“I thought you were here to punish me for speaking out ofturn.”
He chuckles at that. “I considered it.” He flashes me a rare smile, one full of unexpected warmth. “But you’ve been a leader for far longer than I’ve given you credit for. It’s time you were allowed to act like it.”
This is everything I’ve ever wanted. Ever since he dragged me into his world, I wanted to be the one in charge, the one calling the shots.
But now that it's mine, all I can think about isher.
“Who will take my position?”
He shrugs. “Up to you. But if you want a suggestion—go with the person you trust most.”
I know without any hesitation that I want Dante as my underboss—my right-hand man.
“When is this effective from?”
“Soon. We have a lot to discuss, things to sort out. But I know you’re ready.” He rises, moving around the desk to shake my hand and pull me into a hug. “It’s time.”
The club is packed with our men—most of them already drunk or not far off.
Papa dipped out early on while the rest stayed to enjoy their night. After taking down the Ivanov’s for good, this was needed. It’s not often we get nights like this, where everyone can relax and have fun.
Or, at least, everyone else is.
Me? I’m thinking about Izzy.
Thinking about how I want her standing at my side.
But she’s dancing with Noemi, barely acknowledging my existence. It makes my fists clench, and my jaw tighten.
Every bastard in here is looking at her, their greedy eyes drinking in her beauty. She’s breathtaking; short emerald-green dress against her tanned skin, blue eyes catching the low lighting,toned legs leading down to dangerously high stilettos.
My dick throbs at the sight of her hips swaying to the beat, her arms up in the air, head tossed back. That fucking smile on her face undoes me. She looks so happy, so carefree.
It’s a far cry from the terrified girl she was just a few short weeks ago. She still has nightmares—she often wakes up screaming. But I can see in the way she holds herself that she’s healing. She’s no longer scared of crowds and strange men.
So fucking strong.
“You’re staring.” Gio. Of course he turned up even though this is a private event. Not that I mind. I’m finding his presence more tolerable lately.
“Can you blame me?” I murmur.
He smirks at me. “Are you going to do anything about it?”
“Nope.” I pop the ‘p’.
“Stupido.”
I go to retort but my words die as I note one of the rookies coming a little too close to Izzy. He leans in to talk to her.
Her shoulders tense, body stiffening.
I see red.
I’m over there in just a few strides, pulling him off her—and not gently.
“So much as look at her again and I’ll pluck your eyes out,” I hiss, my voice lethally low.
He squeaks, face flaming red.
