Chapter 4 - The Lockdown
When the SUV pulled up to the main steps of the mansion, Vincenzo was already waiting outside.
His face was a mask of pure, unadulterated fury, his dark eyes blazing like hellfire.
Before the car had even fully stopped, he ripped the door open and pulled Clara out.
He didn't care that his men were watching as his hands frantically checked her face and arms for injuries.
"Did they touch you?" he demanded, his voice shaking with a terrifying intensity.
"I'm okay, Vincenzo, Leo and Dante protected me," Clara reassured him, her voice trembling slightly.
Vincenzo pulled her into a crushing embrace, burying his face in her hair as he let out a ragged breath.
For a man who controlled the city's entire underworld, the thought of losing her had nearly brought him to his knees.
He pulled back, his expression hardening into cold, calculated vengeance.
"Lock down the estate," Vincenzo barked at his head of security.
"No one gets in, no one gets out, and I want fifty armed men on the perimeter by nightfall."
He gently guided Clara inside, taking her straight to his private study and pouring her a glass of aged whiskey.
"Drink this, it will calm your nerves," he said softly, handing her the crystal glass.
Clara took a sip, the liquid burning a warm trail down her throat.
"They know about us, don't they?" she asked, looking up at him with fearful eyes.
"The Romanos are cowards trying to send a message," Vincenzo replied, pacing the room like a caged panther.
"But I am going to send them a message they will never forget."
Clara stood up and placed a gentle hand on his tense arm, stopping his pacing.
"Please, don't do anything reckless because of me," she pleaded.
Vincenzo looked down at her hand, his expression softening as he intertwined his fingers with hers.
May you like
"You and Elena are mine to protect now," he whispered, stepping closer until she could feel the heat radiating from his chest.
"And I will burn Chicago to the ground before I let anyone lay a finger on either of you."
