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“That’s probably a good idea,” Hunter cuts in.

I have to stop myself from laughing. The dynamic between the Sterlings is hilarious. I expected to walk into a negotiation for my future. Instead, they’re debating my relationship status.

Jett taps his fingers on the wood to get our attention, leaving the rest of us lost for words. “I got a new pet,” Jett continues.

Colt runs a hand over his face. “Fuck me, make this stop.”

“What pet is that, Jett?” Enzo asks.

Jett smirks, like a naughty kid. “His name is Gator. That’s all I’m giving you. If you want to meet him, he’s at the new Lawson Ranch next door.”

Everyone's mouths drop open. Surely this man does not own an alligator. Can you even keep them as pets in the desert?

“If you’ve brought in an alligator next to where my baby is going to live, I will fucking feed you to it,” Ace seethes.

Jett erupts into laughter. “You’re all so serious. He won’t eat you. Or me, for that matter.”

Hunter shakes his head. “Enzo, before we completely lose the room. Gianna is now the head of LA with your backing; Dom is second-in-command. We will work with them to build out LA and merge our shipments. The Milanos are one of us now?”

I hold my breath as Colten strokes my bare shoulder.

“Yes. Milanos are in. Welcome to the family,” Enzo says.

I smile as I rest my head against Colt’s chest. The rest of the room fades away into chatter. This is the moment I’ve waited for. The Milano family is on the map. We’re safe.

The empire I sold my soul for is finally all mine.

But as I look up at my husband and he smiles down at me, like he’s never been more proud, I’m starting to think that maybe the empire wasn’t what I should have been dreaming about.

And actually, I might have found something even better in the process.

A cowboy.

CHAPTER SEVENTY-SIX

Colten

I can sense the excitement radiating off Gianna; she got exactly what she married me for. And I’m fuckin’ proud of my girl.

Her takedown of Romeo was one of the most impressive moments I’ve witnessed. I know Romeo is going to be seething about that. He fucked with the wrong woman.

“Congratulations, baby,” I whisper on the top of her head.

She rests one leg over the other, tapping her nail on her knee, and I know something’s on her mind.

It’s probably the same thing as mine.

That this little bubble we’ve created together is about to burst. Being a mafia boss isn’t a part-time responsibility. It’s dangerous. It’s unpredictable. And those conversations we had about our future, about kids, about living here, I don’t think that’s on the cards.

I can’t take this moment away from her. Not after I saw firsthand the shit she’s been through to get here.

I place my hand on the table, remembering the first time I ever laid eyes on Gianna. And the one thought that went through my head was bending her over this damn table and spanking the brat out of her.

“We’ve started getting our men in order; we’ve had some restructuring happen. We’ve removed anyone we think may have been working with Fabio or could cause us problems because of their loyalties. Our uncles will be in contact soon to discuss how things will move forward with Gianna. They have to accept her as our new leader,” Dom says, turning all the attention on him.

Gianna failed to mention this. Although since she’s come back here, she’s hardly touched her phone. Dom has been pulling the strings for her, and I think he’s doing a damn good job in the circumstances.

Gianna sits up straight. I pull out a cigarette from my pocket, light it, and hand it to her.