HIS

Chapter 16

Domenico's POV

I was heading back to the hotel where we're staying. We've been tracking this guy for over a week and a half, and he's nearly caught in our trap. The amount of money he stole is staggering—just thinking about it makes my blood boil. Michael was one of our most trusted men, responsible for running shipments from Mexico to the U.S. He's been part of the Mafia since my father was in charge.

He was like family. But they say the ones closest to you cut the deepest—and that couldn't be truer. The men who worked alongside him are gone, yet he's still out there, hiding in Canada. In our world, betrayal has only one price: your life. If I let him walk free, I'd be seen as weak—and weakness is something you can't afford in this line of work.

This business is brutal. Taking a life isn't easy, no matter how hardened you are. But you do what you must with the hand you've been dealt. I never chose this life—it chose me. Just like it did my father, and his father before him. It's a legacy written in blood, and there's no turning back.

I miss Olivia more than I can put into words. She's probably furious—I told her I'd be gone for a week, and now it's been two. But if everything goes according to plan, Michael will be in my hands by tomorrow morning. Once I deal with him, I can finally leave.

My crew is sweeping every inch of this town and the surrounding areas. We're not leaving anything to chance.

I won't pretend about how I feel—Olivia means everything to me. I've never felt this way about anyone, not even my ex. At first, I didn't think much of her, or at least that's what I told myself. But ever since that night I saw her talking to Marco, she's been stuck in my mind.

I used to guard my heart, convinced all women were the same. But with Olivia, I got lucky. I saw her for who she truly is—and I didn't let her slip away.

I need to deal with the Marco situation—and that's exactly where I'm headed now. Marco, Dad, and I are sharing a three-bedroom suite at the hotel. As I walk into the lounge, I see them deep in conversation.

"Son, come join us for a game of cards," Dad says with a smile. Marco glances at me and gives a nod. I return the gesture.

Uncle Marco has a talent for tracking people. His network stretches into the most unexpected places, which is why he arrived ahead of me—to gather intel. He always claims to have eyes and ears in every corner of the world. Sometimes I wonder if he knows about Olivia and me.

Dad came to lend his support, and now it's my turn to finish what we started.

I sat down across from Uncle Marco, feeling the sweat start to gather on my palms.

Wait, why am I nervous?

Maybe it's because it's your future hanging in the balance dummy, my subconscious scolded me. I rubbed my neck thinking about how I'm going to start this conversation. Here goes everything.

"Uncle Marco, do you think I'm at the right age to settle down?"

stupid, stupid question! I thought to myself.

Dad just glanced in my direction and smirked, already knowing what I'm on about.

To think, I have to convince my uncle to allow me to date a woman and not my father. You would think my parents would be difficult, but they love Olivia. I know dad didn't say anything to Uncle Marco because even though they are close, I am still his son first.

He looked at me with a grin. "So, is there someone special, or are you crawling back to your ex?" he teased.

Dad let out a snort at the mention of the ex, clearly amused.