Page 55 of Angelo

Alessandro proved that he was ready to be king by spilling blood then saving lives.

When the police and the firefighters showed up a while later, Alessandro and Benedetto went to receive them. Elyse kept her eyes on them. Her husband seemed to be familiar with the fire chief, and her grandfather appeared to know the police chief quite well. She kept her ears on their conversation, too. Alessandro fed a narrative that would acquit their men of guilt, citing self-defense, while placing all of the blame on the Berlusconi clan. The police chief didn't question Alessandro's recounting of events. The stern-faced man processed the case without resistance.

Her grandfather's influence was proving to be invaluable in helping them avoid arrest and indictment. Instead of filling Elyse with relief, however, she wondered what kind of hold her grandfather had on the police chief to warrant such blind cooperation. It must have been some truly valuable blackmail. Elyse’s mood soured. Knowing Benedetto, he’d probably ask her for an arm and a leg as compensation for helping them.

As the men from both sides of the law hashed things out, the chaos from earlier settled into a controlled, steady calm. The gruesome crime scene became almost serene. It was such a contrast from the inferno they’d narrowly escaped that Elyse couldn't shake the feeling she somehow cheated death. She felt shaken. For sanity's sake, her consciousness distanced itself from reality, willing herself to become a spectator in the moment.

Elyse watched in a stupor as the police arrested Cara and took her away. She watched as the firemen fought the fires. She watched as more uniformed men and women began to tend to the injured and the dead. Elyse made no move to help them. Her nerves and energy were shot. Drained to the marrow, she felt empty. There was nothing left to give.

Alessandro came to Elyse's side. His hand reached for her hand. She gripped him tight. No words were shared between husband and wife, but they both sensed the shift in the air. For better or worse, a new era had risen, and a new king and queen were ascending to power. But how long until the crowns fell from their heads? Danger and betrayal lurked at every turn.

Elyse could feel Gaspare's eyes digging into them.

Valentina wouldn't stop smiling.

Benedetto acted like an ally today, but she didn't trust her grandfather at all.

By the time matters were settled with the authorities, the sun was setting over the mountains. Harried guests climbed back into their shiny black cars and left the premises as though nothing had gone awry.

Elyse sat with Alessandro in the backseat of their car. Their hands found each other once more. The journey back to the palazzo felt disturbingly normal. As though they hadn't nearly died in a gunfight against dozens of rivalmafiosi. As though they hadn't come close to being burned alive inside the church. It didn't take long for the emotions from the day to wash over her like a tidal wave. Elyse thought she would die. At one point, she believed her soul was going to hell. She glanced over. Her husband seemed to be in a similarly abysmal state.

"I almost lost you today," Alessandro muttered in low, heavy tones.

"We almost lost each other," Elyse whispered back.

Her heart felt lodged in her throat. Alessandro turned to kiss her fully on the mouth. Elyse could taste the fear and desperation in his kiss. Their survival had demanded the deaths of others, and the grayness of it spoke volumes about who they had become.

When they pulled apart, she admitted in a shaky voice, “Th-There were a few moments when I was so scared that I couldn’t think straight.Dios, after a day like today, I wonder if your father’s crown is worth fighting for…”

More than ever, Elyse wanted to run away with Alessandro.

Holding her gaze, he said quietly, “You know, for years, I never wanted the crown. It always seemed too fucking heavy to bear. But then came you, and now the only thing I desireisto fight. I am ready to kill and slaughter until the world bleeds red. For the first time, I know hunger.A hunger for power. Because only a king can keep you safe.”

And only a queen could shield him from harm.His words spoke directly to her fears. She’d need to become stronger, too. Elyse vowed to use her life to protect his. Eyes glistening, she looked back at him. “Terrifying, isn’t it? To finally havesomeone worth losing.”

Brown and blue-gray eyes flickered with emotion. “I would follow you even in death.”

“Spoken like a true devil," she sighed. "I guess I'm lucky that I didn't marry a hero. Only the good die young.”

He laughed readily. “You are right. I have always been more of adiavolo. God willing, I might live forever.”

Elyse offered him a small smile. “Then I’ll love you forever, Alessio.”

“I will hold you to it,cuore mio.” Alessandro’s gaze fell on her smile, lingering on her lips. Then, as though unable to resist, he dipped his head and kissed her again. It was slow, deep, and intense. Elyse felt breathless and dizzy by the time he pulled away. Her heart had never felt fuller. But peace kept eluding her.

Too much of their love had been touched by sin. Nineteen others were dead because of them. Grimly, Elyse wondered how Mariposa might react to the news of Aberto's death. Would the girl feel relieved to be free of her father? Or would she seek vengeance for his death?

Concern prompted Elyse to inquire, "Do you regret taking Aberto’s life?”

Her husband gave a pause. "I knew you would ask about him."

"You went off script."

"I did."

"Why?"

"I did not intend to remove Aberto so soon," Alessandro admitted, "but the opportunity came up today, so I took it. Instinct drove me to pull the trigger. I believe it was the right move, though, because I do not regret putting that bullet in him. He deserved to die, anyway, for what he did to Mariposa."

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