Chapter 6 - The Ghost of Boston
Three weeks into their contractual marriage, the illusion of safety was shattered.
It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and Harper was walking through the estate's private courtyard garden, enjoying the ocean breeze. Lorenzo had gone to Midtown Manhattan for a business meeting, leaving Felix and a full security detail to monitor the perimeter.
As Harper turned a corner near the stone fountain, she heard the harsh sound of raised voices near the main security gate.
Curiosity overriding her caution, she walked toward the iron gates. Standing on the outer side of the reinforced security barrier was a man she recognized instantly—her older brother, Liam.
He looked terrible. His clothes were torn, his face was covered in fresh yellow bruises, and his eyes were bloodshot with desperation. Two of Lorenzo’s guards had their handguns drawn, pointing them at his chest.
"Harper!" Liam screamed through the iron bars, catching sight of her. "Harper, help me! Tell these guys to put their guns down!"
"Liam?" Harper gasped, running toward the gate. "What are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"The O'Connors!" Liam stammered frantically, his voice cracking with fear. "They tracked your burner phone location to Long Island! They know you're here! They told me if I didn't get you out of this estate, they're going to break my legs!"
Before Harper could respond, the heavy black SUV belonging to Lorenzo pulled up the driveway, its tires screeching to a halt near the gate.
Lorenzo stepped out of the vehicle, his face an unreadable mask of cold rage. He walked toward the gate, his dark eyes taking in the scene instantly.
"Lorenzo, please!" Harper begged, running to his side and catching his arm. "It's my brother! Don't let your men shoot him!"
Lorenzo looked down at her frantic face, then shifted his gaze to the trembling man outside the gate. He gestured for his guards to lower their weapons.
"Open the gate," Lorenzo commanded flatly.
The iron doors swung open, and Liam stumbled inside, collapsing onto the cobblestones. He looked up at Lorenzo, terrified by the imposing figure towering over him.
"So," Lorenzo said, his voice as cold as winter rain. "You are the brother who gambled away his sister's safety."
"I... I was desperate, man!" Liam stammered, pulling himself up. "I didn't know she was staying with a mafia boss!"
"You didn't care where she was as long as she took the heat for your failures," Lorenzo corrected smoothly. He turned to Felix, who was standing behind him. "Take him to the guest quarters. Lock the door. No one enters or leaves until I return."
"Lorenzo, please don't hurt him!" Harper pleaded, tears welling in her eyes as Felix grabbed Liam by the arm.
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Lorenzo turned to Harper, his thumb reaching out to wipe a tear from her cheek with startling gentleness.
"I promised to protect your family, Harper," Lorenzo whispered softly. "I do not break my promises. But your brother brought the O'Connors to my doorstep. Now, I have to deal with them."
