n his luxurious penthouse apartment, Alessandro received a phone call. His expression turned serious, and he excused himself to take the call. Alessia watched from the couch as Alessandro's demeanor

nt, Alessia thought she saw a glimmer of something...else. Something that didn't quite fit with the polished exterior. "I take care of things," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I protect the people and things that matter to me." Alessia's heart skipped a beat. What did he mean? And what kind of things required protection? As the night drew to a close, Alessandro walked Alessia to the door.