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“The type where the things you endured as a child will never be tolerated again,” Vincent states assuredly.

“But… how?”

“Vincent laid the law down on those old fuckers that wanted to keep their hold and power in the syndicate. Once they had their walking papers, we appointed newcaposwho shared our views on how the Outfit should proceed from now on,” Dominic adds.

“Goodmade menwho will no longer tolerate the syndicate turning a blind eye on our so-called brothers who knock their wives and kids around. Instead, our new code will protect the defenseless and any man who even touches their kin will be punished with an iron fist,” Gio continues with a toothy grin, never once ceasing to caress my heated cheeks. “Young boys having to learn how to shoot astronzoas part of their initiation is now forbidden, too. From now on, only the willing can enter the Outfit. The syndicate will only initiate men who are legally able to consent to a mobbed-up life. And noprincipessawill ever again suffer the cruelty of an arranged marriage, as this has been abolished as well. A girl can now marry whomever she fucking pleases, instead of being forced to be with someone that lines her daddy’s pockets.”

“Oh my God. I can’t believe you did it,” I sob, my joyful tears bursting out at facing such a myriad of glorious emotions.

“We did that and so much more. Not only was it the right thing to do, but also because we wanted to make a home where you and Jude are safe. We love you, Selene. We love Jude. And if we need to move mountains to ensure both of your happiness, then the three of us will do whatever is necessary to get it done,” Vincent declares, his own eyes tinged with unshed tears.

My body starts to tremble with relief and overwhelming joy. My knees give way from under me, but my men hold me up, with their loving embrace and promises of a future I never let myself once dream possible. My lips become swollen with all their devotion, and I return each kiss with fevered promises of my own.

We ignore the passing mourners and continue to laugh and cry, kiss and touch, hungry for this new life to commence. We let them gawk at our four wretched souls, which are entwined and stitched together from all the turmoil and upheavals we had to overcome. But what these strangers do not realize is the miracle they are witnessing—the rebirth of a true love that no one can ever destroy.

Days of suffering and sacrifice are buried to the ground, and the doors of a new awe-inspiring life are begging to be opened. I do not want to wait for a second longer to walk through them and begin my new fate.

“Take me home. I’m ready.”

Epilogue

Selene

Once I ran away because fear ruled my every thought.

Fear of my destiny.

Fear of losing the people I loved.

And fear that evil would always prevail.

But the tables have turned and now immoral, wickedmade menbow down to me.

I am the one they fear above all.

I am the cause ofThe Butcher’sultimate demise.

I am the one who subduedThe Thornand robbed him of his last breath.

I am the woman who has captivated the love and loyalty of the three most feared men in all of the Midwest, and the reason why the Outfit broke tradition from their archaic, patriarchal ways.

I may have been born into a rotten life, but I am rotten no more.

While others quiver at the very mention of my name, I blissfully live amongst the loving embrace of the pieces of my soul.

I no longer fear anything, as long as I have them with me.

Loving me.

Cherishing me.

Who says rotten girls and boys can’t have their fairy-tale ending?

We did.

And I take pity on anyone fool enough to get in the way of our love.

Because a rotten love like ours trumps any evil that dares to rear its ugly head our way.

Let them try.

I dare you.

The End