Chapter 9
The touch of Julian's hand sent a jolt of warmth through Nellie’s entire body. The restrained romantic tension that had simmered between them for months was suddenly terrifyingly close to the surface. She looked up into his cold, observant eyes, realizing they were not cold when he looked at her. They were filled with a deep, consuming gratitude and a quiet, burning affection.
"I suppose I am, sir," Nellie whispered, her breath hitching slightly as his thumb grazed the rosy skin of her cheek.
Julian let his hand drop slowly, mindful of the boundaries they were both toeing, but the connection remained unbroken in the quiet room. He adjusted his grip on his mahogany cane, his masculine presence anchoring the space.
"Did you know that Colette has already been removed from the property?" Julian asked, his voice returning to its measured, authoritative cadence, though it remained gentle for her ears. "Do you understand that she will never set foot in this house, or anywhere near my son, ever again?"
Nellie let out a long, quiet exhale, a profound sense of relief washing over her delicate features. "I am glad to hear that, Mr. Crowne. Evan deserves to feel safe in his own home."
"And do you feel safe in this home, Nellie?" Julian asked, taking a half-step closer. "Do you feel secure knowing that the man who runs this syndicate is the same man who relies on you to see the dangers he cannot?"
Nellie looked down at her white apron, gathering her courage. She knew who Julian was. She knew the violence and the danger that surrounded his life. But she also knew the man who read bedtime stories to his son and who steadied the trembling hands of his staff.
"I feel safer here than I have ever felt anywhere else," Nellie admitted softly, looking back up into his eyes.
Julian’s sharply defined jaw tightened, but a faint, genuine smile touched the corners of his mouth. It was a rare, beautiful expression on the mafia boss.
"Shall we go downstairs and have a cup of tea, Nellie?" Julian asked, gesturing toward the door. "Do you think you could tolerate my company for a little while longer tonight?"
"I would like that very much, sir," Nellie said, her heart soaring.
May you like
They walked out of the bedroom together, leaving the sleeping boy in the warm, luminous glow of his nightlight. As they descended the grand staircase, the massive crystal chandeliers above cast clean whites and gentle golden highlights over them. The mansion was quiet, the heavy security detail having locked down the perimeter. The threat of Colette was gone, handled with the swift, unforgiving justice of the Crowne syndicate.
But as they reached the bottom of the stairs, one of Julian's top lieutenants stepped out of the shadows, his face grim. The war wasn't over. It had only just begun.
