Chapter 4 - A Safe Haven
Morning light broke over the skyline of Manhattan, casting warm golden rays through the pristine windows of the hospital suite.
Della woke up feeling remarkably rested. The deep, aching pain in her hip had subsided to a dull thud, and the bandaged stitches on her hand were neatly dressed.
Sitting in a comfortable chair near her bed was Jaxson. He was awake, holding a tablet in one hand and a cup of black coffee in the other. He looked entirely undisturbed by the fact that he hadn't slept a single minute all night.
When he noticed her moving, he set his tablet aside immediately. "Good morning. How are you feeling?"
"Better... much better," Della murmured, sitting up slowly. She looked around the lavish room, noticing a gorgeous vase of fresh white lilies—her favorite flowers—resting on the side table, along with a tray of fresh fruits, warm pastries, and fresh juice.
"I had the kitchen prepare something light for you," Jaxson said, standing up and adjusting her pillows so she could sit comfortably. "Dr. Vance checked your charts an hour ago. You're clear to be discharged whenever you feel ready."
Della looked down at her hands, feeling a sudden surge of anxiety. "Discharged... right. I... I need to figure out where to go."
"What do you mean?" Jaxson asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
Della let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh. "My apartment was owned by a subsidiary of Vance Real Estate. My landlord called me two days ago saying the rent was doubling. I couldn't afford it. That's why I took the extra catering shift at the hotel last night... I was trying to save enough money for a security deposit on a small studio apartment upstate."
Jaxson’s eyes darkened slightly at the mention of Vance Real Estate, but he quickly smoothed his expression.
"You don't need to worry about apartments, Della," Jaxson said calmly. "Or rent. Or work."
Della looked up at him, puzzled. "What?"
Jaxson walked over to the door, pulling it open. Two young women in crisp white uniforms stepped into the room, holding several garment bags filled with soft, high-end maternity clothes, along with sleek leather luggage.
"You are coming with me to my estate in Westchester," Jaxson stated, leaving no room for argument. "It is a private, gated property with twenty-four-hour security, a full medical staff, and private chefs. You will stay there until the baby is born, and for as long as you wish afterward."
Della’s jaw dropped. "Jaxson... no, I can't accept that! That's too much! I'm just an old acquaintance from seven years ago—"
"You are the woman who bled for me," Jaxson interrupted, his voice dropping into a tone of quiet, unshakable conviction. "You saved my life when my own blood turned their backs on me. Everything I have today—this empire, this money, this power—exists because you chose to be kind in a dark alley seven years ago."
He walked up to the side of her bed, reaching out to gently touch the edge of her blanket.
"Let me take care of you, Della. Please."
Della looked into his deep, sincere gray eyes. For months—ever since the baby's father had abandoned her the moment he found out she was pregnant—she had been fighting the cold, unforgiving world completely alone. She was exhausted, terrified, and desperate for safety.
May you like
Looking at Jaxson, she didn't see the terrifying Mafia boss the city feared. She saw the injured, courageous soldier who had protected her in a dark bakery seven years ago.
Tears welled in her eyes as she gave a small, slow nod. "Okay... okay, Jaxson."
