Rescued by Darkness

Settling In

The days that followed Luciana's arrival were a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments. The D'Angelo family worked together to create a welcoming environment for her, each member eager to help her feel safe and loved.

Lorenzo found himself enveloped in a sense of tenderness he hadn't felt in years. The house, which once echoed with the laughter of his growing sons, now filled with the gentle coos and gurgles of a baby girl. The moment they brought Luciana home, they transformed one of the rooms into a cozy nursery, adorned with soft pastel colors and stuffed animals that seemed to smile down at her.

Feeding her was a shared responsibility. Lorenzo marveled at how easily Alessia fell into the role of a nurturing mother. She prepared bottles with care, her hands deftly mixing formula as she hummed soft lullabies. Luciana, still wary but slowly adapting, would watch Alessia with wide eyes, her small fingers occasionally reaching out to touch the warm bottle.

"Here you go, sweetheart," Alessia said softly, cradling Luciana as she fed her. "You're doing so well."

Lorenzo watched, his heart swelling with pride. He had seen his wife nurture their sons with such love, and now he was witnessing that same warmth extended to a child who had known only fear.

Once Luciana finished her bottle, she let out a small sigh, her eyes growing heavy. "I think it's time for a nap," Alessia said, gently rocking her.

Lorenzo nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "Let's get her settled in."They moved to the nursery, where the crib was adorned with a soft blanket and a mobile that spun gently above. Alessia laid Luciana down, tucking the blanket around her securely. "You're going to have sweet dreams, little princess," she whispered, brushing a soft kiss against Luciana's forehead.

Once Luciana was asleep, Lorenzo gathered his family in the living room. He took a deep breath, knowing they needed to discuss what had happened. The brothers sat together on the couch, their expressions serious.

"Now that we're all together," Lorenzo began, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I want to tell you what I found when I went to collect that debt." He paused, gathering his thoughts.

"Luciana was in a closet, hidden away like she was worthless. They had kidnapped her. She was just a baby."

His words hung heavy in the air, the weight of the reality settling in. The brothers exchanged shocked glances, their expressions shifting from concern to anger. "How could anyone do that?" Nico growled, his jaw tightening.

"They'll pay for what they did," Xander added, fists clenching in fury.

Lorenzo nodded. "I had Rocco take care of it. They won't hurt anyone ever again."

Alessia sighed, her heart heavy with grief for Luciana. "We need to think about her future. I want to legally adopt her," she said, her voice resolute. "She deserves a family, a real family."

Everyone nodded in agreement, feeling a shared sense of purpose. "We'll protect her," Leo said, determination clear in his eyes. "No one will ever lay a hand on her again."

Just as the family began to discuss the steps they needed to take for the adoption, a sudden wail echoed from the nursery. The sound was piercing, filled with the kind of distress that made Lorenzo's heart race.

"Luciana!" Alessia exclaimed, standing up quickly.

They rushed to the nursery, where Luciana lay in her crib, tears streaming down her cheeks as she cried hysterically. The sight broke Lorenzo's heart. He had never seen a baby so frightened, and it felt as though a part of him was shattering alongside her.

"Shh, it's okay, Luciana," Alessia cooed, reaching out for her, but Luciana only cried harder, her tiny body shaking with fear.

Mason and Cassio attempted to comfort her, their voices gentle and soothing, but Luciana's cries only grew louder. "It's alright, little one! We're here!" Cassio said, his voice filled with desperation.

Nico and Xander exchanged worried looks, unsure of what to do. The air was thick with anxiety as they tried everything to calm her down, but nothing seemed to work.

Just then, Lorenzo stepped forward, his heart aching for the little girl. "Let me try," he said, his voice low and steady. As he approached the crib, Luciana's cries intensified, her small hands reaching out in panic.

"Luciana," he whispered, kneeling beside her. "It's me, Daddy. I'm here."

She froze for a moment, her eyes locking onto his, recognition flickering in those beautiful green depths. Slowly, her cries began to subside, and as if sensing his presence, she reached out toward him.

"Come here, bambina," he murmured, scooping her up into his arms. Luciana was still so small, her head resting against his shoulder as she nestled against him, her sobs fading into quiet whimpers.

"Daddy's got you," he whispered, brushing a finger gently along her cheek. "You're safe now. No one will ever hurt you again.

Alessia watched, her heart swelling with gratitude as Luciana calmed in Lorenzo's arms. It was a moment of connection, a testament to the love that was already beginning to bloom within their new family.

As Luciana settled against him, her little hand gripping his shirt, Lorenzo couldn't help but smile.

"Looks like I have a little Daddy's girl," he said, glancing at Alessia with a playful grin.

Alessia chuckled softly. "She definitely has taken to you."

"All of our boys were Mama's boys. Luciana is mine. Right neonata?"