Page 6 of Silent Night With Adrian

I feel his words as a weight that drags me back into his orbit. “Fine,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Good. Be at the lounge at six. And wear the dress.” He hangs up.

“Yeah, love you too, bro.”

Wear the dress.

A sigh escapes and I stare at the closet. Inside, buried deep, isthe dress. It’s red lace, low-cut and clinging in all the places that make men’s eyes linger. A dress that suggests the woman wearing it would willingly give a man a private lap dance. I’m told to wear it during meetings when Dante wants to clinch a deal. I’ve thought about burning this thing so many times in the past, but I know even if I did, Dante would find another outfit that would be even more revealing, demanding I wear it when he needs me to.

Dante doesn’t care about what I want or how I feel. To him, I’m a weapon, just like a gun he’d point at anyone standing in his way.

I know that no matter what I decide to do with my life, I’ll forever be bound to our Vitale family. Dante used to have a sweet side to balance the toughness that he cultivated as the heir to the Vitale family. But after the Luciana family murdered our father a couple years ago, Dante became embittered and vengeful and he’s ramped up his dealings to gain power and control over territories in Reno, Nevada where we are based, and to expand that control into this area that includes Winter Haven, Coloradowhere the Luciana family has gained traction into an untapped market of wealth. My brother has made it his number one priority to attack the Luciana’s at every opportunity. There is no stopping him.

Law school was supposed to be my escape. I clawed my way into Columbia, refusing to let my family’s influence get me there. In New York City, I’mMia Vitale, the student, notthe boss’s sister. But for every break, and sometimes during the school year, Dante drags me back, keeping me tethered to a life I want to leave.

For now, I shove my resentment down and reach into the closet to start packing for my flight tonight. If Dante wants a distraction for tomorrow’s meeting, I’ll give him one.

Chapter 5 Mia

Christmas afternoon

I’m not a slut. I’m not a slut. I’m not a slut.

The words echo in my mind as I enter the lounge, heels clicking against the polished floor, the red lace dress clinging to my body in all the wrong ways. The men’s eyes track me, and I force myself to ignore the disgust crawling up my spine.

The room’s heavy with the unspoken threats, deals veiled in politeness. Dominic Russo, Vincent Morelli, and Vincent’s son, Salvatore, watch me like I’m prey. I glance at the empty seat across from Dante—the late Alvaro Santiago’s. My stomach twists at the memory of his death. I hate this part of the business.

“Gentlemen,” I begin, my voice smooth despite the unease rippling through me, “Dante’s been patient, but your refusal to cooperate is running thin. Our control over the trafficking linesleaves your territories vulnerable. You can resist all you want, but it won’t change what’s coming.”

Dominic’s face darkens, and Salvatore’s eyes linger too long on the hem of my dress. My hand twitches, tempted to smack the smirk off his face. Instead, I walk slowly around the table, maintaining eye contact with Vincent as I speak, watching his confidence wane.

“You had three regions in Winter haven,” I continue, “but Alvaro thought he could undermine us. Tried to deal behind Dante’s back. And now… he’s gone.” I shake my head to show my regret at his loss. “If you follow his example, your families may also find themselves missing a father or brother.”

Salvatore’s hand slides onto my thigh as I pass, a casual touch that sends a spike of fury through me. I look down at his hand, coldly raising an eyebrow. Before I can react, Dante shifts, his chair scraping the floor.

“Touch her again, Salvatore, and it’ll be your last move,” Dante’s voice is low, lethal.

Salvatore jerks his hand back, mumbling an apology, but I keep my face calm. I need control. I need them to listen, not ogle.

I step back, letting the silence hang. “Dante isn’t here to destroy you,” I say, softening my tone slightly. “He’s offering you a way out. Join us, and you keep everything—your power, your families. Resist, and you lose it all.”

The weight of my words sinks in, Dominic’s resolve faltering. He glances at Vincent, a silent exchange that acknowledges the corner they find themselves caught in.

“Think of your families, gentlemen.”

Dominic and Vincent have similar expression of anger and resentment in their faces.

“Fine,” Dominic mutters, the word like acid on his tongue. “I’ll agree to the terms.”

Vincent nods and drags out his words. “I also agree to the terms.”

I nod, a tight smile stretching across my lips. “Good. Dante’s men will finalize everything tomorrow.”

As I turn to leave, Dante’s voice slices through the quiet. “Consider this a gift, gentlemen. Merry Christmas.”

Outside, the cold air stings, and for a moment, I feel free. But as I walk to my car, guilt settles over me—Santiago’s widow, his kids. Innocent lives, shattered by this life. They’ll get support, but it won’t undo the damage.

“Mia!” Dante’s voice breaks my reverie, and I stop, irritation simmering.

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