Chapter 7 - The Unspoken Accord
The heavy oak doors closed behind them,shutting out the freezing wind and the chaotic underbelly of Chicago.
In the grand foyer,Arthur stopped.He turned slowly to Nora's face,his dark eyes searching her face with an intensity that makes the air feel thin.
"You knew about Romano's shipping ports before he arrived at the gate,Arthur stated.
"I spent six years managing my father's failing ledger books while he drank scotch and lost poker games,Nora replied,Unbuttoning her cuffs."I learned how to look at corporate registries and tax evasion trails.Carmine Romano was an open book once you knew which shell companies to look up."
Arthur let out a low,rumbling laugh—a genuine sound that crinkled the corners of his eyes and softened the harsh lines of his face."Your father thought he was selling a broken asset.He had no idea he was handling me an apex predator."
"I am an employee,Mr.Costa,Nora reminded him,Although the edge in her voice had disappeared,replaced by something warmer,Lower."Remember the contract.""
"To hell with the contract,Arthur murmured,stepping closer until the warmth of his body radiated against hers.He reached out,his conscious,called hand gently brushing a stray lock of dark hair away from her cheek.His touch was shockingly tender for a man who spent his life breaking bones."You saved my estate,humiliated one of my biggest rivals,and got Leo to sweep his own room in less than twenty-four hours.You're renegotiating terms,Nora."
Before Nora could answer,a loud clatter echoed down the grand staircase.
They both looked up.
Climb,Maya,Toby,and little Clara were peering down from the second-floor balcony,Their eyes are wide and curious.
"Is the bad man gone?""Little Clara asked loudly.
"He's gone,sweetheart,"Arthur called up,dropping his hand from Nora's face but keeping close.He looked back down at Nora,a rare,faint smile touching his lips."Looks like we have four very opinionated board members waiting for breakfast."
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Nora felt a strange,terrifying warmth bloom in her chest—a feeling she hadn't experienced since she was a little girl before her mother locked her heart away.She wasn't a piece of merchandise anymore.She wasn't a failure.
She was home.
