Chapter 16 - An Unholy AllianceThe kiss caught Rico completely off guard. For a split second, the cold, ruthless capo of the underworld froze, before his arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. It was a collision of two broken souls finding shelter in the middle of a warzone.
When they finally broke apart, Clara looked away, a faint flush dusting her cheeks. "Don't get used to that. It was a thank-you kiss, nothing more."
Rico smirked, a genuine, dark amusement dancing in his eyes. "Of course. Naturally."
"We have a bigger problem," Clara said, regaining her composure quickly. "Salvatore mentioned the syndicate has politicians and judges in their pocket. If they have my name flagged, staying hidden inside this mansion won't work forever. They'll come with a warrant, not just guns."
"Let them try," Rico said, walking back toward the stairs. "The NYPD is mine. The federal judges in this district owe me favors dating back a decade. But you're right about one thing—we can't play defense forever."
"What’s your plan?" Clara asked, following him up to the grand foyer.
"We go on the offensive," Rico said, turning around to face her. "Tomorrow night, the annual Brooklyn Syndicate Gala is being held at the Plaza Hotel. Every major crime family boss, corrupt politician, and syndicate leader will be under one roof."
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Clara’s eyes widened. "You want to walk right into their lion's den?"
"I want to finish it once and for all," Rico replied calmly. "And you are going to come with me—as my official fiancée and the new queen of the Moretti family."
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