The tension in the room thickened as servers cleared the first course I caught Marco’s eye across the room – he gave me an almost imperceptible nod.
“Perhaps we should discuss the real reason for this gathering,” Antonio said, pulling out a folder. “The territory agreements need to be… realigned.”
My father’s jaw clenched. “Realigned? You mean stolen.”
“Such harsh words,” Shanya clicked her tongue. “We prefer to think of it as… redistribution.”
I leaned forward. “And I suppose this redistribution heavily favors the Kabbaros and Riccis?”
“The strong survive, Isabella,” Antonio spread his hands. “Your father taught me that, actually”
“Funny how selective your memory is,” I shot back. “Did you forget the part where he saved your life in
Montreal?”
Antonio’s face darkened. The memory clearly struck a nerve.
“Ancient history,” Shanya waved her hand dismissively. “We’re here to discuss the future.”
Marco appeared at my side, his hand brushing my shoulder. “The future isn’t set in stone, Mrs. Ricci. Sometimes the most… unexpected alliances prove the strongest.”
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I felt the weight of his words, knowing there was more meaning behind them than anyone else in the room could guess. The way he positioned himself – protective but not possessive – sent a flutter through my chest that I quickly suppressed
“Speaking of alliances,” Shanya’s eyes narrowed on Marco’s hand on my shoulder. “I hear congratulations are in order, Isabella. Though I must say, it’s an… interesting choice.”
“At least I chose for myself,” I replied smoothly. “Rather than being traded like a business asset.”
The color drained from Shanya’s face. Antonio half–rose from his chair, but Marco’s quiet laugh stopped him.
“Now, now,” Marco said, his voice carrying an edge I’d never heard before. “Let’s keep things civil. After all, we’re
all family here… aren’t we?”
The threat in his words was subtle but clear. I watched as uncertainty flickered across Antonio’s face – the first crack in his confident facade all evening.
The tension hung thick in the air when heavy footsteps echoed through the restaurant. Three broad–shouldered
men in dark suits strode in, their presence commanding immediate attention
I recognized them instantly the same Russians we’d spotted at the docks yesterday. My heart rate spiked as I caught Marco’s eye. His expression remained neutral, but I noticed his shoulders tense
“Ah, Mr. Petrov,” Marco stood, extending his hand. “I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.”
Antonio’s face contorted in confusion. “You know these men?”
“Of course he does,” the tallest Russian smiled, revealing gold–capped teeth. “We have… mutual interests.”
My mind raced back to Marco’s words from yesterday: “Trust me, no matter what happens tomorrow. Some
things aren’t what they seem
me.”
“The shipment you intercepted,” Shanya spat, rising from her chair. “It was you?”
Marco’s lip curled slightly. “Sometimes the best moves are the ones your opponents don’t see coming”
“You’ve been working with them?” I couldn’t keep the shock from my voice.
“Not exactly working with them,” Marco’s voice carried a new authority I’d never heard before. “They work for
The restaurant fell silent. Antonio’s face paled as realization dawned.
“That’s impossible,” he whispered “The Russians answer only to-
“The highest bidder?” Marco cut him off. “Or perhaps… the one who’s been controlling the entire East Coast
operation for the past decade?”
I watched as the color drained from both Antonio and Shanya’s faces. The pieces started falling into place Marco’s mysterious contacts, his extensive knowledge, the way other families seemed to defer to him despite his supposedly modest standing.
“You’re not just another family head,” I breathed.
Marco’s eyes met mine, apologetic but unwavering. “No, Isabella. I’m not.”
My world tilted on its axis as I stared at Marco. The man I’d been living with, falling for despite my best efforts – he wasn’t just another family head. He was something far more.
“You’re The Lion,” I whispered, the pieces clicking into place.
His eyes never left mine. “I am.”
The L
Lion, it was obvious what that title meant now. The most powerful figure in the underground world. The puppet master who controlled everything from the shadows. The one name that made even the most hardened criminals pause.
Antonio clumped back in his chair his face ashen “All this time
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“All this time,” Marco confirmed, his voice carrying that same quiet authority that now seemed so obvious. “You really thought I’d let you threaten Isabella’s family? That I’d stand by while you tried to carve up territory that wasn’t yours to take?”
Shanya’s perfectly manicured nails dug into the tablecloth. “The marriage alliance-”
“Was a mistake,” Marco cut her off. “One that won’t give you the power you thought it would ”
I found my voice again. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
He turned to me, and for a moment I saw vulnerability flash across his face. “Because I needed you to see me not my reputation, not my power. Just me.”
The Russians stood silent, watchful guardians as Marco moved closer to me. His hand found mine under the
table.
“I meant what I said about wanting you to fall in love with me,” he said softly. “But I wanted it to be real. Not
because of who I am or what I control.”
My heart hammered in my chest. Part of me wanted to be angry at the deception, but another part understood. In – our world, genuine connections were rare. Trust even rarer.
“The territory agreements,” Antonio started, but Marco silenced him with a look.
“Are void,” Marco stated. “The Romano family keeps what’s theirs. And if anyone has a problem with that…” His smile turned dangerous “Well, now you know who you’re really dealing with.”
