Rescued by Darkness

Strength in Family

Lorenzo awoke with a start, the morning light slipping in through the gaps in the curtains. He realized with a soft smile that Luciana was still nestled against him, her tiny hand clutching his shirt, her breath even and peaceful. Holding her like this was a feeling he'd forgotten since his sons were young, but this moment was something different. She was his little girl, the one he'd never expected but now couldn't imagine life without.

Careful not to disturb her, Lorenzo shifted her gently onto his shoulder and rose, carrying her over to the crib. As he laid her down, she stirred, her green eyes blinking open, a small frown creasing her brow. She looked up at him, and with a trust he'd never seen before, her frown relaxed, her eyes drooping shut once more.

He stood there for a moment, watching her sleep. The events of the previous night came flooding back to him, the threats that had been leveled, the idea that anyone could think of hurting her. A cold, simmering anger began to rise in his chest, but he forced himself to stay composed. His enemies wouldn't touch her—he'd see to that.

A soft knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. Alessia slipped into the room, her face lighting up as she saw him standing over Luciana's crib.

"Did she sleep well?" Alessia whispered, moving to his side.

He nodded. "She was perfect. Like she knows she's home."

Alessia smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. "I was thinking of arranging a small family gathering soon. Let her meet some of her cousins and maybe my parents too. They've been dying to see her."

Lorenzo's gaze softened as he glanced at his wife. "Let's give her some time to settle first. She's still scared around new people." He paused, his expression hardening. "Besides, we need to tighten security first."

Alessia nodded, a flicker of concern crossing her face. "You think last night was the beginning?"

"I know it is." He sighed. "There's a rat somewhere in our ranks. Someone tipped off the Russians. Until I find out who, no one outside our immediate family gets near her."

Their quiet conversation was interrupted by a series of muffled footsteps as their sons came in, eager to see Luciana. First came Nico, the eldest, his expression serious as he looked to his father.

"We're ready for the meeting," Nico said. "Security measures are in place. But there's something else."

Lorenzo gave him a questioning look, then nodded for his son to follow him downstairs. Alessia stayed behind, gently lifting Luciana from her crib and beginning the process of dressing her. Luciana clung to her, but her eyes wandered to the door, as if she were waiting for Lorenzo to return.

Downstairs, Lorenzo gathered with his sons in the study, where they had set up files and a map with pins marking significant locations tied to the D'Angelo family operations. Nico placed a hand on the map, his blue eyes intense.

"We've had our eye on a few possible weak links," Nico began. "Last night confirmed it. Someone let the Russians in close enough to hear details they shouldn't have known."

Lorenzo clenched his fists, feeling a familiar anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Name them."

"Marco, from the southern sector, and Vito, one of our logistics men," Nico replied. "They were both positioned to know where we were with Luciana last night."

Lorenzo's eyes darkened. Marco and Vito were men he'd once trusted, men who had stood with him through countless battles. The idea that one of them could betray his family cut deeper than he'd care to admit.

"I want them brought here," Lorenzo ordered, his voice deadly calm. "Tonight."

Nico nodded, sharing a look with his brothers. "Consider it done."