“It’s been built to withstand any attack,” Matteo whispered into my ear.
Leo leaned over my lap and peered through the window, his eyes growing wide. “Holy smokes. That’s the biggest house in the whole world.”
Alessio grinned but didn’t speak. Pride in his home shone in his face, giving me glimpses of the man I’d fallen in love with years ago.
“Why didn’t we come here first if it’s so secure?” The question bolted from my lips without pause, and I couldn’t bring myself to regret it.
“Because it’s the obvious place to look for me.” Alessio turned to face me, the seatbelt stretching taut over his shoulder. “I thought we’d be safer in hiding. Now that we’re not, we’re going into lockdown.”
I didn’t like the sound of that, but what choice did I have when Leo’s life was in danger?
Men patrolled the edge of the property as Renzo drove to the steps and parked. The golden brick gave off a warm glow as evening descended. An archway at the top of the steps provided shelter as the five of us moved from the car to the front stoop. The porch was longer than my whole house, and when we stepped through the door, Matteo, Renzo, and Alessio stopped at my gasp.
Leo bolted through the foyer, racing all the way to the far side before whooping and racing back. “This place is huge. I bet we get lost. Are there secret tunnels? Can I go upstairs?”
“Yes, there are tunnels.” Alessio motioned at me. “I’d like to take you both on a tour.”
“Yay.” Leo ran around the four of us, his black shoes leaving marks on the white floor.
I barely managed to tear my gaze away from the gorgeous paintings and crystal chandeliers long enough to nod. The last house was impressive, but this one blew my mind.
Leo grabbed my hand and pulled. “This way.” He marched along behind Alessio, who led the way across the foyer and up the stairs.
“This floor is bedrooms. You can have your pick of any on the left side.” He flicked his fingers toward the doors standing open.
“Where do you sleep?” Leo asked.
Renzo pointed to the right. “We’re over there.”
I eyed the closed doors. Movement at the end of the hallway snapped my spine straight. “Who’s that?”
Renzo followed my gaze and moved to stand between me and the balcony doors. The tension in his broad shoulders eased. “That’s Tennison, one of the guards. You’ll see them around more often than you did before.”
“There are also more cameras here. Locks on the doors that are engineered to open with your thumbprint.” Matteo led the way over to one of the familiar panels. “I’ve already added yours and Leo’s prints.”
More guards, more security. It should make me feel safe, but everything about this suffocated me. I liked my independence, the ability to do what I wanted when I wanted, as long as Leo was safe and cared for. I couldn’t guarantee that here. All my choices were taken away. I was trapped in a luxurious golden cage.
“Want to see the pool?” Alessio’s attempt to alleviate the tension ground my teeth together.
I meant what I’d said, even if we’d shared tender moments since then. This was his fault.
Matteo scooped Leo up and spun him around. “You know how to swim, right?”
“Yep.” Leo shimmied side to side. “I’m a good swimmer. I can even swim underwater.”
“Whoa, no way!” Matteo bounced Leo up onto his shoulder. “You’ll have to teach me. I can only swim if I’m wearing goggles and a nose plug.”
“It’s easy.” Leo propped his elbow on Matteo’s head and leaned down to peer into his face. “I can teach you.”
Love so powerful it staggered me rose at Leo’s words.
“And your mother has her own queen’s palace.” Matteo spun around and walked backward toward the steps. “You’re going to love it here, Lila. Give it a chance.”
Renzo took Leo from Matteo’s shoulder, laughing when Matteo spluttered. “You’re going to break your neck.”
“You’re just jealous because I remembered the pool first.” Matteo led the way down the stairs, turned right, and pushed open a pair of cut glass French doors. Blue water glistened in the middle of the stretch of white tile.
“We don’t have any bathing suits,” I whispered to Renzo.
