Page 129 of Lupo

We go through our normal routine. Bath. Pajamas. Teeth brushing. Lupo reads her three stories, his voice steady and soothing. Elena falls asleep before he finishes the third one, her rabbit tucked under her arm.

He kisses her forehead gently, then follows me out of her room.

In the hallway, we stand facing each other. Alone for the first time since the factory.

Ciro is outside coordinating with the guards. The house is quiet except for the sound of Elena's soft breathing from her room.

Finally, we can talk.

But I don't have words. All the fear and relief and gratitude I've been holding back since the factory crashes over me at once.

I step forward and wrap my arms around him, pressing my face against his chest. Feeling the solid reality of him.

"Isabella." His arms come around me immediately, holding me tight. "You're safe. You're both safe now. Don’t worry. I’m here now and I’m never leaving you again."

And then I'm crying. All the tears I held back for Elena's sake. All the terror I couldn't show her. All of it pouring out now that we're finally alone.

"I was so scared," I manage between sobs. "Not for me, for Elena. I kept thinking what if something happens to her? What if..."

"Shh." His hand strokes down my back. "You're both safe. I've got you."

I hold him tighter, letting myself fall apart. Knowing he'll catch me.

He just holds me, murmuring reassurances, being exactly what I need. When the tears finally stop, I pull back slightly, wiping my eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

"Don't apologize." He cups my face gently. "You held it together for Elena. You kept her calm. You were so brave. But you don't have to be brave anymore. Not with me."

I lean into his touch. "You came for us."

"Always. I will always come for you." His voice is fierce. "No matter what. No matter where you are. If you need me, I'll come."

"Ciro called you Alessandro in the car."

He nods slowly. "That's my name. My real name. Alessandro Rossi. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I truly couldn't remember."

"But you remember now."

"Everything." He brushes a tear from my cheek with his thumb. "It all came back when I saw Elena's rabbit. When I knew they had you. Everything just flooded back."

"What do you remember?"

"My whole life. Growing up in Naples. Building the organization from nothing. Everything Ciro told me." He pauses, watching my face carefully. "Does it change things? Knowing my real name?"

"No." I shake my head. "You're still you. Still the man who fixed my fence. Who reads Elena stories. Who came for us."

Relief washes over his features. "I was afraid after everything that you'd be scared. That you'd want to leave."

"I'm not scared of you." I touch his face. "I'm scared of the world you live in. Of what almost happened today. But of you? Never."

"Isabella." His voice breaks slightly. "I love you. More than I ever would’ve believed possible."

The words hang in the air between us.

Raw. Honest. True.

"I should have said it before I left," he continues. "Should have told you every day. But I'm saying it now. I love you. And I love Elena. You're my family. And I will do anything to keep you safe."

My throat tightens again with fresh tears. But these are different. Not fear. Not relief.