The sun cast a golden glow over the Marcello estate as I stepped out onto the balcony. The cool morning breeze tangled a wayward strand of hair across my forehead while the morning light kissed my cheeks in warmth. Like a queen surveilling her lands, I gazed down on the sprawling grounds and gardens
I’d told him it seemed unlikely I’d have punching gloves in a real fight.He’d stopped bugging me after that.My aforementioned and overprotective husband stood on the other side of the punching bag, his own knuckles bare. His gaze assessing as I approached.“Let’s see what you remember,” he said.M
For as long as I could remember, the training arena of the Marcello estate had been my place of comfort. A place more home than home itself. Maybe it was the lingering scents of sweat and leather, softening the crisp fall air into almost summer comfort.Maybe it was that, surrounded by an arsenal of
Eli nodded and lifted his fists.We trained for another hour. Basic defensive moves came so easily, we moved quickly on before the lesson was half over. The kid absorbed things like a sponge, his enthusiasm never wavering. Every time I made a correction, adjustment, or suggestion, he accommodated wi
I stepped into the hospital lobby. The bright light and harsh scents of antiseptic stung my senses, and yet, it was like coming home. It’d been months since I’d been here, walked these halls, visited patients. Saved lives.Everything was the same—the fluorescent lights, the human smells lurking bene
I sat alone in my office, staring into the dark depths of the coffee mug in my hand. Layla’s words from the night before still echoed in my mind, reverberating in my skull in a way that unsettled me more than I cared to admit.Had I truly thought that by choosing me, she would fit seamlessly into th
The soft hum of voices and the darkly sweet scent of coffee blended into a comforting warmth as I stepped into the coffee shop. It was late in the afternoon, but the place was still purring with activity—college-aged folks set up with laptops, small groups of friends, a bookworm here and there.It w
So much meaning buried beneath those simple words. Sure, there were the obvious things—under-the-table deals, no more money laundering, no more enforcers handling business in the shadows. No more fighting, no more weapons or guns.But it wasn’t just that.It was Carlo. My mother. My brothers not by
AldoThe Marcello estate hadn’t seen a night like this in far too long. Since Layla and I had wed on this same lawn—nearly a year ago now. How had it been so long? How had time passed so quickly?And more importantly: How had we been married for so many months, yet shared so few moments like this on
I was late to Eli Marcello’s party. But I was also on the hunt, and as a cop, one of those things definitely took precedent. Eli’s party would go on for another several hours. And he’d be ten for an entire year after that.But I’d found a clue, and I’d be damned if I wasn’t going to follow it.I was
One week since I’d given the order.One week since I’d unleashed the Marcello family on the streets of New York with orders to take no prisoners.One week since I’d declared war on the Rossetti family.I sat at the head of the long table, trying to force myself to eat.The rest of the table’s occupa
The estate bustled with movement: Marcello men arming themselves, strategizing, talking shit, waving proverbial fists at the enemy, posturing, preparing for war … All the things men did. But still, they awaited my command.I stood at the head of the table in the grand dining room, where a makeshift
Fear.Shit.“Where is he?” I demanded.Carlo jerked his head toward a nearby room. “The doctors are with him now. It was bad, Layla. The explosion took out half the building. We were lucky to get him out alive.”I nudged past him and into the room.Aldo lay on the hospital bed, his face pale, a deep
LaylaAldo had missed another dinner.Or, rather, he was in the process of missing it. I sat at the head of the long dining table, where he’d normally sit; for some reason it felt wrong to leave it vacant. Beside me, Eli pushed food around his plate with his fork, and on his other side, Vanessa lean
EthanI, once again, found myself at the precinct long after the rest of my desk-mates and cohorts had vacated for the night. I mean, the police precinct was never truly empty—it was New York City, so the place was always hopping—but the difference between day shift and night shift was, well. Night
EthanI got to the coffee shop far earlier than was necessary—close to an hour before Vanessa and I had decided to meet—and proceeded to sulk in the corner like a loser, downing coffee.I’d long since stopped smelling the fresh-baked goods layered behind the glass counter, and I was far too nervous
“But I’m funny and charming,” Ethan said, with a smile that was indeed quite charming. “It’s okay. I don’t blame you for not being able to resist.”I groaned, trying very hard not to smile myself. “This is the worst flirting I’ve ever seen.”“It’s not flirting!” Ethan protested, lifting his hands in