ssa

men who represented the opposing pillars of ou

rence. As the Don's right hand, Marco was the silent executioner to Alfonzo's judge-a man who moved with the quiet, predatory gra

sing a carcass. His gaze darted between me and the Don, clearly h

you have disciplined the girl. The Shields family is still demanding answers for what happ

like velvet wrapped around a razor blade. He leaned back in his throne, ste

believes you owe the Shields girl an apology. Per

e edge of the Don's desk with deliberate insolence. I coul

didn't realize Elizbeth was so buoyant. Next time, I'll be sure to send her a life jacket before she

hade of purple. "This is an outrage! She mock

vanished from his eyes. "And you are boring me. The girl has agreed to send a gift. The matter is

ed into the abyss of the Don's eyes. He realized, final

," Vario choked o

rco, ensure Vario finds his way ou

ghost of a smirk tug at the corner of his mouth. He ushered the defeated C

d. The cold, political theater dissolved, replaced by a

he whiskey glass from my hand, placing it on the desk before cupping my face in his rough palms. "Look at her. S

over us. "I didn't send her away to get fat. I sent her away to sharpen her claws. A

eyes fierce with protective love. "I raised

ng closer, his hand resting heavily on my shoulder, staking his claim. "You want to wrap h

over me like two wolves fighting over a prize kill. It was a tw

queezed Felton's calloused fingers and patted Alfonzo's arm. "There is enough of me to go

e tension breaking. "She has your tong

Gia has been pacing the East Wing for an hour waiting for you. If I d

eyes softened at the mention of his wife. "Go to G

o of the Don's office. I took a deep breath, adjusting my coat. I had survived the Don's judgment and the family

floor. I didn't know it yet, but the peace I sought was about to be shatte