Chapter 10
The transition from the opulent, massive dining hall to the quiet, secure residential wing of the mansion was a journey through changing light. The bright, airy luminosity of the lower floors gave way to a softer, more intimate golden warmth in the private corridors. Ivory-paneled walls lined with classical art passed in a blur as Cecily guided the exhausted young boy toward his room.
Once inside the expansive suite, Cecily moved with elegant, polished efficiency. She helped Miles out of his formal dinner suit and into soft cotton pajamas. The little boy was unusually quiet, the emotional toll of the evening finally catching up to him. Once he was tucked beneath the heavy down comforter, Cecily sat on the edge of the mattress, gently stroking his hair until his breathing evened out into a deep, peaceful sleep.
The heavy oak door of the bedroom clicked open softly.
Matteo stepped into the room, his towering frame casting a long shadow in the dim light. He had removed his suit jacket, his crisp white shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing more of the refined artistic tattoos on his forearms. He walked quietly over to the bed, looking down at his sleeping son with a profound, aching tenderness.
"Will he sleep through the night, do you think?" Matteo asked softly, his deep voice a mere whisper.
"I believe so, sir. He is completely exhausted," Cecily replied, standing up to offer the boss the chair, though he waved her back down.
Matteo looked at the beautiful housemaid, the golden light catching the delicate contours of her face. "Did the physician provide a satisfactory assessment of your injury?"
"Yes, Mr. Crowne. Just a severe contusion. It will heal quickly," Cecily assured him, touching the skin near the bruise lightly.
"Are you aware of the danger you placed yourself in tonight, Cecily?" Matteo finally asked, his eyes locking onto hers.
Cecily looked up into his cold, observant eyes, refusing to shrink back. "I am, sir. But I couldn't let her terrorize Miles. He needed someone to protect him."
"Does it surprise you to learn that loyalty is the rarest commodity in my world?" Matteo inquired, taking a slow, deliberate step closer to her.
Cecily’s heart fluttered against her ribs. The sheer, deeply masculine power he projected was overwhelming, yet she felt entirely safe in his presence. "I didn't do it for a reward, sir. I did it because it was right."
"Will you accept a new position in this household?" Matteo asked, his tone shifting into a formal, absolute decree. "Will you act as the head of my son's personal staff, answering to absolutely no one but me, with a salary that ensures you never have to endure another blow?"
Cecily’s eyes widened. It was a massive promotion, a shield of protection that would elevate her far beyond the reach of the regular household staff, securing her future and her safety.
May you like
"Yes, Mr. Crowne," Cecily answered, a genuine, beautiful smile breaking across her face. "I would be honored."
"Have you realized yet that your courage saved the soul of this family tonight?" Matteo asked, offering a rare, subtle smile that completely transformed his handsome face. He turned toward the door, preparing to face the war with Adriana's family, knowing his son was finally in safe hands.
