Chapter 9 - The Reckoning and the Healing
Dominic sliced through the ropes binding Elena’s wrists with a tactical knife.
The moment her hands were free, Elena didn't shrink away. She threw her arms around Dominic’s neck, burying her bruised face into the warm crook of his shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Dominic... I’m sorry... I’m so sorry,” she wept, her body trembling against his.
Dominic wrapped his arms tightly around her, lifting her off the ground, pulling her small frame into his chest as if he were trying to merge her soul with his own. He buried his face in her damp dark hair, breathing in the scent of rain and sweet vanilla that belonged entirely to her.
“Shh... don't apologize,” Dominic whispered hoarsely, his own eyes burning with raw, uncharacteristic tears. “Forgive me, Elena. God, please forgive me. I was blind. I was so stupidly blind.”
He carried her out of the warehouse into the back seat of his warm, waiting SUV. He held her hand tightly the entire ride back to Long Island, refusing to let go for even a single second, while Marco and his medical team took care of her brother Mateo, ensuring he was taken to a private medical facility under full Russo protection.
It was nearly four in the morning when the black SUV pulled up the long stone driveway of the estate.
The grand house was bright with lights.
Dominic helped Elena through the grand mahogany doors. Her clothes were torn, her cheek was bruised, and she looked thoroughly exhausted, but as soon as she stepped into the grand foyer, three small figures came rushing down the curved marble staircase.
Lucia, Valentina, and Mia had escaped their nanny upstairs the moment they heard the heavy front doors open.
They didn't stop. They didn't hesitate.
“MISS ELENA!” Mia shrieked at the top of her lungs.
The three identical little girls threw themselves at Elena, wrapping their small arms around her waist, her legs, and her coat, crying bright, loud tears of sheer relief.
Elena fell to her knees on the polished marble floor, opening her arms wide and pulling all three triplets into a chaotic, tearful hug.
“I’m here, sweethearts,” Elena sobbed, kissing Lucia’s dark curls, hugging Valentina tightly, and rubbing Mia’s back. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
Dominic stood beside them, watching the emotional reunion. His heart felt whole for the first time in fourteen agonizing months.
Lucia looked up from Elena’s shoulder, her soft brown eyes finding her father’s. She reached out one small hand and tugged gently on Dominic’s trouser leg, pulling him down to the floor with them.
Dominic knelt beside Elena.
May you like
Valentina crawled onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, while Lucia and Mia held onto Elena. Dominic reached out his large, calloused hand and wrapped it gently over Elena’s small, warm fingers.
Elena looked up at him through her tears and smiled—a soft, radiant smile that cut through the darkness of his past forever.
