I was just another tired waitress trying to survive a Friday night rush, until the mafia heir recognized a ghost in my eyes.

The battle for the Moretti Citadel ended at dawn.

When the sun broke over the horizon, painting the churning Atlantic Ocean in brilliant shades of gold and crimson, the smoke over the estate slowly cleared.

The Falcone syndicate was shattered. Their leader lay defeated in the main courtyard, surrounded by Lorenzo’s loyal guard. The treason that had rotted the Moretti family from the inside for five years had finally been burned away to ash.

In the grand living room, where sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Lorenzo stood staring out at the ocean. His tactical vest was scuffed, his hands stained with soot, but his posture was that of a king who had secured his throne forever.

I walked up behind him, carrying a sleeping Matteo in my arms.

The baby was wrapped in a soft blue blanket, completely peaceful despite the storm that had raged around him all night.

Lorenzo turned around as he heard my footsteps. His dark eyes softened instantly, all the violence of the night melting away as he looked at us.

He walked over, reaching out to gently brush a strand of dark hair behind my ear.

"It’s over," Lorenzo said quietly. "The city is secure. Falcone is gone. Vance’s faction has surrendered."

I looked down at the silver medallion hanging around my neck—the dragon wrapped around the broken sword.

"What happens now?" I asked softly. "Do I go back to being a waitress?"

Lorenzo let out a low, soft laugh—a sound full of warmth and genuine emotion. He stepped closer, sliding his arms around my waist, pulling me and Matteo into his firm, protective embrace.

"You are never taking an order from anyone ever again, Mara," Lorenzo said, his voice deep and absolute. "Unless you want to."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, exquisite velvet box. He opened it, revealing a stunning ring featuring a dark blue sapphire surrounded by tiny diamonds.

"This belonged to my grandmother," Lorenzo said, looking into my eyes with an intensity that set my heart on fire. "Clara was my wife by duty. But you... you are the woman who saved my son. You are the woman who stood beside me in the fire when everyone else fled."

He slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.

"Stay with us," Lorenzo whispered against my ear, his breath warm and sweet. "Be my wife. Be Matteo’s mother. Rule this city by my side."

I looked down at the tiny baby sleeping against my chest, then up at the dark, powerful dragon who was looking at me as if I were the only thing in the universe that mattered.

My mother spent her whole life teaching me to run from the dragons.

She was wrong.

Some dragons don't hunt you to destroy you. Some dragons fight the entire world just to keep you safe.

I smiled, my left dimple appearing as I reached up, my hand resting against Lorenzo's scarred cheek.

"I’m not running anymore," I whispered.