Chapter Twelve: The Shift
With Harper, he was different.
Not warm exactly.
But attentive in a way that made her increasingly uncomfortable.
He sought her company in the evenings.
Insisting that she join him for dinner.
Even when he had business associates visiting.
He asked about her day.
Listened with apparent interest to stories about Lily’s development.
Gradually began sharing small details about his own life.
She learned that he had raised his younger brother after their parents died.
That he’d built his business from nothing.
That he rarely slept more than four hours a night.
He never spoke directly about the illegal aspects of his empire.
But neither did he pretend to be something he wasn’t.
And he was obsessed with Lily.
There was no other word for it.
He visited the nursery daily.
Bringing her gifts.
Watching her play with an intensity that might have been touching if it weren’t so possessive.
She was thriving under his attention.
Growing healthier and happier each day in their gilded cage.
“She has Antonio’s smile.”
He said one evening.
They watched her playing on a blanket in his study.
It was the first time he’d mentioned his brother since their initial conversation.
“She does.”
Harper studied Lily’s face.
Trying to see what he saw.
“Yes. The way it starts at one corner of her mouth.”
His own mouth curved slightly.
Unconscious mimicry.
“He had the same smile. As a child.”
The rare moment of vulnerability surprised her.
“You miss him.”
His expression hardened.
“I miss who he was before he betrayed the family. Before he chose money over blood.”
She hesitated.
Then asked the question that had been burning in her for weeks.
“How did he die?”
Alessio’s eyes flicked to hers.
Assessing.
“You don’t want to know the details.”
“I think I deserve to know what happened to my daughter’s father.”
He was silent for a long moment.
“It wasn’t on my orders, if that matters to you. One of my associates discovered his location. Acted without authorization.”
His voice was flat.
Emotionless.
“It was not clean. Not quick.”
A chill ran through her despite the warmth of the room.
“And this associate is no longer with us.”
The finality in his tone made it clear he didn’t mean the man had been fired.
She should have been horrified.
Should have gathered Lily and run as far and fast as she could.
But where would she go?
Who would protect them from the world Alessio had described?
A world where Lily might be targeted simply for her blood.
The devil she knew was proving day by day to be preferable to the devils she didn’t.
“Thank you for telling me the truth.”
She said finally.
He inclined his head slightly.
Acknowledging her words.
Then, a swift change of subject.
“There’s an event tomorrow night. A fundraiser. I’d like you to attend with me.”
She blinked.
Caught off guard.
“As your assistant?”
“As my companion.”
His eyes held hers.
Unflinching.
“It would be beneficial for certain people to see you established in my household.”
The implication was clear.
He wanted to send a message.
That she was under his protection.
That Lily was acknowledged as family.
“What exactly would that entail?”
She asked cautiously.
“Wearing a beautiful dress. Making conversation. Standing beside me.”
His mouth quirked.
“Nothing nefarious, Harper.”
The use of her name still sent that same inexplicable shiver through her.
“I don’t know how to act in those circles.”
“Just be yourself. Your genuine nature is refreshing.”
Was that actually a compliment?
“Mrs. Chen will watch Lily. A stylist will come tomorrow to help you prepare.”
It wasn’t really a request despite his phrasing.
She was learning that with Alessio Russo.
There were suggestions that were actually commands.
And commands that were non-negotiable.
“All right.”
She agreed.
Wondering what she was getting herself into.
