Page 78 of The Don's Eternal Vows

"Never," I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "Don't you ever say that again!"

My heart pounds in my chest, each beat a painful reminder of how much she means to me. The thought of losing her, of a world without Genoveva, is unbearable.

"We live together," I continue, my voice softening but still intense. "We die together. There is no me without you. Don't you understand that?"

I pull her closer, our foreheads touching. The delicate and familiar scent of her perfume fills my senses. "I'd rather live with a fractured soul for eternity than spend a single moment in a world where you don't exist."

Chapter 33

Gianni

I stand in the dimly lit room, the cigar smoke curling upwards. My most trusted men surround me, their faces etched with anticipation. The map of Paolo Greco's hideout sprawls across the table.

"Gentlemen," I begin, my voice low and gravelly, "tonight, we strike at the heart of our enemy." My finger traces the outline of the warehouse on the map. "Greco thinks he's untouchable, but we're about to shatter that illusion."

I lock eyes with each of my men, their loyalty reflected in their unwavering stares. My mind races, strategizing every possible outcome.

"Marco, you'll lead the first team through the east entrance," I command, tapping the spot on the map. "Be prepared for heavy resistance. Greco's men are trigger-happy bastards."

Marco nods, his jaw set with determination. "We'll cut through them like butter, boss."

A smirk tugs at my lips, pride swelling in my chest. These men, they'd follow me into hell itself.

My eyes scan the map again, searching for weaknesses in Greco's defenses. There is a blind spot near the loading docks. "Luca, your team will exploit this gap," I point out. "It's our best shot at catching them off guard."

Luca leans in, his brow furrowed. "What about the guards, Gianni? Greco's not stupid enough to leave it completely unprotected."

I nod, appreciating his perceptiveness. "Good eye. We'll create a distraction here," I indicate another area, "drawing their attention away from your approach."

As I continue outlining the plan, my mind drifts momentarily to Genoveva. Her face flashes before me, a beacon of light. I push the thought aside. There'll be time for sentiment later, after Greco's empire crumbles at my feet.

"Any questions?" I ask, my gaze sweeping across the room.

Silence greets me, a testament to the clarity of our mission. I straighten up, adjusting my suit jacket. "Then let's remind Paolo Greco why they call me The Raven. Tonight, we bring chaos to his doorstep. We leave in an hour. Get the vehicles and weapons ready."

I step outside, the cool night air a welcome reprieve from the stuffy war room. The click of my lighter pierces the silence as I ignite my cigar, drawing in a deep breath. Smoke curls around my face.

Soft footsteps approach, and I don't need to turn to know it's her. Genoveva's presence washes over me, a balm to my battle-ready nerves.

"Gianni," she murmurs, her voice like chimes in the night. "You're really going through with this?"

I exhale slowly, watching the smoke dissipate. "It's time, Genoveva. Greco's reign ends tonight."

Her fingers brush my arm, sending a jolt through my body. "Promise me you'll be careful," she whispers, a slight tremor in her voice.

I turn to face her, drinking in her beauty. Those hazel eyes, usually so guarded, now shine with unmistakable concern. My heart clenches.

"I always am," I reply, trying to inject levity into my gravelly tone. "Besides, I've got unfinished business with a certain someone."

A ghost of a smile flickers across her lips. "Is that so?"

I lean in close, my voice dropping to a whisper. "You know it is."

Genoveva's lips meet mine, soft yet urgent. Their kiss speaks volumes—of fear, longing, and an uncertain future. As we part, I see a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

"Come back to me," she breathes.

I nod, unable to form words past the lump in my throat. With a final, lingering look, I turn and exit the house, prepared to meet my men.

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