"This one time. But we do this together. I need to know what happens."
Relief washes over his face, and he pulls me against him. His lips find mine with fierce possession, stealing my breath and my doubts in equal measure. I melt into him, letting the kiss seal our pact.
This is now my new reality. This impossible balance between worlds. Between justice and power. Between law and love.
But I know that together, we'll find our way.
DOM
I hit the call button on my phone. "Need cleanup. Two bodies. One's dirty, Blackwood from the Feds." I keep my voice steady, clinical. No details needed.
My men know what to do.
Olivia watches me, her face a mix of conflict and resignation. The gun that took down Blackwood is now secured in my jacket. Evidence that will never see a courtroom.
"It's done," I tell her, guiding her toward my car. "Let's go."
The drive to my house is quiet. I can feel her processing everything. The federal agent she killed, the criminal she's chosen to love.
I want to reach for her hand but give her space instead.
When we arrive, I lead her through my home, to the kitchen where I make her a cup of tea.
When she’s sitting at the table, I say, "I need to call a meeting with La Corona."
Her eyebrows raise. "Because of us?"
"Because of everything. Blackwood, the baby..." I move closer to her. "You. I have a duty to them. I need to present you to them."
"And if they don't approve?" There's a challenge in her voice, a readiness to fight.
"They will." I sound more confident than I feel.
La Corona has survived for generations because of rules, traditions.
An FBI agent carrying the child of a Don isn't in the playbook.
I cup her face in my hands. "But it doesn't matter what they say. I've made my choice."
She searches my eyes. "You'd choose me over La Corona?"
"I'd prefer not to make that choice." I kiss her forehead. "But yes, if it comes to that."
I've never put anything above La Corona. But Olivia and our child, they're my family now too.
"When will you tell them?" she asks.
"Tonight."
I don't tell her that I'm worried. Instead, I hold her close and let myself believe that for once, I can have everything I want.
"I need to call Elena first," I tell her, scrolling through my contacts.
My cousin has always been my confidante, the one person who might understand this impossible situation.
Didn’t she say she’d support me if I loved Olivia?
Elena answers on the second ring. "Dom? Everything okay?"
