"They're dead," I confirmed, keeping my voice steady, businesslike. "Father. Juarez. Both gone. You're free—Claire or Rhea, your choice now."
Tears streamed down Rhea's face as she stared at me like I'd handed her the moon. Something tightened in my chest as I watched her. My little sister was finally free from our father's shadow.
"And you?" she asked, eyes narrowing with that perceptive gaze she'd always had.
"Don Azzaro." The title felt odd on my tongue, uncomfortable. "With my queen handling the real power."
Her eyes darted between us, then widened dramatically. "Holy shit, you two did it? He’s dead."
“We did.” She looked back at me, and before I could say anything, she continued, “And he is making me his wife.”
Rhea's squeal hit a pitch that made me wince. "Fucking finally! Joel called this years ago, you know."
Elin barked out a laugh, flashing my mother's emerald, that ostentatious stone I'd insisted she take. "Your brother gets efficient when he wants something bad enough."
Chapter 49
Thenextmonthpassedin a blur of funeral arrangements, business meetings, and establishing my authority. My father's body was laid to rest with all the pomp and ceremony befitting a Don, though few genuine tears were shed. I stood stoic at the graveside, Elin's hand in mine, as the priest delivered final rites over the man who had tormented us both.
"Ashes to ashes," the priest intoned, making the sign of the cross.
"Dust to dust," I whispered, feeling nothing but relief as the first shovelful of dirt hit the casket.
A few weeks later, I walked through the newly renovated townhouse I'd purchased for Rhea, my security team having already swept the premises three times.
"This is ridiculous, Gav," Rhea said, rolling her eyes as I demonstrated the panic room hidden behind her closet. "I don't need all this."
"Humor me," I insisted, showing her how to activate the alarm system. “You are the Don’s sister. A target is still on your back,and I want you protected. If you ever need it, the new identity is locked away for you in the safe.”
She sighed but nodded, running her hand along the sleek countertop of her new kitchen. "It is beautiful. Thank you."
"You'll be safe here," I promised, pulling her into a hug. "When you are ready, you can decide what you want to do next. Stay or go—it's your choice now."
Her smile was tentative but genuine. "A choice. Freedom. What a concept."
Threedayslater,Isat in my newly renovated office at the compound, reviewing reports from our businesses. True to our word, Elin and I had begun the process of cleaning up the Azzaro operations, steering toward legitimate enterprises while maintaining just enough of the old ways to keep our power intact.
The door opened without a knock, and I looked up to see Elin entering, dressed in one of the sleek black outfit she wore for her professional clients. My body immediately responded to the sight of her in domme mode, even after hours of tedious meetings.
"Successful session?" I asked, setting aside my papers.
"Very." She closed the door behind her, the lock engaging with a definitive click. "My client was quite . . . responsive."
Jealousy flared briefly before I tamped it down. We'd agreed she would maintain her professional practice—her independence was part of what made her who she was.
"And now?" I asked, my voice dropping lower as she approached my desk.
"Now I find myself with some lingering energy to expend." She ran her fingertip along the edge of my desk. "And a Pretty Boy who's been working too hard."
I swallowed, heat pooling low in my belly. "I have reports to finish."
"They can wait." Her voice took on the commanding tone that never failed to make my cock stiffen. "Stand up."
I obeyed instantly, rising from my chair as she circled the desk. She looked me over with a critical eye, taking in my tense shoulders and the exhaustion I couldn't quite hide.
"Bedroom. Now." She turned and walked toward the door connecting my office to our private quarters, not looking back to see if I’d followed.
I did, of course. I always would.
