Page 110 of Ruthless Desire

I laugh, the sound harsh and cold. "Let them come. We'll show them what happens when you fuck with Dante Corleone."

Natalie's silence draws my attention. She's taking everything in, her eyes sharp and assessing. For a moment, I see her as she truly is - not just my captive bride, but a force to be reckoned with in her own right.

"What are you thinking, moy voron?" I ask, curious despite myself.

She meets my gaze, a hint of steel in her voice. "I'm thinking we need to hit them where it hurts. Take out their infrastructure, their supply lines. Cut off the head of the snake."

Enzo raises an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "She's not wrong, boss. A targeted strike could cripple their operation before they have a chance to fully mobilize."

I consider their words, a plan already forming in my mind. "Alright," I say, turning to the map spread out on the table. "Here's what we're going to do."

The next few hours are a blur of strategy and preparation. Natalie surprises me with her insight, pointing out vulnerabilities in the Corsinis' defenses that even I hadn't considered. By the time night falls, we have a plan that will bring our enemies to their knees.

"You've done well, solnyshko," I murmur as we retire to our bedroom. "I'm impressed."

Natalie allows herself a small smile, the first genuine one I've seen in days. "I learned from the best," she says, her voice low and husky.

The compliment sends a surge of heat through me. I pull her close, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. She responds eagerly, her body molding to mine as if we were made for each other.

"Tomorrow," I murmur into her hair, "we take back what's ours. We show the world what happens when you challenge the king and queen of Accel City."

Natalie nods, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. "Tomorrow," she agrees, her voice heavy with promise and something darker, more thrilling.

I allow myself a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph. I have everything I've ever wanted - power, control, and Natalie by my side. Nothing can stand in our way now.

The acrid stench of gunpowder and blood fills my nostrils as I stride through the chaos of what was once the main casino of Club Lusso. My heartbeat thunders in my ears, a primal rhythm that drowns out the screams and gunfire. Natalie walks beside me, her face a mask of cold determination that sends a thrill of dark pride through my veins.

"Clear the floor," I bark at my men, my voice carrying over the cacophony. "I want every last rat flushed out."

The metallic taste of victory is already on my tongue, but I won't be satisfied until I see Leon Corsini, Luca's sniveling younger brother, on his knees, begging for mercy he won't receive.

"Dante," Natalie's voice cuts through my bloodlust. "The hostages. We need to secure them first."

I turn to her, drinking in the sight of her – hair wild, eyes blazing, a smear of blood across one cheek. She's never looked more beautiful. "You're right, solnyshko. Always thinking ahead." I press a bruising kiss to her lips, tasting gunpowder and adrenaline. "Take Enzo and clear the VIP rooms. I'll handle the main floor."

She nods, a predatory smile curving her lips. "Don't have all the fun without me."

As she disappears into the labyrinth of the casino, I feel a momentary pang of – what? Fear? Concern? I push it aside. Natalie's proven herself more than capable. She's not some damsel to be protected. She's my queen, my equal in this bloody game we play.

I refocus on the task at hand, my senses heightened by the intoxicating rush of violence. The gaudy opulence of the casino – crystal chandeliers and gold-leafed pillars – is a stark contrast to the brutality unfolding within its walls. My men move with practiced efficiency, dispatching Corsini thugs with ruthless precision.

A flash of movement catches my eye. I spin, my gun already raised, and find myself face to face with Leon himself. The bastard's trying to slink away like the coward he is.

"Going somewhere?" I drawl, savoring the fear that flashes across his face.

"Dante," he stammers, hands raised in a pathetic attempt at placation. "Please, I'm not like Luca. I never wanted this war. We can come to an arrangement-"

I silence him with a backhanded slap that sends him sprawling. "The time for talk is over, you spineless fuck. Your brother started this, and now you'll pay the price. Did you really think there'd be no consequences?"

I haul him to his feet, my fingers digging into his throat. The urge to squeeze, to watch the life drain from his eyes, is almost overwhelming. But no. Death would be too quick, too merciful.

"On your knees," I snarl, forcing him down.

The sound of heels clicking on marble makes me look up. Natalie approaches, flanked by Enzo. There's a coldness in her eyes that sends a shiver of desire through me.

"Hostages are secure," she reports, her gaze fixed on the sniveling wreck at my feet. "What do you want to do with this one?"

I smile, slow and vicious. "I think it's time we showed Mr. Corsini here exactly what happens when you cross the king and queen of Accel City. What do you say, moy voron? Care to help me make an example of him?"

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