Chapter 2

• GIDEON
• “It seems you do not have as much control over your family as I thought, Vincenzo.” Gideon said, fisting his fingers under the table.
• The man was disgusting, as was everyone in their world but why would he let another woman hit his child? Especially one as young and as beautiful as Alessa?
• Gideon sat across from Vincenzo Moretti. The man was relaxed, too relaxed for someone selling off his daughter.
• Vincenzo leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of whisky carelessly. He gritted his jaw as he swallowed. “That was a mistake.”
• “You let your wife hit mine. That is grounds for a war.” Gideon gritted his teeth, bending forward towards the man.
• Vincenzo shrank back. “She is still my daughter until the wedding. And she is not leaving with you.”
• “You want to fight me, Vince? You need me more than I need you.” Gideon grunted. He placed his tattooed arms on the desk so Vincenzo could see his family tattoos.
• The Falco owned half of New York. Along with its many hotels, Clubs and illegal whisky and guns. Vincenzo was rich, but he was nothing compared to the Falco wealth.
• And it angered Gideon just to think of Vincenzo getting away with murder despite that. The murder of Gideon's parents.
• Vincenzo waved the words away, though Gideon could see the hate in his eyes. “No, I'd hate to fight too. But Alessa will not leave my home until she is officially your property. For now? She is mine.”
• Gideon laughed, grounding his teeth until it hurt. His property? “You do not refer to my wife like that, or you too will lose an arm.”
• Vincenzo chuckled. “So, it’s settled. The wedding happens in three days. Alessa will be ready. She knows better than to disobey me.”
• Gideon studied him, hiding his disgust. He had dealt with men like Vincenzo before—men who would trade anything for power or protection. Vincenzo wasn’t special. He was weak, desperate, and too stupid to see how deep a hole he’d dug for himself.
• “And you’re sure this is what you want?” Gideon asked, crossing his legs. It had been five years. He had worked in silence, patiently, waiting for this moment.
• “Of course,” Vincenzo said, chuckling. “This alliance is the best thing for my family. For Alessa too, though she doesn’t realize it yet. She’s weak and she’ll learn her place.”
• Gideon clenched his jaw but kept his face blank. He had no sympathy for Vincenzo, and the man’s attitude made it easier to go through with his plans. Still, something about this deal left a bitter taste in his mouth.
• “It’s a shame,” Vincenzo continued, “that she’s too stubborn to understand the bigger picture. But women don’t need to know everything, do they?”
• Gideon stood, straightening his jacket. “As long as we both hold up our ends of the deal, you won’t have anything to worry about.”
• “It’s a good deal,” Vincenzo said. “You get Alessa, I get peace of mind. Everyone wins.”
• “You mean you win,” Gideon replied, leaning forward. He was cold, clipped. “What about her?”
• Vincenzo laughed. “She’ll be fine, she’ll come around. Women always do with enough push.”
• Gideon’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm. “And if she doesn’t?”
• “She will,” Vincenzo said, waving him off like the question didn’t matter. “She’s my daughter. Besides, she’ll have no choice once you’re married.”
• “Charming,” Gideon muttered under his breath.
• “What was that?” Vincenzo asked, narrowing his eyes.
• “Nothing,” Gideon said, standing abruptly. “If we’re done here, I have things to do.”
• “Oh, we’re done. Just don’t screw this up, Falco. I’ve put too much on the line to have you ruin it.”
• “I don’t screw up,” Gideon said flatly. Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room.
• “Falco!” Vincenzo’s voice called from behind him.
• Gideon didn’t stop. “We’re done, Moretti. I’ll see her at the altar
• “Good. To new beginnings, Mr. Falco.”
• Gideon didn’t bother with the toast. Instead, he walked out of the study.
• The corridor outside was silent, the air smelling like old wood. As he approached the exit, he paused at the window overlooking the driveway below.
• Alessa.
• She was walking toward a low black car, her brother behind her. Her long, gold hair like champagne shone in the sunlight, and her dress hugged her figure just enough to show her beauty.
• She didn’t look like someone being forced into a marriage. She looked calm, her head down, the tears from earlier completely gone, but he wondered how much of that was an act.
• Her brother opened the car door for her, and she stepped inside. He closed the door and walked to another car. They left together.
• Gideon’s eyes watched the car, his mind racing.
• She was beautiful.
• The thought was unwanted. But it was true. Alessa Moretti was stunning, and she would make a perfect bride, on the surface, at least.
• But that wasn’t why he had agreed to this. It wouldn't matter if she was the ugliest woman in the world. What mattered was what she stood for: leverage, power, and a way out of the hell burning around him.
• Alessa probably thought marrying him was the worst thing that could happen to her. She’d soon realize it wasn’t.
• Footsteps approached behind him, pulling him out of his thoughts.
• Ricci. “Your car’s ready.”
• Gideon turned, his face unreadable. Ricci was his second in command. He was smart and unlike Gideon, he hadn't been completely hardened by all the evil they saw everyday.
• Gideon walked out of the house. Ricci opened the passenger door for him, and he entered the car. Ricci got in on the driver’s side, starting the engine.
• For a moment, the car was silent, unspoken words bouncing between them. Then Ricci broke the quiet. “Are you sure about this?”
• Gideon smirked, a low laugh escaping him. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
• Ricci stared back at him, his brow jumping slightly. “You could change your mind.”
• Gideon laughed again. “Do I look like a man who changes his mind?”
• “Sometimes,” Ricci said, dryly. “When it suits you.”
• Gideon leaned back in his seat. “Not this time.”
• Ricci shook his head, focusing on the road ahead. After a long pause, he spoke again. “Just hope you know what you’re doing. Marrying a Moretti doesn’t come without its risks.”
• “I don’t need reminding,” Gideon replied. “But this isn’t about her.”
• “No? Then why’d you watch her for so long when she got in that car?”
• Gideon didn’t have an answer.