Chapter 62. I Was Waiting for You

It was well past midnight when they finally pulled into the safe house drive. The lights from the car cut across the gravel, catching the stillness of the night.

Dario mumbled a quick “See you in the morning” and disappeared down the corridor.

Ezio stayed a moment longer in the foyer, unbuttoning his coat, rolling his shoulders to shake off the cold and the weight of the city. The faint smell of whiskey and leather lingered on him.

He walked into the living space—dim, quiet, only a few lamps glowing warm in the corners.

Dante sat by the kitchen counter, nursing a mug of something strong.

And then Ezio saw her.

Margherita.

Still dressed, a soft blanket around her shoulders, a book forgotten in her lap. The moment their eyes met, she set it aside and stood.

Her voice came soft, relief breaking through it. “You’re back.”

Ezio blinked once, something tight in his chest easing. “Why are you still awake?”

She crossed the room, he