Page 71 of The Don's Eternal Vows

As Marco leaves, I take Gianni's hand. "What now?"

He looks out at the smoking ruins of our home, his voice low and dangerous. "Now, we prepare. Greco's made his move. It's our turn."

I feel a chill run down my spine, knowing that this is far from over. But for tonight, I’m glad Gianni is alive.

Chapter 30

Gianni

I sit at the breakfast table, my eyes locked on Genoveva. The morning sunlight catches in her dark waves, illuminating her like an angel. But we're far from heaven here.

"I'm ending this war with Paolo Greco," I declare. "He won't take you away from me again. Not ever."

Genoveva's hazel eyes meet mine and she takes a sip of her coffee, the delicate clink of china the only sound in the tense silence.

"And how do you plan to do that, amore?" she asks, her voice soft as chimes.

I lean forward, my hands clenching into fists on the polished wood. "By any means necessary."

She nods, a small furrow appearing between her brows. "I trust you, Gianni. But promise me you'll be careful."

My heart clenches at her words. How can I explain that I'd burn the world to keep her safe? That losing her once nearly destroyed me?

"Always," I murmur, reaching across to take her hand. Her skin is warm and alive. "You're everything to me, Genoveva. Everything."

She smiles, but her sadness makes my chest ache. It’s difficult to find common joy in the midst of Paolo's looming retaliation threat.

Just then, the door swings open with a bang, shattering the moment. My henchmen file in, their faces grim. Without hesitation, I rise to my feet, my eyes narrowing as I lock onto each of them in turn.

"Gentlemen," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "I trust you're here to explain last night's... disappointment."

I can feel Genoveva's eyes on me, but I don't turn. The fury building inside me needs an outlet, and these men have volunteered.

"Boss, we—" one of them starts, but I cut him off with a sharp gesture.

"Save your excuses," I snarl, my words slicing through the air. I stalk towards them, each step measured and predatory. "Do you understand what could have happened if the compound had fallen?"

Their silence is damning. I lean in close to the nearest man, close enough to smell the fear-sweat beading on his brow.

"Everything we've built," I hiss, my voice dropping to a near-whisper, forcing them to strain to hear. "Everything we've sacrificed. Gone. In a single night. But beyond that, they could have taken MY WIFE! YOUR DONNA!"

My gaze sweeps over them, taking in their pale faces and trembling hands. Good. Let them be afraid. Fear breeds loyalty – or at least obedience.

"The next time you fail me," I continue, each word dripping with venom, "pray that Paolo's men find you first. Because what I'll do to you if anything happens to Genoveva..." I let the threat hang in the air, unfinished but unmistakable.

The henchmen exchange uneasy glances, their eyes flickering towards me but drifting away the minute they catch me noticing.

"Is there anything else?" I growl, daring them to speak.

They shift uncomfortably, gazes darting around the room.

“Leave,” I bark.

They nearly ran out.

I turn back to the table, catching a glimpse of my wife's face. There's concern there, yes, but also a fierce pride that makes my breath catch. She believes in me. And I won't let her down. Not again.

Five minutes later, Genoveva turns the page of the newspaper she’s reading. "Darling," she says, her tone smooth as silk, "Do you think I could trouble the staff for more coffee? Or are they petrified of you this morning?" She breaks into a smile, giving me a little wink.

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