Chapter 2 - The Fortress on Lake Michigan
The Moretti estate was not a house; it was a limestone fortress built on a bluff overlooking the dark, frozen expanse of Lake Michigan.
Surrounded by twelve-foot iron gates, high-definition security cameras, and armed guards patrolling the snow-covered grounds with German Shepherds, the mansion looked like something out of a gothic painting.
The Escalade pulled up to the grand front portico, its headlights cutting through the swirling snow.
"Welcome home, boss," the front door guard said, bowing his head respectfully as Gabriel stepped out of the vehicle.
Gabriel held the door open for Norah, reaching in to offer his hand once more. "Careful on the ice."
Norah stepped out, holding Leo tightly against her chest. The cold wind off the lake bit into her skin, making her shiver violently, but as soon as she crossed the threshold into the grand foyer, she was hit by a wall of deep, radiating warmth.
The foyer featured soaring double staircases, polished dark marble floors, and a massive stone fireplace where birch logs crackled merrily. Standing near the foot of the stairs was an elderly woman in a crisp navy dress, her gray hair pulled into an elegant bun.
"Mrs. Vane," Gabriel said, unbuttoning his overcoat and handing it to a waiting young footman. "This is Norah Bennett and her son, Leo. They will be staying in the East Wing suite."
Mrs. Vane’s sharp blue eyes swept over Norah—taking in her secondhand coat, her exhausted eyes, and the baby fast asleep against her chest. A look of profound, surprising warmth spread across the old housekeeper's face.
"Of course, Mr. Moretti," Mrs. Vane said gently, stepping forward and bowing her head to Norah. "Welcome, my dear. The rooms have been warmed, and I’ve had a crib set up beside the main bed."
Norah blinked, her voice barely a whisper. "A crib?"
Gabriel looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable. "I had Dante call ahead while we were in transit. You will find everything you need upstairs—formula, clothing, medical supplies, and fresh linens."
"I... I don't know what to say," Norah stammered, feeling completely out of place amid the marble statues and oil paintings. "I can't afford any of this, Mr. Moretti."
"I didn't ask you to pay for it," Gabriel said bluntly, stepping closer until he was standing just inches from her. The faint smell of cedar, expensive leather, and cold rain drifted off him. "You are my guest, Norah. In this house, you are safe. But there are rules."
Norah straightened her spine, her motherly instincts flaring despite her exhaustion. "What rules?"
"You do not leave the estate perimeter without an escort," Gabriel listed calmly. "You do not answer phone calls from unknown numbers. And if Thomas Bennett attempts to contact you through any medium, you inform me immediately."
"I never want to see Tommy again," Norah said with a sudden, sharp venom that startled even herself. "He abandoned his son. He left us to die."
Gabriel studied her face for a long moment, nodding once. "Then we understand each other. Mrs. Vane will show you to your quarters. Dinner will be served in your room in an hour."
He turned to walk toward his private study, his heavy footsteps echoing across the marble floor.
"Mr. Moretti!" Norah called out suddenly.
Gabriel stopped, turning his head slightly over his shoulder. "Yes?"
Norah swallowed the lump in her throat, looking down at eight-month-old Leo, who was sleeping peacefully in his carrier.
"Thank you," she said softly. "For saving his life."
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Gabriel didn't smile. But the hard line of his jaw seemed to soften just a fraction.
"Get some rest, Norah," he said softly before disappearing behind two massive oak doors.
