Page 72 of His Ruthless Claim

The room goes quiet. Even in these lighter moments, we can't escape the shadow of what's brewing in Chicago. Maria's smile falters for a split second before she recovers.

"Don't worry about security." I keep my voice steady, remembering the way Luca's jaw had tightened when discussing wedding preparations. "Everything's been arranged."

"Speaking of arrangements." Kendra leans forward, her eyes sharp. "Any word on which of our lovely crime families might try to crash the party?"

"Kendra," Jazz warns.

"What? We're all thinking it." Kendra shrugs. "Might as well address the elephant wearing Valentino in the room."

I shake my head. "Let's focus on what we can control." I pull out the seating chart I've been working on. "The Romanos want to be closer to the dance floor, but I've arranged them near the garden entrance instead. Better sightlines to the exits, plus it keeps them away from the Vitales."

Maria's shoulders relax. "That's... actually perfect. Lorenzo will feel like he has the advantage without realizing you've essentially contained his whole crew to one section."

"And the Mantiones?" Jazz arches an eyebrow.

"Head table, naturally. Though I've made sure to separate certain... volatile elements." I tap different spots on the chart. "Your father's crew gets prime position, Maria. But notice how I've scattered the younger members throughout? Keeps anyone from getting too comfortable."

Kendra whistles low. "Damn, girl. You're playing chess while everyone else is playing checkers."

I send the four of them off to change then, and I'm grinning when they come back.

"The old guard appreciates tradition." I adjust a pin on Mikayla's dress. I wanted to do all my bridesmaid's dresses. "So we're keeping all the classic elements – the church ceremony, the formal procession, the blessing. But we're adding modern touches that make strategic sense. Like having the cocktail hour in the conservatory instead of the main hall."

"Where there's better security coverage," Maria notes with approval. "And multiple exit points."

"Plus it lets us control the flow of guests." I smooth down the fabric at Mikayla's waist. "Everyone feels respected, but we maintain oversight of who mingles with whom."

Jazz leans back, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Look at you, running this shit like a military operation in Louboutins."

"The families respect strength," I say, meeting her gaze. "But they also respect someone who knows how to show proper deference. It's about balance."

Maria squeezes my hand. "You're good at this. Better than I could've hoped for." The gratitude in her eyes speaks volumes about the pressure she's under.

"That's because she understands both sides of the coin," Kendra observes. "Glamorous enough to charm the old ladies, sharp enough to see through the politics."

I catch my reflection in the mirror – perfectly styled hair, designer dress, manicured nails. The polished exterior that lets me navigate their world while orchestrating every detail from the shadows. Just like Luca taught me, though I'd never admit that to him.

The boutique's bell chimes again, and Enzo's tall frame fills the doorway. His presence shifts the energy in the room – there'salways something dangerous about Luca's men, even when they're just doing routine checks. And he likes to come check on Maria, make sure no Cappallettis are sniffing around.

"Everything good here?" His gray eyes scan the space before landing on Maria. The tattoos on his forearms ripple as he crosses his arms, leaning against the doorframe.

But before Maria can answer, Kendra rounds the corner from the back room, arms full of garment bags. She freezes mid-step, her eyes locking with Enzo's. The garment bags slip, and he moves with startling speed to catch them before they hit the floor.

"I got it," Kendra says, but her voice lacks its usual sass. Their fingers brush as she tries to take the bags back.

"Let me help." Enzo's voice drops lower, rougher. He doesn't release the bags, instead using them as an excuse to step closer.

I watch the interaction with interest. Kendra, who never backs down from anyone, seems caught between wanting to maintain her usual attitude and being drawn into Enzo's orbit. The tension between them crackles like electricity.

"You always manhandle other people's property?" Kendra finds her voice, arching an eyebrow.

"Only when it's falling." A hint of a smile plays at the corner of his mouth. "You could try saying thank you."

"I could…" Her eyes drag up and down her frame. "But you should know I'm the kind of girl that does what I want, not what Ishould.

Jazz shoots me a look that says she's caught the double meaning too. Maria watches the exchange with poorly concealed delight, while Mikayla pretends to be very interested in her phone.

Kendra and Enzo move to hang the garment bags, and I notice how he positions himself to keep her in his line of sight. His usual predatory grace has shifted into something more...intentional. Every movement seems calculated to bring him closer to her.

---