Chapter 10 - The Safe Haven
One year later.
The morning sun rose over the calm, crystal-blue waters of Lake Como in northern Italy.
High on a lush green hillside overlooking the picturesque village below stood a stunning nineteenth-century stone villa. Terraced gardens filled with fragrant lemon trees, purple lavender, and white roses stretched down toward the water’s edge.
On the wide, marble balcony of the villa, a table was set with fresh espresso, warm pastries, and fresh fruit.
Olivia Carter sat in a comfortable wrought-iron chair, dressed in a soft cream silk robe. Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders, her skin glowing with warmth and health.
In her lap lay a binder containing architectural plans for a new children's art foundation she had founded in Milan—funded entirely by a clean, legal grant from the dissolved assets of Vanderbilt & Cole.
Her brother Daniel was living quietly in California, working an entry-level job at a local park district, far away from Wall Street, shell accounts, and crime syndicates. Aunt Helen was happily retired in Florida.
The shadow of Account 99 had been buried forever, its vast fortunes dismantled and returned to international charitable trusts by federal auditors.
A pair of strong, warm arms wrapped around Olivia’s shoulders from behind.
Luca leaned down, pressing a warm kiss against her cheek, his fresh cedar and ocean scent enveloping her senses. He was wearing a casual white linen shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, revealing the edge of his dark ink tattoos.
"You're working too early, mia cara," Luca murmured softly in his low, rich voice, resting his chin on her shoulder.
Olivia smiled, leaning her head back against him, reaching up to gently trace the jawline of the man she loved. "I'm not working. I'm dreaming."
Luca stepped around the table, sitting in the chair beside her. He reached across the small table, taking her hand and lacing his calloused fingers through hers.
On his wrist, he wore a new silver watch—un-cracked, immaculate, and free of any marks or symbols.
"Marco called from New York," Luca said, taking a sip of his espresso. "Victoria has officially taken over the legitimate real estate portfolio in Manhattan. The family name is completely clean."
"And what about you, Mr. Moretti?" Olivia asked, a playful sparkle dancing in her brown eyes. "What are you going to do now that you aren't the most feared crime boss in New York?"
Luca looked out at the tranquil, sunlit lake, then turned his gaze back to Olivia—the woman who had thrown her body over his on a blood-stained street, the woman who had brought light into the deepest shadows of his soul.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tiny velvet box, placing it gently on the table between them.
Olivia’s breath caught in her throat. She looked at the box, then up into his dark, infinitely tender eyes.
"I promised you that I would take you somewhere safe, Olivia," Luca whispered, his voice thick with emotion as he opened the box, revealing a flawless, brilliant diamond ring that caught the morning sunlight. "And I promised myself that I would spend the rest of my life making sure you never have to run again."
Tears of pure, overwhelming joy welled in Olivia’s eyes. She didn't look at the ring; she looked at the man who held her heart.
May you like
"Yes," Olivia whispered, her voice choking with love as she leaned across the table, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Yes, Luca. A thousand times yes."
Luca pulled her onto his lap, his mouth finding hers in a deep, passionate kiss that tasted of sweet espresso, morning sunshine, and a future filled with endless, peaceful light.
