Chapter 12 - THE MORNING AFTER THE WAR
-12
Dawn broke over Chicago, washing the blood-stained courtyard of the Romano estate in pale, golden morning light. The broken iron gates had already been hauled away by work crews, and the shattered front doors of the mansion were boarded up temporarily while carpenters prepared custom mahogany replacements.
Inside the West Wing study, the air still smelled faintly of cordite and ash, but the room had been meticulously cleaned.
Tessa sat in the burgundy velvet chair by the desk, holding a warm cup of black coffee between her hands. Her fingers were steady now. The terror of the night had burned away, leaving behind a profound, unshakable clarity.
The heavy doors opened quietly, and Victor walked in.
He had finally changed into a fresh, crisp black suit. His left arm was still supported by a professional sling provided by Dr. Moretti, who had returned at dawn to re-stitch the torn shoulder properly.
Victor walked over to the desk, stopping when he saw Tessa sitting there waiting for him.
“Why aren't you resting?” he asked quietly, pulling out his leather chair and sitting down. “After what happened last night, you had every right to pack your bags and leave the estate.”
“Leave and go where?” Tessa asked, offering a faint, tired smile. “Liam is safe. My debt is cleared. But... my contract is still valid, isn't it, Mr. Romano?”
Victor stared at her, his dark eyes softening in a way that no one outside these walls would ever believe possible. “The contract was for a scullery maid, Tessa. Not a tactical combat survivor.”
“I’m your personal assistant and caretaker of the West Wing,” she reminded him softly, quoting his exact words from the day before. “And I’m terrible at quitting things halfway.”
Victor let out a low, genuine laugh, shaking his head. “You are the most dangerous cleaning asset I’ve ever encountered.”
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“Does this mean I get a raise?” she teased, her courage surprising them both.
Victor leaned forward, resting his good arm on the desk, a dark, possessive warmth burning in his eyes. “It means you get whatever you want, Tessa. Within reason.”
