Chapter 20 - The Crown of Thorns
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The smoke cleared from the ballroom, leaving the smell of cordite and the undeniable scent of victory.
The Rizzo family was entirely dismantled. The commission officially bowed to the new King and Queen of the city, their reign secured by blood and undisputed lineage.
Hours later, the hotel was secured. Nadia stood on the penthouse balcony, looking out over the glittering city skyline. Her legendary silk dress was stained with a few drops of blood at the hem, a permanent testament to the battle she had fought and won.
Dante stepped out onto the balcony, shedding his suit jacket, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.
“It’s over,” Dante murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder. “The city is ours.”
“It feels quiet,” Nadia smiled, leaning back against his solid warmth. “Too quiet.”
“We earned the quiet,” he promised, kissing the side of her neck.
They stood in the peaceful darkness, finally allowing the adrenaline to fade. They had survived the assassination, uncovered her hidden legacy, and secured the empire.
Then, the heavy, secure red phone on Dante’s desk inside the penthouse began to ring.
It was a line that hadn't rung in ten years. An international syndicate frequency.
Dante froze. The relaxed, victorious groom vanished instantly, replaced by the calculating, lethal boss. He stepped away from Nadia, walking back into the room to pick up the receiver.
“Leone,” Dante answered coldly.
He listened for a long, agonizing minute. The muscles in his jaw tightened, the color draining from his face.
“We will be ready,” Dante whispered, hanging up the phone.
He looked back out at Nadia on the balcony.
“What is it?” she asked, stepping back into the room, her hand resting on the silk of her skirt.
“Word of the true bloodline has crossed the ocean,” Dante said, his voice a low, dark rumble. “The Sicilian Commission just called. They don't want an alliance, Nadia. They want the throne. And they are sending an army to take it.”
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Nadia didn't flinch. She walked over to her husband, her eyes blazing with the fierce, untouchable fire of the founding matriarch.
“Let them come,” she said softly.
