“You look beautiful,” Dante murmured as he helped me from the car, his hand warm against the small of my back.
He himself was devastating in a black tuxedo that accentuated his powerful build.
“Thank you,” I managed, hyperaware of his touch, of the curious glances from other arriving guests, and of the photographers snapping pictures from behind velvet ropes.
Inside, I quickly realized this was not just any charity event. The room was filled with Boston’s elite: old-money families, politicians, celebrities, and, I suspected, others in Dante’s line of work disguised as legitimate businessmen. The way certain groups acknowledged Dante with cautious nods or overly effusive greetings spoke volumes about the power dynamics at play.
A silver-haired man approached us, hand extended.
“Mr. Russo, so good to see you. And young Marco. My, you’ve grown.”
Dante greeted him with a firm handshake.
“Senator Williams, may I introduce Ellie Morgan, Marco’s nanny and a valuable member of our household.”
The senator’s eyes flicked over me, a flash of assessment quickly masked by practiced charm.
“Lovely to meet you, Ms. Morgan.”
As the evening progressed, this scene repeated itself numerous times. Dante introduced me to various power players, always with the same phrasing.
A valuable member of our household.
Each time, I noted the reactions, ranging from polite disinterest to careful recalculation.
During a lull, while Marco was distracted by a chocolate fountain, I quietly asked, “Why introduce me that way?”
Dante’s eyes scanned the room continuously, ever vigilant.
“Because in my world, Ellie, who belongs to whom matters. By publicly claiming you as part of my household, I’m extending protection to you.”
“Protection from what?”
His gaze finally settled on me, serious and intense.
“From anyone who might think you could be used to get to me. Or worse, to Marco.”
A chill ran down my spine despite the warmth of the crowded room.
Before I could respond, Marco returned, chocolate smeared on his cheek despite his best efforts.
“Papa, can Miss Ellie dance with me? There’s an orchestra.”
