I put the final touches on my makeup before slipping into a pair of red-soled heels. The dress is one of Skye’s designs createdespecially for me. Today’s an important day after all—potentially one of the most important of my life.
Grabbing my bag, I stroll into the kitchen. Maximo leans against the counter, looking every inch of delicious in his tailored Armani suit. He’s more relaxed these days, having forgiven himself for what happened. That took a while, but I’m glad he’s no longer spending his waking hours beating himself up over it.
We’re all alive. We came out of it much stronger. Together.
Julianna whistles from her spot on the couch. “Damn. You look amazing.”
I grin. “I’m trying to look my absolute best today.”
Her eyes grow round with excitement. “I know. If you manage to pull this off… you’re making history today.”
Nerves jitter beneath my skin. I really don’t need the reminder that this isn’t yet a done deal. I’m anxious enough as it is.
“The first woman to hold the role of underboss,” Julianna says in awe.
“We don’t know that yet.” I’m trying not to get my hopes up.
When Maximo suggested the idea, I thought he was joking. Then he insisted, and I believed he lost his mind.Me?His underboss? Not in a million years. Until I got to thinking about it.
I’ve had a lot of time to think lately and the idea grew on me. I was born into this mafia world as a pawn. But why couldn’t I rise up to be a queen?
I’ve killed a man—which means I’m a made woman, no different than the men who have blood on their hands. As a don’s wife, I’m privy to a lot more information than most. Maximo doesn’t keep anything hidden from me and he values my opinion. We’re a good team.
Why shouldn’t I step into the role that I deserve, just because I’m a woman?
Today we’re putting that question to the other dons. They will vote. What makes me most nervous is I need a unanimous vote in my favor for the new law to be written.
“You’re gonna kill it.” Julianna waves us a goodbye, then goes back to the TV show she’s watching.
Maximo slides closer, pressing his mouth next to my ear. “Youaregoing to kill it,cara mia.”
Closing my eyes, I let his faith ground me. With a nod, I’m ready. “Let’s go.”
We enter the private dining room atSpadesrestaurant. Dons Casella, Rizzo, and Valente are already here, seated around a large table. Maximo and I join them. A server fills our wine glasses before he’s dismissed. A hush blankets the space.
I resist the urge to down the alcohol to soothe my nerves. Instead, folding my hands in my lap. Back straight, head held high, I meet the gazes of these powerful men.
Maximo starts things off. “I’ve brought the question before this council. We may now discuss before voting.”
While I’m a don’s wife, I’m not an initiated member. I’m not one of them. Most wives live their existence in luxury, far away from the crueler side of this world. They don’t get wrapped up in their husband’s work. Their role is to fulfill the duties of a wife and eventually a mother.
I want more than that. My place is at Maximo’s side. I hope we can convince these men to agree.
Don Rizzo says, “We have discussed this issue among ourselves. We know your stance on it, Don Pontrelli.”
I hang on his every word. They’ve already come to a conclusion, haven’t they?
Casella and Valente exchange a loaded glance. Casella speaks, “This proposal is most unorthodox. But I will admit that times have changed. Lazaro, may he burn in hell, broke every single one of our rules. We haven’t seen this level of conspiracy in a very long time. Those we can trust has dwindled.”
Valente bobs his head. “We must keep those we can trust closer to us. Do you trust your wife, Don Pontrelli?”
Maximo doesn’t even hesitate. “Absolutely. With my life.”
My chest warms at his admission.
“Dark times are ahead,” Rizzo says. “Trust is very valuable. I say we vote. Those in favor of initiating Elena Pontrelli intola famiglia, raise your right hand.”
My heart stops. Time seems to be stuck as I wait for their vote.
