“Thank you, Ariana.” I watch her go, noting the rigid set of her shoulders. The way she doesn’t look back even once.
Rafiel stares past us until she’s out of sight.
“Everything okay?” I ask carefully.
“Fine. Just a disagreement about a horse sale. Nothing important.”
“We have news,” Vincenzo says. “About the guns.”
Rafiel’s expression sharpens. “You got them back?”
“No.” Vincenzo’s jaw clenches. “Dashamir Dervishi decided that allowing us to live was payment enough. The guns are gone.”
“Fuck.” Rafiel leans back against the wall, his frustration evident. “I needed those. The Lucanias needed those.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
For a long moment, Rafiel just looks at us. Then he sighs. “I’ve crossed paths with Dashamir once or twice, and he’s a cold fucking bastard. I’m sure you did what you could.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I heard what happened at the wedding. Your father, Mrs. Vici.”
“Call me Adora, please. Yes, he’s dead,” I finish quietly.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I killed him myself. He had it coming a long time.”
If that surprises him, he doesn’t show it.
“Then good riddance to him.” He pushes off the wall, some of his natural good humor returning. “Look, the guns are gone. It’s a setback, but we’ll manage. The Lucanias always do. We’re used to hardship.”
“I appreciate that,” Vincenzo says.
“Just…” Rafiel’s expression turns serious. “Watch yourselves, okay? The troubles between the Italians and Albanians aren’t over. Not by a long shot.”
“We’ll be careful,” I promise. “You as well.”
“Always.” Rafiel’s smile returns, warm and genuine. “Now get out of here. Go enjoy your honeymoon or whatever newlyweds do. You’ve both earned some peace.”
As we walk back to the car, I glance at Vincenzo. “He’s nice.”
“He is.” Vincenzo opens my door for me. “And he’s right. We have earned some peace. How about I take my woman out on the town tonight?”
My heart lightens. I’ve been running on survival mode for so many years that I’ve forgotten that people do things for fun. “Really? Just like that?”
“Just like that.” He kisses me before I can slide into the passenger seat. “We fought for this, doe. We bled for this. We killed for this. Now we get to enjoy it.”
I kiss him back, tasting the promise on his lips.
“Then let’s go out and show everyone who we are.”
EPILOGUE
Adora
The Montoni casino is exactly as I remember it, all gold and crystal and velvet, designed to make people feel wealthy, even as they lose their money. The difference is that now, when I walk through the doors on Vincenzo’s arm, I’m not Agnello’s daughter dragged in against her will to be ignored.
I’m Adora Vici, and I’m here because I want to be.
“You’re stunning tonight,” Vincenzo murmurs as we make our way through the crowd, his hand warm on the small of my back. “Have I told you that yet?”
