#Chapter 43: Chess Pieces In Play

Dominic POV The tension drained from his shoulders the moment Dominic slid into the driver’s seat of his car. The subtle hum of the engine was a soothing sound compared to Francesco’s grating voice, and he took a moment to savor the quiet. He knew Francesco wasn’t happy—far from it, apparently considering he was willing to actually put up a fight—but Dominic hadn’t gone there to negotiate. Marrying Aurora was never a suggestion, it was a necessity. A move on the chessboard already decided far before anyone was the wiser. Francesco’s stubbornness was merely a temporary nuisance. Eventually, he would fall into line like everyone else did as soon as they realized what they were up against. Dominic had made sure of that the moment he’d hired the bratva to shoot up the wedding. While he had no intention of bringing the Russians back again—it was far too risky now that he was in close proximity to his father’s inner circle and Francesco’s by extension—but no one needed to know