Page 47 of Vows in Violence

Ivan taps the screen with his forefinger. “I need you to save this footage to a drive. I’m taking it with me.”

Nodding, Father Greco does as he is asked.

We leave the church with a USB containing the footage and an entourage of men behind us. Today, our car is a small limousine with a glass divider between Ivan’s driver and us. As soon as the door closes, Ivan pulls me against him. He presses a quick, hard kiss against my mouth, just enough to awaken me before he pulls back.

“As soon as this is over, I want us to get as far away from this as possible, and I want to fuck you until both of us pass out.”

Our last encounter had been passionate, tender. The thought of giving into our physical passions—nonstop, relentlessly, uninterrupted—makes my body ache. “I want that, too,” I say, laying my head against him.

We just need to settle this situation enough to make it possible.

An idea sparks, and I raise my head, beaming up at Ivan as it begins to take shape.

“Ivan. I think I know who can help.”

Chapter 18

Ivan

The elevator hums asit ascends, the floor numbers glowing one by one as each floor passes. Vivi stands beside me, her presence a constant anchor in the shifting sea of politics and power plays. My mind churns with thoughts about the Five Families, the recent upheavals, and my role in all of it. The alliance against Azrael has brought a tenuous unity, but the cracks are still there, just beneath the surface.

"Do you think Cassidy will ever fully accept Enzo?" Vivi asks, breaking the silence.

I glance at her, her eyes reflecting the concerns we all share. "Cassidy is stubborn, but he loves his sister. Enzo burning down the Marzano mansion didn’t help his case, but at least Cassidy knows where his heart lies."

Vivi nods, her expression thoughtful.

I am more worried about the Valachi. I hope Angel’s death—or the image of it, anyway—appeases everyone. The night I captured Angel Valachi and the unexpected turn of events that followed. Damon's a cautious man. He accepted the mansion as a peace offering, but he's still wary. They all are. My takeover caught everyone off guard.

The elevator dings softly, announcing our arrival. We step out onto the plush carpet of the Upper East Side apartment floor; the air tinged with the scent of expensive cologne and polished wood. I can feel the weight of the history and tension that this building holds, each apartment a silent witness to the machinations of power and influence.

As we approach the door to the largest apartment on this floor, my mind drifts back to the political landscape. The unity among the Five Families is fragile, held together by our mutual enemy, Azrael. But old grudges and new tensions simmer beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment.

Vivi knocks on the door, and it swings open to reveal an old woman. Her eyes are sharp, taking in every detail of our appearance with a practiced gaze.

From what Vivi told me, this is Meredith, the housekeeper. Her sharp eyes miss nothing as she stands aside to let us in. Meredith is one of the few survivors of the war Evie O’Hanlon and Cassidy O’Rourke fought in Ireland. I’ve heard stories about that bloody conflict, the near-total annihilation of the O’Hanlon syndicate. Cassidy’s alliance with Evie changed everything, though. It’s remarkable how quickly the tide can turn with the right partnership.

Meredith leads us through the apartment, which exudes comfort and elegance. We pass the kitchen, where the scent of fresh herbs mingles with the aroma of roasting meat, and through the living room, which is tastefully decorated with modern art and plush furniture. The outside patio awaits us, a sanctuary of greenery and soft lighting.

A low growl interrupts my thoughts as a dog raises its head, eyes narrowing at our approach.

“Be nice, Pup,” a voice calls out, calm yet authoritative.

I turn to see a young woman with bright red hair stepping onto the patio. Before I can fully take her in, Vivi rushes forward, enveloping her in a tight hug. This must be Rowan O’Rourke. No, Rowan Scarpetta now—one of the newer mafia wives in the Five Families.

“I’m so sorry, Rowan,” Vivi says, her voice trembling slightly.

Rowan’s response is soothing, her hands rubbing gentle circles on Vivi’s back. “It’s okay, Vivi. It’s not your fault.”

I choose not to eavesdrop, my attention drawn instead to a movement on the other side of the glass door. A figure approaches, and I can’t help but feel the weight of another significant encounter.

Cassidy O’Rourke and Evie O’Hanlon are deep in conversation, their body language a study in contrasts. Evie, with her arms crossed and hip jutting out, exudes defiance and challenge.Cassidy, on the other hand, remains calm and composed, refusing to rise to her bait. It’s hard to decipher exactly what’s transpiring between them. They look ready to either tear each other apart or succumb to their raw chemistry right here on the patio.

Fire and gasoline. The rumors about their dynamic don’t do the reality justice.

As I observe them, trying to gauge the undercurrents, I stiffen at the sight of Luca Marzano emerging from the front door. I wasn’t aware that Luca would be here. This unexpected turn of events sets off alarm bells in my mind. Rowan is here, too. Does that mean Enzo is here as well? Have I walked into a trap?

My hand instinctively moves towards my gun, but Vivi’s gentle touch stops me. Her hand covers mine, and she looks at me with those pleading eyes.

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