Chapter 10 - ASHES AND EMPIRES
The takeover was seamless. With Caruso dead and his blackmail files destroyed, the city’s politicians quickly realigned their loyalties to Dante Moretti. The shipping lanes, the unions, the real estate—everything fell under the Moretti empire.
Dante returned to his compound as the sun was rising over Lake Michigan. He was covered in blood, dirt, and exhaustion.
Alara was waiting for him in the grand foyer. When she saw him, she didn’t run away. She didn’t flinch. She ran toward him and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest.
Dante dropped his weapons and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet. He buried his face in her dark hair, inhaling the scent of jasmine and vanilla.
“It’s done,” he whispered into her ear. “He’s gone. You will never have to look over your shoulder again.”
Alara pulled back, looking at his bruised and battered face. She cupped his jaw, her thumb brushing over a cut on his cheek. “You started a war for me.”
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“I would burn the world to ashes for you, Alara,” Dante said, his voice fierce and unyielding. “I married you for business, but I am keeping you because my soul refuses to exist without yours.”
She kissed him, sealing the promise in blood and morning light.
