Forever Dearest

   The tension in the warehouse was palpable as Alessio stepped inside, his polished shoes echoing against the cold concrete floor. A group of his men stood in a tight circle around a trembling figure, a man caught red-handed skimming money from Alessio's operations. The air was thick with dread, as everyone knew Alessio didn't tolerate betrayal.

Alessio approached calmly, his face devoid of emotion, which only made him more terrifying. He stopped just in front of the man, who was kneeling with his hands bound, sweat pouring down his face.

"You've been stealing from me," Alessio said, his voice low but filled with lethal intent. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

The man shook his head frantically, stammering as he tried to explain, "I-I didn't mean to—please, it was a mistake. I was desperate—"

Alessio raised his hand, silencing the man instantly. His cold, calculating gaze bore into the thief, making it clear that no excuse would save him. "Desperation doesn't interest me," Alessio said, his voice sharp. "What interests me is loyalty. You knew the price of betrayal."

Without another word, Alessio nodded to one of his men. In an instant, they stepped forward, handing him a sleek, black pistol. Alessio took it without hesitation, his expression never wavering. He aimed it at the man's kneecap and pulled the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the warehouse, followed by a scream of agony as the man crumpled to the ground, clutching his shattered knee.

Alessio crouched down beside the man, his tone calm and almost conversational as he spoke over the man's pained cries. "You've lost more than just money today. You've lost the right to exist in my world." He stood up, his cold gaze locking onto the others in the room. "Let this be a lesson."

His men, well-trained and silent, moved in to remove the man from the warehouse. Alessio didn't bother to watch as they dragged him out, knowing the punishment would be slow and agonizing. He handed the gun back to his right-hand man, his expression still icy and unreadable.

Turning away, Alessio adjusted his cufflinks as if nothing had happened. He had no tolerance for weakness or disloyalty, and he ensured everyone who crossed him met the same brutal fate.

With the situation handled, Alessio walked out of the warehouse, his mind already shifting back to more important matters. The theft was dealt with, but his focus was now on Emma and the life he was building. He wouldn't allow anyone to interfere with either.

The warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the kitchen as Emma and Emily bustled around, laughter and conversation mingling with the scent of chocolate and blueberries. Flour dusted their aprons and the countertop, evidence of their enthusiastic baking session.

Alessio stood by the doorframe, his presence almost unnoticed as he observed the two women. His eyes softened with genuine affection as he took in the sight of Emma and Emily in their element, the kitchen filled with a cozy, domestic charm that was rarely associated with his world.

Emma, her hair pulled back in a loose bun, glanced over and caught sight of Alessio. Her face brightened with a warm smile as she wiped her hands on a towel. "Hey, Alessio! You're just in time. Want to try one of our muffins?"

Before he could respond, she grabbed a chocolate muffin from the cooling rack and walked over to him, extending it with a cheerful grin. "Here, this one's fresh. I made it just for you."

Alessio accepted the muffin, his smile mirroring Emma's. He took a bite, savoring the rich, sweet flavor. "Delicious," he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine appreciation. "You two have outdone yourselves."