just rolled out of bed, and his blue eyes gleamed with the kind of mischief that usually ended with someone getting into trouble.
"Jesus, Micheal!" Lucia pressed a hand dramatically to her chest, her amber eyes flashing with annoyance. "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? What is wrong with you, sneaking up on people like that?"
"Maybe I am." He pushed off the wall with a lazy grace, his smirk widening as he looked between the two women. "Or maybe I am just naturally stealthy. You know, like a panther. Silent. Deadly."
"More like a nosy house cat," Lucia muttered under her breath, but loud enough for him to hear.
Micheal ignored the jab, his attention shifting between them with open curiosity. "So, what are you two troublemakers doing skulking around the gym? Because from where I am standing, it looks an awful lot like spying."
"We are not skulking," Lucia said, her voice rising defensively. She straightened her shoulders, lifting her chin in that regal way she had. "I was simply showing Nia around the mansion. She has been cooped up in that room for days. I thought she deserved to see more than four walls and a chandelier."
"Uh huh." Micheal's grin stretched even wider, his eyes dancing with barely contained laughter. "And I suppose this guided tour just happened to include a stop outside the gym where Christian is currently beating the daylights out of two unfortunate guards? Pure coincidence, I am sure."
Lucia's cheeks flushed a faint pink, but she held her ground. "It is a large mansion. We were bound to pass by eventually."
"Right." Micheal dragged out the word, clearly not buying it for a second. He turned his focus to Nia, his expression shifting to something more serious. "And does Leo know you have taken his little prisoner on a grand tour of the place?"
Nia bristled at the word, her hands curling into fists at her sides. "I am not his prisoner."
Micheal raised an eyebrow, looking thoroughly entertained. "Right. My mistake. You are his guest. A guest who just happens to not be allowed to leave, has an armed guard stationed outside her door, and gets escorted everywhere like she is under house arrest. Totally different."
"It is different," Nia snapped, though even she could hear how weak the argument sounded.
Micheal took a step closer, and his voice dropped to a low, conspiratorial whisper that somehow made the whole situation feel more dangerous. "Seriously though, you two are playing with fire here. If Leo finds out you have been wandering around the mansion unsupervised, exploring places you are definitely not supposed to be, he is going to lose his mind. And trust me, you do not want to be around when that happens."
Lucia crossed her arms, her expression turning stubborn. "Then maybe you should not tell him."
Micheal tilted his head, pretending to consider the suggestion. He tapped a finger against his chin thoughtfully, drawing out the moment. "Hmm. I do not know. That sounds like withholding important information from my brother. You know, the Enforcer. The guy who literally tortures people for a living when they cross him."
"Micheal," Lucia said, her voice taking on a warning edge.
"What is in it for me?" he asked, his grin returning full force.
Lucia stared at him, her jaw tightening. "Are you seriously trying to negotiate right now?"
"Always."
"How about my eternal gratitude?"
Micheal made a show of thinking it over, then shook his head. "Not good enough. I need something more tangible."
Lucia let out a long, exasperated breath, pinching the bridge of her nose like she was dealing with a particularly difficult child. "Fine. Fine. I will talk to Gabriel about spending more time with you. I know you have been asking to take him out, teach him things, whatever it is you want to do with a five year old."
Micheal's entire face lit up like someone had just handed him the keys to a new car. "Deal. You have got yourself a deal, Lucia." He glanced at Nia, his expression softening just a fraction. "You have got yourself a good ally here, you know. Lucia is a lot tougher than she looks. Do not let the pretty face and fancy dresses fool you."
"I am learning that," Nia said quietly, glancing at Lucia with newfound respect.
A loud crash erupted from inside the gym, followed immediately by Christian's sharp, commanding voice barking orders at the guards. The sound was harsh, violent, and entirely too close. All three of them froze, their eyes wide.
"We should go," Lucia hissed, her hand shooting out to grab Nia's arm in a grip that was probably going to leave bruises. "Now. Right now."
"Good idea," Micheal agreed, though he still looked far too amused by the whole situation.