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Prologue
AVA
Okay, deep breaths, Ava. You got this. It’s just a conversation with your boss, right? No big deal. Except, when your boss happens to be Alessio freaking DeLuca, one of the most powerful mafia bosses in the country. And you’re about to drop a bomb on him. No pressure, right?
As I stand outside Alessio’s office, my mind can’t help but wander back to the past five years working for the DeLuca family. When I first started, I was just a clueless college grad, ready to take on the world. Little did I know, I was actually taking on the criminal underworld. Talk about a plot twist!
I still remember the day I found out the truth about my boss. There I was, working late and minding my own business, when I stumbled on a file left open on Alessio’s desk. And what did I find inside? Oh, you know, just some casual documents about money laundering, extortion, and hits on rival families. Normal stuff, right? I was so shocked; I thought I might pee my pants right then and there.
At first, I wanted to run for the hills. I mean, who wouldn’t? But then I realized, if I tried to leave, the DeLucas might come after me. Plus, I’ll admit, there was a part of me that was kind of intrigued by this whole “mafia” thing. I guess you could say I’ve always been drawn to a bit of danger.
So, I decided to stick it out. I kept my head down, did my job, and tried not to think too hard about where all that money was coming from. It wasn’t always easy, though. There were definitely some moments where I questioned my life choices, wondering how I ended up working for a bunch of criminals.
But over time, I started to see a different side of Alessio. Sure, he’s ruthless and terrifying. I mean, I’ve seen grown men literally piss themselves just from one of his icy glares. But he’s also fiercely loyal to his family and his people. He lives by a code, even if it’s unconventional.
Working for Alessio has taught me a lot. He showed me how to be tough, how to stand up for myself. He taught me the value of loyalty and looking out for the people you care about. And he’s proven there’s always more to a person than meets the eye.
But now, standing outside his office door, I know it’s time for me to move on. As much as I’ve grown to care for the DeLucas, I can’t spend the rest of my life in the mafia world. I’ve got dreams of my own. Dreams that don’t involve laundering money or dodging bullets.
Plus, my boyfriend Jim just got this amazing job offer in Seattle. And I love the guy, so I can’t exactly let him move to another state without me. It’s time for us to start a new chapter, even if it means leaving behind everything and everyone I know.
I just hope Alessio will understand.
But hey, no time like the present, right? So, I take a deep breath, give myself a little pep talk, and knock on my boss’s office door.
“Come in,” I hear him call out, his deep voice slightly muffled.
I step inside, trying not to tremble in my stilettos. Alessio is sitting behind his massive desk, looking as intimidating as ever, with his dark—blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. He glances up at me, one eyebrow raised.
“Ava,” he greets me, leaning back in his chair. “What’s up?”
I swallow hard, suddenly feeling parched. I’ve practiced this speech a million times, but now that I’m here, the words seem to be stuck in my throat.
“Mr. DeLuca,” I start, before taking a deep breath. “There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
Alessio’s eyes narrow slightly. “Everything okay?” he asks, clearly not used to seeing me so nervous.
I nod, steeling myself. It’s now or never.
“I’m here to give my notice,” I blurt out, the words tumbling from my lips in a rush. “Jim got a great job offer in Seattle, and I decided to go with him. We’re leaving in a month.”
There’s a long, tense moment of silence as Alessio stares at me, his expression unreadable. I feel a flicker of fear in my chest. Oh God, is he mad? Is he going to try to talk me out of it? Or worse, is he going to have me “taken care of” for trying to leave?
But to my surprise, Alessio just nods slowly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“I see,” he says calmly. “You’re sure about this?”
I nod, feeling a rush of relief at his surprisingly chill reaction. “Yes, sir,” I reply, my voice growing stronger. “I love Jim, and I want to build a life with him. I know starting over in a new city won’t be easy, but it’s something I need to do for myself.”
Alessio is quiet for a moment, studying me intently.
“You know, when you first started here, I had my doubts,” he admits, leaning forward. “I didn’t think you would last a week in our world.”
I can’t help but smile at that, remembering how determined I was to prove myself back then.
“But you surprised me,” Alessio continues. “You’ve been a real asset to the family, Ava.”
I feel a lump form in my throat at his words. “Thank you, Mr. DeLuca,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “That means a lot.”
