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"The Ruby could become a force for real change," I say slowly. "But Alessa…"
"No more basement iniquities," she says quickly, reading my mind. "I promise. The Ruby will be absolutely above board. Untouchable from now on. The charges against me—Lucia Rossi has told me theywillbe dismissed, that it's just a matter of paperwork now. But I never want to make myself vulnerable like that again."
I'm so glad about it, I can't help grinning.
She sighs dramatically. "You're such a goody two-shoes, sweetheart. I hope you won't expect me to give upeverydelight." She trails a finger over my hip with a suggestive wiggle of her eyebrows. "I need to figure out a way to get Don Mancini off my back, though. He won't be happy to learn the Ruby's gone legit." She makes a face.
And then she catches sight of mine.
"What is it?" she asks curiously.
"I think I have some information that you might be able to use." And then I tell her about Vince Ricci, being the one who was pulling the strings all along. Special Agent Natalie Miller would never have leaked intel like that.
But the new Natalie? Oh, hell, yes.
Alessa sees the implications at once. She takes a sharp breath in. "This isvitalinformation," she says, her eyes wide and a deep, dark green. "I should be able to get Lucia to broker a deal with the Don for information this valuable. That bastard would be in my debt. I reallycouldget out of having to pay him any more money from the Ruby. And if I don't have to cut off fifteen percent routinely—God, I could do so muchmorefor marginalized women," Alessa finishes excitedly.
The possibilities unfolding between us seem limitless. We spend the remainder of the afternoon crafting plans in between orgasms, and every minute with her helps me step more into my new life.
My new life as plain old Natalie Miller. Alessa's partner, lover, soulmate, like she said. No longer divided between two worlds, but wholly, freely,hers.
CHAPTER28
ALESSA
The heavy footsteps down the stairs to my father's secret room alert me, and I glance up from my phone to see Daddy enter with a smile. Even in his own home, he carries himself with a quiet power that commands respect. But for me, he always has an extra warmth.
"Principessa," he says, opening his arms for my hug. "Maria told me you were down here."
"I like it down here. Also Ma doesn't, so it meant I could get away from her oh-so-helpful critiques while I waited for Nat to arrive."
Natalie and I are having dinner here again, her first as my official girlfriend. Daddy nods with a knowing grin at my comments, but what I said first is true, too. I like it down here. Glancing around at the shelves lined with books and knickknacks from his travels, I get a sense of nostalgia.
"I'm glad you're here. I wanted to talk to you." We take a seat, and he gets straight to the point, thankfully. "Now that Don Mancini has revoked all claims on the Ruby Realm—well played, by the way—I don't feel the need to keep such a close eye on him. I'm thinking of taking a step back, Alessa."
I raise an eyebrow, surprised by this unexpected revelation. "Retirement? That doesn't seem like your style."
He chuckles, a raspy sound like sandpaper on stone. "Change is coming, whether I want it or not. Might be time for this old dog to find a quieter corner to sleep in."
My pulse quickens with unease. The idea of my father withdrawing from the protective umbrella of the Mancini Family alarms me. However capable, he could become vulnerable without their support structure.
"What will you do instead?" I ask carefully.
He gives a crooked smile. "I've had some conversations with my niece," he says.
"Juno?" I can't hide my shock.
"Your uncle Carmine, may he rest in peace, always treated me like a blood brother, not just a brother-in-law. Juno suggested we make it official, and that she welcome me into the Bianchi Family. In a consulting role, of course. She's still looking for aconsigliere. She thought I might suit."
I nod slowly, considering. Aligning with the Bianchi family would strengthen his position. And Juno would certainly watch over him.
He leans in conspiratorially. "That cousin of yours, Alessa, I know your mother wants you to be more like her, but you must promise me,principessa, you'll stay well away from a job like hers."
"Oh, I will, Daddy," I say at once. "Besides, Natalie's not all that comfortable with, well." I smirk. "It's a fine line we tread together."
"It is," he says, with a cautious smile. "So far, so good. So you'd approve of my move to the Bianchis, if I made it?"
"I would."
