Chapter 10
Dante walked out of the subterranean holding cells, the heavy steel door slamming shut behind him, cutting off Adrian’s terrified, agonizing screams. The veteran Mafia boss navigated the long concrete corridors, his polished leather shoes striking the floor with a rhythmic, military precision. The anger inside him had coalesced into a freezing, impenetrable core of absolute focus.
He ascended the stairs, returning to the bright, cinematic light of the upper estate. The afternoon sun was beginning to set, casting long, golden shadows across the pristine marble floors of the reception hall. The shattered glass and overturned chairs had already been meticulously cleaned by the loyal house staff, leaving no physical trace of the violence that had erupted hours before.
But the invisible scars remained.
Dante bypassed his private study and walked directly toward the secure nursery in the west wing. He needed to see the one thing that still tethered his soul to the earth.
He quietly pushed open the heavy oak door. The room was bathed in soft, warm light. Lily was sitting on a plush rug, building a small tower out of wooden blocks. Maria sat nearby in a comfortable chair, keeping a watchful, protective eye over the three-year-old.
When the door clicked, Lily looked up. Her bright blue eyes lit up instantly.
"Daddy!" she cheered, abandoning her blocks and running across the room.
Dante dropped to one knee, catching her in a fierce embrace. He buried his face in her soft, fair hair, inhaling deeply. The terrifying, deeply masculine Mafia boss allowed himself a single, private moment of vulnerability, holding his daughter tightly against his tailored suit.
"Are the bad people gone, Daddy?" Lily asked innocently, pulling back to look at his face.
"The bad people in our house are gone, my sweet girl," Dante murmured, forcing a gentle smile for her. "You are completely safe."
"Can I play the piano now?" she asked, tilting her head. "I want to hear Mommy's song."
Dante’s heart physically ached, a sharp, twisting pain in his chest. He reached out, his tattooed hand gently stroking her rosy cheek.
"Not today, little one," Dante whispered softly. "But very soon. I promise you, very soon, we will play her song together."
He stood up, kissing her forehead before handing her back to Maria. He gave the housekeeper a silent, respectful nod, which she returned with unwavering loyalty.
Dante walked out of the nursery, pulling the heavy door shut behind him. He pulled his secure, encrypted cell phone from his breast pocket. He tapped a single number, raising the device to his ear as he looked out the massive arched windows at the darkening city skyline.
"Boss," his lead enforcer answered, the American accent crisp and ready for violence.
"Call the loyal capos," Dante commanded, his deep, raspy voice echoing in the quiet hallway. "Arm every man on the payroll. We are marching on the Commission."
The line fell silent for a fraction of a second as the enforcer absorbed the gravity of the order. War had been declared.
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"It will be a bloodbath, Dante," the enforcer finally said.
"I know," Dante replied coldly, his sharp eyes reflecting the impending slaughter. "Burn them all."
