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00:00The night I signed the divorce paper and walked away with nothing,
00:03I wandered the rainy streets alone,
00:05with a single duffel bag and only $36.
00:08That was when I spotted a flyer.
00:11My mom wanted for child.
00:13Room and board, that's what got me.
00:15That same night, I showed up at the address.
00:17I walked straight into the mansion of Luca Castellano,
00:21the don of New York's oldest mafia family.
00:23Later, my ex-husband looked down at me with that same arrogance.
00:27Nora, do you finally realize you were wrong?
00:30Before I could answer, the four-year-old little tyrant exploded.
00:33Wrong about what? My mom is the best.
00:36The don slipped an arm around my shoulders, kicking him aside.
00:39My wife could never be wrong, and even if she was, she'd still be right.
00:43I never expected the people posting flyers on polls
00:46to be New York's most powerful mafia family.
00:49Now I stood outside their mansion.
00:51Beside me, the butler carried himself with quiet arrogance.
00:54The don is looking for a mother for his child.
00:57Not a wife for himself.
00:58I need you to be very clear on that.
01:00Don is a very desirable man.
01:02Do not get any ideas you shouldn't.
01:04I kept my eyes lowered.
01:05Honestly, this job was perfect for me.
01:07To put it simply, they just needed a high-end nanny.
01:10Eight hours ago, I'd signed the divorce papers
01:13and been kicked out of my ex's house.
01:15The last thing I wanted was another husband.
01:17But a roof? Three meals?
01:19A place to disappear?
01:20That was a miracle.
01:21I understand. I won't get any ideas.
01:24The butler led me down a dim, vaulted corridor.
01:27Then I heard something that sounded like a gunshot.
01:29I stumbled, slammed straight into a hot, hard chest.
01:33The smell hit me first.
01:34Blood.
01:35Gunpowder.
01:35Then the barrel of a pistol tipped my chin up.
01:38A man in a suit with his hair slicked back.
01:40Blood streaked across his jaw.
01:42A snake tattoo coiling out of his collar onto his throat.
01:45My chest rose and fell rapidly with fear.
01:48His gun slid down from my chin and stopped between my soaked breasts.
01:51He studied me for a long beat.
01:54Finally, walked off without a word.
01:56I'd seen that face before.
01:57Page 6.
01:58New York Times.
01:59The Castellano Don.
02:01Sebastian had once spent a month studying his photos,
02:04trying to get in with the old mafia family behind him.
02:07The butler finally spoke.
02:08The Don is handling some business.
02:10Please don't mind.
02:11I nodded quietly.
02:13Then he took me to change into something dry
02:15and led me into the dining room.
02:16A long wooden table sat and a father and son were locked in a standoff.
02:23The man with murder in his eyes was gone.
02:25In his place, at the table, sat a man in a white dress shirt holding a spoon.
02:30His face was tired.
02:31The boy pressed his lips shut and glared up at his father like a tiny soldier holding the line.
02:36Neither moved.
02:37Finally, the man exhaled and set the spoon down.
02:40Long fingers pinched the bridge of his nose.
02:42His voice dropped, low and rough.
02:44One bite, one small bite.
02:47Is that really too much?
02:48The butler stepped forward.
02:50Don, the applicant is here.
02:52The man turned.
02:53His shirt was unbuttoned low.
02:55I could see most of the snake tattoo now.
02:57The lines of his muscles pressed faintly through the white linen.
03:00The most feared man in New York inherited the family glory at 16,
03:04built it bigger, darker, quieter than his father had.
03:08Money, power, blood on his hands.
03:10So this wasn't some dream or scam.
03:12A man like Luca Castellano had no reason to scam a broke divorcee off the street.
03:18His eyes moved over me, distant and tired.
03:20Name?
03:20I figured he'd come straight from his so-called business.
03:23Handling traitors, torturing some enemies, and now got defeated by a toddler.
03:28Feeding the kid was probably harder than running his empire.
03:31Nora Bennett.
03:32I said, a barely there nod.
03:34He held out the plate.
03:35Try.
03:35The night I had the train pass, I was sleeping on the F train.
03:39I smiled my warmest, gentlest smile and walked toward the boy.
03:43I didn't make it two steps.
03:45Whoosh.
03:45He bolted under the table.
03:47Only his eyes peeked out.
03:48Dark, round, furious.
03:50I don't want her!
03:51Send her away!
03:52She's a bad lady!
03:54They're all bad ladies!
03:55So before me, this kid had already been through who knows how many stepmoms.
04:00Fine.
04:00I needed to do my best.
04:01I scanned the room and clocked it instantly.
04:04Action figures everywhere.
04:05Batman, Spider-Man, a whole shelf of Avengers.
04:09I grabbed two figures off the coffee table and crouched down by the table leg.
04:13I sat Batman and Spider-Man right next to the kid.
04:16Then I picked up the spoon.
04:17Don't worry.
04:18I'm not feeding you.
04:19I'm feeding Batman.
04:20I mimed a spoonful into Batman's face.
04:22Open up, Bats.
04:23Heroes who skip dinner?
04:25Skinny arms, skinny legs.
04:27Can't protect anyone like that.
04:29Oh, Batman wants vegetables?
04:31Good call.
04:32Spinach makes you strong.
04:33The boy watched, half-hidden, lips parting, smacking his mouth a little.
04:37I pretended not to see.
04:39His nose started turning pink, like he was about to cry.
04:42Right on cue, I gasped.
04:44Wait, is that a baby Batman over there?
04:47Bats, can you share with him?
04:48He has to eat too if he's gonna grow up strong.
04:51I tilted Batman.
04:52Bats says yes.
04:53I turned to the boy.
04:55Batman improved, kiddo.
04:56You get a little, but just a little.
04:59We don't want you outgrowing him.
05:00He'd be sad.
05:01The boy nodded furiously.
05:03I didn't even get the spoon to his mouth before he grabbed it with his lips.
05:06A big bite.
05:07Why won't you give me vegetables?
05:09You scared I'll get stronger than Batman?
05:12Bad lady.
05:13I glanced at the couch.
05:14Luca Castellano's mouth curved.
05:16A small, real smile.
05:18Approving.
05:19So.
05:20The last woman who snuck up there to climb into the Don's bed got thrown out of his window.
05:25Two-story drive.
05:25I thought of the gun from an hour ago.
05:28I nodded so hard I almost gave myself whiplash.
05:31Won't happen.
05:31You have my word.
05:33Castellano men breed serious.
05:34Leo was only four and slept in his own bed without a fuss.
05:38And that made my job easier.
05:39I'd just changed into the silk pajamas from the closet.
05:42The knock made me jump.
05:43Don Luca's voice was low behind the door.
05:46Come down.
05:47Let's talk.
05:47Luca was on the couch in the great room.
05:49Long legs crossed.
05:50Whiskey in his hand.
05:51I sat across from him on the opposite couch.
05:54Hands in my lap.
05:55Knees together.
05:56Like a job interview.
05:57You're good with kids.
05:58You have one of your own?
05:59No.
05:59I helped raise my ex's nephew for two years.
06:02Back the...
06:03The crane said I didn't make enough money and ordered me to quit.
06:06Called it generosity.
06:07Then, after I did, they claimed I was lazy and had nothing to do.
06:11So they fired the nanny and dumped the kid on me.
06:13More free maid than wife.
06:15File says you're divorced.
06:16Yes.
06:16Reason?
06:17Some small town girl cannot stain a noble family name.
06:20I guess.
06:21Only a coward would say that.
06:23You saw the ad.
06:24I'm hiring a mother for Leo, not a date for me.
06:26My rival's family terrified him when he was little.
06:29He's always been insecure, hates leaving the house, and has never had a single friend.
06:33I work long at...
06:35Someone with patience.
06:36Someone who'll stay.
06:37There will be a prenum.
06:39Everything stays separate.
06:41Especially in bed.
06:42My heart...
06:43Deep into his eyes.
06:44I moved...
06:45In rich people's world was a contract before it was anything else.
06:49My marriage with Sebastian...
06:51But because the gaps between our family, I'd signed one with him too.
06:55When the love ran out, I'd walked away with nothing.
06:58Not even my wedding ring.
07:00Let alone a powerful mafia family like the Castellanos.
07:03They would only be more careful.
07:05I understand.
07:07If you just need someone in the house, we don't have to make it legal.
07:10I'm fine without the paperwork.
07:12Luca shook his head.
07:14He leaned forward, tapping his fingers on the table.
07:17Marriage is for Leo.
07:18He needs the most stable mother I can give him.
07:20And marriage is the strongest contract there is.
07:23All right.
07:24We'll do it your way.
07:28Don't worry.
07:29You'll get $100,000 a month for expenses.
07:31This was the part I cared about.
07:32I've been burned before.
07:34Mr. Castellano, if we divorce someday, can I keep the money you've given me?
07:38Of course.
07:39It's yours.
07:40All right then.
07:42As for sex, I don't need anything from you in that area.
07:47You stay on the second floor.
07:49Right.
07:49The sex.
07:50That's fine.
07:51Neither do I.
07:53So, three days after I signed divorce papers, I got married again.
07:57No ceremony.
07:58No guests.
07:59Same as my first wedding.
08:01The butler added an extra dish to dinner.
08:03I thought that was the celebration.
08:05But suddenly, Luca slid a signet ring across the table.
08:09A Castellano family ring.
08:13That's not necessary.
08:17Sebastian never even gave me his family ring.
08:20For Leo's sake.
08:21Then I got it.
08:22The child needed a family illusion.
08:24I fell into silence and finally took it.
08:27I'll keep it safe.
08:28That night, I'd just gotten into bed when the door creaked open.
08:31Leo stood in the doorway.
08:32Bare feet.
08:33Hair sticking up.
08:35Fidgeting with his dinosaur pajamas.
08:37What's up, kiddo?
08:39Nora, can you read me a bedtime story?
08:42What?
08:43You want me to read you a bedtime story?
08:45I'll get my dad to pay you extra.
08:47If you don't want to, forget it.
08:49Come here.
08:49I held the covers open.
08:51He scrambled in like he'd been waiting for that all day.
08:54Halfway through the story, he was out cold against my shoulder.
08:58Next morning at breakfast, Luca's eyes widened when the butler told him Leo had slept in my bed.
09:04Nora, that was above and beyond.
09:06I'll add another $50,000 a month.
09:09Mr. Castellano, that's way too much.
09:11It was, by a lot.
09:13I'd given far more than this in my last marriage and walked away with literally nothing.
09:19During the day, I babysat his nephew.
09:22At night, I cooked for my husband.
09:24After satisfying his needs in bed, I still had to get up at five to clean the house and make
09:29breakfast.
09:30His mother judged.
09:31We could hire someone, but Nora's just sitting around all day wouldn't be fair.
09:35Despite all these, the day of the divorce, his sister told the lawyer I'd been living off them for three
09:41years.
09:42Mr. Castellano, it's really too much.
09:44I like Leo.
09:45He's a sweet kid.
09:46Reading him a book is nothing.
09:48As I said it, Leo came over and grabbed my fingers with his small, warm hand.
09:53He was looking up at me with those big, dark grape eyes.
09:57He was actually moved.
09:58You don't know.
09:59The women before you only cared about impressing me.
10:04They ignored him.
10:0650,000.
10:08That's the new number.
10:09Not negotiable.
10:10I gave up and thanked him.
10:12From that day on, Leo was my shadow.
10:15Luca was busy with all the transactions, the guns, and the bloods.
10:18The huge mansion was usually just the two of us.
10:21I tried my best to play with him and made him happy every day.
10:25Until the day I had a hospital appointment for a follow-up.
10:28The butler had warned me.
10:30Leo couldn't leave the house.
10:31Outside triggered panic attacks.
10:33I crouched down.
10:35Hey, babe.
10:36Wait for me at home.
10:38I'll be back in an hour.
10:39He grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go.
10:42Didn't say anything.
10:43Just looked at me with those dark, sad eyes.
10:48He's scared you're not coming back.
10:50His mother left him exactly like that.
10:52I'm coming back.
10:53I'll see the doctor and come right home.
10:55You play here, okay?
10:56I was still mid-sentence when he climbed into the back seat of the car.
10:59The butler tried not to hope.
11:01Master Leo, you're going to the hospital with Miss Bennett?
11:04Leo nodded.
11:06Thank God.
11:07He's finally willing to leave the house.
11:10Your depression's getting better.
11:12Just keep it slow.
11:13Relax.
11:14I took the script and the meds and left.
11:16Leo was waiting in the lobby with his small Batman.
11:20Nora.
11:22Are you sick?
11:24A little, kiddo.
11:25I used to skip meals a lot, so I got sick.
11:28Promise me you'll never let yourself get like that.
11:31Does it hurt?
11:33If it hurts, I can give you candy.
11:36Daddy told me candy makes you forget.
11:38My tears fell without warning.
11:41In the crane house, I'd cry and they'd call it dramatic.
11:44Small town girl.
11:46Can't handle the lifestyle.
11:50I had depression.
11:53Stop faking it to get attention!
11:54The nephew I'd raised for two years stood next to his mother on divorce day and called me ugly.
12:00And here was this four-year-old mafia heir handing me his last piece of candy.
12:05Nora, I'm going to eat every meal so I can grow up and protect you.
12:16You better grow fast, babe.
12:18When we walked out of the hospital, there was a black Maybach idling at the curb.
12:22Luca was leaning against it.
12:23Mr. Castellano.
12:24Why are you here?
12:25Your depression.
12:28He scooped his son into his arm.
12:30Seeing how calm and composed the boy was, his eyes suddenly reddened.
12:34The butler called, said Leo went out with you.
12:36I had to see it.
12:37Dad, as long as I'm with Nora, you can stop worrying.
12:41I know.
12:43That night, he tried to raise my pay again.
12:46This time, a black card.
12:47I refused so hard, he laughed.
12:52Noia, there must be something you want.
12:54Could you help me find a used car?
12:565,000 or below, so I can take Leo out without depending on the driver.
13:03Pick anything from the garage.
13:06The cheapest car in your garage is a quarter million.
13:08I wouldn't dare drive it.
13:10Fine.
13:13Next morning, an old, beat-up sedan was parked next to his black Bentley.
13:17He also flew in a psychiatrist.
13:20Same diagnosis as the hospital.
13:22But this time, my meds were upgraded to the brand I'd never been able to afford.
13:27Your wife needs company.
13:28Family, don't push her too hard.
13:30I'll remember that.
13:32The next day, I drove Leo out with me.
13:34He'd always been insecure, had barely seen the outside world.
13:37Now, I wanted to show it to him.
13:39First, the amusement park.
13:41He grabbed my hand and dragged me over to take pictures.
13:44Then I took him to the farmer's market.
13:45He'd never been to a farmer's market in his life.
13:48Nora!
13:48I don't want to hold this.
13:50My hands are full, Leo.
13:52Just a few steps.
13:53Fine!
13:54One time only!
13:55And no more lobster!
13:57No!
13:58Nora?
13:58It was Sebastian, my ex-husband.
14:02He was in a crisp gray suit, hair perfect, looking like he'd stepped out of a magazine cover.
14:08It had been five weeks since the divorce.
14:10My stomach nodded on contact.
14:13Sebastian and I had met in college.
14:14He came from one of those Wall Street elite families, the golden boy of high finance.
14:19He'd ignored every objection from his family to put a ring on me.
14:22At our wedding, he'd promised to protect me for life.
14:25Then he took over Crane Capital and he started finding fault with everything.
14:29He wanted me to quit my job, take care of his parents, take care of his sister's kid, cook, laundry,
14:36cleaning.
14:36I did all of it because I loved him.
14:39Because I'd never been loved by my own family and didn't know any better.
14:42Until one day, I caught him in a private club with a girl in his lap.
14:46My whole world shattered.
14:48I cried.
14:50I screamed.
14:51I begged him to swear it would stop.
14:53The whole Crane family said I was overreacting.
14:56What successful man doesn't have side action?
14:59Sebastian said I'd been spoiled rotten.
15:02He blocked my number.
15:04Stopped coming home.
15:05My depression cratered.
15:06I filed for divorce.
15:08He thought it was a bluff.
15:09His family told him, don't let her win.
15:12He had his lawyer draft papers.
15:14I walked out with nothing.
15:15Signed them in seven seconds.
15:16Four years of dating, three years of marriage.
15:19Done.
15:20Noah, Ivy League degree.
15:22And here you are playing nanny?
15:25What were you thinking?
15:27Not your business.
15:29Nora, try to understand.
15:31The day you married into the Crane family, you represent the Crane name.
15:36Sebastian, we're divorced.
15:38I have nothing to do with your family anymore.
15:42Even divorced, you're my ex-wife.
15:44People still bring me up when they talk about you.
15:47Stop embarrassing me.
15:48Use your head for once.
15:50Stop being emotional all the time.
15:53Nora, a few weeks out here.
15:55Bet you miss being Mrs. Crane, don't you?
15:56Admit you were wrong.
15:57I'll think about taking you back.
15:59The girls outside the marriage, those were nothing.
16:01I haven't replaced you.
16:02The position's still open.
16:03Just swallow your pride.
16:04Apologize to my mother and my sister.
16:06Don't bother holding it.
16:07Give the seat to someone else, Sebastian.
16:09I'm not interested.
16:10I cried.
16:13On the drive home, a new number called.
16:15Connor, the nephew I'd raised for two years.
16:18I'd block the rest of the Crane's.
16:20Not him.
16:21Kids didn't pick their parents.
16:23Hey, Con.
16:24Nora, you divorced loser.
16:26My mom wants to talk to you.
16:28My throat closed up.
16:29Then Cassandra Crane took the phone.
16:31Nora, Sebastian tells me you're working as a nanny.
16:34Have you ever thought about anyone but yourself?
16:37You're slapping Sebastian's face.
16:38You're slapping the Crane name.
16:40What does that look like to people?
16:41Nora, I always said it.
16:43You'll never rise above your roots.
16:45Trash dressed in silk.
16:47I hung up, blocked her, pulled over.
16:49I crashed onto the steering wheel and bawled.
16:51I cried until I couldn't breathe.
16:53I cried until I was so empty I felt nothing.
16:56Then I sat up, wiped my face,
16:57felt the exhaustion settle bone deep.
17:00Nora, here, tissue.
17:01I'd forgotten Leo was in the back seat.
17:03He was holding a tissue out from his car seat.
17:05Big, sad eyes glued to me.
17:07I'm sorry, sweetheart.
17:08Did I scare you?
17:09Nora, I'm not scared.
17:11You can cry as long as you want.
17:13I'll wait.
17:14Adults crying isn't shameful.
17:16I won't laugh.
17:17Thanks, my little gentleman.
17:19Auntie's done.
17:20No more crying from now on.
17:21Let's go home.
17:22On the drive home.
17:24I went to bed early that night.
17:26Didn't feel up to dinner.
17:27Then a knock.
17:28Nora, can I come in?
17:30Luca.
17:31I was fresh out of the shower.
17:33Hair wet, robe tied carefully.
17:35I made sure nothing was showing.
17:37Come in.
17:38He was in a tight white tank top,
17:40making the snake tattoo stand out even more.
17:42Dark hair falling loose over his forehead.
17:44Whiskey in his hand.
17:45Looser than I'd ever seen him.
17:47He sat in the chair by my bed.
17:49His gaze flicked to my wet collarbone.
17:51Then immediately to the wall,
17:52like he'd been caught.
17:53The clothes in your closet.
17:55You never wear any of them.
17:57They're too nice.
17:58I'm not used to it.
17:59I'd learned one thing from the Crane marriage.
18:01Don't force yourself into a world that isn't yours.
18:04The fall is uglier when they shove you out.
18:06Are they not your style?
18:08I'll have the designer come fit you for new ones.
18:10No, no, Mr. Castellano.
18:12I'm in the house all day with Leo.
18:13There's nowhere to wear that kind of thing.
18:15Truly.
18:16I heard you saw your ex today.
18:18His name's Crane.
18:20The stupid Crane capital.
18:21I went to...
18:22I froze.
18:24Leo had snitched.
18:25Yes.
18:26That Crane.
18:27Old news.
18:29Nora.
18:29Since you came,
18:31Leo's been a different child.
18:32Thank you.
18:33His eyes were dark and serious on mine.
18:35I shifted.
18:36Uncomfortable.
18:37You pay me very well.
18:38It's what I'm here for.
18:39Nora.
18:41Ask me for anything.
18:42I can probably make it happen.
18:44Mr. Castellano.
18:45I don't need anything.
18:46He was quiet a long moment.
18:48His fingers tightened on his knee,
18:50then released.
18:51He stood up.
18:52I'll say this again.
18:54I'm the Don of the Costetto family.
18:56If you want,
18:58I can make sure he never speaks again more by tomorrow.
19:01I took a step back,
19:02still not used to him being this close.
19:04Without warning,
19:05he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
19:07Did I scare you?
19:08I said nothing.
19:09His hand slid down from my cheek.
19:11He gave a faint smile,
19:13then walked out.
19:14I...
19:15For the next two weeks,
19:17Luca started coming home early.
19:19Dinner with Leo and me.
19:20Sometimes board games after.
19:22Sometimes a movie.
19:23A man who ran half of New York's underworld
19:26didn't change his schedule for no reason.
19:28I was starting to worry.
19:29Was the family in trouble?
19:31Not that I cared about him.
19:32I just really cared about my 150 grand a month.
19:35Mr. Castellano,
19:36you don't have to keep coming home this early.
19:39Leo has me.
19:40If you've got business, take it.
19:41Luca picked up a red Lego brick.
19:43Voice perfectly neutral.
19:45The psychiatrist said you need family.
19:47Leo and I are your family now.
19:48We have responsibilities.
19:50Since when are we family, I wanted to say.
19:53I didn't.
19:54Honestly, Leo's enough.
19:56The doctor said my improvement is mostly thanks to him.
19:59He stroked his chin, avoiding eye contact.
20:02I grabbed Leo's hand and stood.
20:04Come on, buddy.
20:04Story time.
20:06Daddy still has work.
20:07Leo and I walked out.
20:08Nora.
20:09Luca's voice, stopping me at the doorway.
20:11Yes?
20:13His ears were faintly pink.
20:14He cleared his throat.
20:16Tomorrow night, there's an event.
20:18Plus sun's required.
20:20Would you come with me?
20:22For the-
20:24Me?
20:30You.
20:31I don't have time to find someone else.
20:33I'll pay you an appearance fee.
20:35A man with his face couldn't find a date in 24 hours?
20:38I didn't think too much.
20:40There was money on the table.
20:41Sure.
20:42I don't know the social rules in your world, though.
20:45I don't want to embarrass you.
20:47The Cranes were a moneyed family, too.
20:49But Sebastian had never taken me to anything because his mother said-
20:53She doesn't know how to act in public.
20:54Don't let her embarrass us.
20:56Stand next to me.
20:58That's all.
20:59Luca's brow eased.
21:00If you want, I can make the gossipers shut up for good.
21:03The butler chimed in, beaming.
21:05Miss Bennett, you don't need to know the rules.
21:09The dawn is the rules.
21:11Hard to argue with that.
21:12The next afternoon, a design team showed up at the mansion.
21:15Five people.
21:16Most of them flown in from Paris.
21:19Hair, makeup, dress, jewelry.
21:21They huddled and debated each detail for 20 minutes at a stretch.
21:25By the time Luca came home, I was starting to feel sick about how much was on me.
21:30He walked in, saw me.
21:32His eyes did something.
21:34A brief flash.
21:35Almost stunned.
21:36Before he caught himself.
21:38Daddy, look how pretty Nora is.
21:42Call her mom.
21:43Leo turned his head and harrumphed.
21:45Wouldn't say it.
21:46I patted his hair.
21:48It's okay.
21:49I like Nora.
21:51Makes me feel young.
21:53The event was a charity gala at the plaza.
21:56Every major name in New York was there.
21:58Old money, bigger money, political faces.
22:01A few faces I recognized from the papers, and a few I knew not to recognize at all.
22:06They orbited Luca immediately.
22:08Conversations started landing on me.
22:10Mr. Castellino.
22:12Who's the beautiful lady?
22:14I jumped in to save him.
22:16I'm a friend of Mr. Castellino's.
22:20My wife.
22:21Nora.
22:22The room shifted.
22:23A chorus of polite gasps.
22:26Compliments raining down.
22:27My face went hot to my collarbone.
22:30Luca squeezed my hand.
22:32Leaned in.
22:32Nora.
22:33Is being my wife really that embarrassing?
22:36You couldn't say it?
22:38Bourbon and cedar on his breath.
22:40No.
22:41No.
22:42I just...
22:43I didn't want to embarrass you.
22:44His eyes darkened.
22:46Nora.
22:46He looked at me like he was lighting something on fire.
22:48Only a weak man is embarrassed by his wife.
22:51I had to look away.
22:52I'll grab a drink.
22:52I bolted.
22:54I'd been hiding by the champagne tower for about 90 seconds when...
22:58Nora?
23:02The event...
23:03There was no date.
23:05Just him.
23:06Had it Luca said plus ones required?
23:09Sebastian's face was pure stunned.
23:11It is you.
23:13I almost didn't recognize you.
23:20I've never seen you look like this.
23:23I stepped back.
23:24Stay away from me.
23:25Nora.
23:26About my sister's call.
23:28That wasn't me.
23:29I'd never authorize that.
23:30Truth is, I only agreed to the divorce to teach you a lesson.
23:33Bratty wife.
23:34Needed reminding.
23:35I never actually planned to let you go.
23:37Apologize to my mom and my sister.
23:41We'll remarry.
23:43I'll forget the rest.
23:47Crane, capital is bleeding right now.
23:50I'm slammed.
23:51Stop making things hard for me.
23:52He reached for my hand.
23:54The Sebastian special.
23:56One slap, one kiss.
23:58He'd run me on that loop for three years.
24:00I'm not the Nora he married anymore.
24:03I yanked back.
24:04Sebastian.
24:05Divorced means divorced.
24:06I'd rather sleep under the Brooklyn Pleerage than wear your last name again.
24:10Find someone else for that throne.
24:11Still stubborn.
24:12You haven't suffered enough.
24:15Crawl find me when you've actually been broken.
24:19That's when Luca started walking toward us.
24:21Sebastian's whole posture changed.
24:25Nora.
24:25We'll talk later.
24:27There's a heavyweight I need to corner.
24:28Don't get in the way.
24:30There was a...
24:31Plastered on his best smile and intercepted Luca with a business card already out.
24:37My Don, I'm Sebastian Crane, Crane Capital.
24:40I'd like to talk about the mandate you pulled.
24:44Five years.
24:46Crane of Capital ran the books on every fund Castellino Holdings put on the street.
24:50Then you cut us out overnight.
24:52If we fell short, tell me where.
24:55Whatever you need, I'll make it right.
24:58Sebastian, half bowed.
24:59Luca's eyes went past him, straight to me.
25:02Nora.
25:03What do you think?
25:04Should I give him a second chance?
25:07Sebastian's smile froze.
25:09Nora?
25:10What does she have to do with...
25:12Mr. Castelloni.
25:14You should know.
25:15Nora is my ex-wife.
25:16I don't know how she got in here tonight.
25:18Probably trying to ambush me into wrecking elitiation.
25:20She's just a housewife.
25:22Pay her no mind.
25:23Luca didn't even glance at him.
25:25Nora.
25:26Your call.
25:28I'll follow your lead.
25:32Plastered on his...
25:35I kept my voice flat.
25:37Mr. Crane just asked me not to interfere in his business conversation.
25:40I'd hate to interfere.
25:42Sebastian flared.
25:44A man's business is none of your concern.
25:46Of course, small town instincts.
25:48Luca's voice came in cold and final.
25:50Then I'd assume my wife doesn't approve of Crane Capital.
25:54Mr. Crane.
25:55We'll have to pass.
25:56His arm slid around my shoulders.
25:58He turned us toward the bar.
26:00Sebastian was still standing there.
26:02Brain catching up.
26:03Then a man in a tuxedo brushed past him.
26:05Crane.
26:07You insulted Don's wife.
26:09You stepped on a live mine.
26:11That's the only woman who's ever been on his arm in 20 years.
26:15Castellano's wife?
26:17Impossible.
26:18The woman's a nanny in the Castellano house.
26:20Sebastian had seen Nora at the farmer's market.
26:23Driving the cheap car.
26:24Carrying a lobster for the brat.
26:26He knew what he saw.
26:27A fancy dress didn't make a duchess.
26:30The man shook his head and walked off.
26:32Some idiots won't listen.
26:34Let them die.
26:36I can't.
26:37That night, Luca bid on a Picasso study.
26:40And three pieces of war era jewelry.
26:43180 million in collectibles.
26:45Donated to the children's hospital under my name.
26:48After that, the gala turned into a receiving line.
26:51Mrs. Castellano, there's a small tea at my place next week.
26:55Would you grace us?
26:56Mrs. Castellano, my husband is bidding on a Castellano project.
27:00Just a quiet word to the Don.
27:02I'd never been on this side of a room.
27:04I drank three glasses to keep my hands steady.
27:06Luca intercepted on the fourth.
27:08Apologies, everyone.
27:09My wife isn't a drinker.
27:11I'll take hers.
27:12He drank.
27:13Then he drank for me three more times.
27:16By the time we slid into his Rolls Royce, we were both lit.
27:20I glanced out the window.
27:21Sebastian was on the curb, watching us.
27:24Mouth curled in that ugly little smirk, like I was the punchline.
27:28I closed the curtain.
27:29Turned to Luca.
27:30Mr. Castellano, thank you.
27:32For tonight.
27:34For what you did with Sebastian.
27:37His voice came out low, soft around the edges.
27:42Nora, we're husband and wife.
27:45Stop thanking me.
27:46We're a paper husband and wife.
27:49You didn't have to.
27:50His arm lifted.
27:52Long fingers tilted my chin up.
27:54His thumb brushed slow against my jaw.
27:56Nora, what if I don't want a paper marriage anymore?
28:01That's me.
28:01He was too close.
28:03His face was carved out of something dangerous.
28:05Eyes blown black.
28:07Heat from his breath landed on my throat.
28:09He smelled like bourbon and that cedar cologne.
28:12And something underneath that was just him.
28:15The most controlled man in New York was looking at my mouth like he wanted it.
28:21Mr. Castellano, you've had too much.
28:28You're right, I'm sorry.
28:29I had too much.
28:30The rest of the ride was silence.
28:32A heavy, humming silence with my pulse loud in my ears.
28:41Leo saved me.
28:42He sprinted at the front door with his picture book.
28:46I scooped him up and ran upstairs before I had to look Luca in the face again.
28:53I tucked Leo in, then opened my laptop and started scrolling job boards.
28:57Sebastian was right about one thing.
28:59My Ivy League degree shouldn't be wasted by eating in a mansion playing house.
29:03I'd done that marriage already.
29:05Stayed home.
29:07Made myself small.
29:08The minute he didn't need me, he tossed me into the street with nothing.
29:12I'd be damned if I let that happen twice.
29:14While Leo needed me, I had a place here.
29:17The day he didn't, what was I?
29:19Though I'm not ready to go back to work yet, physically or mentally.
29:23But knowing the market, updating a resume, that couldn't hurt.
29:27Then my phone lit up.
29:29A text from Luca.
29:33The butler did the coffee.
29:35Always.
29:36And the first rule of this house was don't go to the third floor.
29:39I ground a fresh espresso anyway.
29:41Then I stood at the bottom of the staircase.
29:44Hesitated.
29:45Was this a test?
29:46Did the last applicant get launched out a window after being summoned upstairs?
29:50Was this revenge for the car?
29:52I called him.
29:55Mr. Castellana.
29:56Coffee's here.
29:57Come down for it.
29:59Bring it up.
30:00I hit the record button on my phone.
30:02Caught it.
30:03If he tried anything sketchy, I had proof.
30:08I climbed the stairs.
30:09Knocked.
30:11Come in.
30:12I pushed the door open.
30:14And forgot how to breathe.
30:17He'd just gotten out of the shower.
30:19Black silk robe, loosely tied at the waist.
30:22A drop slid from his jaw, down his throat, into the open robe.
30:27Bathhouse art.
30:28Renaissance painting.
30:30Holy hell.
30:31He took the coffee.
30:33His fingertips dragged across mine on purpose.
30:36That's scared of me.
30:38Nora, am I a monster?
30:42Nora.
30:46From now on, you can come into my room whenever you want.
30:49My face still burned.
30:51The rules of this house and the rules of my heart were both breaking.
30:55I woke up the next morning with a sore throat.
30:59Sneezing.
31:00Of course.
31:01Wet hair.
31:01Late night.
31:02Fancy dress.
31:03Too much champagne.
31:04I shuffled downstairs in sweats, expecting the empty great room.
31:08Lupa was on the couch.
31:10Black turtleneck.
31:11Wireframe glasses.
31:12The combination should be illegal.
31:15Morning.
31:16He set the paper down.
31:18You're sick.
31:20A little.
31:20The back of his hand landed on my forehead, calm, practiced, like he did it every morning.
31:26I went stiff as a board.
31:28Not bad.
31:29I'll grab some Therafex.
31:31You'll be fine.
31:31He guided me to the couch like I was made of glass.
31:34Walked to the kitchen.
31:35A six-foot-something Mafia Don, stirring a packet of cold medicine into a mug.
31:40Usually, a Don would poison the drink instead.
31:43I caught myself wondering what kind of woman Leo's mother had been to deserve a man like this.
31:57I drank the Theraflu and slunk back to bed.
32:00I didn't want to be in his way, so I just dozed off when an unknown number rang.
32:09Nora, it's me.
32:11Sebastian.
32:11I started to hang up.
32:13Don't.
32:13I'm parked outside the Castellani gate.
32:16Come out or I'll be at the front door, up to you.
32:18I did not want him at the door.
32:20I did not want my past laid out on Luca's marble entryway like roadkill.
32:24I...
32:25Sebastian intercepted me on the sidewalk.
32:28Nora, how long is this stunt going on for?
32:31Mrs. Crane working as a nanny?
32:34You don't feel humiliated, but I do.
32:37I'm not doing anything to you, Sebastian.
32:39Stop the act.
32:40You dressed up last night to make me jealous.
32:43Fine.
32:44I'll admit it.
32:45After you left, I missed you a little.
32:48Here's the deal.
32:49Apologize to my mom and my sister.
32:51We remarry.
32:52You can stop scrubbing floors for strangers.
32:56Sebastian.
32:58I didn't do anything wrong.
32:59What am I apologizing for?
33:02You still don't see the problem?
33:06You haven't been beaten down enough.
33:08I was about to fire back when a small, round cannonball blew past me.
33:11Leo.
33:12When he saw a strange man hassling me, he did not hesitate.
33:15My mom didn't do anything wrong.
33:17My mom is the best mom in the whole world.
33:20He glared up at him like a furious cherub.
33:23Protecting me.
33:24Something cracked open in my chest.
33:26I pulled him in tight.
33:28Sebastian.
33:28Kid, what did you just call her?
33:31Isn't she your nanny?
33:33You're a nanny.
33:34Your whole family is a nanny.
33:36Nora is my mom.
33:38My best mom.
33:39He pulled back, anxious.
33:41I nodded.
33:42My eyes were wet again.
33:44Nora.
33:45You'll be my mom, right?
33:47I'll be so good.
33:49I promise.
33:52Leo.
33:53I am your mom, sweetheart.
33:54He squeezed me tighter and refused to let go.
33:58Sebastian's face twisted into a slow, ugly smile.
34:01Oh, I see it now.
34:06You're putting a child up to it.
34:08You're playing the long game on Castelloni.
34:11He grabbed my arm.
34:12Listen, Castorano isn't a man you scam.
34:16He's known for ice in his veins.
34:18He finds out you're using his son to angle for him.
34:21He'll bury you in the East River.
34:22A warm hand landed on my waist.
34:25I hadn't heard him come outside.
34:27Luca.
34:28He pulled me into him.
34:30Kid.
34:31Mr. Crane.
34:33The last time we spoke, you insulted my wife.
34:35That's why I pulled the mandate.
34:37I was planning to tell the other firms on the street that this was personal.
34:41They could keep doing business with Crane of Papadal.
34:44After today, I don't think I need to.
34:46Castellano.
34:48What, you wife?
34:49Who's your wife?
34:50Mr. Crane.
34:53Are you really still confused?
34:54Or are you only capable of believing what you want to believe?
34:58Nora is my wife.
35:00The mother of my son.
35:03Send him off.
35:04Luca turned to the butler at the door.
35:06If anyone like this bothers Mrs. Castellini again, have my men throw him out.
35:10He took Leo with one arm, wrapped the other around me, walked us inside.
35:16The second the door closed, I peeled out of Luca's arm.
35:20Awkward as hell.
35:21I took Leo upstairs to my room.
35:24Leo.
35:25Where were you all morning?
35:28I didn't see you all day.
35:30Don't even ask.
35:31Dad sent me to preschool.
35:33What?
35:34You pre-score?
35:36He said he didn't want you working too hard.
35:41He said he needed alone time with you.
35:46Why does he need alone time with me?
35:48Dad said he had to make you fall in love with him.
35:51Otherwise, you might leave us.
35:54Leo was four sentences into his report when Luca appeared in the doorway.
35:58Leo.
35:59Downstairs.
36:00Dinner.
36:01Stop bothering your mother.
36:02My whole face hot.
36:04Mom, I'll be back to keep you company in a bit.
36:08He scampered out.
36:10Luca didn't leave.
36:11He walked in.
36:13Feeling better?
36:14I looked sideways.
36:16Mr. Castellano, thank you for what you did.
36:20Please don't ruin a business decision for me.
36:23I'm really not worth it.
36:26Not worth what?
36:29What you did out there.
36:32Nora.
36:32I told you.
36:34You're my wife.
36:35Protecting you is my job.
36:38But-
36:39Stop calling this a paper marriage.
36:41Nora.
36:43I want a real one.
36:45I had not expected him to swing this hard, this fast.
36:49My face went up in flames.
36:51I'll give you time.
36:52Take whatever you need.
36:54But right now, I want to collect just a little husband privilege.
36:58Before I could form a coherent thought, he leaned in.
37:01A long, warm hand cradled my cheek.
37:03Can I?
37:04I didn't say a word.
37:07I'll take this as consent.
37:08Then his lips crashed against mine.
37:11Hard and ruthless.
37:12His tongue swept into my mouth, stealing the air from my lungs.
37:16Right.
37:16This was how a mafia boss kissed.
37:19Cold.
37:20Merciless.
37:21Taking whatever he wanted.
37:22The kiss lasted so long, my mind went blank by the time he finally pulled away.
37:27He rubbed his thumb over my swollen lips.
37:29My little princess, that's enough for today.
37:37Next time, I won't let you off so easily.
37:41Leo got hauled to preschool again the next morning, under protest.
37:46My cold was almost gone.
37:47Luca asked if I wanted to see a movie.
37:49After everything that had happened, I thought about it.
37:52We were married on paper.
37:53If something real was going to grow there, that wasn't the worst outcome.
37:57He had a private media room on the third floor.
38:00It was my first time entering other room in third floor.
38:04Before that, he showed me his collection room.
38:06One entire wall was covered in cold weapons.
38:09Daggers, knives, blades of every kind.
38:12Honestly, it was breathtaking.
38:14I was still standing there staring at the wall when he stepped up behind me and fastened
38:19a necklace around my neck.
38:20Another snake.
38:22Exactly like the tattoo on his body.
38:24A little gift.
38:26Don't reject it.
38:28Then he took my hand and led me into the media room.
38:30He put on a French romance film.
38:32Slow, elegant kisses on the screen.
38:35Mixed with far less elegant sounds in the background.
38:38Luca leaned closer, his voice brushing against my ear.
38:43Nora.
38:44Yes?
38:45I closed my eyes, my fingers tightening around the snake pendant.
38:49Like a girl being offered up as a sacrifice.
38:53Leo.
38:54His body covered mine as his mouth came down on mine.
38:57Soft at first.
38:59Careful.
38:59One hand slid gently around my throat.
39:02Then the kiss deepened.
39:04Rougher.
39:04Heavier.
39:05The kind that stole every thought from my head.
39:08He pulled off the white tank top.
39:10And for the first time, I saw the snake tattoo stretched across his chest.
39:14One of the snake's eyes was a scar.
39:16I leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss against it.
39:20I felt his breathing stop for a second.
39:22Then he pushed me down onto bed.
39:24I could feel the hard heat of him against me.
39:27Soon, the room filled with ragged breathing.
39:30That night, I offered myself to a mafia boss.
39:33After all the hot, chaotic moans, he kept me tucked against my chest.
39:37He slid a glossy stack of brochures into my hand.
39:41Nora.
39:42Pick a wedding planner.
39:44I owe you a real wedding.
39:48You don't have to.
39:49The Don's wife should carry that honor forever.
39:52I want every person in this city to know Nora Bennett is my wife.
39:56And I'm her husband.
39:58I only regret I didn't put it all at your feet the night you walked through that door.
40:03I laughed into his shoulder.
40:06The night I walked through that door, we didn't even know each other.
40:10How were we supposed to?
40:12Nora.
40:13The night I saw you in that doorway, I already wanted you.
40:18His...
40:18Our wedding was bigger than anything New York had hosted in a decade.
40:22Old families.
40:23New money.
40:25Senators.
40:25A cardinal.
40:26The mayor.
40:27We were on the front page for three days running.
40:30I scolded Luca.
40:31The butler beamed.
40:32Mrs. Castellino.
40:34The Don has been quiet his entire life.
40:36This is the first time he's ever been loud.
40:39Indulge him this once.
40:40I let it go.
40:41The night of the wedding, a strange number called me.
40:44My brow furrowed.
40:45Luca's long arm reached over and killed the call.
40:49His fingers tightened on my waist.
40:51Mrs. Castellino, eyes on me.
40:54After, he was winding a strand of my hair around his finger.
40:57He cleared his throat.
40:58A little awkward.
41:00Nora.
41:01I want to tell you a secret.
41:03I made a small sleepy sound.
41:05Leo isn't my son.
41:07He's my sister's.
41:08He spoke quietly, in pieces.
41:10His parents had died when he was 13.
41:12He and his elder sister went through a dark period in this empire.
41:16Until one day, she married.
41:18Had Leo.
41:19But happiness suddenly ended.
41:21When she and her husband were killed in a shooting three years ago.
41:25Luca wiped out that whole family then.
41:27He put Leo on his own birth certificate.
41:30Quietly.
41:31So nobody could ever take him.
41:33I thought it would be Leo and me forever.
41:35Then you walked in.
41:36And nothing was the same.
41:39He kissed me again.
41:41A few months later, I walked out of the hospital alongside Leo.
41:45Mom.
41:46Dad said you weren't sick anymore.
41:48Why'd we go to the hospital?
41:50Because mom has a baby in her belly.
41:54Yes!
41:55I finally get a sister!
41:57What if it's a brother?
42:01If it's a brother, we throw him in the trash.
42:04If it's a sister, she plays with me.
42:06Out of the mouths of babes.
42:08I was laughing when a figure stepped in front of me.
42:10A man.
42:12Wild hair.
42:13Filthy coat.
42:14Hunched shoulders.
42:15I almost dug for a few bucks.
42:19Sebastian Crane.
42:21Nora?
42:22Leo planted himself in front of me on instinct.
42:25I pulled him to my side and squeezed his shoulder.
42:28Sebastian.
42:29What happened to you?
42:33Nora.
42:34Help me.
42:35You're the only one who can.
42:36A few.
42:37All of New York knows Castelloni loves you.
42:40He'll listen to you.
42:41Please.
42:41Then I remembered what Luca had mentioned weeks back.
42:44First, the Castellano family cut all ties with Crane Capital.
42:48Then the rest of New York followed.
42:50Nobody wanted to risk losing Castellano favor.
42:53Within weeks, Sebastian's company collapsed.
42:56His sister Cassandra, the person he trusted most, had been stealing client money for years.
43:01The moment everything fell apart, she fled to the south of France with her family.
43:05She left Sebastian alone to take the blame.
43:08Crane Capital went bankrupt overnight.
43:10Now Sebastian stood in front of me, sobbing, begging.
43:13I didn't feel anything for him.
43:16Sebastian.
43:17People are equal.
43:18Your fault.
43:19Your mess.
43:20You pay for it.
43:22No one can help you.
43:23Behind me, the lobby doors slid open.
43:25Luca had just finished with my OB.
43:27He walked toward us.
43:28Nora.
43:29Let's go home.
43:30We walked past Sebastian Crane like he wasn't there.
43:33Because he wasn't.
43:34Not in our life.
43:35Not anymore.