Boston’s most lethal underworld king had made an unbelievable vow: whoever could help his four-year-old son speak again would receive half of his criminal empire—and become his wife.

Leo’s breakthrough was miraculous, but it triggered an avalanche of consequences.

The next morning, the estate was buzzing. Word had spread that the heir to the Thorne empire had spoken. Julian was a changed man. He was smiling, eating breakfast with us, and spending hours just listening to Leo talk about his favorite books.

But the syndicate did not care about a child’s healing. They cared about the vow.

I was summoned to Julian’s study that afternoon. When I walked in, Julian was standing by the window, a glass of scotch in his hand, looking out at the sprawling grounds.

“He hasn't stopped talking to the guards,” Julian smiled softly, turning to me. “He asked Marcus why he wears a gun. Marcus looked terrified.”

I laughed, a genuine, warm sound. “He has a lot of catching up to do.”

Julian’s smile faded. He walked over to his desk and picked up a heavy, velvet box. He walked back to me, his expression turning deadly serious.

“I made a vow to my men, Maya. Half my empire, and my hand in marriage.”

My stomach plummeted. “Julian, I told you. I don't want your empire. I’m just happy Leo is okay. You don't have to go through with this.”

“You don't understand,” Julian stepped closer, his intense gaze locking onto mine. “In my world, a vow is absolute. If I break it, I show weakness. If I show weakness, the other families will strike. They will come for my territory, and they will come for my son.”

He opened the velvet box. Inside rested a diamond ring so massive it caught the light from across the room.

“The capos are arriving tonight for a summit,” Julian said softly. “They expect me to present my future wife. They expect me to share my power with the woman who cured my son.”

“I’m a civilian, Julian. They won't accept me.”

“They will accept you because you belong to me,” Julian said fiercely. He reached out, taking my left hand, his thumb tracing my knuckles. “I am asking you to marry me, Maya. Not just to save my empire. But because you brought the light back into this house. You brought my son back. I want you to stay.”

I looked into his eyes. He wasn't the terrifying mob boss anymore. He was the man who had crawled into a closet to cry with us.