Alina

Antonio

The day that I've dreamt for the past three months is finally here but god does it feel like I've waited years for it.

Fifty men accompany my family, the five best units of our combined mafias. A total of sixty-one people will storm the Ivanov compound. It's a lot but this place is crawling with Bratva soldiers. If you're not out doing their dirty work, you're in this visually appealing total shit hole.

Roman and Matteo will stay outside the wall supervised by Mariana. My parents wait for our safe return with Alina back at home.

We had to clear some fallen trees to gather everything on an abandoned road. The temperature is freezing and ice and snow cover the unsalted concrete.

Matteo's car sits closest to the entrance in case of emergency with all the others dark and empty behind.

Each member of the family is wearing a bulletproof vest, I couldn't give two shits about dignity and "looking cool". I refuse to lose anyone tonight. The only change in our numbers is the addition of one: my little girl.

I cannot deny the fact that I'm nervous. I have the uttermost confidence in my men and family, but there's so much riding on tonight and we have no choice but to succeed.

To be honest, I'm disappointed I won't be the first to see her. My sons and nephews will get that privilege before her father. Bullshit, if you ask me. But I know it's what's best for the plan.

The first stage of the mission is underway. The stealth fighters are conquering the wall and Roman is already on the gate's electronic lock.

We wait in the woods for the signal just outside the sight compound's cameras. It's freezing out and we can't risk fires so everybody is clad in thermal coats.

I notice my wife leaning against a tree away from anything, deep in thought.

"You doing ok?" I ask, approaching.

She doesn't look at me

"Not really," she says honestly, not even trying to lie. We both know I'd be able to tell even if she did.

I close my eyes and lean back next to her, letting out a deep sigh.

"Me too, Amor," I admit after a moment of silence.

We just stand there side by side, basking in the comfort of our love.

"Look at them."

I follow her gaze to our sons.

Alessandro looks like a true leader, walking around and ensuring everything is as it should be.

Luca sits on the hood of a car, adjusting the rifle in his lap with a slight smile as his finger brushes over the "good luck" sticker given by Allie.

Damien and Domenico spar towards the edge of the clearing. Damien laughs as he falls into the snow with his brother.

Roman's eyes never leave his screen, and his fingers fly across the keyboard. He then leans back with a deep exhale. He did it.
As if sensing our eyes on him, he turns his head and our eyes meet. I nod and smile his way, and he returns a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.

I'm proud of my kids. So damn proud.

"I—"

I grab her by the waist and pull her in for a kiss. The kiss is not one of lust, but love for my wife and the promise that we will return to each other.
Pulling away, we stare into each other's eyes and crack a smile.

"I love you," she says.

I love my wife more than words can describe. There is no act I could ever do to show how deeply I love her.
She is my best friend.
She is the mother of my children.
She is my everything.