Going After Heaven (Mafia Romance)

Chapter Forty Eight

Less than two hours.

I look down at my Armani wristwatch and puff out crisp air. My eyes catch the SG inscribed into the signet ring on my pinky finger then, I look back up to see my reflection in the mirror.

Standing tall on six inches stiletto pump heels. Adorned in a black pantsuit. My hair is packed up in a sophisticated ponytail, lips masked in ox blood red, a Versace clutch keeping my gun— the same special gun I made for Black Rifle— and the combat knife I got from Gabriele as a gift. One would expect flowers but I got a combat knife as a gift. And if I'm being honest, there was no better gift. I got his dedication, his precision, mastery, and loyalty formed into a piece of steel. No flower would ever come close to that.

I had put the situation of the hour before behind me. I had to get myself together and freshen up while trying hard not to think of Gabriele as I wash his tacky cum off my thighs. Helena has refused to pick up my calls, but I texted her to hold on with the cops till morning. I can let it slide, but I am not one to take any form of abuse and set the abuser free on the street, feeling invincible and ready to abuse again.

I am his match. And I will be damned to let him go free for that fucking stunt. I do it for myself, but more for the inferior woman he might meet after me if I do not stop him. This is why I will be giving Helena the code to information my papa has on Gael, information to keep him in check and keep his loyalty. The information she can use if I don't make it back by morning.

Gael has that on my papa too. But my papa is no more and Gael is here. He will protect that more than he would protect Javier. I hope.

Satisfied with my look, I stomp out. Give a brisk smile at my portrait down the hallway. Then take quick head-held-high steps into the elevator.

Whatever happens after midnight, whatever the outcome, whatever my fate is, the most important thing is fucking did it. I raised an empire from the debris. I kept my papa's name in power. I went into the underworld and became a predator when every odd said I'll be the prey. They said it's a man's world, and I showed them power knows no gender.

Whatever happens, I have set things in place for my demise which is the true quality of a leader. Whatever happens, I made sure my sister lacked nothing and will lack nothing in my absence, which is the essence of a guardian. Whatever happens, I have taught her enough to be sufficient for herself, which is a priceless characteristic of a big sister.  Whatever happens, I found him, I let him, and I'm doing this with him. Unexpectedly, but I was truly happy this morning.

Whatever happens, I have lived up to the name steel. Without any question, I am Acero. Blood. Sweat. Tears. I am Acero. Through and through. And tonight, I won't be facing Black Rifle as the girl under the thanksgiving table, I will be facing him as an equal. As an Empress.

The elevator door opens and I strut to the car. Gabriele is still inside as instructed. This is a good thing because if he was in his room when Javier pulled that stunt, Javier would have been dead by now.

I take a deep breath, then tap on the car. He opens the doors and I walk in. But instead of going to the back seat, I climb in beside him. I fasten my seat belt.

"Helena's, then Seductora," I say in an ice-cold tone.

I am trying to avoid awkwardness and anything that will stall the mission.

He grunts in response and then starts the car.

We drive in silence, past the Steel Gate empire, the office building. Past the factory, then into the busy streets with street lights casting shadows, disco lights from stores, a diner for late-night crawlers with a couple sitting out on what looks like a date. It looks beautiful. They do. And a little part of me wonders if I wished for that at any point in my life.