Page 95 of Blood Vows

“You love me?” she asked.

“Apparently, yes, I do,” he said.

“That sounds oddly romantic, and I thought you didn’t do romance,” she teased.

“I’m new at this.” Her eyes filled, and Dante’s stomach dropped. “Why are you crying?”

She laughed through the tears. “Because you're an idiot.”

“That's not an answer either,” he insisted. She grabbed his shirt and pulled him down. Her mouth hit his and Dante wrapped his arms around her instantly. The kiss wasn’t frantic like the others. It was slower and deeper. Something settled into place instead of breaking apart.

When Elena pulled back, her forehead rested against his. “I love you too.”

Dante went still, and she smiled at him. “Apparently.” He laughed—actually laughed, and then kissed her again. Someone cleared his throat, but Dante didn’t turn.

“Walk away, Marco,” he growled.

“You might want to hear this.” Dante reluctantly released Elena. Marco stood in the doorway. His face told Dante the news mattered.

“What is it?” he asked.

“I opened the drive,” he announced.

Elena stepped forward. “And?”

Marco held up a printed page. “Your father kept records.”

“Of what?” she asked.

“Everything,” Marco said.

Dante’s instincts sharpened. “Enough to bury Hale?”

Marco smiled. “Enough to bury his entire organization.” There it was—the endgame. Dante took the papers from Marco and looked them over. There were payments, names, account transfers, bribes, and every dirty connection Hale had built over decades.

Elena stared. “My father collected all this?”

“Looks like it,” Marco said.

“Why would he do that?” she asked.

Dante knew. “Insurance.”

Marco nodded. “There’s a video file too.”

Elena went pale. “Of my father?”

“Yes,” Marco said.

Dante placed his hand on her back. “You don’t have to watch it now.”

She looked at him. “Yes, I do.” Marco set the laptop on the table and opened the video. Antonio Romano appeared on-screen. He looked older than he did in the photographs—tired and even scared, but unmistakably Elena’s father. Elena grabbed Dante’s hand, and he held onto her.

Antonio looked directly into the camera. “If Elena is watching this, then Vincenzo won.” Elena’s breath broke, and Dante squeezed her hand. Antonio continued. “Hale believes the Crimson Empire belongs to whoever controls the bond. He is wrong.” He paused. “The empire belongs to the four families. But its future belongs to Elena.”

Dante frowned as Antonio leaned closer to the camera. “My daughter, if this reaches you, destroy the Accord.” Elena’s grip tightened. “Do not inherit it.” Dante looked at Luca, and his face went still. “End it.” Antonio’s expression softened. “Live your own life.” Elena started crying silently. “And forgive the man they send after me.” Dante stopped breathing as Antonio looked directly into the camera. “He won’t know the truth.”

Elena turned toward Dante, and he felt as though he couldn’t move. He couldn't look away as the video continued. “Hale will make sure of that.” Antonio glanced off-camera, then back. “And if I’m right, that man will be Dante Vitale.”