“The Six Families are throwing us a big lavish party.”
I let out a long breath.
The Six Families were the most powerful mafia families in Obsidian Bay. They were the backbone of the criminal underworld, each holding sway over various aspects of the city’s illicit operations.
Each family had come into power through a combination of strategic alliances, brute force, and, at times, sheer ruthlessness. They controlled everything from illegal gambling and drug trafficking to legitimate businesses that acted as fronts for their operations.
And over the years, they’d built a web of influence that extended into politics, law enforcement, and even the media.
My stepfather was a part of the Six Families which made me a part of them too.
And Gianni was the Don who stood over them, wielding his power.
That meant tomorrow would be them being as lavish as possible to earn his favor.
I swallowed knowing that I would have to deal with many being oh so fake and polite to me. “Where will this party be thrown?”
“Atourcastle.” Of course, Gianni would have a big castle. There was nothing humble or chill about this man. “In the morning, I will take you to the castle so that we can have a proper breakfast. The chef was told about your allergy.”
I bet he was.
I smiled.
“In the morning, you will meet our staff. That’s important. You will be the lady of the castle and in charge of whatever goes on there.”
What?
My nerves frazzled.
I’d just gotten my first studio apartment months ago and was so overwhelmed by just that. Now I would be running a fucking castle?
Jesus Christ. What a night.
Sighing, he closed his eyes. “I have gowns being sent with diamonds, shoes, and crowns.”
“Crowns?”
“You’re my queen. You’ll need a crown, so everyone knows it. I wouldn’t want to hurt anyone who misunderstood your place next to me.”
Hurt? Or more like chop off a limb?
I closed my eyes, and my thoughts drifted to the party ahead and the role I would have to play. Returning to this world and navigating it, would be challenging.
But something else nagged at the back of my head.
My passion for ballet—the one thing that I had spent my life on. I would not let this push it away.
I yawned and snuggled closer to Gianni. “I can miss tomorrow night’s performance because it is the last one for this weekend, and the understudy is prepared.”
To my surprise, Gianni stiffened.
“But next week, I am back to playing the Vampire Queen.” I rested against him, making sure that he knew that this was a statement and in no way a question or desire for his permission.
Yet. . .his only response was, “Hmmm.”
I opened my eyes. “What?”
“Let’s talk about this in the morning.”
