Epilogue - Dante
Three Years Later
Surrounded by some of the most influential men in the world, Lia settles into her seat at the large oak table. Preparing to renegotiate the terms for goods we’ll allow into Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding islands.
Her long, dark hair cascades down her back, flowing like gentle waves. The navy polka dot dress she’s wearing hugs her body, highlighting the curves of her breasts and the growing baby in her belly.
She refuses to wear business suits, preferring her relaxed clothing, and I think that surprised some men who are, for the first time, meeting the head of the organization that runs this region.
“Thank you for coming, gentlemen,” she says, looking around the table as she opens the folder in front of her. “But let’s get down to business.”
I have to say, she can command a room of men. Not that I wanted her to. She knows I’d prefer her to be at home with our babies, protected from men like these. She refuses.
She continues, “During our previous negotiations, I gave you some leeway into costs, and I’ve taken everything into account and know it’s to your advantage to continue trading your goods here, but our costs have risen.”
She glances over at me, standing against the wall in the shadows with other seconds in command and too many bodyguards to count. She gives me a small nod.
I present each of the men around the table with a report on what they’ve made over the past year, and what they’ll make once they agree to the new charges.
There are a few grumbles around the table.
“In return for the additional costs per import, you can increase your goods into Australia and New Zealand by thirty percent this year. We will renegotiate again next year,” she adds.
“And if we don’t agree,” the head of the Bratva asks.
My back shackles.
Lia remains unmoved. Not that I’m surprised.
“You may remain at the current costs with only the cost of inflation being added, but there will be no increase in imports for you. But if you look at your report, you’ll see that wouldn’t be prudent.”
He smiles. She returns it and glances around at the other men around the table. “You can take away the report to peruse, but any agreement to the new terms must be made within forty-eight hours.”
The room falls silent as the men study their reports. I watch Lia, marveling at her composure. She meets my gaze, a glimmer of confidence in her eyes.
After a few minutes, the boss of the Triad clears his throat. “These terms are... surprisingly favorable.”
Lia nods, “We believe in mutually beneficial relationships, gentlemen.”
One by one, the men around the table begin to nod. Even the Bratva leader seems impressed.
“I think we can all agree these terms are acceptable,” the Triad representative adds, looking around for confirmation.
Lia smiles, a mix of warmth and steel. “Excellent. I look forward to your signed agreement and our continued partnership.”
As the men file out, each shaking Lia’s hand with newfound respect, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride.
Once we’re alone, I move to her side. “You were incredible,” I murmur, placing a hand on the small of her back.
She leans into me, a hint of exhaustion finally showing. “We did it,” she breathes.
“You did it,” I say, correcting her, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Now let’s go and see our children.”
As the afternoon sun glimmers on the water, the pool becomes a mirror, casting playful reflections on the patio.
The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming jasmine, but nothing beats the sounds of splashing and laughter.
I sit next to Lia and watch Rafe and Cade in the pool, each holding a toddler as they float around.
Rafe has our daughter, Athena, while Cade has our son, Alexander. The cool water laps gently against their skin as they move.
“How did it go?” Rafe asks as Athena giggles, her tiny feet flipping droplets of water into the air as she waits impatiently for Rafe to let her go. Dark curls plaster to her head, making her look like a mischievous little mermaid.
Athena is the brave one of my twins. Not surprising, considering her mother is the bravest person I know. Though, it kills me to know one day she’ll be taking over from Lia as head of the Syndicate and Moretti family. While Alexander will take the de Luca role.
Athena is not yet three years old and we already have six offers on the table for her hand in marriage. Lia doesn’t want to agree to any terms with any family. We’ll decide on that in the future. Or we may allow Athena to decide for herself.
“Really well,” I reply, feeling the tension from the meeting finally easing from my shoulders. “Most of the leaders agreed to the terms.”
“Listen to that Athena,” Rafe coos, lifting her slightly out of the water. She squeals in delight, her little hands reaching for the sky. “By the time you’re eighteen, we’ll probably be the richest family in the world. And you will rule it all.” He gives a playfully scary laugh, making Athena giggle even more.
“And you,” Cade says to Alexander, who’s clinging to his shoulders like a little koala, his wide eyes taking in everything around him. “Will have to protect your sister with your life.”
Alexander responds by burying his face in Cade’s neck, sending a cascade of water down Cade’s back.
Lia sighs beside me, her hand splaying over the swell of her belly. The fabric of her dress clings to her curves, emphasizing her pregnancy. “It’d be nice just to be normal,” she muses, a wistful note to her tone. “This one doesn’t realize how easier life will be for it.”
I wrap an arm around her, pulling her close. The warmth of her body against mine is comforting, grounding. I breathe in her familiar scent, a mix of vanilla and something uniquely her. My hand joins hers on her belly, and I feel a small kick against my palm.
Another baby for our growing family.
“Normal is overrated,” I say into her hair, watching as our family messes in the pool. The sound of our children’s laughter mingles with the gentle splash of water and the distant chirping of birds. “Besides, with this family, our kids will know nothing but love and protection.”
As we sit and watch our unconventional family, I’m struck by how perfect this moment is. The warmth of the sun, the joy of our children, the love between all of us.
It’s a reminder that despite the darkness of our world, we’ve created something beautiful and worth protecting.
Lia leans into me, her hand on my chest, her body relaxing. “You’re right,” she says softly, a smile in her voice. “We may not be traditional, but that devious vow you got me to make in Las Vegas turned into a beautiful vow between the four of us, and now look.” She glances at the pool. To Cade and Rafe. To Athena and Alexander. “We have this perfect life together and that’s all that matters.”
The End