ia's

en as a new wave of anxiety took its place. I'd just agreed to work for a man

ng to sound confiden

s voice as decisive as ever.

of it left me

w. "Do you have a p

y unfazed by my reaction. "Fine," I muttered. "B

crossed his face. "I

didn't be

low me as I moved. I turned back to look at him, m

onest with Francesca. I won't lie to

gh. But you'll protect her, put

. "I can

utton on his desk, and Allesio r

sca," Alaric ordere

ace composed, but my mind was racing. I had no idea what to expect, or how

the door and gestured for me to enter. I took a

r toys, her eyes lighting u

off guard. She ran toward me, and I knelt down to c

?" she asked, he

nscrutable expression. The warmth radiating from Francesca's embrace stirred somethin

ok into her bright eyes. "I'm goi

y heart melted a little.

warmth and apprehension. Allesio stepped out o

s presence commanding as he surveyed the scene before hi

e asked, his tone warm, almost fa

awings!" she exclaimed, h

to me, and I felt his

pped off her stool and ra

rawings. A smile crept onto his lips, and I felt a strange s

he said, and I watched as Fran

hit me. This was a man who could be both terrifying and l

back to him. "Can you stay a little longer? I hav

ht of facing him alone, but I f

g myself for whatever conversation he wanted. Francesca watched us, her

ed against the desk, arms crossed as he regarde

steady. "Yes, Francesca is wonde

eels safe and comfortable with y

t's my priority

ou to understand something: I'm not just looking for a nanny. I need someone who can protect her

my spine, reminding me how s

d quietly, although I al

know," he replied jus

e was most likely a don. "I understand," I replied, my voi

"And if you ever feel overwhelmed or unsure, I expect yo

f washed over me. "Thank

this with me now, Emilia. I expect commitment. And

s slumping. "I understand t

nally stepping back, allowing a hint of a