Chapter 5 - Fire and BloodThe retaliation was swift, absolute, and merciless.
By sunrise, the Duca estate was secured under double guards. Matteo left Leo in charge of the house while he spent thirty-six hours in the city, systematically dismantling the Moretti network and eliminating every traitor who had dared to cross his threshold.
The war that had threatened his family for months was ended in a single, terrifying weekend. The Moretti syndicate ceased to exist, and the Duca family’s absolute dominance over New York was secured forever.
On Sunday evening, a heavy rain fell over the Hudson Valley estate.
Grace sat in the library by the warm stone fireplace, reading a storybook to Elena, who was resting her head comfortably on Grace’s lap.
The heavy oak doors of the library opened.
Matteo walked into the room. He had taken off his dark coat, looking exhausted, dark shadows under his eyes, but his presence was calm, victorious, and whole.
Elena looked up, a bright smile breaking across her face. “Dad!”
Matteo walked over, dropping to one knee beside the couch. He kissed his daughter’s cheek gently. “How are you feeling, my little warrior?”
“Grace taught me how to throw a globe,” Elena boasted proudly. “If bad guys come back, I’m going to hit them with the desk lamp.”
Matteo let out a deep, genuine laugh—a sound that echoed warmly through the high-ceilinged room. “I think Grace is a terrible influence on you.”
“The best influence,” Elena corrected, yawning broadly.
Ten minutes later, Grace helped Elena into her bed, tucking her in securely with her stuffed bear.
When Grace walked out into the dimly lit hallway, Matteo was waiting for her, leaning against the wall, watching her with intense, quiet devotion.
“Come with me,” Matteo said softly, taking her hand.
He led her up to his private master suite on the top floor—a room Grace had never entered. A fire roared in the brick hearth, casting soft, golden shadows across the massive king-sized bed and plush velvet sofas.
Matteo closed the door behind them, locking it. He turned to face her, stepping close until there was no space left between them.
“Silvio is gone,” Matteo said quietly, his large hands coming up to frame her cheeks. “The Morettis are gone. It’s over, Grace. My family is safe.”
Grace looked up at him, her heart overflowing. “I’m glad you’re back.”
“I couldn't stop thinking about you,” Matteo confessed, his voice dropping into a thick, primal whisper. “While I was in the city, while I was handling business... all I could see was you standing in front of my daughter, protecting her with your life.”
He ran his hands down her shoulders, over her generous curves, pulling her flush against his body.
“I love you, Grace,” Matteo said, his voice raw with fierce honesty. “I love your smile, your laugh, your brilliant mind, and this beautiful, magnificent body. I love everything you are. You brought light into a house that was dead.”
Tears gathered in Grace’s hazel eyes. “I love you too, Matteo. So much.”
May you like
Matteo captured her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss that consumed every doubt between them. He lifted her easily into his arms, carrying her to the wide, warm bed.
That night, surrounded by the crackle of the fire and the soft patter of rain against the windowpanes, Matteo worshipped every inch of Grace’s body with slow, reverent passion. He showed her with his hands, his lips, and his tender strength that she was his queen, his sanctuary, and the ultimate love of his life.
