Chapter Eight: The Mansion
The drive took them out of the city.
Through increasingly affluent neighborhoods.
Until they turned onto a private road that wound through manicured grounds.
Her anxiety ratcheted up another notch when she saw their destination.
A sprawling mansion set back from the road.
Surrounded by gardens and what looked like a high-security fence.
“This is where Mr. Russo lives?”
She asked, unable to keep the shock from her voice.
The driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
“One of his residences. Yes.”
One of them.
Of course.
They pulled up to the front entrance.
Russo himself waited on the steps.
He was dressed more casually than she’d seen him before.
Dark slacks and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
Revealing strong forearms.
The sight of him sent an unwelcome flutter through her stomach.
He opened her door himself.
Offering a hand to help her out.
“You made the right decision.”
He said by way of greeting.
“Did I?”
She murmured too quietly for him to hear.
He reached past her to unbuckle Lily from her car seat.
Lifting her with that same surprising competence.
“Welcome home, little one.”
He said to her.
His deep voice softening in a way Harper hadn’t heard before.
“Home?”
The word echoed strangely in her mind.
She followed him into the house.
No, mansion was the only appropriate word.
Soaring ceilings.
Marble floors.
Obvious luxury that surrounded them.
“I’ll show you to your quarters.”
Russo said, still carrying Lily.
She was watching him with wide, curious eyes.
“Then we can discuss the details of your position.”
He led her through corridors lined with artwork.
Even Harper, with her limited knowledge, could tell it was valuable.
They passed several staff members.
They nodded respectfully as they went by.
Their eyes curious but quickly averted when Russo glanced their way.
Finally, they arrived at a wing that seemed more intimate.
Less formal than the rest of the house.
Russo opened a door.
Revealed a suite of rooms that took her breath away.
A spacious living area with comfortable furniture.
A small but well-appointed kitchen.
Through an open door, she could see a bedroom with the largest bed she’d ever seen.
“This is for me?”
She couldn’t keep the disbelief from her voice.
“For both of you.”
He corrected, indicating another door.
“The nursery is through there. I had it prepared last night.”
She moved numbly to the door he indicated.
Pushed it open.
Revealed a nursery that looked like something from a magazine.
A beautiful crib with a mobile hanging above it.
A changing table stocked with supplies.
A rocking chair beside a bookshelf filled with children’s books.
The walls were painted a soft yellow.
A mural of woodland creatures frolicked along one wall.
“How did you—”
She turned to him, speechless.
“I have resources.”
He said simply.
As if conjuring fully equipped nurseries overnight was commonplace.
He set Lily down in the crib.
She immediately began exploring the soft toys arranged there.
“She seems to approve.”
Harper fought back tears.
Overwhelmed by the contrast between this beautiful space and the corner of a living room that had been Lily’s home until now.
“Why are you doing all this?”
She asked again.
Needing to understand the truth this time.
Russo’s expression changed.
Hardening into something she couldn’t read.
“Get settled in. Rest. We’ll talk over dinner.”
He moved toward the door.
“Seven o’clock. Someone will come for you.”
And then he was gone again.
Leaving her alone with Lily in their new, inexplicable life.
