Page 51 of Righteous Enforcer
The nights I cried myself to sleep, clutching my growing belly, desperately wishing he were there but knowing my life, our child’s life, depended on my disappearing.
That same need to vanish exists.
If not for Mirabella, I’d make a run for it now.
But the instant connection she had with him, even before she knew he was her father, binds us all together.
For the first time in years, I can't run.
Not because Adriano won't let me, but because I can't tear my daughter away from her father.
We arrive at a store, and I browse through racks of children's clothes.
Pink fairy dresses, tiny jeans, miniature sweaters.
"This would look adorable on her," Sophia says, holding up a delicate white cardigan with pearl buttons.
I manage a smile and add it to our growing pile.
Sophia was assigned to come with me to help, but I suspect, just like the bodyguards, that their number one job is to keep me from running.
I’d never run without my daughter, and yet… perhaps now that she’s safe with him, I should run.
He won’t hurt her.
He won’t let anyone hurt her.
Now is my chance to save myself without putting her in danger.
But the idea of leaving her behind breaks me.
How can I leave my heart?
"You'll need things for yourself too," Sophia nudges, steering me toward women's wear.
I nod, aware of how worn my clothes have become. The guards' eyes follow as we move through the boutique. I select the basics—jeans, T-shirts, underwear.
What I really need can't be bought. Freedom. Safety. A clean slate. A way to protect Mirabella from the consequences of my past choices.
By the time the SUV pulls through the gates again, my arms are laden with bags.
Relief washes over me at being back under the same roof as Mirabella.
Despite everything, the thought of her being out of my sight for too long still triggers panic.
"Allow me, Ms. Santoro." One of the staff appears, reaching for the shopping bags. “I’ll take these to your room.”
I relinquish them with a nod, eager to find Mirabella.
"Your daughter is with Mr. Dante in the library, ma'am," she says.
I hurry down the hall, amazed that I still remember the layout of the home.
The door stands partially open, and I slow my approach, wanting to peek in before announcing myself.
Adriano sits on a leather couch, Mirabella curled on his lap.
His deep voice fills the space, reading from a book of fairy tales.
