CHAPTER 7
Two weeks later, the bright California sun shone brightly over the manicured gardens of a breathtaking, high-security coastal estate in Malibu.
Claire stood on the sunlit terrace wearing a flowing white silk dress, holding her two-week-old son, whom she had named Alexander, close against her heart.
The physical pain of the labor and the psychological trauma of her abusive marriage had finally begun to heal under the constant care of elite specialists.
Below the terrace, the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretched out to the horizon, its rhythmic waves providing a peaceful background to her new life.
Heavy footsteps echoed against the stone tiles as Mateo walked out onto the terrace, wearing a casual gray linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
He walked over to where she stood, his dark eyes softening as he looked down at little Alexander sleeping soundly in her arms.
"How is he doing today?" Mateo asked softly, leaning down to press a gentle, protective finger into the baby's tiny, curling hand.
"He's gaining weight fast," Claire smiled, looking up into Mateo's eyes with an authentic warmth she had never felt toward another human being. "The doctor said he's completely healthy."
"Good," Mateo murmured, his hand shifting slightly to gently cup the side of Claire’s face, his warm skin sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "Because I intend to make sure neither of you ever suffers again."
Claire leaned into his touch, feeling the absolute security and strength radiating from the man who had torn down an entire dynasty just to keep her safe.
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"You don't have to stay here and guard us, Mateo," she whispered, though her heart begged him never to leave her side. "You've already given us everything."
"I am not here out of duty, Claire," Mateo confessed, his voice dropping into a deep, passionate register. "I am here because I have been in love with you since the moment you stood up to Grant’s empire six months ago."
