Chapter 15 - The Alliance
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The firefight was over in seconds. The highly trained New York operatives neutralized the remaining Morrow men with brutal efficiency.
As the smoke began to clear, a figure stepped into the conservatory, wearing a heavy overcoat and a calm, authoritative expression.
It was Vincent Russo. The head of the New York Syndicate.
Dominic slowly stood up, keeping his weapon lowered but ready. He and Vincent were not allies. They maintained a tense, respectful distance, operating in neighboring territories.
“Russo,” Dominic coughed, waving the smoke away. “You’re out of your jurisdiction.”
Vincent stepped forward, looking around the ruined conservatory. “You look like you could use some help, Virelli. I heard Vito Morrow was making a play for your territory. I prefer my neighbors stable.”
“You brought a tactical team to Rhode Island just for stability?” Dominic asked, his eyes narrowing.
Vincent offered a faint, grim smile. “Vito Morrow has been getting greedy. He tried to undermine my shipping routes last month. I decided it was time to remind him who actually controls the East Coast. When I heard he was hitting your compound, I figured an enemy of my enemy is a convenient friend.”
Dominic stared at the older boss. He understood the unspoken offer. Vincent was offering an alliance. Not a subservient position, but a partnership to crush the Morrows permanently.
“My mother,” Dominic said suddenly, pushing past Vincent. “And the others.”
Vincent’s men secured the perimeter as Dominic sprinted back through the ruined mansion, his heart hammering against his ribs. The silence in the house was deafening.
He reached Isabella’s room. The door was splintered, bearing bullet holes, but the bookshelf hiding the panic room remained intact.
Dominic punched the code into the keypad. The heavy steel door hissed open.
Marin was huddled in the corner, clutching Eli tightly, her face pale and streaked with tears. Isabella sat beside them, her hand resting protectively on Marin’s shoulder.
When Marin saw Dominic standing in the doorway, bleeding and covered in soot, she let out a broken sob and scrambled to her feet.
She didn't think about his reputation. She didn't think about the guards behind him. She threw herself into his arms, burying her face in his uninjured shoulder.
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Dominic caught her, wrapping his arms fiercely around her waist, burying his face in her dark curls. He held her as if she were the only thing keeping him tethered to the earth.
“It’s over,” Dominic whispered into her hair, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re safe.”
