Page 68 of Dove

It didn’t stop me from keeping her. From wanting her. From loving her.

But knowing she could take care of herself. Knowing she would defend me. Us. Soothed the demon in me. Calmed whatever semblance of guilt I might have had that told me to let her go to keep her safe.

Leif was right. She wasn’t my weakness. She was my strength. My reason. I would never let this life destroy me because I could never leave her behind.

I clapped him on the back as a few of his men came for the body. “Maybe you’ll have it one day.”

Leif’s eyes hardened; all traces of empathy gone from his expression. In its place was the monster who would one day lead the family. “Not all of us have the luxury of choosing the woman by our side.”

“Not all of us are illegitimate sons.”

My status as a prostitute’s son kept me from a fate that Leif had always known would come for him. Like Alessandra, he would have an arranged marriage. His wife would be chosen in a strategic move to form alliances. Tristan’s betrayal and death didn’t stop the war that had ignited with the Gallos. Leif would soon need to make the deals necessary to protect the family.

Before Kincaid, his sacrifice would’ve meant nothing to me. All women had been the same. Serving their purpose as toys and mothers. But my little dove had changed my perspective.

I wasn’t suddenly going to believe that true love existed or that I even cared if it did. I’d found what I wanted. What I needed. I loved Kincaid in my way. And I knew the brother in me should hope that Leif found the same. Or at least that his wife would understand her place. That they would have a peaceful, if not a loving, marriage.

Leif gestured to the body being carried out the door. “At least my bride will know what kind of life we live. Hopefully, she’ll already have learned the lesson Kincaid did today.”

It was true. Anyone Leif married will have grown up in one of the families. She would have already seen death and torture.

Even though my little dove wasn’t born into this life, she was bound to it now. She’d made the ultimate sacrifice for me. She’d given away a piece of her soul to keep me alive. But I would make sure it was never necessary again. She belonged by my side because she was my light in the darkness. She was the only one who could make me feel something.

I wouldn’t let this world take from her again. I wouldn’t let it taint her more than it already had. It was my job to ruin her. Protect her. Love her.

36

Maddox

The music from the club was nothing but a dull thud as I sat across from Leif in the private room. My body was here, but my mind was on my little dove waiting for me out in the main area. I knew she was well protected with Henry as she watched Tessa dance, but I still itched to get to her. Even after what she’d done to Tristan, I still worried for her safety. She was mine to hurt, no one else.

“Unfortunately, Tristan’s death did not stop the war with the Gallos.” Leif said. “They want retribution for the men Maddox killed.”

“They were the ones working with one of ours.” Constantine scuffed. “They may not have kidnapped the girl, but we would have wanted blood for that regardless.”

“It’s just an excuse to try and take us down.” Dante said.

I agreed. I didn’t believe Tristan had come up with the plan to betray us on his own. He was lured away by the promise of more. Carmine Gallo was power-hungry. He knew he wouldn’t get control of Sayton City while any Vancini lived. He’d found a weak link and exploited it. His attacks would keep coming.

I felt no sympathy for my cousin. It was his own greed that had killed him. He had plenty as a Vancini; there was no reason for him to seek more. His death meant nothing to me. I would feel equally ambivalent to the rest of the Gallos, that would die at my hand. If they were fool enough to question our power, then they deserved a bloody death.

“I’m inclined to agree.” Leif said. “We all need to be vigilant. It’s clear they have no problems exploiting our weaknesses. I suggest extra security for your wives and children. A war is coming.”

Our eyes connected for a second, both of us thinking of Alessandra. I had already added one of my men to her security detail. I no longer trusted my father or anyone else to keep her safe. If the Gallos and Tristan could take Kincaid without remorse, they could take the only daughter of the Vancini boss. She was a much bigger prize. I knew it meant our father would marry her off sooner rather than later, if for no other reason than to get her out of the city.

Our meeting ended shortly after that. I lingered in the room, knowing Henry would bring my little dove to me. But when the door opened, letting in the sound of the club, I glanced up to find Bash with Tessa instead of Kincaid. My body felt heavy with disappointment as they walked closer.

My number two stood slightly in front of her as if he was protecting her from me. I smiled to myself because if I wanted to hurt her, there was no one who could stop me.

Tessa wore a green silk robe tied over her waist. She walked steadily on her extremely high heels as she shoved past Bash to sit at the table across from me. Her body appeared relaxed, but her face was drawn with tension.

“Can I help you with something, Trixie?” I didn’t know if she used her real name while working at Entice, and it wasn’t my business to out her even if our conversation was being held in a private place. I didn’t care about her, but I showed her the respect Kincaid would want.

“I overheard something I think you should know.” She said as she tapped the wood table lightly.

“Overheard?” I raised one brow as I sipped my drink.

Her face twisted into a cunning smile. “Men tend to forget that I’m more than just a pretty face who dances for them. They often speak freely because they don’t believe I’m capable of doing anything with the information.”

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