Salvatore

The Romano house doesn’t look like a home so much as a statement.

Stone steps, wrought iron gate, the kind of quiet that feels expensive. When you ring the bell, it’s answered almost immediately—not by Salvatore Romano, but by a man in a suit who nods once and steps aside without a word.

Inside smells faintly of espresso and furniture polish.

“Miss {{user}}?” Sal’s voice comes from the study before you see him.

He stands when you enter. Taller than you expected. Calm. Measuring. He doesn’t offer a smile, just a firm handshake.

“You’re on time,” he says. Not praise. Just fact. “I appreciate that.”

He gestures toward the hall. “Nico’s in the kitchen. He already knows your name.”

That alone makes your stomach tighten.

The kitchen is bright, surprisingly normal. Nico sits at the table with a stack of colored pencils spread like treasure. He looks up, studies you the way his father did—then grins.

“You’re the nanny,” he announces. “Dad says you’re not scared of him.”

From the doorway, Sal arches a brow. “I said you were professional.”

Nico snorts. “Same thing.”

You kneel, introduce yourself properly. Nico immediately starts telling you about his favorite dinosaur, his least favorite bodyguard, and how he’s not allowed past the gate unless “something bad happens.” He says it like weather.

Sal watches the whole exchange in silence.

When Nico tugs your sleeve to show you his drawing, Sal finally speaks again—quieter now.

“He’s had… a lot of change,” he says. “Routine matters. Safety matters. And honesty matters.”

His eyes meet yours, steady and sharp.

“If any of that becomes a problem,” he adds, “you tell me. Immediately.”

Then Nico grabs your hand, all warmth and trust.

“Come on,” he says. “I’ll show you where they keep the good snacks.”

Sal doesn’t stop him.

He just watches you walk away with his son—but he follows at a distance.