Page 12 of Christmas Vows with the Devil

“Maybe they think they can soften you up, bring you back into the fold. But here’s the thing, Dante—this is an opportunity.”

I look at him, the wheels in my mind turning. “You’re saying I should go.”

“Hell yes, you should go,” Tony says, grinning. “But not for them. For you. Use this. The Vitales are offering a bridge. Walk over it and burn them down on your own terms.”

I turn the invitation over in my hands, contemplating his words.

I know going means I’ll have to see Gia. I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.

After six years, a mix of rage and something else I don’t want to acknowledge still churns inside me. But the logic is there. I can’t afford to let emotion cloud my judgment.

“I’ll go,” I say, the decision solidifying in my mind. “But it’s business.”

Tony smirks. “Sure, kid. Whatever you need to tell yourself.”

I glare at him, but he’s not wrong. There’s more to this than just business.

Gia left a scar on my heart that I haven’t let anyone know about—I barely even let myself acknowledge it. Meeting her again might reopen old wounds.

Or I might finally close that chapter of my life for good.

“Besides,” Tony adds, rising from the couch and straightening his jacket. “With that new family making moves, you could use the extra leverage.”

Russo. He’s been creeping around in the shadows, taking over smaller operations in my territory. But hijacking my cargo ship filled with priceless wines was a step too far.

And if the Vitales are feeling the pressure too, maybe we can use each other. Maybe we can buy ourselves some time.

“All right. I’ll go.”

Tony claps me on the back, his heavy hand lingering. “Good. Don’t trust them for a second. Use them for everything they’re worth. That’s the way it works, Dante. You don’t have to play by their rules. We play by our rules around here.”

I stare at the gaudy invitation. A Christmas party in the mountains.

With the family that betrayed me.

And the woman I used to love.

This is going to be a long week.

As Tony leaves my office, I can already feel the hurt brewing, but I’m ready.

This time, I’ll be the one in control.

Chapter Five

Gia

The drive up the mountain feels longer than usual. But maybe it’s just the dread gnawing at my stomach.

Snow-covered pines blur past as we near the lodge. Although, “lodge” has a different meaning in the Vitale household. Extravagant mansion tucked into the icy cliffs is a better description.

Matteo bounces in the back seat, staring out the window. He’s quiet, but I can feel his excitement simmering just beneath the surface.

“We’re almost there,” I say, more to fill the silence than to reassure him.

As we round the last curve, the Vitale Lodge appears. It’s grand, sprawling, and draped in twinkling lights. The windows glow with soft golden light, a warm contrast to the deep, snowy cold outside.

The sight of the house makes me think of eggnog and buttered rum and warm fireplaces.

---