Page 83 of Broken Vows

"Speaking of alliances," I say, showing Max the message, "I should probably mention that several former associates of my father have decided to retire from family business. Permanently."

Max nods with grim approval. "Loose ends?"

"The loosest. Men who saw my father's death as an opportunity to question my leadership." I pocket the phone. "They learned otherwise."

"How many?"

"Three captains. Plus their immediate lieutenants who might have been problematic." The numbers roll off my tongue without emotion. Necessary casualties in the transition of power. "Clean operations. No witnesses. No complications."

"Impressive. Most successions take weeks to fully stabilize." Max's respect is genuine. "You've consolidated control faster than anyone expected."

"Speed was essential. The longer rivals have to organize opposition, the bloodier the eventual resolution." I stand again, restless energy demanding movement. "Better to eliminate threats quickly than let them fester."

"And Marco? When do you make that decision?"

The question that will shape the future of my family—Melinda, Maria, and me. My brother—my enemy—lying broken and defeated, still breathing because I couldn't quite pull the trigger. Weakness or wisdom, I'm still not sure.

"Soon. Once the baby's stable, once Melinda's recovered enough to handle the decision." I move back to the window, watching late-night traffic move through the city streets. "She deserves input on whether we show mercy or deliver justice."

"She might surprise you. Melinda's got more steel than people realize."

"I know. She shot Marco without hesitation when he threatened our child. Amazing precision, perfect placement to disable without killing." The memory sends heat through my chest—pride and arousal mixing dangerously. "She's got the instincts for this life, even if she doesn't want them."

Max's smile turns predatory. "Family trait. Mastroni women don't break under pressure."

"No, they fucking don't." I think about Melinda in the delivery room, fighting through premature labor while maintaining enough presence of mind to monitor her own medical condition. "Your sister is... remarkable."

"She is. And if you ever hurt her, Vincent, our alliance won't protect you from what I'll do in response."

I respect him for it—I'd say the same thing in his position.

"Understood. But you should know—hurting her would be hurting myself. She's not just my wife anymore. She's..." I struggle for words that don't sound weak. "Essential."

Max nods slowly. "Good. Because she's been through enough shit in her life. She deserves happiness, even if it comes from a dangerous bastard like you."

My phone rings again. Dr. Chen's number.

"Mr. Russo? Your daughter's oxygen levels have stabilized. We're cautiously optimistic about reducing respiratory support over the next few hours."

Relief floods through me, sharp and unexpected. "Thank you, doctor. I'll be right there."

"Good news?" Max asks as I hang up.

"The best. Maria's improving."

"Maria?" Max's eyebrows rise. "That’s a beautiful name."

"After my grandmother," I meet his gaze directly. "Maria also means 'beloved' and 'wished-for child'—she's both. But more than that, it's a name that honors the women who've shaped our families. Strong women who've endured, who've fought, who've protected what matters most."

Max is quiet for a long moment, emotion flickering across his usually controlled features. "It's perfect. A name that carries hope instead of just... blood and loss."

"There's more." I take a breath, knowing this decision will define my leadership style from the beginning. "Maria Lucia Russo. The middle name honors light—Lucia means 'light' or 'illumination.' Our daughter should represent the light that breaks through the darkness of our world."

"Lucia?" Max's voice softens. "That's... beautiful, Vincent."

"Because of what she represents." I move toward the door, ready to return to my daughter. "Maria will grow up knowing that even in our world, there can be light. That strength doesn't have to mean brutality. That the strongest leaders are those who break cycles instead of perpetuating them."

Max follows me into the hallway. "And Marco? What will you tell your daughter about her uncle?"

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