THE PARALYZED MAFIA KING WAS ABANDONED AT THE ALTAR—UNTIL A PENNILESS MAID TOOK HIS HAND AND MADE SIX HUNDRED ENEMIES BOW

The penthouse suite of the Grand Continental was dead silent, save for the crackle of the fireplace.

The adrenaline of the summit had finally faded. Naya stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out over the glittering skyline of the city they had just completely conquered. She had taken off her white jacket, leaving only her silk blouse, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet.

She heard the soft hum of Devan’s chair approaching behind her.

He stopped just inches away. He reached out, gently wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. Naya leaned into him, resting her hands over his.

“Your mother was moved to the private clinic an hour ago,” Devan murmured softly against her neck. “The transplant is scheduled for Tuesday.”

Naya closed her eyes, a tear of pure relief slipping down her cheek. “Thank you.”

“No,” Devan whispered, turning her gently so she faced him. He looked up into her eyes, his own filled with a raw, overwhelming emotion. “Thank you. For not running away.”

“I’m exactly where I want to be,” Naya replied.

She leaned down and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was slow, deep, and filled with a desperate, unspoken promise. Devan’s hand tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, anchoring himself entirely to the woman who had saved his life and his throne.

But as they broke apart, breathless, Devan’s phone buzzed on the coffee table.

It wasn't a standard ringtone. It was the secure, encrypted emergency line.

Devan answered it. Naya watched the color drain completely from his face.

“When?” Devan asked, his voice turning to ice. He listened for a moment, then hung up the phone.

“What is it?” Naya asked, her heart suddenly pounding.

Devan looked out the window, his jaw clenched tight. Down in the harbor, massive plumes of black smoke were beginning to rise into the night sky, obscuring the stars.

“Rossi wasn't acting alone,” Devan said darkly, staring at the burning docks. “He had backing from a cartel in the south. And they just declared war.”