Chapter 9 - The Final AuditMidnight in the penthouse of Ferraro Tower was quiet, save for the steady patter of spring rain against the glass.
The gala was a distant memory, replaced by the warm, amber glow of the study lamps.
Giana stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out over the glittering grid of Chicago. The crimson silk dress pooled around her ankles, heavy and luxurious.
Strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her back against a solid, familiar chest. Alessio rested his chin on her shoulder, inhaling the scent of her hair.
“You realize,” Giana murmured, her hands resting over his arms, “that by calling me your wife in front of the entire city council, you’ve effectively destroyed every boundary we spent three years establishing.”
“We never had boundaries, Giana,” Alessio murmured against her neck, his voice low and rich with satisfaction. “We only had a waiting period.”
“And what are we waiting for now?” she asked, turning her head slightly to look up at him.
Alessio’s dark eyes met hers, fierce, tender, and absolute.
“Nothing,” he said.
He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, heavy velvet box. He didn't open it—he simply placed it on the windowsill beside them, letting the golden city lights reflect off its surface.
“The empire is secure. The board is ours. And every monster in this city knows that if they touch a hair on your head, I will dismantle their entire world brick by brick.” Alessio’s arms tightened around her, his voice softening into a raw, unfiltered confession. “Now and forever, Giana. You own the machine. And you own me.”
May you like
Giana smiled, turning fully in his arms and wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Good,” she whispered against his lips just before he kissed her. “Because I’ve already audited your heart, Alessio... and there’s no way out.”
