SHE IS THE MAFIA (BOOK#2)

Epilogue

Epilogue

I sit and stare out the window at the clouds.
I imagine the first time I actually enjoyed riding this private jet.

Tempest had sat right across from me listening to music, hoping for some peace as she traveled to Italy for the first time. I peaked at her... stared at her in awe wondering how someone could look so beautiful.

I straighten my black suit.
My stomach does summersaults, not because of air sickness.

My father's burial was filled with people who had adored him. He was a helping hand to many, though his job didn't require him to be a saint.
I made sure to give a well thought out eulogy.
I'll miss him forever.

Carlos is dead.
I made sure he was cremated, never to touch the gates of heaven.
I wish it had been me who had killed him, but Malachi beat me to it.
I am forever grateful.

The jet lands roughly.
I am back on familiar ground.

A car waits for me.
I watch the city of London blur past me.

I spot all the places where I had made pleasant memories.
With her.

After Carlos's death, everything died down with him.
Jacob was dead, with only his killer and ex-wife to bury him pitifully.
I wonder how Malachi deals with the fact he murdered his own father.
Tempest must have rubbed off on him, I suppose.

Kindle was buried by her family, who were found safely held hostage outside of town. Amanda was devastated. Her husband is facing jail time for pedophilia, leaving her to take care of her own kids. Kindle's husband was fired from his job and had his kids taken away. I took it into my hands to make sure the children had a loving home with their adoptive family.

That's what would make Tempest happy.

Frank recovered quickly from his injury, just in time to witness his daughter being born. I bet he has one heck of a story to tell her when she grows up.

Malachi has seen better days.
We all have, to be honest.

Unbeknownst to everyone, when Tempest took over Moore Mafia, she signed a secret contract.

In the case where she was not able to fulfill her duties as a Mafia boss, in the case anything happens to her to where her position was left open, everything under her name transfers to Malachi Warren.

Her consigliere.
Her right-hand man.
Her best friend.

She knew his worth before anyone ever did.

The car halts in front of a huge house.
I swallow my nerves and walk to the front door.

I barely recognize the man who opens it.
Buzz-cut red hair with beard stubbles.

"Good to see you, man" Malachi greets me with a hug.

"What happened to the luscious locks?" I tease.

He rolls his eyes, "I figure it's time I grow up,"

There is a tiny scar on the edge of his left eye.
A reminder of that day.

Deep within his almost golden eyes, I can see the sadness he is trying to push away.

"Thank you," I tell him, "For taking care of her,"

He shrugs his shoulder, "It's nothing,"

But I understand that it is not nothing.
I understand a lot.

I walk into the house full of people who love Tempest.
Frank and his wife sit talking to Olivia and Julian.

Olivia glances at me and smiles, "You're here at last,"

The entire room holds its breath.

Tempest fell into a coma that day.
Her body was barely fighting off the chemical poisoning.
She lost so much blood from the gunshot wound.
They had to resuscitate her, twice.
And when she was finally stable... she wasn't waking up.

And it took a lot out of me to leave her here.
But I knew she was surrounded by the people she considered family, while I tended to my own.

Five months of calling and hearing the same thing.
She isn't awake.
She is okay, her charts seem fine. But she isn't awake.
She isn't awake, Elias.

Until I got a call a week ago.
a detrimental call that had me rushing to get out of Italy.

I smile at the people in the room, "Thank you all so much,"

Tears all around the room.
Not just sad, but happy tears.
because Tempest will be alright from now on.

"I did not call you to make everyone cry,"

All heads turn to the opening of the kitchen.

Her hair is shorter and lighter than last time.
She wears a loose black dress with sunflowers on it and strappy sandals.
The tattoos on her skin.
Single pearl earrings.

And a necklace.
a necklace with my ring which I left by her bedside with a note that said, wake up so I can marry you and love you beyond measures.

Last week, I got a call.
A call that almost gave me a heart attack.

Her groggy, death-grazed voice had said, I'm awake. So, hurry up and come marry me so I can love you beyond measures.

I cross the room in seconds, holding her face in my hands.
Her lips meet mine with the same static energy.
Her existence is a miracle.

And she is mine.
Tempest Romano, of Romano Mafia.
Because in the end, despite all odds, she truly is the Mafia. By blood and now by marriage.

******