Chapter 19 - The Phoenix Rises
Three weeks later, the Weston estate looked like a fortress wrapped in springtime blossoms.
The security perimeter had been doubled, the internal staff thoroughly vetted, and Toby was back on his skateboard, tearing down the paved driveway with a laugh that sounded like music to Dileia’s ears.
Dileia stood on the wide stone balcony of the master suite, wearing a simple silk robe, watching her brother play below. Strong, familiar arms slid around her waist, pulling her back against a warm, solid chest.
"He's getting too fast on that board," Adriano murmured against her hair, his lips pressing a soft kiss to her temple. "I might need to buy him a bulletproof helmet."
"He's just being a normal kid for the first time in his life," Dileia smiled, leaning her head back against Adriano’s shoulder. She turned in his arms to face him, her hands resting on his chest. "Are we safe now? From the Verhovens, from the old guard, from all of it?"
Adriano looked down at her, his gray eyes shining with an absolute, unshakeable devotion that he reserved for her alone.
"The Boston underworld belongs to us, Dileia," he said, his voice deep and steady. "Nobody will ever touch your family again. My word is absolute."
May you like
Dileia smiled, tracing the sharp line of his jaw with her fingertips. "Good. Because I checked the corporate books this morning, and you're three days late on my monthly salary as your chief logistics officer."
Adriano let out a rich, dark laugh, pulling her flush against him. "Consider yourself permanently employed, Mrs. Falcone. With lifetime benefits."
