* * *
I stand to one side as Don Mazzone concludes the ceremony, officially confirming Massimo as Don Greco. The room breaks out into wild applause as Massimo shakes Ben’s hand, wearing a satisfied smile. I stride across the stage in the conference room of the building The Commission owns, heading toward my husband with pride swelling my chest. Massimo hauls me into his arms, dips me down low, and kisses me deeply. There is definitely a bit of a showman in my husband. Catcalls ring out around the room, and I’m grinning when we break apart.
“I’d like a word with both of you before the celebrations start,” Ben says. “Follow me.”
Our hands move as one, and our fingers thread together as we walk behind the president out into the hallway.
“We’ll talk in my office,” Ben says when we are in the elevator and it’s shooting toward the top level.
“Should we be worried?” Massimo’s tone is cool, and his expression is unruffled, but I can tell he’s on high alert, like we have been since everything went down with Vegas and the Russians. We aren’t fully out of the woods yet.
“Not at all,” Ben replies in an equally relaxed manner. “I have a few updates.” He glances at our conjoined hands. When he lifts his gaze, his face is set in a genuine smile. “I’m really glad everything worked out with the marriage. I had a feeling it might.” He emits a low chuckle. “My wife was convinced you two would fall in love. I should have known not to doubt her.”
“Sierra is a very smart woman, and I enjoy her company a lot,” I truthfully admit.
The elevator comes to a standstill, and the doors ping and slide open.
“She likes you too.” Ben gestures at us to exit first. “We would love it if you could join our three families for dinner this Sunday.”
Warmth blooms in my chest. I look up at Massimo, and he smiles, letting me know it’s my call. “We would like that very much. Thank you for the invitation.”
“It’s our pleasure.” Ben opens the door to his office, guiding us inside. “I would like to get to know you better, Massimo. Something tells me I could be looking at my future successor.”
Bennett’s instincts are super sharp. Without knowing anything, he can tell there is a lot more to Massimo than meets the eye.
“I won’t lie,” Massimo says, holding out a chair for me. “I want the presidency.”
Ben grins over his shoulder as he pours drinks. Bourbon for him and Massimo and whisky for me. Massimo sits beside me in front of the desk, immediately reclaiming my hand.
I think hand-holding is so underrated.
I get a distinct thrill every time my husband links his fingers in mine.
The feel of his strong warm palm nestling against mine always calms me, and I feel invincible walking side by side with a man who is my equal in every way.
Ben distributes the drinks before settling in his seat behind the desk. Behind him, the city pulsates with energy through the window as another eventful day draws to a close. “I doubt you’ll have much competition. Maltese is a stubborn bastard who won’t relinquish his seat till his deathbed.”
He won’t have a choice. When we play our cards, Fiero will force that misogynistic prick to retire, and he won’t be able to say no.
“Luca Accardi has just agreed to remain on the board for another four years, but he will definitely be stepping down then.”
Surprise registers on Massimo’s face. “I thought the twins were due to replace him at the end of this year?”
“There is a clause in the contract Gino Accardi constructed that allows Luca to defer their appointment until they are twenty-five if he deems they aren’t ready. I don’t mind admitting I approached Luca and asked him to stay on. Caleb and Joshua are not ready. They need more time.”
“I bet that went down well.” Massimo’s lips twitch.
“Like a lead balloon,” Ben deadpans, bringing his glass to his lips. He takes a slow sip while we drink our own drinks. “Twenty-one is far too young to be given all that responsibility. I’m looking out for my nephews as much as I’m safeguarding the Accardi business. Of course, neither of them sees it like that. I’m persona non grata right now. If you see them snubbing me and Leo on Sunday, you’ll know why.”
“They will thank you some day,” I suggest. “When they are older and wiser and realize you did it for the right reasons.”
“They are too busy partying to stay mad at you and Leo for long,” Massimo adds.
“We’ll see.” Ben levels me with a solemn look. “I thought you’d like to know Anton Smirnov was put on a plane back to Moscow this morning along with a group of twenty we identified who were in collusion with him.”
“That is great news. Thank you for letting me know.”
“I would keep your security tight for another few months to ensure the coast is clear,” Ben supplies. “But I believe the threat to both your lives has passed.”
