Chapter 9 - The Hamptons Sanctuary
Three weeks later, the crisp December sea breeze swept across the private beach of Gabriel’s estate in the Hamptons.
The estate was a sprawling, stone mansion surrounded by acres of tall pine trees, manicured lawns, and private dunes overlooking the crashing blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
On a bright Saturday afternoon, Gabriel walked along the wooden boardwalk leading down to the sand.
He wore a simple black cashmere sweater, dark trousers, and no suit coat. In his arms, he carried Chloe, who was bundled up in a fluffy white winter suit that made her look like a tiny bear. She was laughing, her small gloved hands patting Gabriel’s cheeks as he walked.
Walking beside him, holding his free hand, was Hannah. She wore a warm cream wool coat, her cheeks flushed pink from the cool sea air, a brilliant, radiant smile on her face.
For three weeks, the city had been completely quiet. The Moretti family was gone, Gabriel’s empire was more secure than ever, and his life had settled into a quiet, beautiful rhythm he had never imagined possible.
They reached a quiet spot on the dunes near the water.
Gabriel set Chloe down on a thick wool blanket spread across the dry sand. The baby immediately began investigating a smooth sea shell with intense, serious concentration.
Hannah leaned against Gabriel’s side, wrapping her arms around his waist as they watched the waves crash against the shore.
"I still feel like I’m going to wake up," Hannah said softly, resting her head against his broad chest. "Three weeks ago, I was sleeping in a utility closet, terrified that every footstep in the hallway was someone coming to take my daughter."
Gabriel wrapped his strong arm around her shoulders, pulling her close against his side, his chin resting against her hair.
"You’ll never have to run again, Hannah," Gabriel said, his voice deep and steady as the ocean tide. "Not from loan sharks, not from poverty, and not from the dark."
Hannah looked up into his dark, handsome face. "And what about you, Gabriel? Are you happy?"
Gabriel looked down at her, then over at Chloe, who was currently trying to feed her plush bear a piece of seaweed.
A genuine, warm smile broke across his face—a smile that transformed the feared mob boss of Manhattan into a man filled with profound, unshakeable peace.
"I spent twenty years thinking I was building a kingdom, Hannah," Gabriel said softly, cupping her face in his hands. "I didn't realize I was just waiting for a maid to leave a baby outside my office door."
May you like
Hannah let out a soft, beautiful laugh, leaning up on her tiptoes to press her lips against his in a deep, tender kiss that tasted of salt and sweet devotion.
Gabriel held her tight, kissing her back with everything he had, his heart swelling with a fierce, protective love that would burn for the rest of his life.
