Page 33 of Power

“He’s not worth it,” she said, jaw set. “I’ve made my decision.”

The certainty in her voice cut through the rage knotting my gut.

Dominic released Calista and waited as if she had chosen him.

Idiot.

I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin. “You heard her, Dominic. Now it’s time you leave.”

“Mind your own business, Boscos. This doesn’t concern you.” He jabbed a finger into my chest, causing me to stagger back a step.

It was clear he hadn’t bothered to gather any information. If he had, he would have known I was in the running as well. Just as I was about to reveal this crucial detail, Calista’svoice cut through the tension, leaving me momentarily speechless.

“It does. Leon is my fiancé.”

My heart swelled with a mixture of disbelief and joy.

But I could dwell on her declaration later; right now, ensuring her safety was my top priority.

“You heard her.” I raised my chin, challenging the jerk to go ahead and test me. “Leave now before I make you regret your very existence, Lucianos.”

He let out a low, menacing growl, and his face twisted into a sneer directed at both of us before he turned and stormed off while muttering curses under his breath.

“You’ll fucking regret this,” he spat, his voice growing fainter with each step.

I stayed alert, making sure he didn’t turn back, before shifting my focus to Cali, my heart pounding with concern.

“Cali, are you okay?” I scanned her from head to toe to ensure she was unharmed.

“I am now,” she replied, her expression a mix of relief and exasperation. “Thank you for stepping in and getting rid of that asshole.”

“Of course.” A sense of relief washed over me. “I’m just glad I was here.”

“Me too,” she said with a smile, her fingers intertwining with mine.

If emotions could burst, my heart would have done so at that moment. I tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, looking down in wonder at the woman who would soon become my wife.

Could this be happening?

Was it possible that I was this fortunate?

I wasn’t entirely sure if she had merely said those words to drive Lucianos away, but I couldn’t deny how much I liked hearing them. The warmth of her hand in mine suggested that perhaps, just perhaps, she had truly chosen me.

Nine

CALISTA

“We should sit in the park for a while.” Leon tilted his head and gestured toward the moonlit path. His lips curved into a gentle smile.

“I’d love that.” I allowed him to guide me to a nearby stone bench that looked over intricate patterns of trees and bushes laid out as far as the eye could see. The scent of the rich, green earth mixed with the salt of the sea filled the air.

We strolled to a bench and sat.

It happened so quickly that I hadn’t had time to react. One minute, I’d been strolling around the grounds, eager to have a few moments to collect my thoughts, and the next, Dominic had cornered me behind a set of trees.

Before I could take a breath, he’d launched straight into a speech as though he’d stood on that spot every night rehearsing each line. He rattled off his accomplishments like they weren’t the achievements of someone living in the shadow of his brother and family. He listed off his titles, his investments, and his political ties.

Then, he started in on my legacy, insisting there was no better choice for me, as if he were offering me a gift.

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