THE OBSIDIAN OATH

Two months later.

The morning sun reflected brilliantly off the waters of Lake Michigan, filling the sprawling, bright kitchen of Lorenzo’s estate in the North Shore.

Evelyn stood at the granite counter, pouring fresh coffee. She wasn't wearing a polyester uniform, and her feet didn't ache. She wore a soft, cashmere sweater, a delicate diamond pendant resting at her throat.

The sounds of laughter echoed from the backyard.

She looked out the bay window. Lorenzo, dressed in casual jeans and a Henley shirt, was running across the manicured lawn, a bright red kite trailing behind him. Chasing him, giggling uncontrollably, was Leo.

Lorenzo stopped, hoisting the boy onto his broad shoulders so Leo could hold the string. The dangerous, cold mafia boss was smiling—a genuine, warm smile that reached his dark eyes.

The nightmare was over.

The ledger Evelyn had pickpocketed contained everything. Extortion, bribery, and the direct orders from Celeste and Carmine for the murder of Arthur Vance. The Commission, faced with undeniable proof of betrayal, had acted swiftly. Carmine was banished, stripped of his wealth and power. Celeste was currently awaiting trial in federal custody, her family’s empire dismantled piece by piece.

Lorenzo had stepped away from the violence. He had reorganized the Moretti family's assets into legitimate real estate and shipping ventures. He kept the power, but changed the rules.

Evelyn heard the back door slide open. Lorenzo walked in, carrying a breathless Leo.

"Mom!" Leo cheered, running to the counter. "Did you see? It went all the way to the clouds!"

"I saw, baby," Evelyn smiled, kissing the top of his head. "Go wash your hands for breakfast."

Leo sprinted toward the bathroom.

Lorenzo walked over to Evelyn, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. He smelled of fresh air and expensive cologne.

"He's got a good throwing arm," Lorenzo murmured, pressing a kiss to her neck. "He might make a decent pitcher someday."

"He's got a good teacher," Evelyn said softly, leaning back into his embrace.

Lorenzo turned her around to face him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the heavy, tarnished silver lighter. He placed it gently in her palm.

"I had my jeweler polish it, and fix the hinge," Lorenzo said. "Arthur's name is engraved on the inside now. So Leo will always know who his grandfather was. A good man who tried to protect people."

Evelyn’s eyes filled with happy tears. She traced her father's name on the silver metal. She had spent ten years believing she was abandoned, only to find out she was loved enough to be died for.

And now, she had a man willing to live for her.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Lorenzo cupped her face, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. "You saved my life with a cocktail napkin, Evelyn. The least I can do is give you a life worth living."

"Are we having pancakes?" Leo yelled, sliding into the kitchen in his socks.

Lorenzo laughed, a rich, deep sound that filled the room. He picked Evelyn up by the waist, setting her gently on a barstool before turning to the stove.

"Yes, buddy," Lorenzo called back, tossing a wink at Evelyn. "We're having pancakes."