Page 49 of The Bonventi War

"Okay," Ares says, continuing to laugh. "Not even going to question this. Good luck with all that."

He takes another sip of his whiskey and leans in toward us.

"We'll talk later, but just so you know, the Russians are gearing up for something. Lots of movement through the docks. Could be nothing, but it feels off."

Enzo nods, his expression darkening. "Come by tonight. We can discuss it."

Ares nods. "Sounds good. I'm going to say hi to the wives, and then I've got to head out. I'll see you guys later."

I watch as Ares heads over to speak with Livia, Alina and Raven.

I look at Raven, watching her animated self, gesturing as she talks, probably about art. The way she carries herself—confident yet elegant—the natural way she fits into this world despite her initial resistance.

The sight stirs something unfamiliar in me—a flicker of longing, of possibility. My gaze shifts to my brothers, to the way Marco and Enzo stand as pillars of the family, their legacies secure. For the first time, I really allow myself to imagine a future beyondall the chaos. A family. A child. My own Bonventi heir, as Livia mentioned.

And as my eyes return to Raven, I wonder if this is why she's in my life—if she's the perfect match to make that future a reality.

23

RAVEN

My head slightly spins a bit from the champagne. I'm not drunk, but relaxed.

Gio helps me into the car.

"You know, I've never told you how cool this car is," I say.

Yeah, I'd say I feel pretty relaxed.

"Really?" Gio asks, sliding in. "I didn't think women liked cars much."

I shrug. "Well, I don't dream about them, but riding around in a fancy Rolls-Royce all the time is pretty—pretty boss."

"Pretty boss?"

"Yeah, you know."

Gio stares at me with a blank expression.

"Never mind. So, Alina is really talented, huh?"

Gio nods. "Yes, she's been playing for a long time, I think."

"The way she played that harp, and doing it so effortlessly with her belly. I could barely walk in heels tonight, and she's up there performing while eight months pregnant."

Gio smiles.

There are a few moments of silence, and I can tell he's thinking about something.

"Hey." I touch his arm lightly. "You okay? You've gone all quiet."

He doesn't answer immediately, and I watch his fingers tap on his knee. Something's clearly on his mind.

Finally, he turns slightly toward me, "have you ever thought of having children?"

The question hits me like a splash of cold water. My chest tightens. Of all the things Gio could say to me, I didn't expect that.

"I, uh, what?" I stammer, completely thrown off guard. "Where did that come from?"