Page 55 of His to Claim

“Maybe I should go,” I whisper uneasily.

“Don’t you dare,” she replies.

“But—”

“Stay,” she implores me, and I give in, nodding, willing to do anything for her.

Once everyone is settled, the families get down to business. They’ve already called in a cleanup crew to take care of Carmine Gallo’s body and the fallen guards. The ones that are still alive have already been dealt with—warned to disappear, or more than likely, threatened with a brutal death.

Whatever happens, one thing is clear—there will be no police involvement. The Five Families doles out their own brand of justice and it does not involve law enforcement. Somehow, I guess it’s possible because their power and influence extends to everyone of importance in this city.

They’ve also made it their business to take care of the local businesses and neighborhoods. They aren’t just a group of people out to fight and kill and make money off the backs of hardworking locals. They’ve started organizations that help the small business owners, thanks to Gabriella and Enzo.

Of course, Carlotta has already informed both of them about Maximo and Holloway Corp. I can tell they feel bad, but there’s nothing anyone can do now. What’s done is done, and nothing can bring back Maximo Gallo or, for that matter, his revenge-seeking father. And, in my mind, that’s a good thing.

The meeting goes on for a while and during that time, food and wine are shared. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s a party. But the atmosphere isn’t festive; it’s all business. I can appreciate how this group has learned to work together because from what I know, things didn’t always run this smoothly. Like anything else, there were bad apples and bumps in the road. However, over the past year or so, all of the issues seem to have been addressed.

What I see now is a well-oiled machine and a group of powerful people, working together in a cohesive unit, for the betterment of the city and its residents. But, never underestimate their charity because if anyone threatens their families, they will end you with a vengeance.

Just ask Carmine Gallo. Or Caleb Durant. Or Rocco, Tommaso and Romeo Bianche. They all went after the Rossi family or a woman they loved and not one of them is still breathing.

Needless to say, I consider myself lucky to be on Miceli Rossi’s good side, as well as the others.

“And now our final piece of business,” Miceli says, looking over at me. “As most of you know, Archer here has been key in helping the Five Families resolve certain life or death issues with my family. He gave me pertinent and timely intel regarding my wife after she’d been kidnapped, and I will be forever grateful to him.”

Not sure what to say, I incline my head. Once again, I feel Lottie squeeze my hand and I squeeze right back.

“Tonight, he saved my sister’s life and it’s a debt I will never be able to fully repay.”

“You don’t owe me anything, Miceli,” I tell him earnestly. And I truly mean it. “I don’t want a huge sum of money deposited in my account for my involvement in Carlotta’s rescue. Besides, there’s not enough money in the world that could equal her worth.”

I look over at Carlotta and she beams me the most beautiful smile.

“All I ask is that you—all four of you—grant me permission to marry your baby sister. Because I can’t imagine spending a day without her.”

A few aww’s fill the air and before anyone can respond, I push my chair back with a scrape and drop down on one knee. Then I send a curious glance to her brothers.

“Can I keep going?” I ask, raising a questioning brow.

They all laugh and nod their approval.

“You better keep going,” Carlotta exclaims, and this time the entire table bursts into chuckles and smiles of approval.

My heart has never been so damn full and I turn all of my attention on the woman who captured it. My mysterious Queen of Hearts who I know so well now and can’t wait to discover even more about her.

“You have my heart, Lottie,” I say simply. “And I want to share everything with you.”

“Oh, Damon,” she murmurs, eyes shimmering in happy tears.

“Damon?” Angelo echoes. “That’s his first name?”

“Yeah, who knew?” Miceli interjects with a grin.

“It fits him,” Alessia murmurs, leaning into her husband.

“Keep going,” Carlotta says eagerly, and more laughter fills my ears.

“Carlotta Rossi, my Queen of Hearts, you made me realize that I’m capable of all the things I never thought I was, and I love you. I love you so damn much for being so amazing. For showing me I do have a heart, even when I thought I didn’t, and for filling it with love.”

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