Page 67 of Cage the Storm
The car slows, but it doesn’t ease the tension in my chest. It’s not fear. It’s knowing what happens next will solidify our future. Mateo opens the door, and Nico steps out first. Then, slowly, he turns, extending his hand. I take it. With his hand on the small of my back, we climb the stairs.
And the moment we step inside the gala, the atmosphere transforms. The drone of quiet conversations disappears, and all I can focus on is the glint of diamonds, tailored suits, and everyone’s eyes watching us.
I expected it. I also had a few days to prepare for it.
But what I wasn’t ready for washim.
The realization hits me hard. Across the room, standing among men who have built their fortunes alongside him, ismy father.
Intact. Unwavering. Still reigning.
My breath tightens in my chest, but I force it down, refusing to let the moment consume me. Nico notices immediately, and his arm wraps around my waist.
At the same time, Mateo flanks my other side. He leans in, his voice just low enough for me to hear. “You knew this was possible.”
My eyes are locked on the man who orchestrated my past, who still believes he controls my future. And who was responsible for almost killing my husband. “Knowing doesn’t make it easier.” I haven’t seen this man since he dropped me off like a lamb to slaughter. A moment passes before Nico speaks.
“You’re not the naive young woman he dropped off all those years ago, Luna.You’re brave, and the strongest woman I know.” I allow his words to take root, and I lift my chin, step further into the room, and I don’t stop. Nico’s grip tightens, a warning that I blatantly ignore.
I weave through the guests who pretend not to notice but are watching my every move. And then, I stand right in front of him. With my husband at my side and Mateo, a silent shadow on my left.
This is not just a daughter confronting her father.
This is a declaration of war.
My father’s gaze bounces between the three of us, measuring the threat, calculating. “Interesting.”
“You expected Luna to face you alone.” My father smiles.
“She’s a clever girl. I assumed she’d realize that some battles are meant to be fought without an audience.” I straighten, refusing to let his words penetrate.
“And I assumed you’d realize that I’m done playing by your rules, Mister D’Angelo.” Mateo watches the exchange with mild amusement.
“She’s a quick learner.” Mateo taunts, while my father processes the fact that I haven’t arrived defenseless.
But I don’t need him to say anything.
Because I’ve already won this round.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
NICOLAI
The wayshe stands before her father is impressive. She’s learned far more than anyone ever expected, and she refuses to back down. I feel the quiet anxiety curling at the edges ofmycontrol.
Because I know him.
I know the way he thinks and measures strength. And I know this moment is not just observation; it’s a test, and I should be satisfied. I should be proud. Luna is proving herself in a way that no one—not her father, his men, or even I—could have ever predicted.
Her father’s gaze bounces from her to me, and he knows exactly what this is. A transfer of control. He may have built his empire and shaped the world as he saw fit, but for the first time, he sees the cracks.
He sees me coiled in the shadows of those crevices, and he knows one day I’ll shatter his world and make it my own on my terms.
I’m his son-in-law. His enemy. And the man who took his daughter and turned her into someone unstoppable. A force to be reckoned with.
“Luna doesn’t need your approval,” I assert. “And god knows she never had your protection, but she has mine.” I let the words sink in.
And when the slow, knowing smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, I realize he’s not afraid of losing control. He’s entertained by the fact that he’s hoping I will. And that infuriates the fuck out of me.
