Page 171 of Rise To Power

What the fuck were they talking about? It’d better become clear quickly. There would be no more intimate exchanges, secret looks, or clandestine encounters. And nothing of his was going to be in her hand.

“I don’t think I can get it back.”

Knox chuckled. “I’ll buy you a new knife.” He smirked at me. “Although being married to you, I should probably get her a set.” He winked at Allegra. “Consider it a wedding gift.”

She leaned her head against my shoulder as she stared at her sister. “You’ve done enough for me for a lifetime. You saved her. Thank you.”

His smile softened as he stared at my wife, revealing the depth of his devotion to her. “Always.”

She sighed and relaxed into me. “And forever.”

“Emilio is monitoring the explosion and fire at Byrne’s estate,” Orlando said from behind us in the third-row seating with Timoteo. “The fire department is on scene. No reported fatalities.”

“Fucking asshole had a chem lab in the garage.” Stefano, sitting in the front passenger seat, inhaled off his cigarette. “Enough accelerants to light it up like America’s Fourth of July.”

Allegra sat up, her spine stiffening. “Will the safe room be fireproof?” she asked. “I did as much damage to Byrne as I could, but the stab wounds were all survivable injuries.”

“We’ll work on that.” Stefano glanced over his shoulder. “You just need more training.”

“Whether Patrick is dead or not, doesn’t eliminate the threat,” Knox said. “His brother Ian will assume leadership.”

Allegra laced her fingers with mine.

“Don’t worry, topolina.”

Tonight hadn’t just been a message to the Irish. The new don Bruno didn’t negotiate. Attacks of any kind wouldn’t be tolerated. Reprisals would be swift and deadly.

And my wife was untouchable.

Ant pulled up to the gate, then to the top of the drive, and parked. Anna burst through the door. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Stefano exited the vehicle.

“Why didn’t you tell me where you went?” She slammed her fist against his chest. “I’ve been going crazy. Emilio wouldn’t tell me shit. Giada is useless for information.” The Italian flew from her lips. “The soldiers won’t let me in the guesthouse. You didn’t tell anyone where you were. Allegra is gone. No one answers their phones.”

Ant opened the door. Allegra slid from my lap and ducked out of the vehicle. Before she could take a step, Anna had her wrapped in a crushing hug.

Allegra flinched.

“Anna, she’s hurt,” I said.

She reared back. “Oddio!” Her gentle hands cradled Allegra’s face. “What happened?”

“We’ll explain later,” I said as I positioned for Knox to brace his shoulder against me as he exited the car with Deidre still in his arms.

Allegra pointed to the house. “Take her to the room across from mine and Marco’s.”

Knox nodded and headed up the front steps.

“He knows which room is ours?” I asked.

Allegra chewed her lip. “He’s been in the house. We don’t know how to be apart. I’m his family.” She rested her hand on my chest. “Please don’t hate him.”

I wrapped my arms around her neck and pulled her flush against me. “I’m trying not to, little mouse.”

Headlights cut through the darkness at the security gate. “Your father and brother are here.”

She trembled. “They can’t see me like this. Or Dee. Santi will lose his shit.”

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