Chapter 4 - The Nine O'Clock Vow
The morning sun broke through the cold Chicago clouds, casting sharp shadows across the city.
Inside the private chapel of St. Jude on the North Side, the mahogany doors were locked shut from the inside. Outside, thirty armored vehicles belonging to the Valenti family lined the street, blocking off traffic for four blocks.
Clara stood in the vestry, looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror.
She wasn't wearing the fragile, tight ivory dress from Oak Street.
She wore an emerald-green velvet gown designed for her overnight by Lorenzo’s private tailor—a dress that celebrated every curve of her body, falling in heavy, luxurious folds to the floor, her waist defined by a delicate gold chain set with emeralds. Her dark hair fell in soft, loose waves around her shoulders.
She looked powerful. Regal. Unapologetic.
The door opened, and Lorenzo walked in.
He wore a pristine black tuxedo, a dark green silk pocket square tucked into his lapel. He stopped in the doorway, his amber eyes sweeping over her in her green velvet gown.
A slow, dark smile curved his lips.
"Magnificent," Lorenzo whispered, walking over to her and presenting a velvet box.
Inside sat a ring—a flawless twelve-carat emerald surrounded by black diamonds, heavy and cold against the red velvet lining.
"This belonged to my grandmother," Lorenzo said, taking Clara’s hand and sliding the heavy ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly. "It was forged for a woman who ruled the Valenti family through two wars."
Clara looked at the emerald sparkling on her hand, then looked up into his eyes. "Are you sure about this, Lorenzo? The Rossi family will declare war."
Lorenzo took her hand, bringing her knuckles to his lips, kissing the skin right above the emerald band.
"Let them declare war," Lorenzo said softly. "I’ve been waiting for an excuse to eliminate the Rossi family for five years. You just gave me the key to their kingdom."
Ten minutes later, in front of a single cardinal and four armed lieutenants serving as witnesses, Clara Blake became Clara Valenti.
As the cardinal pronounced them husband and wife, Lorenzo turned to her. He pulled her gently into his arms, his large hand cupping the back of her waist, and brought his lips down to hers.
The kiss wasn't subtle. It was deep, warm, possessive, and electric, sending a surge of fire straight to Clara’s core.
May you like
When he pulled back, his eyes were glowing with a fierce light.
"Now, Mrs. Valenti," Lorenzo murmured, offering her his arm. "Let’s go crash your uncle’s board meeting."
