Chapter 10 - The New Reign
Six Months Later
The east lawn of the Boston estate was bright and soft beneath the May sun. The scent of cut grass and blooming hydrangeas filled the air.
"Again, Clara! Faster!"
Leo’s voice was breathless with laughter as he sprinted—actually sprinted—across the grass, chasing a golden retriever puppy. His legs were strong, his limp barely noticeable.
I sat on a picnic blanket, smiling as I watched him.
Heavy, familiar footsteps crunched on the gravel path. I turned to see Marcus walking toward us. He wasn't wearing a suit today. Just jeans and a black t-shirt that hugged his broad shoulders. The darkness that used to cloud his eyes was gone, replaced by a fierce, protective warmth.
He sat down beside me on the blanket, wrapping a strong arm around my waist and pulling me against his side. He pressed a kiss to my temple, his eyes fixed on his son.
"He's fast," Marcus noted, a smile playing on his lips.
"He gets it from his father," I teased, leaning into him.
Marcus turned his head, his dark eyes locking onto mine. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box, flipping it open with one thumb. Inside sat a diamond that caught the sunlight in blinding flashes.
"I don't need a maid, Clara," Marcus said, his voice a low, rough rumble. "And Leo doesn't need a nurse anymore. We need you. I need you. I want you to run this house, this family, and me, for the rest of our lives."
I looked at the man who ruled the city's shadows, the man who had burned down an empire to protect us. I looked at the boy who had found his legs just to stand between me and danger.
I didn't hesitate.
May you like
"Yes," I breathed, wrapping my arms around his neck.
Marcus Vance smiled, sliding the ring onto my finger before capturing my lips. The ruthless crime lord had finally come home, and for the first time in his life, he had found his peace.
