The morning light streamed through the large windows of Nico's penthouse, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. Caterina sat by the window, holding a steaming cup of coffee. She hadn't slept well after Nico return. His calmness, despite everything that had happened, both frustrated and unsettled her.

She gazed out at the vast city below, her mind filled with unanswered questions. How had her life gotten so out of control? And why was Nico so determined to protect her?

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Nico entered the room, freshly showered and dressed in his usual sharp black suit. He looked like he hadn't lost a moment of sleep.

"You're up early," he said, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"I couldn't sleep," Caterina admitted. "Too many things on my mind."

He sat across from her, his intense gaze making her feel as if he could read her thoughts.

"You're safe here, Caterina," he said. "I told you, no one will touch you."

"But for how long?" she asked, her voice shaking. "These people... they won't just give up. They'll keep coming."

Nico leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "You're right. They won't stop until they get what they want. But that's their mistake. They think they can outsmart me."

"And can they?" she challenged, surprising even herself with her boldness.

A slow, dangerous smile appeared on his face. "No."

Later that day, Nico called a meeting with his most trusted men. Caterina stayed in the other room, listening to the muffled voices through the door. She couldn't make out much, but the tension in their voices was clear.

After what felt like hours, the door opened, and the men filed out, their faces serious. Nico followed, his jaw set, his movements precise and controlled.

"What now?" Caterina asked, stepping into the living room.

"We wait," he said, his voice calm but firm.

"Wait for what?"

"For them to make their next move," he replied. "They'll slip up. They always do."

Caterina frowned. "And what if they don't?"

"They will," he said with complete confidence. "Trust me."

She wanted to believe him, but trust didn't come easily to her especially not with someone like Nico.

As the day went on, Caterina found herself pacing the penthouse. The weight of everything her lost freedom, the threats, the danger was heavy on her mind.

Nico, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed. He sat on the couch, scrolling through his phone as if it was just another day.

"Do you ever get tired of this?" she blurted out.

He looked up at her, one eyebrow raised. "Of what?"

"This life," she said, gesturing around. "The danger, the secrets, always looking over your shoulder."

Nico set his phone down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "This life isn't for everyone," he said. "But it's the only one I've ever known."

"Don't you ever want more?" she asked, her voice softer now.

"More?" He seemed genuinely curious.

"You know... peace. A normal life."

Nico chuckled, but there was no humor in it. "Peace is an illusion, Caterina. There's always someone trying to take what you have. You either fight to keep it or lose everything."

She studied him, trying to see past the cold, confident surface. There had to be more to him than this.

"Maybe," she said quietly, "you're just afraid to try."

His gaze darkened, but he didn't respond. Instead, he stood and walked to the window, his back to her.

---

That evening, Nico insisted on teaching Caterina how to defend herself.

"If you're going to be part of this world, you need to know how to protect yourself," he said.

"I don't want to be part of this world," she replied, crossing her arms.

"Then think of it as a temporary survival skill," he said with a smirk.

He handed her a small knife, its sleek design both beautiful and intimidating.

"First rule," he said, "never hesitate. If someone threatens you, you strike first."

He guided her through a few basic moves, his hands firm but surprisingly gentle as he corrected her grip and stance.

"You're a fast learner," he commented after a while.

"Is that supposed to be a compliment?" she asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"It's an observation," he replied. "Compliments are earned."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips.

The next morning, Nico received a call that changed everything.

Marco's voice came through the phone, excited and urgent. "I found him."

"Where?" Nico asked, his tone sharp.

"He's hiding in a private villa outside the city," Marco said. "I've got the coordinates."

Nico ended the call and turned to Caterina, who was watching him carefully.

"It's time to end this," he said.

"You're going after him, aren't you?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes," he said. "And you're staying here."

"No," she said firmly. "I'm not staying behind while you go risk your life."

"This isn't up for debate," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

She glared at him, her frustration boiling over. "You can't just decide what's best for me, Nico. I have a right to choose."

His expression softened, but only a little. "And I have a responsibility to keep you safe. If something happens to you-" He stopped, as if the thought was too much to bear.

"Then let me help," she said. "I'm not as helpless as you think."

He studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Fine. But you follow my lead. No exceptions."

The drive to the villa was tense. Nico men followed in separate cars, their weapons ready. Caterina sat beside Nico, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and adrenaline.

When they arrived, the villa looked peaceful, almost too perfect. But Nico knew better.

"Stay close to me," he told Caterina as they approached the entrance.

Inside, the air was thick with tension. Nico men moved quickly, clearing each room with precision.

They found Vittorio in a lavish sitting room, surrounded by his own guards.

"Well, well," Vittorio said, standing up. "If it isn't Nico Romano. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You know why I'm here," Nico said, his voice cold.

Vittorio smirked. "You've always been predictable. It's your biggest weakness."

Nico didn't respond. Instead, he raised his gun, the barrel aimed directly at Vittorio's chest.

"I'm only going to say this once," Nico said. "Call off your men. End this. Or I will."

Vittorio laughed. "You think you scare me, Nico? You're nothing but a thug in a suit."

Before Vittorio could say more, a shot rang out, echoing through the room. One of Nico's men had taken out a guard who had been reaching for his weapon.

The room exploded into chaos.

Nico grabbed Caterina and pulled her behind a large piece of furniture, shielding her from the gunfire.

"Stay down!" he ordered, his voice barely audible over the noise.

The fight didn't last long. Nico's men were better trained and better armed. Within minutes, Vittorio's guards were either dead or taken out.

Nico approached Vittorio, who was now on his knees, bleeding from a gunshot wound to his leg.

"You made a mistake coming after me," Nico said, his voice low and dangerous.

Vittorio glared up at him. "You think this ends with me? There are others who want you dead, Nico. You'll never be safe."

"Neither will you," Nico said before pulling the trigger.

The room fell silent.

Caterina stared at Nico, her heart racing. She had known he was dangerous, but seeing it firsthand was something else entirely.

"You didn't have to kill him," she said quietly.

"Yes, I did," he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Back at the penthouse, the weight of the day finally hit Caterina. She sat on the couch, her hands trembling.

Nico joined her, his expression unreadable.

"It's over," he said.

"For now," she replied. "But what about the others? Vittorio said there are more."

"There are always more," he admitted. "But I'll deal with them when the time comes."

She looked at him, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "And what about me?"

"You stay here," he said. "You're safe with me."

"But for how long?" she whispered.

Nico didn't answer.

For the first time, Caterina realized that safety was a fleeting thing in Nico's world. And as much as she hated to admit it, she was starting to feel like she belonged in it.