4

Emilia’s POV

I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, relief washing over me even as a new wave of anxiety took its place. I’d just agreed to work for a man who practically oozed power, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

“Good,” I said, trying to sound confident. “When do I start?”

“Immediately,” he replied, his voice as decisive as ever. “Francesca is waiting for you.”

The suddenness of it left me stunned. “Now?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Do you have a pressing engagement?”

I shot him a look, and he merely smirked, clearly unfazed by my reaction. “Fine,” I muttered. “But this doesn’t mean I’m at your beck and call.”

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Somehow, I didn’t believe him.

With a sigh, I turned around, feeling his gaze follow me as I moved. I turned back to look at him, my heart racing despite my best efforts to stay calm.

“One more thing,” I said. “I’ll be honest with Francesca. I won’t lie to her or make promises I can’t keep.”

He inclined his head. “Fair enough. But you’ll protect her, put her well-being above everything.”

I nodded. “I can do that.”

With a final nod, he pressed a button on his desk, and Allesio reappeared, standing at attention.

“Take her to Francesca,” Alaric ordered. “She starts now.”

Without another word, Allesio led me back through the hallways. I kept my face composed, but my mind was racing. I had no idea what to expect, or how I was going to explain this to Francesca. A nanny. How had I ended up here?

When we reached Francesca’s room, Allesio opened the door and gestured for me to enter. I took a deep breath, steeling myself, and stepped inside.

Francesca looked up from her toys, her eyes lighting up when she saw me. “Mommy!”

The way she called me, with such joy, it caught me off guard. She ran toward me, and I knelt down to catch her, feeling her tiny arms wrap around my neck.

“Are you staying?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

I glanced back at Allesio, who stood by the door, arms crossed, watching us with an inscrutable expression. The warmth radiating from Francesca’s embrace stirred something in my chest, making it hard to remember that I had been brought here against my will.

“Yes,” I said, pulling back to look into her bright eyes. “I’m going to be here for you, Francesca.”

Her smile widened, and my heart melted a little. “Yay! Can we play now?”

“Absolutely,” I replied, feeling a mixture of warmth and apprehension. Allesio stepped out of the room and I got lost in Francesca’s world.

The door swung open again, and Alaric stepped inside, his presence commanding as he surveyed the scene before him. I stiffened slightly, instinctively aware of his aura.

“Francesca, how are you doing?” he asked, his tone warm, almost fatherly, as he glanced between us.

“I’m showing Emilia my drawings!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride.

Alaric’s gaze flicked to me, and I felt his scrutiny. “I see that.”

“Dad, look!” Francesca hopped off her stool and ran to show him her artwork.

Alaric knelt down, genuinely interested as he examined the drawings. A smile crept onto his lips, and I felt a strange sense of relief that he appreciated his daughter’s creativity.

“That’s amazing, sweetheart,” he said, and I watched as Francesca beamed under his praise.

As they shared this moment, I felt a pang of realization hit me. This was a man who could be both terrifying and loving. There was a duality in him that left me unsettled.

“Emilia,” he said suddenly, pulling my attention back to him. “Can you stay a little longer? I have some matters to discuss regarding your new role.”

My stomach dropped at the thought of facing him alone, but I forced myself to nod. “Of course.”

Alaric motioned for me to follow him, and I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever conversation he wanted. Francesca watched us, her curiosity piqued, but I hoped she would stay occupied with her drawings.

As we stepped back into the office, Alaric leaned against the desk, arms crossed as he regarded me. “I trust everything is going well so far?”

I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “Yes, Francesca is wonderful. She’s so creative and sweet.”

“Good. I want to make sure she feels safe and comfortable with you,” he replied, his tone serious.

“Of course. That’s my priority,” I assured him.

He studied me for a moment, his eyes calculating. “I know this is a lot to take in. But I need you to understand something: I’m not just looking for a nanny. I need someone who can protect her, who can be there for her. My world isn’t easy, and I want you to know the gravity of this role.”

His words sent a chill down my spine, reminding me how stupid I was to agree to this.

“What do you do?” I asked quietly, although I already had an inclination.

“I think you already know,” he replied just as quietly as I did.

I gulped. He was in the mafia. And with the looks of it, he was most likely a don. “I understand,” I replied, my voice steady. “I’ll do my best to ensure Francesca feels safe.”

He nodded, a flicker of approval crossing his features. “And if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, I expect you to communicate that. I don’t want you to feel trapped.”

A strange sense of relief washed over me. “Thank you. That’s important.”

Alaric stepped closer, his gaze intense. “You’re in this with me now, Emilia. I expect commitment. And in return, I will provide for you and your brother.”

My heart raced, my shoulders slumping. “I understand the stakes,” I said quietly.

He studied me for a long moment before finally stepping back, allowing a hint of a smile. “Good. Then let’s make this work.”