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Zeke sits behind his massive desk, expression carefully blank though there’s tension in his shoulders. Nicolo occupies one of the leather chairs across from him, looking for all the world like he’s at a casual business meeting rather than delivering what I suspect are threats.

Nicolo rises smoothly as I enter, and I get my first proper look at the man who holds so much power over my husband’s past. He’s not much older than Zeke, with dark hair gone silver at the temples. His suit probably costs more than my yearlysalary, and he wears it with the easy confidence of someone who’s never questioned their place in the world.

“Mrs. King.” He steps forward, hand extended. “We weren’t properly introduced at the wedding. Your husband was quite possessive that day.”

I ignore his offered hand. “Cut the bullshit. Why are you here?”

A delighted laugh bursts from him as he turns to Zeke. “I see why you married her. Such fire.” His dark eyes glitter with amusement—and something darker—as they rake over me. “Though I must say, it’s a waste to cage such a magnificent creature in domestic bliss.”

“Nicolo.” Zeke’s voice carries a clear warning.

“Peace, old friend.” Nicolo holds up his hands in mock surrender, though his smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “I merely came to discuss recent events in Columbus. The sudden demise of certain business associates has caused quite a stir.”

I move to perch on the edge of Zeke’s desk, deliberately placing myself between them. “You mean the mafia families who kidnapped my nephew? Who tried to have me killed?”

“Unfortunate misunderstandings, I’m sure.” Nicolo’s casual dismissal of Leo’s trauma makes my blood boil. “Though perhaps if someone hadn’t been playing vigilante, things wouldn’t have escalated so dramatically.”

Zeke’s hand finds my lower back, a steadying touch. “They made their choice. They chose wrong.”

“They chose to expand their territory, as is their right.” Nicolo’s pleasant mask slips, revealing steel underneath. “Territory that falls under my protection.”

“Your protection?” I can’t help the scoff that escapes me. “Where was that protection when Giovanni Costa broke into my home? When they took Leo?”

“Eve.” Zeke’s warning is soft but clear.

But Nicolo waves him off. “No, let her speak. I find her perspective refreshing.” He fixes me with that unsettling stare again. “Tell me, Mrs. King, what would you have done in my position? When a former associate goes rogue, dismantling carefully cultivated alliances?”

“Former associate?” The words taste bitter. “Is that what you call him?”

“Among other things.” Nicolo’s smile turns predatory. “Your husband was quite valuable to our organization once. Before he decided to play hero.”

I feel Zeke tense behind me but keep my focus on Nicolo. “And now?”

“Now?” He spreads his hands in an elegant shrug. “Now he sits in this lovely house, with his lovely wife, pretending to be something he’s not. Tell me, does he let you see the darkness in him? Or does he save that for his midnight activities?”

“That’s enough.” Zeke’s voice could freeze hell.

But Nicolo isn’t finished. He leans forward, nearly close enough to touch. “You should have seen him in his prime,cara. The things he was capable of, the power he commanded—it was glorious.”

“The past is dead.” Zeke stands abruptly, his chair scraping across the hardwood. “You should leave.”

“The past is never dead.” Nicolo’s eyes never leave my face. “It merely sleeps. Waiting for the right moment to wake.”

I resist the urge to slink back, to show any sign of the fear curling in my gut.

“While you’re here playing house,” Nicolo continues, finally turning his attention to Zeke, “I will rebuild what was lost. The Columbus families may be gone or broken, but others will take their place. The cycle continues.”

“Then I’ll take them down too.” Zeke’s words are quiet but carry absolute conviction.

Something dark flashes across Nicolo’s face. “You forget yourself, old friend. The power you wield exists because I allow it. Your freedom, your wealth, this charming domestic fantasy—all of it can disappear with a word.”

“Is that a threat?” I demand, even as Zeke’s hand tightens into fists at his side in warning.

Nicolo’s laugh is genuine this time. “Mio cara, if I were threatening you, there would be no doubt.” He rises smoothly, adjusting his already perfect suit. “Consider this a friendly reminder of certain obligations that remain unfulfilled.”

“I fulfilled my obligations years ago.” Zeke’s tone could cut glass.

“Did you?” Nicolo cocks his head, studying us like particularly interesting specimens. “Strange, I don’t recall releasing you from our arrangement. Yet here you are, playing at normalcy while chaos spreads through my territory.”