Bonus Chapter

Note: This chapter takes place after Vincenzo has sent Claire back to New York once he learns the entire truth.

Vincenzo

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She was safe—safer than she had ever been in Chicago before.

I had rented out the house across the street and stationed my men there to keep a watchful eye on her. They would keep their distance, she wouldn't even realize that they were there.

I was furious with her, consumed by an intense anger that threatened to engulf me. But despite my rage, I couldn't bring myself to abandon her. She was too self-destructive, too chaotic to be left to her own devices.

Part of me wanted to confront her, to unleash my fury and make her understand the gravity of her actions. But another part of me, a side that only belonged to her, couldn't bear to see her suffer alone.

In the end, my love for her won out. No matter how angry I was, no matter how much she lied to me, I couldn't abandon her. She was a part of me, and I would do whatever it took to keep her safe, even i