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“And what is this?” Nico hesitates, then clicks theShop Nowbutton. The screen shifts, revealing a sleek, rendered image of Bliss Xtra.

A list of options appears beside it, showcasing the various models: standard, enhanced with the clit-stimulating tongue, and the premium variation—complete with a built-in reservoir for fake cum as well as bottles of cum, in various flavors.

For the first time since building the app, I cringe. Now I understand why Papa and Clemenza looked so ill the first time I showed them the concept.

Nico’s scrolling slows on the last variation, his thumb hovering over the details for what feels like an eternity. His expression doesn’t change, but one dark eyebrow arches slightly.

I don’t dare glance at Sophie, who is suddenly very invested in chugging my abandoned coffee like her life depends on it. Probably to stop herself from saying something . . . or laughing.

“Interesting.” Nico slides the phone back to Cade, his voice carrying a sharper edge now. “And Alfred Romano isn’t on his knees beside you right now because?”

The question catches me off guard, the visual it invokes so absurd that I sputter, “Well, Papa—”

“Yes?” Nico cuts in, his tone like a whip. “Where the hell is he? Where is the person who’ll be taking this so-called seat you’re asking me to give?”

I honestly didn’t think beyond getting Nico interested in the app. “I can set up a meeting between you and Papa.”

He knits his hands on the table, and my eyes are instantly drawn to the diamond-encrusted signet ring on his left fourth finger—the ring my Papa may never get the privilege to kiss if I don’t pull this off.

“And where do Clemenza Brando, Ricardo Romano, and all the other made men in your family fit into this—besides under your massive skirt?” Nico demands.

My mouth goes desert-dry, and I’m certain this is the point where he tells me to fuck off.

I’ve heard all the stories about how smart Don Vitelli is and how attractive he is. No one ever thought to mention how downright intimidating he can be.

Cade’s fingers tighten around mine, and his other hand gently strokes my upper arm. I lean into his touch like a lifeline.

“That’s a good question, Vitelli,” Cade drawls in Italian, shocking me with his fluency. “They’re all trying to decide between marrying Luna off or selling her for pocket change. So I’m sure their calendars are full up.”

I jump to my father’s defense when I see murderous rage darken Nico’s face. “Papa was only trying to buy protection for the family.” I swallow hard. “He had no clue about the . . . um, trafficking plan. And, Cade,” my eyes find Cade’s, and for a moment, I get lost in those green pools. “He saved me.”

Nico’s voice slices through the moment like a blade. “And despite all that, here you are throwing buckets of water out to sea, fighting to save the Romano ship from sinking.”

Andsuddenly, it dawns on me. Even Nico Vitelli sees what I’m doing. He might kick me out in a minute, but at least he recognizes that I’m trying to help—something my father has never seen. He only sees me as a pawn to marry off, a womb to secure alliances.

I straighten my spine and square my shoulders. “It’s my duty, my honor, and my fight, Don Vitelli. I’m a Romano.”

Nico’s incisive gaze flicks between Cade and me as though he can see the invisible thread tying us together. After a long moment, a ghost of a smile curves his lips.

“No. You won’t be a Romano, not for long.”

As Nico’s insinuation hits, Cade goes still beside me while heat rushes to my face.

Nico’s eyes are no longer cold. They’re gleaming as he leans back in his seat and relishes Cade’s discomfort.

And Cade . . . he has that look . . . the same one he had that morning moments before he snapped those men’s necks.

What the hell? When did this become a feud between Nico and Cade, all because Nico made a careless joke?

“Isn’t that right, Quinn?” Nico prods, and I know he’s doing it on purpose.

Before Cade can react—before anything can explode—Sophie puts down the coffee mug. “Okay, I think it’s safe to say the deal is closed. Come on, Luna. Let the testosterone brigade handle the fine print. You and I have more fun things to discuss.”

She jerks her head at me, a silent cue to leave the men at the table.

I shake my head, panic bubbling in my chest. I can’t leave. Cade will do something to Nico. I just know it. My fingers dig into Cade’s rock-hard thigh, desperate to anchor him, to stop whatever he’s planning.

Sophie notices my death grip on Cade and only smiles, unbothered by the tension radiating off both men.