Power (The Santini Assassins #1)

Epilogue

One Month Later, Christmas Weekend

LUCIANO

W hile eating an early breakfast together on Christmas Eve, Luciano glanced over at Simone. “You’ve been quiet.”

She swallowed down the oatmeal. “I’d like to do something special today.”

“Wrap gifts?”

“All done,” she replied before sipping her coffee. “I’d like to visit your family.”

“But we’re spending Christmas with them tomorrow.”

“No, Luciano.” She placed her warm hand on his. “Your family at the cemetery.” Love poured from her eyes.

“That’s very kind, Simone.”

“They’re important to you and I’d like to acknowledge them.”

She continued to amaze him. “We can stop on the way to Carole Jean’s.”

Her smile brightened his day. He loved making Simone happy… he just hadn’t expected this would be one of those ways. That’s what made her unique. She went out of her way to include his past and he was grateful for that.

“I spoke with my realtor,” she said. “We’re putting my house on the market January twenty-third, so if you have any doubts about my moving in?—”

He captured her face in his hands. “None, baby. Are you sure you want to live here? It’s a big house?—”

“I’ve always loved the mansion, plus, I definitely feel safer here… and with everything going on, it’s the perfect solution.”

He pushed out of his chair and kissed her. “Not gonna argue with perfect.”

“Elsa told me she’s thinking of visiting us,” Simone said as they cleared the dishes.

Luciano started cleaning a pot.

“Domestic Luciano is super-hot.” She ran her fingers down his back, stopped on his ass, and squeezed. “My sexy, sexy boyfriend.” She leaned up, kissed his cheek.

“Elsa’s concerned she’s a burden to Carrera and Slash,” he replied.

“Maybe she’d like living here part of the year with us.”

“Are you sure about that?” he asked.

“Absolutely.” She smacked his backside with the dishtowel. “I’m going to grab a change of clothes, then head over to my place for an hour or two. I’ve got a ton to do before the house goes on the market.”

“I’ll go with you,” he said.

“Luciano—”

He pulled her close, wrapped his arms around her. “You’re the one who killed Jerod De Clerq. I just shot the gun out of his hand.”

She laughed. “Ohgod, what kind of sick mess am I to laugh over that?”

He kissed her. “My sick mess.”

Then, his smile fell away. “Trish Benderson attacked you?—”

“ Tried to attack me,” Simone pushed back, “and she failed.”

“There are dozens of terrorists out there who could be plotting their revenge. I’m coming with you.”

Upstairs, she pulled her body armor over her shirt while he dressed for their lunch. He pulled on a black shirt, black dress pants, and a sport coat while she tucked a Santini Original cocktail dress and stilettos into a garment bag.

After slipping into his shoe boots, he said, “How do I look, baby?”

“You, Mr. Santini, are eye candy for days.” She went to him, kissed him. “You gotta wear your vest.

“Simone—”

She crossed her arms. “I’ll wait.”

“I’m not going to win this one, am I?”

“Nope.”

Off came his sport coat, then his shirt. He pulled on his Kevlar vest, redressed, and they returned downstairs.

“Bring your laptop,” she insisted. “You can work while I go through my things.”

“Let me grab that.” Alone in his office, he extracted the small jewelry box from his safe. After slipping it and his laptop into his computer bag, he found her in the kitchen staring out at the expansive backyard.

He stood behind her, wrapped his arms around her, and looked outside.

“I see children running around out there,” she murmured.

Still standing behind her, he hugged her. “For real?” he teased. “I don’t see anyone.”

Laughing, she turned to face him. “In our future, but I’m getting way ahead of myself.” Her smile fell away. “I used to stare out these French doors and miss ALPHA. I wondered where The Bomb Maker was hiding. I used to fantasize about finding him and avenging my team, but I was too scared to do it.”

“My badass babe isn’t scared anymore.”

“No, I’m not.”

He drove them to her house where he worked at her kitchen table while she got busy sorting through everything.

Over the next two hours, his mind kept wandering. This was a big weekend for him… the biggest in a long, long time. He was asking her to marry him. He might pop the question at their holiday lunch, or wait until that evening. Or… he could propose on Christmas Day. He would know when the time was right.

Simone came downstairs looking stunning. She’d pulled her hair into a messy updo, placed a diamond cuff on her ear. Her black cocktail dress was the perfect combination of classy and sultry. On her feet, she’d kept on her low-heeled, black leather boots, the stilettos dangling from her finger.

Taking his time, he checked her out. Twice. “You look hot, baby.” He rose, went to her.

She modeled the dress for him.

“Sembri abbastanza buono da mangiare,” he murmured.

“Something about eating,” she replied.

“Very good. I said, ‘you look good enough to eat.’”

“Mmm,” she murmured. “I like that, but you gotta wait for the good stuff. Santa only comes once a year.”

“Poor Santa.”

She laughed.

Before leaving, she confirmed all the security cams were functioning, then she activated the alarm, and they left.

On the way to the cemetery, she clasped his hand, rested it in her lap. But she said nothing. The only sound was the eclectic mix of holiday tunes coming from one of his playlists.

He drove into the cemetery, parking near his family’s gravesites.

“You sure about this, babe?” he asked.

“I am, but I think you should go first, without me. They should hear about me from you, not from me.”

One quick kiss before he made his way over to their graves.

He knelt at Marco’s grave, brushed away some errant leaves, and laid his hand on the stone marker. “Hello, son. It’s almost Christmas. You had so much energy on Christmas eve. Mommy and I could not get you to sleep. Every two hours, you’d wake up, tell us it was time to open presents.” He smiled at the memories. “I know you’re in a better place, surrounded by a love that we can’t understand. Doesn’t take away from how much I love you and will always love you. Marco, you are my firstborn, my beloved son, and you always will be.”

He ran his fingers over Marco’s name, the familiar pang of loss finding its way into his heart.

After a few seconds, he moved to his daughter’s gravesite. “Caterina, my angel, your days must be filled with singing and rejoicing as you praise the Lord. Your time here was too short, but I will keep you alive in my heart for the rest of my life. You were such a happy baby. Hearing you laugh brought me so much joy. Being your daddy gave my life purpose. I wanted to protect you and keep you safe.”

Emotion gripped his throat, but he pushed on. “I will love you always. One day, we’ll be together again. That will be a happy day filled with your laughter. Daddy loves you so much, honey.” He laid his hand on the stone.

“Heavenly Father, I failed my family. I did not protect them like I vowed to you I would. Evil stepped in and stole them from me, but I know you’ve made them whole again, and keep them safe in your loving arms. Amen.” He made the sign of the cross, kissed his fingers, and pressed his hand to each of his children’s gravestones.

Then, he moved on to Linda’s, and pain slashed his heart. She had been his first and only love. And he believed that his punishment on earth would be to walk the rest of his life alone.

But he had found love again, and he dared to take that next step.

“Linda, my love, I think about you and our babies every day. You know the truth about what happened… and now I do too. I’m sorry it wasn’t me who was taken, and I hope you’ve forgiven me for what happened. If I could do one day over, it would be that day. I would gladly give up my life for yours and the children’s.”

He ran his fingers over her name—Linda Anne Santini—on the black slab of granite. After several quiet seconds, he said, “I found someone to love. She’s someone you’d like. She is not your replacement. You are my first and should have been my only. She is my chance to step out of the darkness and live a life filled with love. I hope you would have wanted that for me. She wants to speak to you, maybe to Marco and Caterina too. I will always love you, my sweet, sweet Linda.”

With a heavy heart, he rose and returned to the SUV.

“Can I bring you over?” he asked.

Simone exited the vehicle, buttoned her cashmere coat. “I was thinking I’d go over alone, if you’re okay with that.”

He kissed her cheek, then the other, and he let her go.

SIMONE

Simone stood back several feet and eyed the three gravestones. Her heart broke as she read their names and each of the engravings.

She walked over to Luciano’s wife’s grave and knelt down. “Hello, Mrs. Santini. I’m Simone. I wanted to pay my respects to you and tell you that I’ve fallen in love with Luciano. I’m not going to take your place. No one could ever do that. I promise that I will help keep the memory of you and your children alive in Luciano’s heart for as long as we’re together.”

She paused.

“I love him and want to help him have a happy life.”

A gust of wind blew past her, swirling the leaves away from the graves.

Simone moved her hair away from her face before moving to the children’s graves. She bowed her head and stayed silent for a long moment.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

She rose and walked back to the car. As she got closer, he emerged. She went to him and he pulled her into his arms.

“Thank you,” he murmured. “That meant a lot to me.”

“I’m sorry for your loss. I want us to find our own happiness while still remembering and honoring our pasts.”

He opened her door for her, waited while she slipped inside. Then, he leaned in and kissed her softly, before shutting her door and getting behind the wheel.

They pulled into Carole Jean’s at one o’clock. Jericho and Liv had suggested they all spend the holiday celebrating before spending it with their families.

Inside the restaurant, they were escorted to the Copper room, the private dining room in the back. An oversized gas fireplace threw dancing shadow-flames on the shiny black hearth while copper-tiled walls reflected the warm, amber glow. Soft lighting, multiple tea candles, and bouquets of short- stemmed roses added charm to the Michelin-starred eatery. The tables had been arranged in a large square so everyone felt like they were seated together.

Simone’s heart overflowed with love as her gaze fell over her coworkers and friends. Carrera and Slash were talking with Cooper and Danielle. Nearby Sin, Dakota, and Jericho were speaking in hushed tones while their wives—Evangeline, Providence, and Liv—chatted nearby.

Prescott and Jaqueline, Hawk and Addison, and Rebel and Brit were toasting their champagne flutes, their joyous laughter making her smile.

“There they are!” Carrera broke away to greet them.

After saying hi to him, Simone walked over to speak with Evangeline, Providence, and Liv.

“Congratulations,” Evangeline said. “Providence was just telling us how you jumped back in full throttle.”

Simone smiled. “Red’s back, baby.”

“We told the guys we wouldn’t talk shop—” Providence murmured.

“I know my husband,” Liv said, “and he’s over there talking strategy.”

“Same,” Simone said. “Luciano’s obsessed with the Day of Destruction. He’s been totally focused on chatter on the dark web. And he’s been talking with someone at The Agency.”

“I think Sin has been on some of those calls,” Evangeline added.

Slash and Danielle joined them.

“What are we talking about?” Slash asked.

“What we’re all talking about,” Simone replied.

“The Day of Destruction,” Danielle said.

“May thirty-first doesn’t leave us much time,” Providence said.

Emerson and Stryker walked into the private dining room and joined the group.

Jericho whistled. “Hey, fam, everyone’s here. Time to get our Christmas Eve luncheon started. First, welcome to Carole Jean’s, my three -Michelin-starred restaurant.”

The group applauded.

“The chef has prepared a five-course meal,” Jericho boomed. “You better be hungry.” He gestured to the tables. “Please.”

Simone made her way back to Luciano. After kissing her cheek, he seated her, then sat beside her.

Luciano raised his champagne flute. “Per chiudere gli amici che sono famiglia.”

“To close friends who are family,” Carrera translated.

They clinked glasses, sipped the champagne.

“Red, are you joining Luciano on any of his jobs?” Sin asked.

As Simone regarded her man, she smiled. “Depends on who he’s going after.”

“I’m sure Simone can be persuaded to join me,” Luciano said.

“I’m in if it’s the terrorists,” Simone said.

“I think we’re all-in on that one,” Jericho replied.

“Hell, yeah,” Slash added.

Luciano’s phone buzzed. After reading the text, a growl shot out of him, and he showed Simone his phone. It was a text from Willie Boy.

I lived in your shadow my hole life. No more, cousin. I will have my revenge. Everyone thinks I’m too stupid to do anything right. I’ll prove you all wrong!

“Are you worried?” Simone asked.

“Worried? No, but I am concerned he can’t spell the word whole.”

She chuckled. “I’m being serious.”

“You know I don’t get scared,” he replied.

“Everything okay?” Carrera asked.

Luciano nodded. “All good.”

But Luciano’s jawline was ticking and he re-read the text before setting his phone down. Though he shot her a loving smile, his eyes had gone flat. Thanks to Willie Boy, Luciano had one more thing to deal with.

For today, she was stepping away from the grind, from the pressure, and from the intensity of their lives to enjoy their friends for a few hours.

“What’s the latest on Hirzog,” Sin asked her.

“He’s out of the hospital and awaiting trial in jail,” Simone replied.

“Did you visit him?” Evangeline asked.

“I went to see him in the hospital,” she said. “Luciano didn’t want me to, but I needed closure.”

“How’d that go?” Slash asked.

“He’s a mess,” she replied. “He’s devastated over having been manipulated. He’s being charged with multiple counts that might put him in prison for life. It’s hard to believe he’s the same man who mentored my career.”

“He brought it on himself,” Carrera said.

“I know I’m in the minority,” Addison said, “but I feel sorry for him. He got scammed real good.”

“He did,” Simone added.

“Still, he shouldn’t have cheated,” Sin said. “If Hirzog had said no, he wouldn’t have given De Clerq all the power.”

“Red, what happened with Hirzog’s wife?” Addison asked.

“I talked to her a few days ago. She filed for divorce and is putting their home on the market.”

“Okay, guys,” Liv said. “No more shop talk. I think we should plan a big, crazy vacation together.”

As the waitstaff delivered their first course, the conversation shifted to how much fun it would be if all twenty of them—and their children—took an exotic two-week trip.

The group began tossing out travel ideas. Everything from renting a castle in Europe to staying in a mansion in Italy to vacationing in The Maldives or in South Florida.

Though the tone of the conversation had shifted, the divot between Luciano’s brow had not gone away. She typed out a text to him, then sent it.

I can’t wait to massage your cock with my feet until you come all over my toes

His phone buzzed, he read the text, and slid his gaze to her. She was waiting with a sly smile and an arched eyebrow. Within seconds, the spark in his eyes returned.

“You’re a million miles away,” she murmured.

“Not anymore, baby. I’m all yours.”

Despite his latest obsession with the Day of Destruction and, now, his cousin’s threat, she would help him find balance between work and play. She would support him through it all and she would love him fiercely.

For the rest of her days.

LUCIANO

Luciano was angry. Stupid fucking Willie Boy was trying to exert his power from the shadows. He wasn’t scared of Willie Boy, but he was concerned for his family. Rather than wait for Willie Boy to strike, he would put out feelers and track the son of a bitch down. Shouldn’t be hard. If he did bolt to Vegas, he’d be acting like he was a Santini somebody.

He’s a nobody who’s accomplished nothing. He shames the Santini name.

As the conversations continued, Luciano shifted his attention to Simone. She was talking with Evangeline, but she glanced over. They shared a smile before she returned her attention to her friend.

She was his second chance at having a full and meaningful life, and he wasn’t going to let a scumbag like Willie Boy ruin another moment of their evening.

After the servers cleared away the first course, Liv asked everyone what they were grateful for. “I know it’s not Thanksgiving, but we can show gratitude on any day.”

“I love that, babe,” Jericho said. “Why don’t you start?”

“I was thinking we should offer up something different than what we usually say?—”

“So, not me?” Jericho teased, and the group laughed.

“I’m so grateful for my husband, but this year, I’m grateful for my children. Liam accepted our foster children, Owen and Layla, with such grace. He shared his toys, he was so friendly and excited when they came to our home.” Liv smiled. “He was so loving toward them, I couldn’t believe it.”

Jericho swiped the tear from his eye. “I’m grateful for you, Liv. You handle our children with so much love and you take every chance to show them how to treat others with kindness. I’m out there taking out the monsters and you remind me that there are amazing, good people in the world.”

She put her hand on her heart.

One by one, the conversations of gratitude continued.

“I’m grateful that Evangeline and I run our home for runaway children together ,” Sin said. “To do it right, we have to put in a lot of time. We don’t have children of our own, but Evan works hard at Develin, then puts in time at The Center. She believes that all these kids—no matter what life has thrown at them—can be productive adults. I love you, Evan.”

“I’m grateful for my girlfriends—” Evangeline said.

“What about me?” Sin asked, and the group laughed.

She grinned at him. “I adore you Sinclair Develin. You know that. Every single one of you has got my back and I’ve got yours. I’ve called Providence at three in the morning and she’s been there for me. I’ve reached out to Liv countless times and she’s been my rock.”

Evangeline smiled at Simone. “Your turn, Red.”

Simone glanced around at everyone. “I’m grateful to Z. He sent me on a mission that led me back here, to all of you. I wasn’t sure returning to an organization I love was possible, but here I am. I’m also grateful to Providence and Cooper for giving me a second chance. And I’m grateful for the friendship I had with Frederica. I miss her, but I feel her with me, especially when I think I can’t do something. I hear her cheering me on.”

She rested her hand on Luciano’s thigh. “You’re up, baby.”

This is my opportunity.

“I’m grateful to Z as well,” Luciano began. “He put Simone in my path, and we took it from there.”

“Brit and I had no idea our dad played a part in your lives,” Addison said.

“Z is always there behind the scenes, like the puppet master,” Sin said, and the group laughed.

“I thought you were the puppet master,” Dakota said to his twin.

“Turns out, the real puppet master is Luciano,” Sin said.

More laughter erupted.

“Simone, the night we met is unforgettable,” Luciano continued. “Being with you is the best part of my day. Falling in love with you has been intense and beautiful. I know we’ve been working nonstop, but I wouldn’t change anything, except for the death of your friend, and all the Operatives.”

She acknowledged him with a nod.

He knelt beside her.

Gasps filled the room, then silence.

“Simone, you are my entire world. You give me hope, make me feel excited about living again. I want to build a life with you, my beautiful, brilliant, badass babe.” He pulled the ring box from his sport coat pocket, opened the box, and said, “Marry me, Simone.”

Her gaze never left his as a breathtaking smile erupted on her face. She pressed her hands to his face, kissed him. “Yes, absolutely.”

They came together in tender kiss while everyone started applauding and hooting.

“That’s what we’re talking about,” Carrera said.

Luciano slid the ring onto her finger, but she still hadn’t broken her gaze. “I will love you forever,” she whispered.

“I’m yours.” He kissed her. “And you’re mine.”

She grinned. “I love that.”

He smiled out at the group. “She said yes!”

Everyone came over to congratulate them, but Simone stayed glued to his side. To his surprise, she still hadn’t looked at the ring, something he hadn’t expected. After the commotion died down, and everyone sat back down, Carrera stood with his champagne flute.

“Congratulations to my cousin and to Red. They’re a great match.”

“It’s perfect,” Slash added.

“I’m going with what my wife said,” Carrera said. “She’s always right.”

The group cracked up.

“You figured out the secret to a good marriage,” Stryker said. “My wife is always right too.”

“Same,” the men echoed around the room.

While everyone toasted with their bubbly, the servers returned with the entrées.

Simone leaned over, kissed Luciano’s cheek. “Thank you for turning Christmas Eve into something we celebrate every year. I did not expect that.”

“I love surprising you,” he replied.

“Oh, the ring!” Simone eyed the six-carat emerald-cut diamond, flanked by a halo of smaller diamonds, with baguettes running down the sides of the band. “This is stunning. And too much.”

He laughed. “I wanted to go bigger, but I knew you’d object.”

“It’s beautiful. Seriously. Gorgeous.” She kissed him.

He leaned over, whispered, “I bought you a second ring, in case?—”

She laughed. “You did not.”

He nodded. “But if you like this one.”

“It’s perfect. I love it, and I can’t wait to show you my gratitude when we get home.”

“A Christmas Eve celebration,” he said.

“Of the best kind,” she replied. “Love, love, and more love.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” he replied.

March, the following year

LUCIANO

Stuart parked in front of the brand new, two-story building. As Luciano exited the Rolls Royce, he glanced up at the restaurant sign.