Chapter 11 - The Black Velvet BoxPeace in the underworld is never a permanent state; it is merely a ceasefire while the devil reloads.
Six months had passed since the night the Chicago Outfit burned to the ground. Six months since I traded my maid’s apron for the throne of the Russo empire. Victor and I had forged a new reign over the city—one built on absolute loyalty, terrifying power, and a love so fierce it bordered on madness. Tommy was thriving, his body accepting the new kidney transplant perfectly.
Everything was perfect.
Until the morning of our wedding.
I was standing in the master suite, staring at my reflection in the floor-to-ceiling mirror. My dress was a masterpiece of white silk and French lace, hiding the custom thigh-holster strapped securely to my leg.
Victor walked in, looking like a dark god in his bespoke black tuxedo. He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, pressing a kiss to my bare shoulder.
"The entire city is holding its breath for you, Mrs. Russo," he murmured, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble.
Before I could answer, the heavy oak doors knocked frantically. Victor’s most trusted enforcer, Luca, stepped in, his face completely drained of blood. He was holding a small, black velvet jewelry box.
"Boss," Luca stammered, refusing to look at me. "This... this was left on the altar. Perimeter security didn't see anyone. It just appeared."
Victor’s demeanor instantly shifted from a warm lover to a cold-blooded killer. He snatched the box from Luca’s hands and flipped the lid open.
I gasped, pressing my hand over my mouth.
It wasn't a ring inside. It was a severed human finger, perfectly preserved, wearing a heavy, antique gold signet ring engraved with the Russo family crest—a crest I thought only Victor possessed.
Victor stared at the box, his jaw clenching so hard I thought his teeth would shatter. The color drained from his face, replaced by a ghost I had never seen before: sheer, unadulterated dread.
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"Victor?" I whispered, my heart hammering against my ribs. "Whose ring is that?"
"It belongs to a ghost," Victor said, his voice dropping to a terrifying, hollow whisper. He slammed the box shut. "Lock down the tower. Evacuate the cathedral. My brother, Dante, is alive. And he’s come to take back his crown."
