Page 125 of Savage Union
"No."
The single word emerges with more force than intended. Marco's eyebrows rise slightly, but he knows better than to question my decisions.
"As you wish, boss." His neutral tone masks whatever thoughts lie beneath. "What about the... remainder of the wedding ceremonies? Father Alessandro is understandably reluctant to proceed after today's events."
"I'll handle it," I state with finality. "Ensure the penthouse is secure. Triple the normal detail until further notice."
Marco nods, recognizing the end of the discussion. We ride in silence for the remainder of the journey, his fingers moving rapidly over his tablet as he coordinates security, while my thoughts return repeatedly to the woman waiting at the penthouse.
The woman who saved my life.
The question that keeps circling through my mind, unanswered and increasingly urgent: Why? Why would she protect me after everything that's happened between us? After the revelations of last night, the cold silence this morning, the public humiliation at the cathedral?
The car slows as we approach the penthouse building, security teams visibly reinforced around the perimeter. Marco exits first, scanning the surroundings before nodding that it's clear for me to follow.
The elevator ride is brief, silence stretching between us until Marco speaks as the doors begin to open.
"Ms. Gallo did save your life today," he observes quietly. "Whatever her past arrangements, her actions in the moment were... significant."
I meet his gaze, acknowledging the weight of his observation with a slight nod before stepping into the penthouse foyer.
Dante waits by the security monitors, his usual irreverent demeanor subdued. He straightens as I enter, exchanging a brief nod with Marco who moves past him to check the security feeds.
"Boss," Dante acknowledges. "Perimeter is secure. Three teams maintaining surveillance, rotations set for the night."
"Rina?" I inquire, removing my bloodstained jacket.
Dante's expression turns careful. "In the master bedroom. She's been pretty upset since we got back. Cried for hours. Wouldn't change out of the dress, wouldn't eat. Finally quieted down about an hour ago."
I nod, unsurprised by this report. The day's events would test anyone's composure, let alone a woman thrust into our world through violence and politics.
"How bad was it at the cathedral?" Dante asks, his concern genuine beneath the professional inquiry. "After we left?"
"Manageable." I don't elaborate on the bloodshed that followed Caterina's departure. "The Commission is... reconsidering their position on our marriage."
Understanding dawns in Dante's eyes. "So what happens now? With the princess?"
The question carries more weight than its simple phrasing suggests. What indeed happens to a woman caught between two powerful men, her loyalties publicly questioned, her position precarious?
"That remains to be determined," I answer, though my mind is already made up.
Dante studies me for a moment, then speaks with uncharacteristic frankness. "She took that bullet for you, boss. Or would have, if it had come to that. That means something."
"Does it?" I challenge, curious about his assessment.
"Yeah, it does." He meets my gaze without flinching. "She had her chance to let Costello or his enforcer take you out. Would've solved all her problems. Instead, she saved youwithout even thinking about it." He shrugs. "In our world, actions speak louder than words or vows."
The insight strikes closer to my own thoughts than I care to admit. "Noted."
As I move toward the bedroom, Dante adds, "One more thing, boss."
I pause, raising an eyebrow in question.
"She's stronger than she looks, but she's not made of stone." His voice drops. "Whatever you decide, remember she's been fighting her own war since long before you came along. Sometimes what looks like betrayal is just survival."
The assessment surprises me—not for its content, but for the protective tone underlying it. Dante has clearly developed respect for Caterina during his time guarding her.
"I'll take it from here," I tell him, dismissing him with a nod.
