Chapter 5 - The New Reign
By sunrise, the North Side of Chicago had a new ruler.
The Lucchese family's warehouse at the docks had been completely burned to the ground, their operations dismantled in a single, bloody night of retaliation. Vito Lucchese had fled the state, and the remaining captains had quickly sworn allegiance to the Romano empire to save their own skins.
I stood on the balcony of the master suite, watching the golden sun rise over the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan.
The door behind me opened, and Luca came running out, his dark curls bouncing as he threw his arms around my knees. "Ruby! Look! I made a train!"
He held up a perfectly intact wooden toy train.
I knelt down, laughing as I kissed his forehead. "It's beautiful, Luca. Just like you."
Vincent walked out onto the balcony, holding two cups of coffee. He handed one to me, his fingers brushing against mine. The touch was warm, sending a strange, electric thrill through my chest.
"The city is quiet," Vincent said, looking out at the water. "The threat is gone. You are free to leave if you want, Ruby. Your debt is paid, and you have enough money in your account to live comfortably anywhere in the world."
I looked down at Luca, who was happily rolling his train along the stone balustrade, then up at Vincent, whose eyes held a quiet, desperate hope he was trying desperately to hide.
I smiled, taking a slow sip of my coffee.
"I think I'll stay," I said. "After all... someone has to make sure the boss doesn't get too arrogant."
May you like
Vincent let out a soft laugh, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close as the sun rose higher, casting a warm, protective light over our new home.
The monster of Chicago had finally found his match—and it wasn't a rival boss. It was the girl with twelve dollars in her bank account and a locket that held the key to his heart.
