Chapter 28
~Dominic~
One month of marriage to Elle has transformed the way I see life.
The depth of my feelings for her leaves me tangled in emotions I never expected.
Before her, I had no idea what wedded bliss truly meant—but now I recognize it in every moment we share.
She possesses me completely, body and soul.
I know without doubt that what I feel is love, though finding the words to tell her has remained just out of reach.
Every day, I try to find a reason to linger about the mansion to be near her. When I can’t, because there’s business to be dealt with outside of the mansion, I’m impatient to return. And God help anyone who tries to keep me away from her.
In the last month, I haven’t missed breakfast or dinner with her. We’ve made love every night and sometimes several times a night. I can’t seem to get enough of her.
My wife has grown close to the servants, earning their trust and the respect of several of my men, whom I allow near her for protection.
They often seek her out with their ailments and injuries, and she tends to them with care.
I know she longs to work again, but it remains too dangerous for her to leave the mansion.
Salvatore is still at large, plotting in the shadows and Alban Berisha continues to lurk nearby.
Business has settled back into routine. No trouble at the warehouses, no issues at the docks.
It’s been quiet—too fucking quiet. And the silence feels heavy, like the calm before a storm.
I can’t shake the unease, the sense that I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.
My instincts have never failed me, and they tell me my enemies are already plotting their next move.
The Albanians haven’t made another move since their failed attempt to snatch Elle. Still, I’m certain Alban Berisha is plotting in the shadows. A man like him wouldn’t simply walk away—he’s determined to force his way in, bringing his shit into my territory.
We’ve got a massive shipment of AK-47s on the way, and I’m betting that’s when they’ll strike. Their past attempt to drive a wedge between Pavlov and me failed, but I doubt they’ve given up.
A knock at my door pulls me from my thoughts. “Come,” I say. My personal secretary steps in, arms stacked with files. “Mr. Vitelli, these are the documents you requested.” She sets them neatly on my desk before retreating back to hers.
I’ve been scouting real estate for a new nightclub, and a few promising sites have caught my eye. Time slips away as I pore over the projected figures my accountant prepared. Then my phone buzzes, pulling me from the numbers. A smile spreads across my face when I see who’s calling.
I leaned back in my chair, phone pressed to my ear. “Hello, Angel,” I said. “Dominic, just a reminder—we’re having guests for dinner tonight.” “I haven’t forgotten.” I paused, listening to the excitement in her voice. “You sound especially happy about tonight. Is there something we’re celebrating?”
“Dominic, don’t tease. You know it’s our one-month anniversary.” “Sorry, Angel. I’ll be there on time.”
When the call ended, I slipped my hand into my pocket, brushing against the small gift I’d chosen for Elle. My wife treasures moments others might overlook—little milestones, quiet anniversaries. If celebrating them brings her joy, then I’m glad to honor them too.
Last night while holding her in my arms after we’d made love, she shared a little about her childhood.
My little wife went through her entire childhood, moving from one foster home to another.
She never had any of her special moments like birthdays, holidays and graduations celebrated.
So, if she wants to celebrate our anniversary every month, that’s what we are fucking going to do. I don’t care what anyone says.
As the elevator doors slid shut, I voiced my concern: tomorrow’s shipment might draw an attack. Dante and Dario exchanged knowing looks; it had been too long since the last strike. We mapped out a quick plan before parting ways, each heading toward our own car in the dim underground garage.
“Your wife has summoned us to your anniversary party, Brother,” Dante called, pausing with a grin as he opened the door of his Aston Martin.
“She warned that if we’re late, we won’t eat.
” His mock horror made Dario laugh, but I knew the truth—they’d grown fond of Elle’s relentless effort to turn the mansion into more than a fortress, into a home.
“You know, since she broke Catalina’s nose, everyone’s afraid to cross her.
And don’t forget about when she kneed Dante in the nugget.
” Dario chimes in with laughter. “You better watch out,” he continues.
I flip him off before getting into my car.
Dante looks insulted but then he cracks up too.
Ignoring their laughter, I pulled away from my parking spot.
My security detail discreetly behind me.
Word of what happened at our wedding reception has spread quickly—even among the soldiers. I never realized how much my men enjoy gossip. Since Catalina is already disliked and considered a snub, they’ve been all too eager to share the story of how my wife put her in her place.
Since that night I’ve continued to teach her how to protect herself. Even insisting on Elle learning to handle a gun. She was resistant to the idea. But I was firm, explaining that being able to use a weapon could make a difference between life and death. She relented, of course.
We soon began her lessons. The first time she held the gun, she fumbled with it, dropping it at her feet. Thankfully, the safety was on. Elle has gotten more comfortable now. She may not be a perfect shot, but now she’s good enough to hit an attacker to slow him down.