Chapter 10 - UNSTOPPABLE
Three months later.
The grand ballroom of the DeLuca estate was filled with music, laughter, and high-society guests celebrating the signing of the peace treaty between the city's major commercial families.
Mia stood on the secondary balcony overlooking the ballroom, wearing an elegant dark navy evening gown that concealed her lightweight tactical holster beneath the silk lining. Her hair was styled neatly, and her ankle had completely healed.
Footsteps sounded behind her.
Matteo walked out onto the balcony, wearing a custom black tuxedo, holding two glasses of champagne. He handed one to her.
"You look stunning, Chief Callaway," Matteo said softly, leaning against the marble railing beside her.
"I look like a target," Mia joked, taking a sip of the champagne. "There are four blind spots near the main catering entrance."
"Can you turn off the security officer brain for five minutes?" Matteo laughed, shaking his head. "Just five minutes."
"I’m on duty, DeLuca."
Matteo set his glass down on the railing, stepped closer to her, and took her small hand in his. "My father officially transferred the head of operations position to me today. I'm running the family now."
"I know," Mia said, looking into his dark eyes. "I read the filings this morning."
"Which means I need the absolute best person in the world standing beside me," Matteo murmured, his tone shifting into something deep, genuine, and electric. "Not just as my head of security... but as my partner."
Mia looked at him, feeling her heart do a sudden, uncharacteristic jump in her chest—a stumble far sweeter than any physical trip.
"Is that an official job proposal, Mr. DeLuca?" she asked, her lips curling into a soft smile.
"It's a promise," Matteo whispered, leaning down and gently pressing his lips against hers.
The kiss was warm, slow, and full of a quiet, unshakeable promise.
When they finally pulled back, Mia adjusted her gown, glanced down at the bustling ballroom below, and offered a soft, confident smile.
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"Come on, DeLuca," Mia said, taking his arm. "Let's go show them who's running this city."
As they walked back into the grand room together, hand in hand, everyone in the room turned to look—knowing that the new head of the DeLuca family was entirely untouchable, because the woman standing beside him was the sharpest shield the city had ever known.
