Chapter 10
The heavy steel deadbolts clicked instantly, echoing in the quiet corridor. The heavy door swung open, revealing Mireille standing in the dim light of the bunker. Her sophisticated black maid dress was slightly rumpled, and her expressive eyes were wide with a mixture of terror and hope.
When she saw Reeve standing there, unharmed, his white shirt dusted with ash but otherwise perfect, a ragged sob tore from her throat.
She didn't hesitate. She threw herself forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Reeve caught her instantly, his powerful, muscular arms enveloping her delicate frame, pulling her flush against his chest. He buried his face in her neatly pinned hair, inhaling the clean, sweet scent of her, letting it wash away the smell of gunpowder and smoke.
"You came back," Mireille wept, her tears soaking into the collar of his shirt.
"Did you truly believe I could ever leave you alone in this world?" Reeve asked, his voice a low, desperate rumble against her ear.
He pulled back slightly, looking down into her beautiful face. He raised his hands, the artistic tattoos stark against her fair, rosy skin, and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Are you unharmed, Mireille?" he asked softly.
"I’m fine. I’m just so glad you’re safe," she whispered, leaning into his warm palms. She looked at his hands, remembering the brutal way Aurelia’s bodyguards had pinned his arms earlier in the evening. "Does your arm hurt?"
"Do you think I can feel any pain at all while I am looking at you?" Reeve asked, a faint, genuine smile touching his lips.
Mireille’s breath hitched. She looked up into his dark, intense eyes, seeing the absolute, unwavering devotion burning there. The terrifying mafia boss had stripped away every layer of his armor for her.
"What happens now, Reeve?" Mireille asked, her voice trembling slightly at the thought of the future. "The alliance is ruined. The family is divided. Aurelia is locked in a cell downstairs."
"Did you honestly believe I was ever going to allow this family to be ruled by poison and treason?" Reeve asked, his thumb gently tracing the line of her jaw. "Do you think I built this empire just to live my life according to the demands of lesser men and treacherous relatives?"
Mireille stared at him, her heart soaring as the implication of his words settled over her. The fear that had gripped her all night was finally melting away, replaced by an undeniable certainty.
"Will you stay with me, Mireille?" Reeve asked, his deep voice dropping into a register of profound, raw vulnerability. "Will you let me take care of you, and build a life with you that no one in this city will ever dare to threaten again?"
Mireille didn't need to think. She reached up, her small hands resting gently against his chest, right over his heart.
May you like
"I will stay with you forever, Reeve," she whispered.
Reeve leaned down, closing the distance between them entirely, and pressed a deep, lingering kiss to her lips. The war was over, the traitors were caged, and as he held the brave, beautiful woman in his arms, Reeve knew that the true reign of his empire had finally begun.
