Page 23 of Taming a Ruthless Heart

As we head downstairs, Rose’s small hand in mine, the house feels too quiet.My heart pounds harder as we descend the wide, curved staircase.Every step echoes in the silence.There’s a tension in the air, one that has nothing to do with Dave’s absence and everything to do with the fact that no place is truly safe.Not for us.

We reach the foyer.The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, and for a moment, I let myself breathe.The normalcy of it all—the sunlight streaming through the windows, the gentle clink of dishes—almost makes me believe everything is okay.Almost.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I catch movement—a shadow too quick, too sudden.My heart lurches, and I freeze.My body tenses, muscles tightening in instinctual defense.Someone is here.Someone I don’t know.

Before I can react, a man steps into the doorway.Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in black, he’s exactly the type of person I’ve learned to fear.His presence fills the room like a storm cloud, and my mind immediately conjures every terrible possibility.

“Ma’am.”His voice is low but steady, almost too calm.His hands are raised slightly, as if to show he means no harm.“Didn’t mean to startle you.”

I stay silent, my heart still racing, my hands curling into fists at my sides.

He takes a step forward, careful, measured.“I’m one of Dave’s men.Name’s Jonathan.”There’s a flicker of something in his gray eyes—reassurance, maybe.

I swallow hard, still unsure if I can trust him.“I...I didn’t hear you come in,” I manage, my voice thinner than I’d like.

“Security detail,” he says, shrugging slightly.“We try to keep a low profile.But we’re here to keep you safe.”

His words sink in slowly, and a wave of relief washes over me.Dave’s man.I exhale shakily, letting my muscles relax a fraction.“Jonathan, right?”

He nods.“Yes, ma’am.You’ve got nothing to worry about.We’ve got the place secured.”

I take another deep breath, finally letting go of the tension in my shoulders.“Sorry.I just—this place...”

Jonathan gives a small, understanding smile.“I get it.It takes some getting used to.But you’re safe here.”

Safe.That word again.It echoes in my mind, but I know better than to believe it completely.Still, knowing his name, seeing the calm in his expression, helps.I nod, finally easing back into the moment.“Thank you.”

He dips his head in acknowledgment before turning to leave, his footsteps quieter than before.I watch him disappear down the hallway, the tension in my muscles finally fading.

I turn toward the kitchen, the scent of coffee grounding me again.For now, I let myself relax.Just for a moment.

Rose skips beside me, chattering about her dolls, her joy infectious.But the weight in my chest doesn’t lift.I’m keeping too many secrets.Secrets that could destroy the fragile peace I’ve found here.

As we round the corner, I stop in my tracks.Instead of focusing on the beautiful space with its soft white cabinetry and delicate molding, my mind dives back in time.How can this be?Fran is standing at the kitchen island, working dough with her skilled hands.The sight of her pulls me out of my thoughts, and I can’t help the rush of emotions that crash over me.Fran—who has always been more like family than staff—is here, in this strange house, with us.For a brief moment, I feel the weight of the last five years slip away.

“Fran,” I breathe, stepping forward, my voice trembling with disbelief.“I didn’t know you were here.”

She looks up, her face breaking into a wide smile.“Alexia, child,” she says warmly, wiping her hands on a towel before opening her arms.I step into her embrace, letting myself sink into the comfort of her hug.For just a moment, I let myself feel like I’ve come home.But that’s not true, is it?This place, this life—it’s a temporary refuge.Nothing more.

Fran pulls back, holding me at arm’s length, her sharp eyes scanning me from head to toe.“You’re too thin, sweetheart.But don’t worry, I’ll fatten you up with my cooking.You still look gorgeous, but you could use a few pounds.”

I laugh, but the sound feels hollow.“I missed your cooking,” I admit, a hint of nostalgia in my voice.To her right, I glimpse a tall red velvet cake resting on a tray.My heart skips a beat.“Oh, God!You remembered?”

She chuckles.“How could I forget your favorite dessert?”Her face softens as she turns to Rose, who has been hiding shyly behind me.“And who’s this beautiful young lady?”she asks, crouching down to Rose’s level.

Rose steps forward, her dark green eyes wide as she smiles.“I’m Rose.”

Fran’s gaze lingers on her for a beat too long, her expression remains soft but...knowing.“You’ve got the most beautiful eyes.A deep emerald shade.So rare.”

The air stills, my heart pounding in my chest.My muscles tighten across my shoulders and neck as I wait for Fran to say who used to have that exact color of eyes.But Fran doesn’t say anything else.She simply smiles, standing back up as she pinches Rose’s nose playfully.

“She’s funny, Mama,” Rose affirms, looking up at me with a wide grin that makes her dimples pop.

I force myself to relax, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.“Yes, she is.”

I smile at Fran, who gives me a knowing look.

“Well, aren’t you a charmer?”Fran says, ruffling Rose’s hair before adding, “You lot look like you could use some breakfast.”Fran motions toward the dining room.“Nadya and Pete are in there.Make yourselves comfortable.”

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