Page 118 of Of Oaths and Secrets

I lean against the doorway, unable to stop the smile that spreads across my face. Watching Rafaele with our daughter never fails to make my heart swell. The ruthless capo, feared and revered across territories, reduced to a puddle of devotion for the tiny girl who rules his heart.

“You’re teaching her bad habits,” I tease, stepping into the room.

Rafaele looks over his shoulder, his dark eyes softening when they meet mine. “Bad habits? I’m teaching her to be strategic, amore. After all,” he says, setting Aurora down gently, “she’s going to run this world someday. It’s never too early to prepare.”

Aurora’s face lights up, and she nods emphatically. “Mama, Papa says I’m going to be a queen!”

“Of course you are, my love,” I say, crouching down to brush a curl from her face. “But remember, a true queen rules with kindness.”

“And strength,” Rafaele interjects, lifting her up again. “Never forget, piccolina, no one will protect what’s ours better than us.”

I roll my eyes playfully. “You’re turning her into a little mafia boss.”

“She’s a Lucchese,” he counters with a smirk. “What else would she be?”

Aurora wiggles out of his arms and runs to the window, pressing her tiny hands against the glass. “Mama! Uncle Leo’s here!”

Sure enough, Leo’s sleek black car pulls into the driveway. As he steps out, the years of pressure and expectation seem to have sharpened him rather than worn him down. He’s a formidable presence now, his confidence radiating in every step. Rafaele’s decision to name him sottocapo wasn’t just strategic—it was inspired. Together, they’ve not only stabilized the territory but made it thrive.

The Lucchese name commands respect across every corner of our world. Even those who once doubted Rafaele now speak of him and Leo with reverence, a legacy etched in iron and blood.

Leo strides into the room, his sharp suit immaculate. Aurora races toward him, and he scoops her up effortlessly. “There’s my favorite niece,” he says, spinning her around.

“I’m youronlyniece.” She giggles.

“And that makes you even more special,” he replies with a wink, setting her down gently before turning to Rafaele. “Everything’s in place. The new shipment went smoothly.”

“Good,” Rafaele says, his hand resting protectively on my lower back. “Things are thriving.”

“They are,” Leo agrees, his gaze softening as he looks at me. “And you? How’s life with these two tyrants?”

“Peaceful,” I reply with a smile. “Well, as peaceful as it can be in this house.”

Before he can respond, Paolo’s voice booms from the hallway. “Don’t let her fool you, Leo. She’s the real tyrant in this family.”

Lucia appears beside him, her arm linked with his. Her quick wit and unwavering loyalty made her the perfect partner for Paolo, and seeing them together fills me with warmth.

“I heard that,” I call out, laughing. “Careful, Paolo. I might take back that godfather title.”

“Too late. I’ve already claimed it,” Paolo shoots back with a grin, dropping a kiss on Lucia’s temple. “And besides, Aurora loves me. Right, bella?”

Aurora grins, nodding vigorously. “Uncle Paolo’s funny!”

“That’s debatable,” Rafaele mutters under his breath, earning a playful swat on the arm from me.

As the evening settles in, Aurora falls asleep in Rafaele’s lap, her little head resting against his chest. He looks down at her, his expression full of love and pride takes my breath away.

“She’s growing up too fast,” he murmurs, his voice barely audible.

“She is,” I agree, leaning into him. “But she’s safe, she’s happy, and she has you. That’s everything she needs.”

“And you,” he says, turning to kiss my temple. “She has both of us. Always.”

We sit there together, watching over our sleeping daughter as the house fills with quiet laughter and warmth. The world outside may see us as ruthless, but here, in this moment, all that matters is love, family, and the future we’re building together.

Because no matter how strong The Reaper may be, his greatest strength will always be the family who made him whole.

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