She shook her head with a laugh and selected an outfit from the wardrobe with practiced efficiency. Within minutes, she was in black slacks and a crimson blouse that made her look every inch the queen I’d claimed she was.
I moved to the drawer where I’d hidden it, careful not to make a sound, letting my fingers find the small box I’d stashed away for her. When I turned, Elin was watching me, her eyes already bright with anticipation. I walked back across the room, dropped to my knees in front of her, and drew in a breath.
“Elin,” I said, and my voice came steadier than I felt. “I want to ask you properly, regardless of the proposal in the tub, you naked against me. Your spirit is unmatched. We haven’t exactly done this the conventional way, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am yours, you are mine, and as always, I’m at your command, forever. I just have one thing to ask.” I opened the box, revealingthe emerald ring glinting inside. “Will you marry me, Elin Perkins?”
The smile that broke across her face was instant and bright enough to light the whole room. Tears shimmered along her lashes. “Yes, Gavriel. Yes, I will.”
I slid the ring onto her finger, and she looked at it for a second then at me. I kissed her, and I didn’t know if I’d ever felt that kind of happiness before. All of it was ahead of us—the future was right there, and I was ready for every moment.
"Ready?" she asked, checking her reflection in the mirror while she threw her hair up into a messy bun.
I opened the door to find Harley waiting with three of my most trusted lieutenants. Their faces were grim but determined.
"Status report," I ordered, falling into the role as naturally as breathing.
"Word's already spreading through the city," Harley said, falling into step beside us as we walked toward the main staircase. "Some of the old guard are questioning the succession. Tony Todisco’s been making noise about calling a meeting with Don Vispania."
"Let him," I said. "I'll deal with Todisco when the time comes."
"There's more," Harley continued. "Juarez's people are demanding answers. His lieutenant, Carlos Vega, is threatening retaliation."
Elin's hand found mine, squeezing once. "Another problem to solve."
We reached the main floor, where a dozen more men waited in the foyer. Some I recognized as loyal to me; others had served my father faithfully for years. The tension was palpable.
"Gentlemen," I announced, my voice carrying easily through the space. "As you know, Don Ezequiel Azzaro is dead. Don Miguel Juarez is dead. The circumstances were . . . unfortunate but necessary."
Murmurs rippled through the group. I held up a hand for silence.
"I am now head of this family. My word is law. Elin Azzaro’s words are law. Our decisions are final." I paused, letting that sink in. "Anyone who has a problem with this arrangement is free to leave. Now."
The silence stretched taut. Then, one by one, the men knelt before us, fists over their hearts. First Harley then the others, until only two remained standing.
"Vincent. Marco," I addressed them directly. "You have something to say?"
Vincent, a grizzled veteran who'd served my father for over twenty years, stepped forward. "With respect, Don Gavriel, succession isn't just about blood. It's about respect. About proving yourself worthy."
"And you don't think I'm worthy?" My voice remained calm, but Elin's presence beside me was a steadying force.
"I think you're young. Untested. And"—his eyes flicked to Elin—"influenced by outsiders."
The insult hung in the air like a loaded gun. I felt Elin tense beside me, but she remained silent, letting me handle this for now.
"Vincent," I said, taking a step closer. "You've served this family well. I respect that. But my wife is not an outsider. She's my equal. My partner. And if you can't accept that, then you're free to go."
He scoffed. "Wife? More like whore. You can't just declare—"
The crack of gunfire cut him off. Vincent crumpled to the floor, blood pooling beneath his head. Elin lowered her weapon, smoke still curling from the barrel.
"Anyone else have questions about my legitimacy?" she asked, her voice deadly calm.
Marco immediately dropped to his knees, head bowed. The message was clear.
I looked around the room, meeting each man's eyes in turn. "This is how it's going to be. You follow my orders. You follow my wife’s orders. You respect my wife and any other woman who stands in this house. You keep your mouths shut about family business. In return, you'll be rewarded for your loyalty."
The room fell silent again. I could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the acceptance of our new reality. It was going to be one hell of a fight, but worth it.
"Harley," I called, "arrange a meeting with Don Vispania. I need to make things official with him."
