Chapter 2 - The Guest Suite
The sun was just beginning to rise over Lake Michigan, casting long, golden shadows across the sprawling manicured lawns of the Rossi estate.
Beatrice sat nervously on the edge of a velvet armchair in a room she had never been allowed to enter before today.
It was one of the master guest suites, located on the second floor, directly across the hall from Lily’s expansive bedroom.
Her bruised cheek had been carefully stitched and bandaged by Leo’s private, highly discreet underworld physician, Dr. Evans.
Her fingers were wrapped in soft, protective splints, aching with a dull throb that reminded her of the heavy iron door she had desperately tried to hold open.
A soft knock echoed through the quiet room, making Beatrice jump slightly before the door opened to reveal Leo Rossi himself.
He had changed out of his blood-stained dress shirt and was now wearing a simple black sweater that emphasized the broad, muscular line of his shoulders.
He carried a silver tray laden with hot tea, fresh fruit, and buttered toast, which he placed gently on the small table beside her.
“You need to eat, Beatrice,” Leo said, his voice surprisingly gentle for a man who ruled Chicago’s underworld with an iron fist.
Beatrice stared at the tray, entirely completely overwhelmed by the fact that the billionaire crime boss was serving her breakfast.
“Sir, I should be downstairs in the servant’s quarters,” she whispered, instinctively trying to shrink into herself to take up less space.
Leo frowned deeply, pulling up a matching velvet chair and sitting down opposite her, forcing her to look at him.
“You are never sleeping in the servant’s quarters again,” Leo declared, his tone leaving absolutely no room for argument or negotiation.
Beatrice widened her eyes, fear briefly fluttering in her chest as she misunderstood his intentions.
“Are you firing me, Mr. Rossi?” she asked, her voice cracking slightly as she thought of the mounting medical bills she still owed for her late mother.
Leo looked genuinely stunned by the question, as if the very idea was completely absurd to him.
“I am promoting you,” Leo clarified, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees.
“Lily refuses to let any of the other nannies or maids near her room since last night,” he explained, a hint of exhausted vulnerability creeping into his dark eyes.
“She only wants you, Beatrice,” he added, his voice softening as he spoke his daughter’s name.
“I want you to become her official, full-time guardian and companion, living here on this floor, with a salary triple what I was paying Victoria’s ridiculous staff,” Leo offered.
Beatrice felt the breath leave her lungs in a sudden rush of shock and disbelief.
She looked down at her large, scarred hands, completely unable to process the incredible turn her miserable life had just taken.
“I am not elegant, sir, and I don't know how to teach her piano or French like the other ladies did,” Beatrice admitted, her deep-seated insecurities bubbling to the surface.
Leo reached out, his warm, calloused fingers gently lifting her chin so she was forced to meet his intense gaze once more.
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“I don't need someone to teach her French, Beatrice,” Leo said firmly.
“I need someone who will throw themselves against a steel door to keep her breathing,” he finished, his eyes burning with fierce gratitude.
