Rescued by Darkness

Preparing for War

The next morning came with a heavy sense of purpose. Lorenzo woke early, the events of the night still fresh in his mind. The Russian threat loomed large, and though the mole had been rooted out, he knew that it was only the beginning. His enemies were bold enough to make a move, and that meant they weren't finished. Not by a long shot.

After checking on Luciana—who was still fast asleep, wrapped in soft blankets—Lorenzo dressed quickly and quietly. Alessia stirred slightly in the bed, but he kissed her forehead gently, not wanting to wake her. She needed rest. The tension of the last few weeks had taken a toll on everyone, especially her, with all the changes Luciana had brought into their lives.

But now, it was time to focus on securing their empire.

He made his way downstairs to the study, where his sons were already gathered. Nico stood by the window, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon as if daring any threat to approach. Xander leaned against the desk, deep in conversation with Leo and Mason, while Cassio pored over maps and documents scattered across the table.

"Morning, Dad," Nico greeted, his tone respectful but tense.

Lorenzo nodded, stepping into the room. "Morning. Let's get to work."Xander straightened up, his expression as serious as ever. "Rocco's been tracking Russian movements. Their main factions are concentrated in northern Italy, but there's chatter about new alliances forming in Sicily. It's clear they're planning something big."

"They think we're vulnerable," Mason added, his brows furrowed. "After the attack and the mole, they probably believe we're on the defensive."

Lorenzo's lips tightened. "Let them think that. We'll be ready when they come."Cassio glanced up from the map. "Security has already been doubled at every compound and business we own. I've instructed the teams to vet everyone—even the cleaners. No one steps foot near this family without us knowing who they are."

"Good," Lorenzo replied. "But we need more than security. I want eyes everywhere—especially on anyone who's been in contact with the Russians in the last six months. I don't care how far we have to dig; I want every trace of their operation uncovered."

His sons nodded in unison, determination etched into their faces. The D'Angelo empire had survived countless threats before, and they would survive this one, too. But the stakes were higher now. They weren't just protecting their businesses, their reputations, or even their lives—they were protecting Luciana.

"Have Rocco double the men around the house," Lorenzo continued. "I want this place to be impenetrable. Luciana is our priority. If anything happens to her..." His voice trailed off, but the unspoken threat was clear.

Xander nodded. "Consider it done."

Lorenzo paced the room, his mind turning over every possible angle of attack. The Russians were cunning, but they had underestimated one thing: the strength of a father's love. Luciana had brought a new kind of resolve into his life, one that burned hotter than any feud or rivalry. He would fight for her with everything he had.

"Papa," Leo spoke up, his voice steady, "do you think the Russians will come for her directly? Or is this just about control over territory?"

Lorenzo paused, considering his son's question. "They'll want control first. But if they think going after her will weaken me... yes, they might."

The room fell silent, the weight of the situation settling over them all. The thought of anyone targeting Luciana sent a ripple of anger through Lorenzo, one that his sons clearly shared. They had all grown attached to her in such a short time—this little girl, so innocent and fragile, had somehow become the heart of the family.

"They won't get close to her," Nico said firmly. "We'll make sure of it."

Lorenzo looked at his eldest son and nodded. "I know. But we need to stay sharp. The Russians will push us, and we'll push back. I want a message sent to every major player in the underworld: the D'Angelos are not to be messed with. Anyone who allies with the Russians is signing their death warrant."

Cassio leaned forward, pointing to a section of the map. "There's been talk of new recruits entering their ranks, younger, more reckless. They don't follow the old codes. If we're going to face them, we'll need to be smarter, not just stronger."

"Agreed," Lorenzo said. "And we need allies. Reach out to the families in New York and Chicago. We'll need their support if this turns into an all-out war."

As the meeting went on, strategies were laid out, orders given, and plans made. The D'Angelo family was preparing for battle, and there was no room for mistakes. Every move had to be calculated, every weakness covered.

But despite the gravity of the situation, Lorenzo couldn't shake the thought of Luciana. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her little face, her green eyes looking up at him with trust and innocence. She had no idea of the danger that surrounded her, and he intended to keep it that way.

Just as the meeting was wrapping up, Alessia entered the room, carrying Luciana in her arms. The baby was awake now, her tiny hands gripping Alessia's shirt as she blinked sleepily at the men in the room.

"She was asking for you," Alessia said with a soft smile, approaching Lorenzo.

Lorenzo's stern expression melted the moment he saw his daughter. He reached out, taking her from Alessia's arms and holding her close. Her small body fit perfectly against his chest, and the warmth of her presence seemed to chase away the darkness that had settled over him.

Luciana squirmed a little, adjusting herself until she was comfortable, and then she rested her head against his shoulder with a contented sigh. Lorenzo's heart swelled, the tension in his body easing just slightly. Even in the midst of all the chaos, she had this way of bringing him peace.

"She's a daddy's girl," Alessia said softly, watching the two of them with a smile.

Lorenzo kissed the top of Luciana's head, feeling the softness of her baby hair against his lips. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

As he held her close, he glanced at his sons. For all their strength and loyalty, they had been mamma's boys growing up. But Luciana... she was different. She was his little princess, and he would protect her with his life.

Alessia's gaze lingered on Lorenzo for a moment longer before she turned to the boys. "You've always had your mamma. Now it's my turn to have a daughter."

Lorenzo looked down at Luciana, who was beginning to drift off to sleep again. His heart clenched with a fierce love, one that would fuel him through the fight ahead. The Russians had no idea what they were up against.

With one last look at his family, Lorenzo handed Luciana back to Alessia. "Keep her safe. I'll be back soon."

As he left the room, his mind was already sharpening, focusing on the battle that lay ahead. The Russians had made their move, and now it was time for the D'Angelo family to strike back.

They would come for him, but they would find out the hard way that no one—no one—threatened his family. And Luciana, his little princess, would be the reason he won this war.