Maddy
MADDY
T he walk over to the building Mihai called the Main Crown Suite is quiet, and I’m painfully aware of last night lingering between us. The feel of his hands on me, the way he whispered that he wanted me—it’s all there, sitting in the silence.
I can barely look at him without my heart racing, so I focus on the path ahead, on the huge building looming in front of us. Mihai hasn’t said much, but the tension radiating off him is unmistakable.
“My father arrived last night but wanted us to be rested for this,” he says, but I can pick up on the anxiety in his tone. I wonder if this news will be worth something to them.
When we step inside, I notice the place is different from the other suites. This is something older with high ceilings, dark wood, and a faint scent of leather and cigars that seems ingrained in the walls. Mihai stays close, guiding me to a lounge area, and we both sit down just as the door opens.
Ion Vasile walks in, and I still can’t get over how something about his presence seems so warm. He’s got that rare, grandfatherly charm that could put anyone at ease, even though I know exactly who and what he is.
Mihai stands to greet him, and Ion pulls him into a hug—the kind of embrace that speaks of a closeness most people wouldn’t associate with a mafia family. Ion’s gaze shifts to me, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
“Madison,” he says warmly, stepping closer.
I smile and get to my feet, feeling my nerves simmer down just a little. “Mr. Vasile. Thank you for making time to see me.”
Ion chuckles, his gaze flickering to Mihai. “Ah, well, my son has told me you’re rather persuasive.”
Mihai rolls his eyes but smirks, looking both proud and amused. “Didn’t take much, really.”
Ion laughs, then gestures for us to sit. Once we’re settled, he leans forward, his expression turning more serious, though there’s still that hint of warmth in his eyes. “I want you to know that whatever you’re able to share with us today, it’s greatly appreciated. You’ve been through a lot, and I don’t take that lightly.”
There’s a warmth in his words, a genuine kindness, and I can feel myself relax just a bit. Mihai watches quietly, and I feel the solid reassurance of his presence.
“I appreciate the opportunity to talk,” I reply, glancing between him and Mihai. “I just want this whole mess to end.”
Ion nods, understanding in his eyes. “Believe me, we all want that. Now, let’s get to it. Tell me, Madison, what exactly did you witness that night?”
I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I recall the details. “My family and I were right next to Santiago and another man. I wasn’t paying attention at first, but they were arguing loudly. I heard Santiago call the other man Xander. He was tall and had long blonde hair. He also had an accent, but I couldn’t place it.”
Ion nods, his face unreadable as I continue.
“They mentioned someone named either Giani or Gia… Gianinni?” I say, focusing on the name, trying to remember everything clearly. “They were talking about giving information to him before… before the gunman walked in.”
Ion’s face shifts slightly, a flicker of something passing through his eyes. I glance at Mihai, who’s now leaning forward, his brow furrowed. Clearly, the name rings a bell.
“Santiago didn’t seem to trust this Giannini,” I add. “He said that Giannini and someone named Vito were the ones behind sending him to jail but he couldn’t come forward without proof.” I pause, watching their reactions.
Ion’s face darkens further, and Mihai clenches his jaw, muttering something under his breath that I can’t quite catch.
The weight of what I’ve said sinks in, and I realize that this isn’t just valuable information—it’s crucial. Who is Vito, and why did the atmosphere suddenly turn frigid when I said his name?
“There was one more name,” I continue, feeling the importance of getting this all out. “Xander mentioned an Anthony Dawson in Ireland. He said Dawson would help Santiago lay low until things settled.”
Ion lets out a slow breath, his gaze turning thoughtful. “Anthony Dawson… and Giannini along with Vito,” He shares a look with Mihai, something unspoken passing between them.
Mihai looks back at me, his expression intense. “, are you sure about these names?”
I nod, swallowing hard. “I’m certain. I know it sounds strange, but I remember it clearly. It was the last thing I heard before… before Xander left and the gunman came in.”
Ion sits back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Did you happen to see the gunman, Madison?”
I shake my head. “He came up behind us just as Santiago stood up, and when the gunshots went off we all ducked under the tables. My mind was on my mother and sister, so I wasn’t really focusing on the gunman. Sorry, Mr. Vasile.”
He shakes his head and offers me a tight smile, his eyes snapping to Mihai before landing on me again, his expression softening slightly.
“Madison, what you’ve shared is… invaluable. I can’t begin to tell you how important this information is,” he says.
I offer a small nod, feeling both the weight and relief of having shared this. “I hope it helps. I just…want to feel safe again.”
He nods, his expression serious. “And we will do everything in our power to make that happen. You’ve been through enough, and your courage in coming forward will not be forgotten.”
We sit in silence for a moment, and I can feel a strange sense of closure, as if finally getting these words out has released some of the weight I’ve been carrying.
Ion breaks the silence with a warm smile, his tone lighter. “Now, Madison, I hope Mihai has been treating you well. He can be a bit… intense.”
I let out a small laugh, glancing over at Mihai. “Intense is an understatement,” I say, my tone teasing, and Mihai rolls his eyes, though there’s a hint of a smile on his face.
Ion laughs, clearly amused. “Well, that’s my son for you. Stubborn as they come. But he has a good heart.”
Mihai huffs, pretending to be annoyed, but I can tell he’s pleased by his father’s words. It’s a rare glimpse into a side of him that’s softer, more vulnerable, and I feel my heart warm at the sight.
Ion’s gaze softens before he turns serious again, his voice gentle. “You’re in safe hands, Madison. Mihai will do everything to protect you, as will I.”
I nod, feeling reassured, even as the tension of the past weeks lingers. “Thank you, Mr. Vasile. It means a lot to hear that.”
“Call me Ion,” he says with a warm smile. “And know that you’re part of our family now, from what I’ve gathered.”
Ion’s words hang in the air, warm and unexpected, and I feel the familiar tension in my chest start to loosen just a little. Part of their family—it’s a sentiment I hadn’t thought I’d ever hear, and it settles over me with a strange sense of comfort.
“Thank you… Ion,” I say, hesitantly, testing the name, and he smiles in approval.
But then I glance at Mihai, who’s shifted next to me, muttering something under his breath in Romanian too fast for me to catch. I catch the faintest glint of irritation in his expression as he glares at his father, though it’s more playful than serious.
Whatever he’s just said has his father chuckling as he gets to his feet, and Ion claps Mihai on the back with a grin that’s almost too smug.
“Ah, Mihai,” Ion laughs, his tone full of amusement. “Don’t let me get in your way. I’ll leave you two alone. But,” he adds, looking at Mihai with a pointed gaze, “join me in an hour.”
He nods to us both, giving me a final warm smile before he strides out, leaving Mihai and me alone in the massive room. I can still feel the echo of Ion’s words, a lingering warmth in the air.
But as I turn to Mihai, I notice the faint flush on his cheeks, his jaw clenched just enough to show that something about his father’s teasing got to him.
“What was that about?” I ask, half-grinning.
Mihai rubs the back of his neck, avoiding my gaze for a second. “Nothing important. Just… fatherly things,” he mutters, as if dismissing it will make his reaction disappear.
I raise an eyebrow, leaning a little closer. “Fatherly things?”
He lets out a low groan, meeting my eyes with a look of exasperation. “You don’t want to know,” he grumbles, though I can see the faintest hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. “Let’s just say he thinks he’s funny.”
I tilt my head to the side and Mihai shakes his head, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “It’s nothing. My father just… he likes to mess with me. Don’t worry about it. Come on, I’ll show you around a bit, get your mind off this whole thing.”
I chuckle, watching the way he fidgets, almost shy in a way that doesn’t match his usual confidence. It’s strange, seeing him this way, vulnerable and almost… flustered. It makes me want to ask more, to tease him like he always does to me, but I hold back, knowing there’s a line he might not want me to cross just yet.
“Okay, I’ll let you keep your secret,” I say with a small smile, and he visibly relaxes, though his gaze stays on me. “Let’s go.”