Chapter 5 - The Purge of BaltimoreThe gunshot that ended Marco Vance’s life was swallowed by the roaring thunder over the Baltimore harbor.
By nine o'clock the following morning, the storm had passed, leaving behind a crisp, crystal-clear autumn sky.
The clean-up of the Vescari empire was swift and absolute. Under Dante’s iron leadership, every captain, manager, and shell-company executive who had been loyal to Marco was rounded up within six hours. Their assets were seized, their operations were shut down, and those who had participated in the treason were handed over to federal authorities along with a mountain of undeniable financial evidence that Dante’s legal team had meticulously compiled.
The Vescari organization emerged from the night not weakened, but completely purified.
Back at the estate, the mood had shifted entirely.
The feeling of a cold, intimidating fortress was gone. The heavy gates were open, warm sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the sound of laughter echoed through the gardens.
In the east wing, my brother Marcus was sitting in the sunroom, happily eating a massive stack of chocolate chip pancakes prepared by Eleanor, while bragging about his new gaming setup to two off-duty guards who were genuinely entertained by his stories.
I stood on the back terrace overlooking the lush green lawns, wearing a soft cream-colored sweater and jeans. Beside me sat Titan, enjoying a large marrow bone that the kitchen staff had prepared specifically for him. The bandages on his shoulder had been replaced with clean, lightweight dressings, and his black coat glistened under the morning sun.
A pair of warm, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind.
I leaned back into Dante’s chest, letting out a long, contented breath as he rested his chin on my shoulder.
“Your brother is asking if he can get a second dog,” Dante murmured in my good ear, his voice rich and deep.
I laughed softly. “Don't spoil him, Dante. He’s sixteen. He needs to focus on his algebra, not managing a pack of hounds.”
“I’m a billionaire, Rosie,” Dante replied smoothly, kissing the sensitive skin behind my ear. “I think I can afford a second dog for my future brother-in-law.”
I froze, turning around in his arms to face him. “Future brother-in-law?”
Dante looked down at me, his hazel eyes completely free of the dark, cold shadows that had haunted them when we first met in that wet laundry room. He looked relaxed, powerful, and deeply, irrevocably in love.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, black velvet box.
“I told you that night in the basement that you belonged to me,” Dante said softly, opening the box to reveal a stunning six-carat emerald-cut diamond ring set in platinum. “I was wrong. I don't own you, Rosalyn. You saved me. You saved my dog, you brought light into a house that had been dead for eighteen months, and you showed me that I could be something more than just a man who buries his enemies.”
He dropped to one knee on the stone terrace, taking my hand in his.
“Rosalyn Whitaker, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? Will you run my medical foundations, reign over this house, and stand beside me as the queen of this city?”
Tears spilled over my eyelashes, running down my cheeks as I looked at the man who had moved heaven and earth to protect my family, restore my dignity, and give me a place where I truly belonged.
“Yes,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “Yes, Dante. Absolutely yes.”
May you like
Dante slid the ring onto my finger, stood up, and pulled me into a passionate, lingering kiss that took my breath away. Titan let out a joyful, loud bark, dropping his bone to push his massive head between us, demanding his share of the affection.
We both laughed, bending down together to wrap our arms around the giant pit bull who had brought us together.
