Chapter 10 - THE KING AND HIS QUEENSix months later, the winter frost had melted away, replaced by the warm, golden sunlight of a sprawling Mediterranean morning that stretched across the cliffs of the newly rebuilt Moretti estate.
The courtyard where Clara had once slipped in the mud and soaked a 150-pound Cane Corso was now pristine, paved in white marble and surrounded by blossoming red roses.
Bruno lay lazily in the warm patch of sunlight near the grand double doors, completely healed, his heavy head resting contentedly across Clara’s polished leather boots.
Clara stood on the balcony of the master suite, dressed in an emerald-green silk dress, sipping a cup of black coffee as she watched the shipping vessels move peacefully across the blue horizon of the northern docks—docks that now flew the Moretti banner, entirely under her management as the new logistics director of the syndicate.
Strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her back against a warm, solid chest. The familiar, comforting scent of expensive cedarwood and clean linen filled her senses.
"You're up early," Matteo murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the side of her neck. He wore an unbuttoned white linen shirt, his left shoulder bearing a faint, jagged scar where Rossi's bullet had torn through him six months ago.
"I have a meeting with the port authorities at nine," Clara replied, leaning back against him with a soft smile, resting her hands over his arms. "And unlike some mafia bosses I know, I prefer to be on time."
Matteo chuckled, a rich, dark sound that vibrated against her spine. He spun her around gently so she was facing him, his dark eyes sparkling with a fierce, possessive adoration that he reserved for no one else on earth.
"The port authorities work for us now, Clara," Matteo reminded her smoothly, his fingers tangling in her dark hair. "You don't have to hustle anymore."
"I like work, Matteo," she teased, raising an eyebrow with a confident smirk. "It keeps me out of trouble. Besides, someone has to make sure you don't run the syndicate into the ground while you're busy staring at me."
May you like
Matteo’s smile widened, dangerous and devastatingly handsome. He leaned down, his lips hovering inches from hers. "Let's test that theory, Mrs. Moretti."
Down in the courtyard, Bruno let out a soft, happy woof into the warm breeze, as if giving his final approval to the king and queen who ruled the shadows together.
