Chapter 5
Dante Costa crossed the room before Brett Vogle could raise his pistol again.
He seized the German crime lord by the collar and slammed him against the wall.
Plaster cracked behind Vogle's shoulders as Dante knocked the weapon from his hand.
“You walked into my home,” Dante growled. “You threatened my wife.”
Vogle struggled against his grip.
“That fat pig isn't worth dying for!”
Dante's expression turned cold.
“Say another word about her.”
For the first time, Vogle looked genuinely frightened.
Dante drew a knife, holding it beneath the man's chin.
“Apologize to my queen.”
“I'm sorry!” Vogle gasped.
“Too late.”
With one swift movement, Dante ended the confrontation. Vogle collapsed to the floor, and the room fell silent.
Dante dropped the knife and turned toward Bianca.
She stood in the center of the room, her thick body trembling as the adrenaline faded.
Her hazel eyes remained fixed on him.
“Bianca?”
His voice broke.
She took one step forward.
“I'm here.”
Dante rushed toward her, pulling her against his chest.
His powerful arms wrapped around her as though he feared she might disappear.
“I thought I'd lost you,” he whispered.
Bianca held him tightly.
“You didn't.”
He pulled back, looking at her rounded face and tear-filled eyes.
“I once told you no one would ever want you.”
Bianca's expression softened.
“I remember.”
Dante swallowed hard.
“I was a cruel, arrogant fool. You were never the woman who wasn't good enough for me.
I was the man who didn't deserve you.”
Tears slid down her cheeks.
“You hurt me, Dante.”
“I know. And I'll spend my life proving I've changed.”
He gently held her hands.
“I don't want you beside me because you need protection.
I want you because you're strong enough to stand on your own.”
Bianca studied him.
“And what exactly are you asking?”
“To build a future together. As equals.”
A slow smile spread across her face.
“On one condition.”
“Anything.”
“You never criticize my sweaters again.”
Dante laughed through his tears.
“Never again.”
He kissed her gently, and Bianca wrapped her arms around him.
May you like
For the first time, the feared Chicago mafia boss understood that love wasn't about possession or power.
It was about respect, trust, and choosing someone exactly as they were.
