Page 67 of The Don's Eternal Vows

I feel my resolve hardening. "I can't just sit back and—"

"You're all I have," she interrupts, her voice firmer. "Your life isn't just your own anymore. Think of me. If you die…that would be the end of us."

The tension between us crackles like electricity. I want to argue, to make her understand why I need to do this myself. But the fear in her eyes, carefully hidden behind her composed exterior, gives me pause.

"Genoveva, I—"

"Please," she whispers, her fingers tracing the scar on my face. "I can't lose you again."

I hesitate, my heart pounding as I stare into Genoveva's pleading eyes. The thirst for vengeance burns in my veins, urging me to go, to feel Greco's life slip away beneath my hands. But Genoveva's touch anchors me and reminds me of what she’s been through.

Perhaps she needs some more time to feel safe before she allows me back into my old ways.

"I've waited so long for this," I murmur, my voice rough with conflicting emotions. "To make him pay, to look him in the eye as he realizes it's over."

Genoveva's thumb brushes my cheek. "I know, amore. But at what cost?"

I close my eyes, wrestling with the decision. Images flash in my mind: Genoveva’s death, Greco’s escape, bargaining with Hades, and losing a part of my soul.

"Dammit," I growl, reaching for the walkie-talkie at my belt. The plastic feels cold and unforgiving in my grip. I bring it to my lips; my jaw clenched so tight it aches. "Gentlemen, proceed with the plan. I... I won't be joining you."

"Boss?" Marco's voice crackles through the speaker, confusion evident.

"You heard me," I snap, frustration seeping into my tone. "Take him down, but bring him to me alive. I want to look that bastard in the eye before he dies."

I lower the walkie-talkie, my shoulders sagging with a mix of relief and disappointment. Genoveva's arms encircle me, her forehead resting against my chest.

"Thank you," she whispers, her breath warm against my skin.

I wrap my arms around her, burying my face in her hair. "You're the only one who could've stopped me, you know that?"

She looks up at me, a small smile playing on her lips. "I know. That's why I had to try."

The dim glow of a dozen screens bathes our study in an eerie blue light. I lean forward, eyes darting from one monitor to the next, each displaying a different angle of the assault on Greco's compound.

Genoveva sits beside me, her face a mask of concentration, fingers flying over a keyboard as she coordinates our men's movements.

"They've breached the outer perimeter," I mutter, my voice low and tense.

Genoveva nods, her hazel eyes reflecting the chaos unfolding before us. "Salvatore's team is moving towards the east wing. No sign of Greco yet."

I grunt in acknowledgment, my fingers drumming an impatient rhythm on the armrest.

"Wait," Genoveva's voice cuts through my brooding. "Something's wrong. The guards... they're too organized."

I lean in closer, squinting at the screen. She's right. Greco's men are moving with a precision that speaks of preparation. My stomach drops as the realization hits.

"It's a trap," I growl, slamming my fist on the desk. "That snake knew we were coming!"

Genoveva's fingers fly across the keyboard, her voice urgent as she relays warnings to our men. But it's too late. On the largest screen, I watch in horror as our assault team is surrounded, outgunned and outmaneuvered.

My hands clench into fists, nails biting into my palms. "I should be there," I snarl, frustration and helplessness gnawing at my gut like a rabid dog. "If I was leading them-"

"You'd be walking into the same trap," Genoveva interrupts, her tone sharp but her eyes soft with understanding.

I turn away, unable to watch as my carefully laid plans crumble. The bitter taste of failure floods my mouth, and I fight the urge to put my fist through one of the screens. Months of waiting and planning, all for nothing. And worse, I've sent my men into the lion's den.

"Gianni," Genoveva's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. "We need to focus on getting them out. There will be other chances to get Greco."

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