LOGINThe grand ballroom of Blackthorn Estate was packed with over two hundred people.Bright light flooded the massive space, reflecting off the polished marble floors and gold-leaf pillars.It was the night of the final unification feast, celebrating the absolute dominance of our syndicate.I stood on the raised VIP mezzanine, my fingers loosely wrapping around a crystal glass of champagne.My dark emerald gown was tailored perfectly, the silk fabric sweeping against the stone steps.Beside the double oak doors of the mezzanine, Dante Ricci stood in rigid silence.His black suit was pristine, his silver-tipped cane resting against his leg as his grey eyes scanned the crowd below."The security sweep is complete, Mrs. Falcone," Dante reported, his voice low and clinical."Every underboss has been disarmed, and the perimeter is guarded by three circles of shooters.""Are the national Dons seated?" I asked, taking a slow sip of my drink."They are," Dante replied, offering a deep, respectful
The warm spring wind brushed against my face as I stood on the stone balcony.I held a crystal glass of champagne, watching the sun set over the green gardens of Blackthorn Estate.Six months had passed since the night we threw Salvatore to the New York docks.Down on the grass, a thick white blanket was spread under the shade of a massive oak tree.Nine-month-old Enzo and Arthur were crawling in the soft sunlight, their laughter echoing through the quiet courtyard.Elena Marchetti sat in a wicker chair nearby, her grey eyes warm and watchful as she folded baby clothes."You're not drinking," a smooth, quiet voice murmured from behind me.Rocco stepped out onto the stone patio, his black shirt open at the collar, his sleeves rolled up.His signature sandalwood scent immediately wrapped around me, warm and incredibly familiar."I am just watching them, Rocco," I said, offering him a small smile.Rocco slid his arms around my waist from behind, pulling my back flush against his solid ch
Three months had passed since the national Dons signed the dual-paternity registry.The brutal, cold winter had finally settled over the estate, frosting the high glass windows of the master wing.Outside, the perimeter guards paced in the snow, their heavy boots crunching against the ice.Inside, the nursery was warm, smelling of baby powder, lavender, and woodsmoke from the stone fireplace.I sat in the plush velvet armchair, my legs crossed beneath a heavy wool blanket.My green eyes tracked the movement of the twin brothers across the room.Roman stood by the mahogany crib, his silver vest unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows.He held three-month-old Enzo in his massive, scarred arms, his heavy gold Rolex catching the firelight.Enzo was completely silent, his dark, quiet eyes staring up at Roman's jaw with a strange intensity."He is looking at the logistics report on the tablet again," Roman murmured, his voice a low, gravelly rumble."He is three months old, Roman,"
A line of six black, armored town cars stretched down the long driveway of Blackthorn Estate.The rain had finally stopped, leaving the morning gravel wet and sparkling under the pale sun.Outside the grand conference wing, three circles of heavily armed guards stood in rigid silence.Inside, the air in the boardroom was cold and smelled of ozone, fresh wax, and expensive cigars.I stood in the adjacent anteroom, my hands resting flat against the dark fabric of my tailored velvet gown."Are you ready, little bird?" Rocco asked, stepping close to my side.He wore his clean black shirt, the top buttons loose, his combat knives secured beneath his dark jacket.His grey eyes were soft, but his posture was completely coiled for violence."I have been ready since the day your father bought my contract," I replied, my voice steady and cold.Roman walked over from the window, his massive frame blocking the natural light.His silver suit was pristine, his silver vest fully buttoned, and his he
The morning sun broke through the heavy drapes, lighting the master bedroom floor.My lower abdomen still burned with a dull, persistent ache, but I refused to show any weakness.I sat upright in the center of the massive king bed, my hands resting flat against the silk sheets.Beside the mattress, the double bassinet was completely still.Enzo and Arthur were sleeping soundly, their tiny chests rising and falling in perfect synchronization.Roman stood by the mahogany dresser, his white shirt clean, his silver vest fully buttoned.He was tracing his thumb over his heavy gold Rolex, his gunmetal eyes fixed on the babies.On the other side of the room, Rocco leaned against the stone fireplace.His black shirt was open at the collar, his smooth face calm but alert as his grey eyes tracked my movements.The silence in the room was heavy, still charged with the violent adrenaline of last night's battle."You need to eat," Roman said, his gravelly voice cutting through the quiet."I am not
The heavy oak door of the master suite slammed against the wall.Roman and Rocco stepped into the room, their chests heaving in unison.The white silk of Roman’s shirt was shredded, the fabric soaked through with dark, wet blood.Rocco’s black tactical gear was covered in grey concrete dust and copper-scented spray.I stood by the window, my fingers digging into the velvet drapes."Is it done?" I asked, my voice a jagged whisper.Roman didn't answer immediately.He reached back and locked the door with a sharp, heavy click."The courtyard is a graveyard," Roman rasped, his gunmetal eyes burning with a wild, lingering heat.Rocco wiped a smear of blood from his jaw with the back of his hand."The mercenaries are dead, Cora," Rocco said, his voice dropping to a low, predatory rumble."Salvatore is currently being driven to the docks in a cage," he added.I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.My knees felt weak, the adrenaline finally crashing out of my system.Roman walked tow
I stood in front of the master bathroom mirror, staring at my pale reflection. I turned on the cold water tap and splashed it over my face.Dark red bruises mottled the sensitive skin of my neck, glaring physical evidence of last night's transaction.I opened the heavy mahogany drawer and took out
The grandfather clock in the downstairs hallway chimed exactly eleven times.I lay completely frozen in the center of the massive king-sized bed. The master bedroom was pitch black, save for a single sliver of cold moonlight cutting across the Persian rug.I watched the heavy brass handle of my bed
I stood outside the heavy oak door of Roman’s study.A sliver of warm amber light bled through the gap at the bottom.I had been summoned here like a disobedient servant called before the master of the house.I smoothed down the silk of my dress, forcing my spine completely straight. I refused to l
My heels clicked sharply against the white marble stairs.The grand spiral staircase was framed by cold, black iron railings. I began my tactical mapping of the estate as I descended into the foyer.I counted three Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras mounted in the ceiling corners. Their dark lenses rotated sile







