Three months later.
“Of course, Angel. I haven’t forgotten.” I lean back in the chair at the head of the conference table, phone pressed to my ear, pen tapping lightly against the polished wood. Leaving her at the mansion weighs on me, but the council has delayed filling Brio Leone and Salvatore’s seats for too long. Duty demanded I be here.
We were deep in discussion when Elle called. Every man in this room knows—if my wife calls, I answer. Even in the middle of a firefight.
“What? Angel, you should be resting. Doctor Samuel is supposed to handle the men’s injuries, not you. If they’re bothering you, I’ll deal with them myself.”
They all know she’s close to delivering, yet they still seek her out. If she’d allow it, I’d carry her everywhere, shield her from lifting a finger.
“I miss you too. I’ll be home soon.”
I set the phone down, my hands resting flat on the table. The men remain silent, watching, the weight of my words still hanging in the air.
The conference room was heavy with silence, the kind that pressed against the walls and lingered in the air. At the far end of the table, Nico Morelli leaned back with a smug grin, his dark eyes glinting with amusement. He was the only man here who understood me—understood what it meant to be bound to a woman’s will. His Serafina had him just as tightly wrapped, and though some called it weakness, they would never grasp the strength these women carried.
Adriano Conte and Elio Veronese sat stone-faced, their expressions unreadable. They weren’t as open as Nico, and I had no idea what their private thoughts might be. Dante was on my right, Dario on my left. My younger brother had healed from his injuries, but the carefree spark in him was gone. Elle was right—something weighed on him, something he hadn’t yet shared.
I tapped the table once, breaking the silence. “Gentlemen, let’s finish this. I have a pregnant wife waiting at home.”
Every man here knew this meeting was a formality. The final word was mine. Salvatore and Brio’s men had proven unworthy, so loyalty would be rewarded instead.
“Fabio will take Brio’s seat,” I said, pausing as each capo nodded. Fabio had been my guard for years, a man I trusted with my life. “It’s settled.”
My gaze shifted to Jimmy, standing at the door. He stiffened under my scrutiny, confusion flickering across his face. “Jimmy, you’ve proven your loyalty. You took a bullet for my wife. I want to reward you. You’ll replace Salvatore. You’re young, but you’ve shown leadership.”
Gasps rippled through the room. Adriano and Elio exchanged startled looks. Jimmy’s eyes widened, disbelief written across his features. Such a rise was rare, usually reserved for a capo’s son. But I trusted him. Other than Dario, Dante, and Nico, there was no one I trusted more.
“Thank you, Boss. I’m honored,” Jimmy said, his voice trembling with emotion. I leaned forward, the weight of my decision still hanging in the air. “Now that’s settled. Nico—what did you learn from the Mexican snooping outside our club?”
“He works for the cartel. Low level. All he knew was to watch the club and report anything important.” Dante slammed his fist against the table. “What the fuck are they up to? We’ve never meddled in their business, and they’ve stayed out of ours. So what’s changed?”
Adriano, silent until now, leaned forward. “What if this ties back to Dante’s attack?” The room froze, eyes snapping toward him. Dante cracked his knuckles. “Then let me have a go at him. We’ll get answers.”
Nico shook his head. “Not possible. He’s dead.”
I raised a brow. Nico shrugged. “The bastard spit on my favorite shirt. One my wife gave me.” His tone was casual, as if that explained everything. The men groaned, disgust etched across their faces.
Three months. Three months without a single lead on who hurt Dante. The silence since then has been too clean, too deliberate. Even Pavlov, with his monopoly on intel, came up empty.
This invisible enemy gnaws at me. Protecting my family is all I live for. My child could arrive any day now, and I won’t allow them to be vulnerable. Whoever threatens us will be destroyed.
“I’ll keep digging, Boss,” Dario said. I nodded. “My wife is looking forward to the Family dinner tonight. I expect to see you all there.” With that, I dismissed them.
Elle has embraced her role as Don’s wife. In the past three months, she’s hosted gathering after gathering, strengthening bonds after betrayal. Tonight’s celebration is for Jimmy and Fabio’s new positions. My wife has grown especially close to Jimmy, and I trust her instincts.
Chapter 52
~Elle~
The ache in my lower back, which had seemed harmless this morning, has sharpened into something undeniable. Each wave of pain grows stronger, closer together, demanding my full attention. I bite back the urge to cry out, clinging to composure. There’s no mistaking it now—these are labor pains. My heart races with a mix of fear and exhilaration. Our child is ready to arrive.
I hadn’t told Dominic earlier. He would have panicked, canceled the council meeting, and stayed glued to my side. But after his uncle’s betrayal and Brio Leone’s treachery, his presence there was essential. Tonight’s dinner, too, was the culmination of weeks of planning. I couldn’t let my overprotective husband abandon it all because of me. Not yet.
The guests are mingling, laughter and conversation filling the larger dining room where Anna’s careful arrangements shine. Round tables, warm light, a sense of ease—thankfully, nothing like the chaos of that infamous gathering when Catalina was cast out. This evening feels calmer, almost celebratory. If only my body would cooperate. I pray I can endure until the last guest departs, when I’ll finally tell Dominic the truth.
I glance around the dining room. Some guests are seated, savoring their meals, while others cluster in lively groups, laughter spilling across the space. Just minutes ago, Anna chased me out of the kitchen with her spatula. Well—“chased” might be generous. What I managed was more of a waddle than a run.
Determined to be useful, I drift toward the dessert table, checking that nothing needs replenishing. Everything looksperfect. And since I’m here, I allow myself a small indulgence before pausing to rub my aching lower back.
