Chapter 22 Gio
GIO
As we step into the bustling building, my hand finds its place on the small of Raven's back. The soft fabric of her dress feels like silk beneath my palm. I can't help but admire how the diamonds around her neck catch the light, making her glow even more than she already does.
The room is alive with noise—the steady hum of conversation, laughter, the clinking of champagne flutes, and the gentle melody of a live string quartet. But all I can focus on is Raven.
She looks absolutely fucking magnificent in that Armani dress. The way it hugs her body, showing just enough skin to drive a man wild while still keeping her elegant.
I notice every goddamn head that turns when we walk in—some discreet, others not so much.
I even see women sizing her up with envy in their eyes.
My jaw clenches. A man's gaze lingers too long on Raven's ass, and I fix him with a look that promises violence.
He quickly finds something very interesting in his champagne glass.
Keep your fucking eyes to yourself, I think, tightening my grip slightly on Raven's back. She's mine. These pathetic fucks have no right to even look at her.
"Quite the turnout," Raven says, turning to me. "I didn't really know what to expect, but there's a good amount of people here."
I lean in close, my lips nearly brushing her ear. "And you outshine them all." She gives me a side-eye smile as we walk.
"Champagne?" A waiter appears with a tray.
"Please," Raven says, reaching for a glass.
I grab two glasses, handing one to her.
The string quartet starts a new piece, something classical that makes Raven's eyes light up. "Oh, I love this one," she says softly.
"Vivaldi?" I guess.
She looks surprised and pleased. "Yes, actually. How did you know?"
I laugh. "Shit, I just guessed. He's the only guy I know of."
She laughs and gives me that smile as she takes a sip of her champagne.
Fuck, she's beautiful when she smiles like that. The urge to kiss her right here in front of everyone nearly overwhelms me. To show all these people exactly who she belongs to.
We make our way deeper into the crowd. I spot familiar faces—business associates, some other mafia family members, and the occasional politician. They all nod respectfully as we pass.
"Giovanni!" A booming voice cuts through the noise. Fuck. I'd recognize that grating sound anywhere.
I turn, plastering on a fake smile as Councilman Roberts approaches. The man's a necessary evil—corrupt enough to be useful, but not smart enough to be a real threat.
"Councilman," I greet him, my voice cool. "I trust you're enjoying the evening?"
"Oh, absolutely!" He grins, his eyes darting to Raven. "And who might this lovely lady be?"
I feel Raven tense slightly under my hand. Before she can speak, I cut in.
"This is Raven," I say, my tone leaving no room for further questions. "My date for the evening."
Roberts' eyes widen slightly, and I can practically see the gears turning in his head. He knows better than to press further if he wants to keep breathing.
"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Raven," he says, forcing a smile. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go speak with your brother, our infamous senator. Enjoy your evening!"
I scan the room and notice Livia and Alina sitting at a table in the far corner of the room. Perfect. I want Raven to meet them.
"Come on," I say to Raven, my hand still firmly on her lower back as I guide her through the crowd. "There are some people I want you to meet."
As we approach, Livia sees us first and says something to Alina. Both look stunning as they stand, Alina's baby bump prominent under her elegant black maternity gown.
"Ladies," I greet them, "I'd like you to meet Raven. Raven, this is Livia, Enzo's wife, and Alina, Marco's wife."
Livia's eyes widen slightly as she takes in Raven, and I can see her carefully assessing every detail. Alina just smiles warmly.
"It's wonderful to meet you both. And oh my goodness, you look absolutely radiant!" she says to Alina. "Though I have to say, you look like you're ready to pop any day now, "Raven says with a smile.
Alina rubs her swollen belly. "Tell me about it. I feel like I'm carrying twins, even though we know it's just one very active little boy."
"Well, I'll be lucky if I look as beautiful as you when I'm pregnant," Raven says.
"Oh please, you look amazing. How the hell did you end up with such a nice date, Gio?"
I feel the sudden need to correct her, but in my hesitation, Raven speaks up.
"Money. He pays me to hang out with him," she says and nudges my ribs.
The women laugh. "Oh, and funny too," Livia says. "I like her. Please, sit with us."
"Actually," I say, "ladies, if you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to speak with my brothers." I turn to Raven. "Why don't you stay here and get acquainted," I say and lean down and whisper into her ear, "That alright?"
She nods. "Yes, I'd love to."
I rub her shoulders and walk away. As I do, I hear Livia ask, "So, Raven, how do you know our Gio?"
And while I'm curious to know what she'll say, I spot Enzo and Marco near the bar, deep in conversation. Marco, ever the politician, is charming a small group of donors while Enzo observes with his usual intensity.
Marco finishes when I appear. "Everything alright?" I ask.
"Oh, yeah. They're donating a nice chunk of change, so, you know, charming them up a bit."
"You know, speaking of charming, that's the infamous Raven, huh?" Enzo asks.
I turn to look at Raven talking and laughing with Alina and Livia. "Yes."
"Are we still saying you're just protecting her and that's why she's here, or are we admitting she's gotten under your skin?" Marco asks with a smile.
"If you weren't recovering from being shot, I think I'd punch you right now," I say.
"Ohh, she's definitely under your skin," Marco says.
I shoot him a look.
"You two," Enzo says, shaking his head. "Jesus. She seems like a real put-together woman. Doesn't seem like she belongs to the family she's in."
I nod, a bit of anger rising in me at the thought of what they did. "Yes, and if you mean she's out of my league, it wouldn't be wrong."
Zo laughs. "No, you're a Bonventi. We are the league. Just, you know."
I shake my head. "Yeah, I—"
"Well, well, well, look at the three pretty Italians hanging at the bar," a familiar voice says from behind me.
Ares.
"How the hell are you, Ares?" Enzo asks, giving him a hug. "How's the family?"
"They're good. They send their regards, and some money to donate for Alina's thing," he says with a laugh.
"Marco, good to see you," he says, shaking Marco's hand.
"Gio," he says and turns back to look at Raven, then back to me. "So, the gym girl's officially part of the family gatherings now?"
I clench my jaw. "Watch it."
"Hey, just saying," Ares raises his hands in mock surrender, "quite a turn of events considering who her brother was and, you know, all the other shit about to rain down."
Marco clears his throat. "Well, people aren't their family's sins. She wasn't involved. Fuck the brother, though. Getting shot hurts."
"It's on my list of things to not have happen to me today, so hopefully, I'll never know," Ares says and takes a drink of his whiskey.
"I get it, she's something to look at," Ares says while keeping his gaze on Raven a bit longer than I'd like.
"Well don't fucking look too long," I say.
"Ares, you'll have to excuse my brother. He's in a crisis where the woman he's vowed to protect now holds a piece of his heart, and he must choose between—"
"No one has a piece of anything. But if anyone messes with her they're going to wish they hadn't," I say, looking at Enzo, not letting Marco finish.
"Okay," Ares says, continuing to laugh. "Not even going to question this. Good luck with all that."
He takes another sip of his whiskey and leans in toward us.
"We'll talk later, but just so you know, the Russians are gearing up for something. Lots of movement through the docks. Could be nothing, but it feels off."
Enzo nods, his expression darkening. "Come by tonight. We can discuss it."
Ares nods. "Sounds good. I'm going to say hi to the wives, and then I've got to head out. I'll see you guys later."
I watch as Ares heads over to speak with Livia, Alina and Raven.
I look at Raven, watching her animated self, gesturing as she talks, probably about art. The way she carries herself—confident yet elegant—the natural way she fits into this world despite her initial resistance.
The sight stirs something unfamiliar in me—a flicker of longing, of possibility.
My gaze shifts to my brothers, to the way Marco and Enzo stand as pillars of the family, their legacies secure.
For the first time, I really allow myself to imagine a future beyond all the chaos.
A family. A child. My own Bonventi heir, as Livia mentioned.
And as my eyes return to Raven, I wonder if this is why she's in my life—if she's the perfect match to make that future a reality.