Chapter 37
The nursery was a sanctuary of soft colors and warm, pristine light. Ruby was sitting on her plush rug, brushing the hair of a porcelain doll. When the heavy oak door opened, she looked up, her bright blue eyes lighting up instantly. "Daddy!" Ruby cheered, running across the room on her tiny flats. Domenico dropped to one knee, wrapping his powerful, tattooed arms around her fragile frame. He buried his face in her soft hair, the harsh lines of his angular face melting into an expression of profound, unconditional love. "Hello, my little bird," Domenico whispered, his raspy voice incredibly gentle. "Did you have a good day?" "Yes! We played in the garden, and I saw a big butterfly," Ruby smiled, her fair, rosy cheeks flushed with happiness. "Are you going to work, Daddy?" "Yes. Daddy has some very important business to take care of tonight," Domenico answered, pressing a warm kiss to her forehead. "But I will be back before you wake up. I promise." He stood up, looking at the two dedicated female guards stationed inside the room. They wore tailored black suits and possessed the same cold, professional dedication as his capos. "The estate is on absolute lockdown," Domenico instructed them softly. "No one enters this wing." "We understand, Mr. Falcone. She is perfectly safe," the lead guard replied. Domenico took one last look at his daughter, anchoring his soul to her innocent smile. He closed the heavy door, the deadbolts sliding into place with a definitive click. He walked down the corridor, the loving father vanishing entirely, replaced by the ruthless king of the underworld, ready to drown his enemies in blood.
