Page 177 of Punishing His Runaway Bride
"Don't," she said. "Don't come closer, Ezio. I don't... I don't know how to face you right now."
"Why?"
"You really don't know why?" Her voice suddenly rose, tears streaming down. "This is all because of you!"
"I know. I'm sorry," I said, voice rough. "I know this is my fault."
"Your fault?" She laughed bitterly. "Do you know how close we came today? I thought we were going to die!"
"Olivia."
She sank to the floor, hands covering her face, shoulders shaking violently.
I walked over and crouched before her. "I'm sorry," I said. "I'm sorry I put you both in danger. But Olivia, now's not the time for blame. You and Leo need protection, need a truly safe place."
"Sebastian said he can protect us," she looked up, eyes red and swollen. "He said if I agree to a fake marriage, we'd have his family's protection."
"No. In New York, only I can protect you. Sebastian used to be in the business, but he's not a Don. He doesn't have the power to stand against the Rossi family."
"Can you guarantee our safety?"
"I can," I said. "If you're willing to trust me. This started because of me. I should be responsible."
She looked at me, eyes full of conflict. "Trust you," she repeated. "Five years ago, I trusted you, and then you chose family."
"This time is different," I said. "This time I know what matters most."
"What?"
"You," I said, meeting her eyes. "You and Leo. You're more important than anything."
She was silent for a long time, tears still flowing, but her gaze began to waver.
"I don't know what to do," she finally said, voice breaking. "I just want to protect Leo. I just want him safe."
"Then let me help," I said. "Move to the Visconti estate. It has the best security system, my men on guard twenty-four seven. I have a private doctor who can care for you anytime. There, the Rossi family can't touch you."
She looked up at me. "You can really protect us?"
"I swear," I said. "On my life."
Another silence. Then she took a deep breath and slowly stood.
"Okay," she said softly. "I need to think about it—let me think—"
"There's no time," I said. "Trust me."
I clapped my hands. My well-trained men immediately began packing. Olivia stared in disbelief.
"I haven't agreed yet! Fine, at least let me pack some personal things."
"I'll help you," I said.
An hour later, everything was packed. I watched her get into the car, holding a sleeping Leo. The little boy was still in his dreams, his face slightly swollen from crying, wrapped tightly in a blanket.
Olivia's eyes were red and swollen, her expression exhausted. She gently adjusted Leo's position, letting him rest more comfortably.
I glanced back at her doorway. Sebastian's men were still there. Vito was leaning against the car, smoking, watching us leave.
