Chapter 141

Chapter One Hundred and Forty-One

Gen’s hand hovered over the door handle, frozen for a moment as hesitation gripped her. She withdrew her hand slowly, closing her eyes to steady herself. Lifting her chin toward the overcast sky, she drew in a deep, calming breath. When she opened her eyes again, she yanked the door open, immediately hit by a sharp, cold gust mingled with the unmistakable smell of polluted river water drifting in from the Hudson. Why did fate have to tie her heart to a man who lived amidst the chaos of New York? The city reeked of grime at every turn. It was relentless, brimming with danger and ruthless souls. Maybe, in some twisted way, she belonged here after all. Slipping Leo’s bat over her shoulder, she stepped inside the cavernous warehouse.

Her footsteps were muffled against the concrete floor, the soft soles of her running shoes chosen deliberately for stealth. She tugged the hoodie tighter around her head, wrapping herself in the fading scent of honey and tobacco — Matteo’s scent, so familiar and comforting. She could have dressed up for this—worn heels, put on makeup, played the part. But it felt like a pointless effort. Nothing was guaranteed in this life, a mantra Matteo had repeated so often it had begun to echo in her own mind. If today was the day things went wrong, if she was to meet her end, then dammit, she wanted to be comfortable.

“Any word?” she murmured softly as Leo strolled in behind her, casually snapping peanut shells between his fingers as if this were just another routine evening. His usual six p.m. mafia boss showdown.

“No, Mrs. Accardi. Nothing yet,” Leo replied.

“One of these days, you’re going to call me by my first name,” Gen said with a raised eyebrow, a playful challenge in her voice.

Leo smirked, probably thinking she was trying to lighten the heavy mood. But if she let her gaze linger on the group of lethal men at the far end of the warehouse, her legs might give out.