Page 59 of The Don's Eternal Vows

What I don’t tell him is that this is about more than revenge. It is about keeping my wife safe.

Unfortunately, Marco will be the last to know of her return. Because he’s the man who is usually privy to all my secrets, he would question how I pulled this off alone, or worse - catch me in a lie.

"Of course, Capo. "

I nod, satisfaction warming my chest. "Excellent. Maintain vigilance. Any whispers, any doubts—I want to know immediately."

"It will be done," Marco replies, bowing slightly before slipping out of the room.

That night, we eat dinner in our room. As I hand her a glass of wine, Genoveva's lips curve into a smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. The spark I saw when we soared above the city in that hot air balloon is gone, replaced by a weariness that makes my chest tighten.

"We need to get away," I say, the idea crystallizing as I speak. "Just you and me. Somewhere far from all this."

Her eyebrow arches. "And leave your empire unattended?"

I shake my head, already plotting. "A few days. To breathe. To remember why we fight."

As Genoveva considers, I'm already envisioning our escape. A villa in Tuscany, perhaps. Or a yacht on the Adriatic. Somewhere, I can see that light in her eyes again.

"First things first," I mutter, more to myself than her. My mind shifts gears, the strategist in me taking over. "We need to solidify our position. Neutralize any lingering threats."

I pace the room, ideas flowing rapidly. "The Rossi family. They've been too quiet lately. We'll need to apply pressure, remind them of their place." I pause, considering. "And Salvatore. He's been eyeing our territory in Palermo. Time to make an example."

Genoveva watches me, her expression unreadable. I continue, the pieces falling into place. "We'll need to accelerate our plans for the port expansion. It's risky, but the payoff..." I trail off, a grim smile tugging at my lips. "It'll cement our control for generations."

“It looks like our getaway might take a while before it happens,” she remarks with a wry grin, winning back my attention.

I turn to Genoveva, my protective instincts flaring. "It might. And so, for now, we keep you hidden. It's not safe—"

"No." Her voice is soft but steely, that familiar stubborn glint in her hazel eyes. "I won't be a prisoner in my own home, Gianni."

I clench my jaw, torn between my need to shield her and her fierce independence. "Genoveva, please. Just until—"

"Until what?" She steps closer, her perfume intoxicating. "Until every threat is neutralized? We both know that day will never come."

I run a hand through my hair, frustration mounting. "What would you have me do? Parade you around while our enemies sharpen their knives?"

Genoveva's fingers brush my cheek, her touch electric. "We face this together. As we always have."

I lean into her hand, conflict raging within me. "I can't lose you again," I whisper.

"Then don't shut me out," she counters.

I nod, an idea forming. "We'll reintroduce you gradually. Controlled settings, trusted allies first."

Her lips curve into a smile. "And then?"

"Then," I say, my mind racing with possibilities, "we show the world that the Montagnas are stronger than ever."

I pull her close, my voice low. "Every move calculated, every appearance planned. We'll turn your return into our greatest weapon."

Genoveva's eyes spark with excitement, and I feel a thrill of anticipation. This is what we do best – outwit our enemies and dance on the razor's edge of danger.

"Let them come," she whispers against my lips. "We'll be ready."

Chapter 26

Genoveva

---