Finally, my body forces me to move, stiff muscles screaming as I slide off the bed. I kiss Mom's forehead one last time, already too cold and already not her, and stumble toward the door.
Dante's there, leaning against the wall opposite her room with his arms crossed and his face carved from stone.
When he sees me, something cracks in his expression.
I take two steps and my legs give out.
He catches me before I hit the floor, pulls me against his chest with his arms wrapping me so tight I can barely breathe.
"She's gone," I sob into his shirt. "She's gone and I'm alone?—"
"No." His voice is rough. "You're not alone. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."
I break completely, shatter in his arms while he holds me together. He doesn't tell me it'll be okay, doesn't offer empty words—just holds me while I scream into his chest, while I soak his new shirt with tears and grief so raw it feels like dying.
When I finally quiet, he scoops me up and carries me like I weigh nothing.
"Let's go home," he murmurs against my hair.
Home.
Such a simple word.
But when he says it—with me in his arms and his heart beating steady against my ear—it sounds like a promise.
Like maybe I'm not as alone as I thought.
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
Dante
Three weeks later
The Plaza ballroom glitters like old money and new power combined, all crystal chandeliers and designer gowns, men in tuxedos who control half the East Coast between handshakes and bourbon. This is my world—the one I rebuilt from the ashes of my father's scandal.
And tonight, I'm rewriting the rules.
Bianca stands beside me in, her hair swept up with the gold cross at her throat catching the light. She's been quieter since Elena's funeral almost three weeks ago, hollow in a way that makes my chest ache. But tonight, she showed up, put on the dress, stood beside me.
That's enough.
"Dante." Matteo appears at my elbow with Alessia on his arm. "Hell of a turnout."
"Everyone loves a charity gala," I say, scanning the room. "Especially when they can write it off."
Alessia rolls her eyes. "You're such a cynic."
"I'm realistic." I gesture to the crowd. "Half these people wouldn't piss on me if I was on fire. But they'll donate tonight because not donating would look worse."
"And you'll take their money anyway," Matteo says with approval.
"Every cent."
Rafe and Luca join us with drinks in hand, Enzo trailing behind looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Before anyone can say more, the event coordinator signals me. Time for the speech.
I give Bianca a kiss on the forehead and leave her with Alessia and head to the stage. The microphone is already live and the crowd quiets as I step up.
