The ruling families of the city. The Morettis. The Grecos. The Calabrese. The Volcovs.
One evening of polished suits and public civility. Handshakes, cameras, hollow smiles.
A performance. Because beneath it all, every one of them is searching for a way inside my kingdom.
"That sounds terrifying."
"Don't worry. Any man crazy enough to challenge my queen is making a death wish." He presses a kiss to my forehead. "But to be safe, stay by my side the entire night. Don't accept drinks from anyone but me. And if anyone makes you uncomfortable, tell me immediately. Understood?"
I nod, though my stomach is churning.
He tells me about the different tattoos each of the families have and other ways to identify them at the event and in the future.
My phone buzzes. I glance at the message, holding it away from Salvatore's eyes.
Lindsay: We need to talk. Today. It's important.
My stomach drops. Lindsay's been unusually quiet since I told her about the engagement. Her silence has been more unsettling than her usual barrage of texts.
Me: What's going on?
Lindsay: Not over text. Coffee? Our usual spot? 2 PM?
Me: I'll try.
Lindsay: Don't try. Do. This is serious, Val.
My body tenses and he notices.
"What's wrong?"
"Lindsay wants to meet for lunch."
His jaw tightens slightly. "When?"
"Two."
He's quiet for a moment, and I think he's going to say no. To my surprise, he doesn't.
“I’ll have Nico take you.”
“Or…” I tilt my head, a hint of challenge in my voice. “I could take my new car for a spin. What’s the point of giving me a car I can’t use?”
He studies me for a beat, weighing it.
“Fine. You can drive.” His tone shifts, firm, controlled. “But Nico will have eyes on you.”
“Okay.”
“But, I need to tell you something." He kisses my neck from behind me, tracing circles on my arm. "Your friend has been investigating this family for years. Ever since she saw us together, she's amped up her efforts. She's building a RICO case, Valentina. Against the family. Against me."
"What?" I sit up, turning to face him.
"I'm telling you this because I don't want you blindsided. Not by her. Not by anyone." His expression is gentle but serious. "She's going to ask you to leave me. To testify, probably. You need to be prepared for that conversation."
My mind races. Lindsay and her father have had their eyes on this family for years, but it's never produced anything.
"Does she… does she have anything?"
