Under his protection
1036 Words
Anna barely slept that night.
Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Romano standing in front of Isabella, calm but dangerous, like a wall nothing could break. His voice replayed in her head.
Stay close to me.
She didn’t know why those words unsettled her more than Isabella’s threat.
Morning came slowly. Anna sat on her bed, staring at nothing, when Mitchelle walked in holding her phone.
“You’re trending in small circles,” Mitchelle said flatly.
Anna frowned. “What does that mean?”
“It means people are talking. Isabella is not the type to keep quiet. She has friends. Dangerous friends.”
Anna’s chest tightened. “I didn’t ask for this.”
“I know,” Mitchelle sighed, sitting beside her. “But Romano noticed you. And once that happens, things move fast.”
As if on cue, a knock sound at the door.
Mitchelle froze. “Were you expecting someone?”
Anna shook her head slowly.
Mitchelle peeped through the door hole and sucked in a sharp breath. “Anna… don’t panic.”
Anna’s heart dropped. Who is it?
Mitchelle opened the door.
Scott stood there, dressed neatly, calm expression, eyes alert. Behind him, a black car waited quietly.
“Good morning,” Scott said politely. “Romano would like to see Anna.”
Anna’s mouth went dry. “Like… now?”
“Yes,” Scott replied. “For her safety.”
Mitchelle jumped up. “Safety from who?”
Scott’s eyes flickered briefly. “From people who don’t like competition.”
Anna swallowed. She grabbed her small bag with shaky hands.
“It’s okay,” she told Mitchelle softly, though she wasn’t sure she believed it herself.
The ride was silent. Scott drove carefully, eyes on the road. Anna watched the city pass by, feeling like she was being carried into a life she didn’t recognize.
They arrived at a quiet, luxurious apartment complex. Everything screamed privacy and control.
Inside, Romano was already waiting.
He stood near the window, sleeves rolled slightly, posture relaxed but commanding. When he turned and saw Anna, something in his expression shifted. Subtle, but real.
“You came,” he said.
Anna nodded. “Your friend said it was for my safety.”
“It is,” Romano replied. “Isabella crossed a line last night.”
Anna’s eyes widened. “She didn’t hurt me.”
“She tried to intimidate you,” Romano said calmly. “That’s enough.”
He walked closer, stopping a safe distance away. Not too close. Not too far.
“People in my world don’t play fair,” he continued. “Once they feel threatened, they act.”
Anna hugged herself lightly. “Then why am I here?”
Romano looked at her for a long moment. “Because you caught my attention. And I don’t ignore things that matter.”
Her heart skipped. “I didn’t plan any of this.”
“I know,” he said softly. “That’s why you’re still standing.”
Silence settled between them, heavy but not uncomfortable.
Romano gestured to the couch. “Sit. You look overwhelmed.”
Anna obeyed, her movements slow. Romano sat across from her, resting his arms on his knees.
“I’m not a good man, Anna,” he said plainly. “I won’t lie to you.”
She nodded. “I figured.”
“I protect what’s mine,” he continued. “And right now, Isabella thinks you are a threat.”
Anna frowned. “Am I?”
Romano’s lips curved slightly. “To her? Yes.”
“And to you?” Anna asked quietly.
Romano held her gaze. His voice dropped.
“You’re a curiosity. And curiosity is dangerous for men like me.”
Anna’s breath caught.
“I won’t force you into anything,” Romano added. “But if you stay close to me, no one touches you. No one threatens you. No one plays games with your safety.”
Anna searched his face, looking for cruelty. Manipulation. Lies.
She found none. Just control. And something else. Something restrained.
“And what do you get?” she asked.
Romano stood slowly, walking past her, stopping just behind the couch.
“I get peace of mind,” he said. “Knowing you’re safe.”
Her pulse raced. She could feel him behind her, not touching, yet present.
“I don’t understand why you care,” Anna whispered.
Romano leaned slightly closer, his voice near her ear but still respectful.
“Neither do I,” he admitted. “That should scare you.”
It did.
But it also thrilled her.
A phone buzzed. Romano straightened immediately, his expression hardening as he answered.
“Yes.”
A pause.
His jaw tightened. “Keep eyes on her.”
He ended the call and turned back to Anna.
“Isabella won’t stop,” he said. “This was just her first move.”
Anna stood slowly. “Then what happens now?”
Romano met her gaze.
“Now,” he said calmly, “you stay under my protection.”
Anna’s heart pounded. Fear and excitement tangled together.
She realized something then.
This wasn’t just attraction anymore.
This was the beginning of a power controlled bond she might not escape.
And strangely…
She wasn’t sure she wanted to.
- Writer
