The Mafia Boss Came Home Early and Caught His Curvy Housekeeper Shaving His Dying Mother’s Hair—Then She Forced Him to Stay

The next morning brought the reality of Richard’s world crashing against the wrought-iron gates of the estate.

By 8:00 AM, three black sedans were parked along the gravel driveway. Luca Rossi, Richard’s second-in-command—a sharp-eyed man with a silver streak in his hair and an automatic pistol hidden beneath his tailored Brioni coat—stood in the library, waiting.

“The docks were chaos last night, Richard,” Luca said without preamble as Richard entered, dressed in a sharp three-piece navy suit. “The Marcone family heard you canceled the midnight meet. They’re saying you’re losing your grip. They’re saying Eleanor is already dead and the Carter family is rudderless.”

Richard walked to the sideboard, poured two fingers of bourbon despite the morning hour, and turned slowly. His face was carved from granite.

“Let them say it.”

Luca frowned. “Richard, you know how this business works. If they perceive an opening, they will strike. They already sent two scouts along the perimeter of the south vineyard this morning.”

A flash of lethal intent flared in Richard’s dark eyes. “If anyone sets foot on this property without my personal invitation, bury them under the grapes. Mother is not to be disturbed.”

The library door clicked open, and Valerie stepped inside, carrying a brass tray with a pot of fresh black coffee and a plate of warm scones. She had tied her hair back in a neat French braid, but her eyes were shadowed with lack of sleep.

When she saw Luca, she paused, sensing the violent energy in the room.

Luca’s eyes drifted over her, lingering on the sweep of her hips, the full curve of her chest under the modest cotton dress. A slow, appreciative smirk touched his lips. “Well. The staffing choices in this house have certainly improved.”

Before Luca could finish the thought, Richard was across the room.

He didn't draw a weapon. He simply stepped directly between Luca and Valerie, his physical presence eclipsing her entirely. The temperature in the room plummeted to freezing.

“Look at her again, Luca,” Richard said, his voice entirely flat, “and I will take your eyes.”

Luca froze. The smirk vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, shocked realization. He held up two placating hands and took a step back. “Understood, boss. My apologies.”

Richard didn't look at Valerie, but his body remained an impenetrable shield in front of her. “Leave the tray, Miss Cross. Thank you.”

Valerie set the tray down on a side table with trembling hands. She felt the heat radiating off Richard’s back—the sheer, unadulterated territorial fury that possessed him. She nodded quickly, stepping out of the room, but not before meeting Richard’s eyes for a fraction of a second.