Chapter 6 - The Promise on the WaterThe evening sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky over Lake Forest in sweeping tapestries of rose, gold, and deep sapphire.
Leo stepped up to our table carrying a silver tray holding two crystal glasses of vintage champagne.
"For Don Gabriel and Donna Clara Romano," Leo smiled warmly, offering a respectful bow before stepping back toward the guests.
I picked up the crystal glasses, handing one to Gabriel, clinking my glass gently against his under the warm twilight sky.
"To the assistant who kept the empire standing," I toasted softly, my hazel eyes fixed entirely on his face.
"To the queen who rules my heart," Gabriel smiled back, taking a slow, unhurried sip of the rich, sweet wine.
He set his glass down, wrapping his broad arm securely around my waist, pulling me flush against his solid frame, holding me close as the cool night breeze rustled through the oak trees.
"Look at the water, Clara," Gabriel murmured into my hair. "It's calm."
"It's calm because we're home, Gabriel," I whispered back, leaning my head comfortably against his broad shoulder, feeling his heart beat strong and steady beneath his suit.
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There were no rival enforcers lurking in dark basements. There were no fake promises made by arrogant socialites. There were no tears swallowed in quiet offices.
The invisible assistant was dead forever. The sovereign matriarch had claimed her throne.
