Chapter 5 - The King and His Legacy
Two months later, the Moretti family was a memory. The local news called it a "sudden shift in organized crime," detailing federal raids and mysterious disappearances that had entirely dismantled Dominic’s rivals. I knew better. I knew the price of my safety had been exacted in blood and shadow.
But as I lay in the pristine, sunlit recovery room of a private, heavily guarded maternity ward, the violence of Dominic’s world felt miles away.
I looked down at the bundle resting against my chest. He had a shock of dark hair, exactly like his father, and tiny, perfect fingers that currently gripped the edge of his swaddle.
The door opened, and Dominic walked in. He had traded his imposing black overcoat for a soft grey sweater, looking more like a tired, devoted father than a crime boss. He walked to the edge of the bed, his dark eyes entirely consumed by the sight of us.
“He’s perfect,” Dominic whispered, reaching out with a massive, tattooed finger. Our newborn son instantly released the swaddle and wrapped his tiny hand around his father’s finger.
Dominic closed his eyes, a profound, shuddering breath escaping his lips.
“He needs a name,” I said softly, leaning my head back against the pillows.
Dominic opened his eyes, looking from his son to me. The ruthless edge that usually hardened his features was completely gone, replaced by an overwhelming, protective adoration.
“Julian,” Dominic said softly. “Julian Russo.”
“I love it,” I smiled, exhaustion pulling at my eyelids.
Dominic leaned down, kissing the crown of Julian’s head before pressing a deep, lingering kiss to my lips. “You gave me a legacy, Chloe. You gave me the one thing money and power could never buy. A family.”
I thought back to the café, all those months ago. I thought of Derek laughing at my changing body, blind to the miracle taking place, arrogant in his cruelty. He had thought he was the end of my story. He had no idea he was merely the catalyst that pushed me into the arms of the only man strong enough to protect me.
“We aren't hiding anymore,” Dominic promised softly, pulling a velvet box from his pocket. He snapped it open to reveal a massive, flawless diamond ring. “Marry me, Chloe. Let me put a ring on your finger that tells the entire world you belong to the king, and let them know that the Russo empire has its queen.”
I looked at the diamond, then up at the man who had torn down a city to keep me safe. I didn't hesitate. I held out my left hand.
May you like
“Yes,” I whispered.
Dominic slid the ring onto my finger, securing it in place. The storm of the past year was over. I had walked out of a café humiliated and alone, and I had emerged as the untouchable matriarch of a dynasty. As Julian cooed softly between us, I knew that no matter what darkness lurked in Chicago, the light in our fortress would never go out.
