Chapter 7
The thunder of the final gunshot echoed through the grand dining hall of Ristorante Bellagio, followed by the heavy, absolute silence of a victory secured. Smoke drifted slowly beneath the sparkling crystal chandeliers, catching the warm golden light.
Dominic holstered his sidearm, adjusted the cuffs of his black fitted shirt, and turned back toward the private dining wing. His polished black leather shoes stepped over the debris on the marble floor with calm, unhurried precision.
He unlocked the heavy mahogany double doors of the private room and stepped inside.
Marco stood at attention near the center of the room, his weapon lowered, a look of profound relief washing over his stern face. In the corner, sitting in the deep leather armchair, was Mara. She was trembling slightly, but she held baby Nico securely against her chest. The infant was wide awake now, his bright blue eyes looking around curiously, completely unharmed and calm.
Dominic walked over to them, his towering, muscular frame casting a warm, protective shadow over the chair. He dropped to one knee on the marble floor, bringing his handsome, sharp face level with hers.
"It's over," Dominic said softly, his deep voice carrying a rare, gentle warmth.
Mara looked into his dark eyes, seeing the smudge of gunpowder on his cheek, but for the first time, she didn't feel fear. She saw the fierce, unyielding protection of a man who had just risked his life and his empire to defend her.
"What happens now?" Mara asked quietly, holding the silver pendant against her pale-yellow dress. "My life... my job... everything is gone, isn't it?"
"Your old life is gone," Dominic admitted honestly, reaching out his large, tattooed hand to gently touch his son's soft light-brown hair. Nico reached out instantly, grasping his father's finger with his tiny hand and letting out a happy giggle. "You can't go back to that cottage, Mara. And you can't work in a restaurant. The council knows you exist."
Mara swallowed hard, tears rising in her brown eyes. "Where am I supposed to go?"
Dominic stood up smoothly, offering his hand to her. The dragon tattoo across his knuckles caught the chandelier light.
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"You're coming home with us," Dominic stated, his tone an unbreakable, absolute promise. "To the estate. You and Nico belong under my roof. I spent twenty-five years believing my family was reduced to just me and my son. I won't let anyone take my blood away from me."
Mara looked at his open hand, then down at the peaceful infant in her lap who had refused to be held by anyone else. She realized that her quiet, invisible life was over, replaced by a dark, dangerous world she barely understood. But as she placed her delicate hand into his large, warm palm, feeling the strength and protection of the New York Mafia boss, she knew she would never be alone again.
