Page 279 of Legacy
Her certainty wrecks me. It’s infuriating. And holy.
Because she believes it.
Believes inme.
My jaw clenches. “I’m tired, Adriana.”
Not tired like sleep.
Tired of this.
Of being the Don.
Of starting a war I might not survive.
Of being owned by a name.
Of not being free.
She shifts, straddling my lap, her body folding into mine as she rests her forehead against mine.
“Then rest,” she whispers. “With me.”
Her lips brush mine.
Not hungry. Not desperate.
Just home.
And I melt into her.
Because she’s not just my wife.
She’s my peace.
My strength.
The one thing that keeps me grounded while the world keeps trying to set me on fire.
And right now—
She’s the only reason I haven’t fallen apart.
***
My father’s estate is quiet. Too quiet.
I walk the halls like a ghost until I find myself in my father’s office.
The door creaks open with a groan like it’s protesting my presence, but I step inside anyway. The air still smells like his cigars, wood smoke and power, clinging to the leather chairs and heavy curtains.
I don’t know why I sit behind his desk. Maybe I want to feel like I’ve already buried him. Or maybe I just need to remember what it feels like to be in control.
Adriana’s hand lands on my shoulder. Gentle. Wordless.
I reach for her without looking and pull her into my lap.
She fits.
