Chapter 8 - The Ultimatum
The mountain peace was shattered by a satellite phone call.
The Marzano cartel had united three other families against the Rossi empire. They issued a formal ultimatum: Dante had to surrender his territory and step down, or they would firebomb the mountain compound. They knew about Clara. They knew about Leo.
"They said they want the nanny's head," Dante’s loyal captain reported over the static-filled line.
Dante hung up the phone and crushed it in his hand. The absolute rage radiating from him was terrifying. He began loading duffel bags with weapons.
"I'm sending you and Leo to Switzerland," Dante said to Clara, his voice devoid of emotion. "I have a private jet waiting. You'll have enough money to live like royalty for the rest of your lives."
"No," Clara said, stepping in front of him.
"Clara, they are coming to kill you!" Dante roared, slamming a magazine into an assault rifle. "I will not lose another family. I will not bury you!"
"I am not a fragile little bird, Dante!" Clara shouted back, grabbing his face. "I am not leaving you to die. You told me love is a liability in this world. Prove them wrong. You go down there, you burn Victor Marzano to the ground, and you come back to us. Do you hear me? You come back to your wife."
Dante froze. The word hung in the air between them. Wife.
May you like
He dropped the rifle. He grabbed Clara by the waist, pulling her flush against him, and crashed his lips down on hers. It was a kiss of fire, blood, and desperate, violent love.
"I will slaughter them all," he promised against her mouth. "And then I am coming home to you."
