Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary of Iron
By dawn, Isabelle had been moved from the sterile medical bay into the master wing of the Moretti estate. The room was grand, lined with dark mahogany paneling, velvet draperies, and massive windows overlooking a dense, rain-soaked pine forest. Armed guards stood stationed every ten feet along the exterior perimeter.
Isabelle sat propped up against silk pillows, a warm breakfast tray sitting untouched beside her. The reality of her situation felt like a fever dream. Hours ago, she was a broke waitress wiping down Formica tables for pocket change. Now, she was resting inside the heavily fortified compound of Chicago's most feared criminal boss—and carrying his biological twins.
The heavy oak door swung open, and Vincent entered. He had showered and changed into a crisp white shirt and dark trousers, though the shadows beneath his eyes revealed he hadn't slept a second.
"You haven't eaten," Vincent noted softly, walking toward the bed. He pulled up a leather armchair and sat down beside her.
"I can't," Isabelle admitted, her fingers picking at the lace on her blanket. "Mr. Moretti... I don't understand any of this. If these are your children, what does that mean for me? Am I a prisoner here?"
Vincent reached out, his hand hovering for a second before gently resting over hers. His palm was broad, warm, and scarred, yet his touch was extraordinarily tender.
"You are not a prisoner, Isabelle," Vincent said, his voice deep and steady. "Five years ago, I lost my wife and my unborn child because I was weak. I let my enemies slip through the cracks. When I saw you in that diner, I saw a stranger in danger. But now... now I know that fate brought you to me. You are carrying my entire world inside you."
Isabelle looked into his eyes, searching for deception, but found only a raw, fiercely protective honesty. "The people who attacked the diner... they were looking for you?"
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"They were," Vincent acknowledged grimly. "Don Falcone controls the rival faction. He believes he can tear down the Moretti name by eradicating my bloodline. When his spies realize you survived the diner attack—and when they discover what you carry—they will come for this house with everything they have."
He leaned closer, his dark gaze unwavering. "I swear to you, on my life, no harm will come to you or our children while I still draw breath."
