The moment their plane wheels touched back down in their city — their domain — a rich thread of danger seemed to weave itself back into their lives. Theo tightened his grip on Ava's hand as the private jet's door opened and a rush of icy air filled the cabin.
Waiting on the tarmac were not the smiling family members or the friendly soldiers they were used to, but a small delegation of men in black suits — soldiers from a powerful rival who'd gotten a little too close to their operations while Theo and Ava were gone.
"It's Salvatore and his clan." Theo whispered under his breath, rich rage glimmering in his piercing green eyes. "He wants a showdown… a piece of our empire… or something more."
Ava pressed herself against Theo, not in weakness, but in solidarity. "Whatever it is… we face it together."
The rich silence fell heavy between them — a dramatic calm before the brewing storm. Theo nodded, turned back toward the soldiers, and walked forward, Ava at his side — a king and queen ready to conquer whatever stood in their path.