ora

ry. I didn

o the cool darkness of the study. Each step was steady, measured.

e screen's cold blue light illuminated my

ar, I typed: "J

In profile I ignored. A few publi

Instagram

me one from the chat app: a sm

lic

colored cake, and a handful of smiling guests. The background was an apartment I recognized

et briefly at a charity gala six months ago. Jefferey had

sifting through the wreckage of my life. The feed was a sh

four, was wearing a miniature version of a custom‑tail

era. A delicate gold chain was around her neck, a si

d thrown back. The photo was sharp, clear. And his eyes, the s

t by a betrayer must be accounted for. And th

e a hand; dishonor the Family's name, lose your t

d to grip the edge of the desk to steady myself

o read: "My whole world. S

ecognized-the wife of one of Jefferey'

nd more like his

as a single, tel

st-embezzlement of syndicate assets and the concealment of a bastard heir. In the C

into darkness, the only light coming from

nutes. Maybe more. I wasn't just pr

investment. He had moved it to start a new l

final obstacle

was dealing with. He thought he was discarding a lovesick fool he

otten, too

m

e names of friends, business associates, the life I had built h

th

e Don Alistair Pierce and the consort of the current acting Don. Her blessing was

warned me. "You will regret choosin

thud against my ribs as

lt like an eternity

l and imperious as ever, came

ey." Just my name, sp

voice was hoarse, but steady. Every word was an ad

said. "I

ltimore. I could picture her in her study, surrounded b

s a subtle shift in her tone. A

of ash and freedom. "The Family's proposal... the

covenants-it could end a vendetta or forge an empire. I needed that alliance