Page 107 of Beautiful Vows

Maybe we were always fated.

And the initiation was never supposed to bring us all together for life, and perhaps it didn't—maybe it was afterwards.

When I knew Dante was searching the world for me. Or when Rafe wanted to take care of me. Or when I knew Cade had protected my secrets.

But whatever the reasons, being with my three men is an easy decision, because just because I'm a Mafia princess, doesn't mean I don't want to be loved.

I do.

But it can only be by them—my husbands.

Because I am theirs and they are mine, and being together is where each of us belongs.

Epilogue - Dante

Three Years Later

Surrounded by some of the most influential men in the world, Lia settles into her seat at the large oak table. Preparing to renegotiate the terms for goods we’ll allow into Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding islands.

Her long, dark hair cascades down her back, flowing like gentle waves. The navy polka dot dress she’s wearing hugs her body, highlighting the curves of her breasts and the growing baby in her belly.

She refuses to wear business suits, preferring her relaxed clothing, and I think that surprised some men who are, for the first time, meeting the head of the organization that runs this region.

“Thank you for coming, gentlemen,” she says, looking around the table as she opens the folder in front of her. “But let’s get down to business.”

I have to say, she can command a room of men. Not that I wanted her to. She knows I’d prefer her to be at home with our babies, protected from men like these. She refuses.

She continues, “During our previous negotiations, I gave you some leeway into costs, and I’ve taken everything into account and know it’s to your advantage to continue trading your goods here, but our costs have risen.”

She glances over at me, standing against the wall in the shadows with other seconds in command and too many bodyguards to count. She gives me a small nod.

I present each of the men around the table with a report on what they’ve made over the past year, and what they’ll make once they agree to the new charges.

There are a few grumbles around the table.

“In return for the additional costs per import, you can increase your goods into Australia and New Zealand by thirty percent this year. We will renegotiate again next year,” she adds.

“And if we don’t agree,” the head of the Bratva asks.

My back shackles.

Lia remains unmoved. Not that I’m surprised.

“You may remain at the current costs with only the cost of inflation being added, but there will be no increase in imports for you. But if you look at your report, you’ll see that wouldn’t be prudent.”

He smiles. She returns it and glances around at the other men around the table. “You can take away the report to peruse, but any agreement to the new terms must be made within forty-eight hours.”

The room falls silent as the men study their reports. I watch Lia, marveling at her composure. She meets my gaze, a glimmer of confidence in her eyes.

After a few minutes, the boss of the Triad clears his throat. “These terms are... surprisingly favorable.”

Lia nods, “We believe in mutually beneficial relationships, gentlemen.”

One by one, the men around the table begin to nod. Even the Bratva leader seems impressed.

“I think we can all agree these terms are acceptable,” the Triad representative adds, looking around for confirmation.

Lia smiles, a mix of warmth and steel. “Excellent. I look forward to your signed agreement and our continued partnership.”

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