Page 32 of Unholy Night
Domenico steps back, his entire demeanor shifting from predator to something almost paternal. Almost.
"You'll need to learn our rules," he continues, moving to pour himself whiskey from Tomas's bar like he owns it. Which, I suppose, he does. "Our codes, our hierarchies, our methods. But I think you'll find we're not so different from your former peers. We both believe in justice. We just define it differently."
"And Leonardo?" I ask, because that wound is still fresh, still bleeding. My voice catches slightly from exhaustion, fear, or just the memory of his hands crushing my wrist.
Domenico's expression darkens. "My brother is… emotional. He doesn't forgive, and he doesn't forget. That's both his strength and his weakness."
"He wanted me dead from the beginning."
"He wanted a problem solved quickly." Domenico takes a sip of whiskey, considering. "You've proven you're not a problem. You're an opportunity. Leonardo will come to see that, or he won't. Either way, you're under my protection now. Chosen family."
The phrase carries weight I'm only beginning to understand. In their world, chosen family means something more than blood. It means you've earned your place through sacrifice, through proof of loyalty that goes beyond birthright. Through blood on your hands and secrets in your heart.
"Tomas," Domenico finally addresses his cousin, who's remained silent through this entire negotiation. "You've cost me my brother's peace of mind. He feels betrayed."
"I know." Tomas's voice is steady, but his hand against my back trembles just slightly.
"But you've also shown the kind of loyalty our grandfather would have respected. Choosing your woman over everything, protecting what's yours regardless of cost." A ghost of a smile crosses his face. "He did the same once. It's why our grandmother's family never touched us, even when they had cause."
Tomas moves closer to me, both hands now possessive on my waist. "She's worth it."
"I'm beginning to see that." Domenico finishes his whiskey, eyes moving over me again with that calculating assessment. "Your woman has spine. And more importantly, she understands power. Real power. Not the kind that comes from badges and courtrooms, but the kind that comes from being willing to do what's necessary."
He sets down his glass, straightens his coat. "I'll handle Leonardo. He'll sulk, he'll rage, but he'll fall in line. Probably."
"And if he doesn't?" I ask, the question escaping before I can stop it.
Domenico's smile is sharp as winter. "Then you'll handle him. Won't you, counselor? After all, that's what family lawyers do. They handle problems before they become disasters."
The threat and promise in those words is clear. I'm being offered power, real power, but it comes with expectations.Loyalty that goes beyond law. Protection that requires prevention. Perhaps even killing that requires justification.
"I understand," I say, and I do. More than I ever thought possible.
Domenico moves toward the door, his bodyguards falling into formation without being summoned. The temperature seems to rise with each step he takes away from us. "Oh, and Natalie? Your father's case. The frame-up. We had nothing to do with that. That was the Carluccis. Sloppy work, obvious if anyone had looked closely."
My breath catches, the casual revelation stealing the air from my lungs. "How did you…"
"I know everything about the people who join my family. Everything." He pauses at the door. "If you want justice for your father, real justice, not the kind that comes from courts… well, that's a conversation for another day."
"Dom," Tomas says, and there's gratitude in his voice that goes beyond words.
"You chose well, cousin," Domenico says simply. "Grandfather would say you chose with your blood, not your brain. But sometimes that's the only choice worth making."
He looks back at me one more time. "Three months you hunted us. Three months of eighteen-hour days, skipped meals, obsessive focus. That kind of dedication, turned to our benefit?" He actually smiles, genuine this time. "We'll be untouchable."
I find my spine straightening despite the exhaustion, proud of the strength I've shown. This dark king welcomes me to his court not as servant but as essential ally.
The door closes behind Domenico with quiet finality, and I realize I'm shaking.
"Silent Night" escapes in full now, my voice trembling through the melody as my body finally admits its exhaustion.
"You were magnificent," Tomas says against my ear, pulling me back against his chest. His arms wrap around me, solid and warm, and I let myself sink into his strength. I can feel his cock hardening against me, his body's response to watching me claim my power. Even now, even after everything, we burn for each other.
"I just became your family's lawyer." The words feel surreal on my tongue, like ashes and freedom mixed. "I just agreed to protect the people I spent months trying to destroy."
I think about my father, dying in a prison cell for a crime he didn't commit. He wanted justice so badly he couldn't see how the system was rigged against him. But now I'm inside that system, on the other side of it, with the power to rig it myself.
"You just saved both our lives." His lips brush my temple, then move lower, teeth grazing my neck in a way that makes me shiver despite everything. "And secured our future."
