Rescued by Darkness

The D'Angelo Family Gathers

The news of Luciana's arrival had spread through the D'Angelo family like wildfire. Within days of Lorenzo and Alessia officially adopting her, every relative was clamoring to meet the first baby girl in six generations. Their home, usually bustling with activity thanks to the boys, now buzzed with the energy of extended family members eager to welcome the newest addition. But with Luciana's traumatic past still fresh in everyone's minds, Lorenzo knew this meeting had to be handled carefully.

He tightened security around the estate, not only for the safety of his family but also because rumors had surfaced about a possible mole working with their Russian rivals. As a result, every precaution was being taken. No one outside of trusted family and close allies was allowed on the property, and additional guards were stationed at every entrance.

Despite the looming threat, Lorenzo's focus was on Luciana. She was already showing signs of recognizing her new home, reaching for familiar faces and sounds. But one thing was certain: she was still terrified of new people. Whenever someone unfamiliar entered the room, her tiny body would tense, and she'd immediately seek out Lorenzo or Alessia for comfort. Lorenzo could see it in her eyes, the fear and uncertainty, but also the trust that was slowly building between them.

Alessia sat on the couch in their grand living room, cradling Luciana in her arms. The baby was calm for now, her wide green eyes scanning the room as if trying to make sense of her surroundings. Alessia smiled softly, brushing a stray strand of light brown hair from Luciana's face. She had dreamed of this moment for so long—having a daughter to call her own. But Luciana wasn't just any baby. She was special, a little girl who had been through hell but had found her way to them.

"You're safe now, tesoro," Alessia whispered, kissing Luciana's forehead gently.

At that moment, Lorenzo walked in, his presence commanding as always. His sharp hazel eyes, which were usually hard and calculating, softened when they landed on the two most important people in his life. Alessia looked up at him, her smile warm but tired.

"Is everything set?" she asked, referring to the tightened security and the gathering that was about to take place.

Lorenzo nodded, stepping closer and gently brushing his hand over Luciana's tiny head. 

"Everything's in place. But... we need to take it slow with her. She's still terrified of strangers."

Alessia's face tightened with concern. "I know. I don't want to overwhelm her."

Lorenzo sighed, kneeling down beside them. "It'll be fine. She'll warm up to the family in time. We'll just have to introduce her slowly."

Before Alessia could respond, a soft knock at the door interrupted them. Nico poked his head in, his expression serious as ever. "Nonna and Nonno are here."

Alessia's heart leapt at the mention of her parents. They had been eagerly waiting to meet Luciana, but they too understood the delicacy of the situation. Luciana stirred in her arms, her tiny body shifting as if sensing the impending presence of more strangers.

Lorenzo stood up, his towering frame imposing as always, and motioned for Nico to let them in. 

"Just them for now. Let's not overwhelm her."

Nico nodded and disappeared, and moments later, Alessia's parents—Giovanni and Maria Ricci—entered the room. Giovanni, a tall man with striking silver hair and the same blue eyes as Alessia, approached with measured steps. Maria, a petite woman with a warm smile and soft brown hair, followed close behind, her eyes immediately fixating on Luciana.

"Oh, Alessia..." Maria's voice was barely a whisper as she gazed at the little girl. "She's beautiful."

Alessia smiled, though it was tinged with nervousness. "She is. But she's still very scared."Giovanni nodded solemnly. "Understandable, given everything she's been through."They approached cautiously, but as soon as Giovanni stepped a little too close, Luciana's small body tensed, and a whimper escaped her lips. Her eyes darted between the unfamiliar faces, her little hands clutching at Alessia's shirt. Alessia held her tighter, rocking her gently.

"It's okay, sweetheart," she cooed softly, though her own heart broke at seeing Luciana so frightened.

Lorenzo stepped forward, crouching down beside them. His large hand rested on Luciana's back, and his deep voice, calm and reassuring, filled the room. "Luciana, it's okay. These are Nonna and Nonno. They won't hurt you."

Despite his soothing words, Luciana's body remained rigid. Her green eyes were wide, filled with fear. And then, in a sudden, desperate move, she reached out her arms toward Lorenzo, her tiny hands grabbing onto his shirt as if he were her lifeline.

Lorenzo's heart clenched as he gently lifted her into his arms. The moment she was in his embrace, her tiny body relaxed, and the whimpering stopped. She nestled her head into his chest, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt.

Giovanni and Maria exchanged a look, their expressions a mix of sadness and understanding. Maria wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "It's okay. She just needs more time."Alessia nodded, though the sight of Luciana clinging to Lorenzo tugged at her heart. She had hoped that over time, Luciana would start to feel safer with her too, but it was clear that her bond with Lorenzo was different. He was her protector, her safe place in a world that still frightened her.

As the family gathered in the living room, conversations buzzed around them, but Lorenzo stayed focused on Luciana. He cradled her gently, rocking her as she clung to him, and though the weight of his responsibilities as head of the D'Angelo family rested heavily on his shoulders, Luciana made it all worth it.

She was his little princess, and no matter the threats that loomed or the dangers that surrounded them, Lorenzo knew one thing for sure: he would do anything to keep her safe.