Chapter 3 - The Sanctuary of LionsThe black bulletproof Mercedes glided through the rain-slicked streets of the city like a predatory cat. Inside, the leather interior smelled of expensive cologne and old rain. Isabella sat in the corner of the back seat, wrapped in a heavy wool coat Moretti had insisted she put on. Across from her sat the Don himself, resting his chin on his knuckles, watching her with unblinking curiosity.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice rigid.
"To a place where nobody will ever look for you," Moretti replied smoothly. "And more importantly, where nobody can touch you."
The car turned off the main avenue, passing through massive wrought-iron gates adorned with stone griffins, and climbed a winding, tree-lined driveway. At the top sat a sprawling, fortress-like estate built of gray stone and dark glass—an island of untouchable wealth nestled high above the glittering, dangerous sprawl of the city.
This was the Villa Moretti. The heart of the empire.
As the car came to a halt, the doors were opened instantly by men in sharp suits. Isabella stepped out, her eyes wide as she took in the towering marble pillars and the armed guards stationed at every corner.
"Bring her to the East Wing," Moretti instructed a middle-aged woman with sharp features and a kind, lined face who hurried down the steps. "Have Dr. Rossi check her over, get her a hot bath, and provide proper clothes. Everything needs to be ready."
"Lorenzo," Isabella said, her voice catching as she used his first name for the second time. "I can't stay here. The cartel... they're looking for me. If they find out where I am, they won't just kill me—they'll bring a war to your doorstep."
Moretti turned back, his dark eyes flashing with a sudden, lethal coldness that sent a shiver straight down her spine.
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"Let them try," he said softly. "Nobody hunts on my land without my permission. And right now, Isabella... you belong to me."
Before she could process the weight of those words, the housekeeper gently guided her up the steps, leading her away from the cold night and into a golden cage of absolute safety.
