Page 135 of Titan

I walked over to him and wrapped my arm around his shoulder.

“My father wouldn’t have shown them mercy. They have a chance to reform themselves. Things around here aren’t going to run the way they did when my father was alive. The era of Gennaro is over. It’s time we do things the Gil Villetti way. And you’re going to help me make sure we stay on top.”

“The Gil Villetti way, huh? I like the sound of that.”

I ruffled his hair.

“Good. Now let’s get down to actual business.”

Edric grinned at me.

“Yes, boss.”

I might have been questioning myself a couple of months ago, but now I was sure of who I was. I didn’t need to be my father. All I had to do was be me. A fair but ruthless mafia boss who didn’t take fools lightly. Zayn was right when he gave me the keys to our father’s empire and told me to run it my way. He trusted me. And now… now I trusted myself to be the man he always knew I could be.

Forty Four

Theia

As I unlocked the door to the flat, I almost couldn’t believe it would be my first night of officially living here permanently. It had taken me a month to even go back to my own flat after everything went down. And only two weeks after that to tell Gil I missed sleeping next to him every night for us to make the necessary arrangements. We might not have been together long, but I was sure of one thing. Gil was it for me. I was never letting this man go. I didn’t care if he was a mafia boss and led a dangerous life. As far as I was concerned, he was perfect for me.

The day we told each other we loved each other had been tumultuous. I chose to focus on the positives. Yes, I had ended up taking three lives that night, but it was a life-or-death situation. I’d saved myself, Gil and Edric. That was the important part. Besides, after all the shit H had put me through, killing him felt like justice. As had ending Pippa. Getting rid of them meant all the people they’d hurt were free. Gil and Zayn’s men had rescued everyone, giving them a safe place to recover and a new chance at life. What were three lives when you’d helped stop the sex trafficking ring that held you captive? Nothing in the grand scheme of things. I was safe now and didn’t have to live in fear I’d be taken away again. The price of freedom was heavy but ultimately worth every sacrifice I’d made.

We had to attend Pippa’s funeral. The official cause of death given was she’d taken an overdose. Only a few people knew about the bullet I’d put in her back. Gil was still at odds with his cousins since Gian’s son had defected, but they stayed out of his way. Nino was wholeheartedly welcomed into Gil’s side of the family. He wasn’t on speaking terms with his father, but I’d met his mother, younger brother and sisters a couple of weeks ago. They were a lot of fun. I think Gil appreciated having me as a buffer between him and his extended family as I took on the bulk of making conversation with them. He would never be a people person, but he was open with me. I cared more about that than anything else.

Through all of this, I was most grateful I had him beside me to help me cope with everything. He was my rock, my solace and my safety. The only person in this world I trusted above all else. I loved every moment I spent with him. My stoic mafia boss boyfriend, who wouldn’t hesitate to kill for me. He was my forever.

When I stepped into the penthouse, I almost jumped out of my own skin. Gil was standing right by the door, waiting for me. He caught me by the arm and steadied me before I fell backwards.

“Jesus, give a girl some warning before you just appear like that.”

He merely smiled at me. Gil was notorious for sneaking up on me. I don’t know how a man his size was so damn sneaky and silent, but he was always scaring the crap out of me with his antics.

“I wanted to welcome you home.”

“Well, next time make some damn noise, so I know you’re there.”

He pulled me closer and cupped my cheek.

“I’m sorry. How can I make it up to you?”

“You could kiss me hello.”

He leant down and caught my mouth with his, kissing me deeply and making me melt into him.

“Better?” he murmured against my lips.

“Much.”

He pulled back and smirked.

“So, you don’t want my surprise, then?”

“What? You have something for me?”

He inclined his head. He didn’t need to buy me presents. I never expected anything other than his time, but he always gave me that in spades.

“Of course I want it!”

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