Massive, but not fatal. Better than war.
"And," Caruso added, looking at Viktor, "this matter is settled. No further challenges to the marriage's legitimacy. What's done is done."
Viktor's jaw clenched. He'd been outmaneuvered.
"Does everyone agree?" Caruso looked around.
Nods. Some reluctant, some satisfied. But consensus.
"Then it's settled. Cesare, you have two weeks to arrange the transfer."
The tension broke. But it was different now. Cesare's power had been publicly diminished. The families smelled blood.
"We should leave," Piero murmured. "Before anyone changes their mind."
Cesare nodded, took my hand. "Let's go home."
Viktor blocked our path one last time. "Congratulations, Cesare. You survived. Barely."
"I'm still standing."
"For now. But you're wounded. Weakened. And in our world, the weak don't last long." He looked at me. "And you, Mrs. Monti. You chose poorly. I hope your loyalty brings you comfort in the difficult times ahead."
Then he was gone.
Cesare's hand tightened on mine. "Ignore him."
"Hard to ignore someone who wants us dead."
"He's wanted me dead for years. This doesn't change anything."
But we both knew it did.
Everything had changed.
In the limo, finally alone, the adrenaline crashed. I started shaking—delayed shock.
Cesare pulled me against him, arms wrapped tight. "You're safe. We're safe."
"Are we? Viktor said—"
"Viktor says a lot of things. Most of them are lies."
I burrowed into his chest. "I almost ran. Viktor caught me at the door, tried to get me to leave you."
Cesare went very still. "What did he offer you?"
"Safety. Money. A new life. All I had to do was publicly denounce you."
"Why didn't you take it?"
I pulled back to look at him. "Because you're mine. And I protect what's mine. Always."
His own words, given back to him. Something fierce and possessive flashed in his eyes. "Paola—"
I kissed him. Hard. Desperate. Claiming.
When we broke apart, both breathing heavy, I said: "We're in this together. Remember? No matter what happens. Together."
