Chapter 15 - The Ultimatum
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The fallout from the Commission meeting was immediate.
Dominic returned to the estate, ordering a full lockdown. Every guard was heavily armed; the perimeter was secured tighter than a military base. He had officially drawn a line in the sand against the most powerful crime families in the city.
Cassidy found him in his study later that night, pouring a glass of scotch he didn't drink.
“Marcus told me what happened,” Cassidy said quietly, closing the door behind her. “You defied the Commission.”
“They wanted to dictate my life,” Dominic replied, staring out the window into the dark. “They wanted to put a Rossi spy in this house. I won't allow it.”
“They threatened a war because of me, Dominic.” Cassidy walked over, standing beside him. “If I am a liability to your family, to Bella’s safety... maybe I should leave.”
Dominic slammed the glass down on the desk. The sound echoed like a gunshot.
He spun around, grabbing her shoulders, his eyes fierce and desperate.
“Don't you ever say that,” he commanded, his voice shaking. “Don't ever talk about leaving. You are not a liability, Cassidy. You are the only real thing in this entire, corrupted world. You brought my daughter back to me. You brought me back.”
“Dominic, they will try to kill you.”
“Let them try,” he growled, pulling her flush against his chest. “I built this empire with violence, and I will burn it down with violence to protect you. I am not letting you go.”
Cassidy looked into his eyes, seeing the ruthless king and the devoted father perfectly blended into one man. She didn't want to run. She loved him. She loved Bella. This was her family now.
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“Then we fight,” Cassidy whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Dominic kissed her, a desperate, bruising claim that sealed their fate. The mafia king had found his queen, and he was prepared to slaughter anyone who tried to take her from him.
