Chapter 3 - Shadows of the Syndicate
Nora slept for fourteen hours.
When she finally awoke, the storm had passed, leaving behind a crisp, sunny autumn afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting warm golden patterns across the room.
She sat up, realizing someone had dressed her in a ridiculously soft, cream cashmere sweater and matching silk pants while she slept. Her feet were wrapped in sterile white bandages, scented with soothing lavender salve.
A soft knock sounded at the door before Rosa stepped inside carrying a breakfast tray loaded with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, fresh croissants, and black coffee.
"Good afternoon, child," Rosa smiled, setting the tray on Nora’s lap. "You slept like the dead."
"Where is Gabriel?" Nora asked, picking up a fork.
"Mr. Costa has been in the lower study since seven this morning," Rosa answered, her face clouding over with a subtle shadow. "The Underworld Council is meeting. News of your... arrival has spread quickly through the five families."
Nora froze, setting her fork down. "Is that bad?"
"The Costa family has many enemies, child," Rosa explained gently, leaning in. "For six years, since Gabriel took over after his father’s assassination, every crime lord in the northeast has tried to marry their daughters to him to control his shipping ports. By declaring a nameless, penniless girl as his wife, he has declared war on their pride."
Nora’s stomach twisted into a tight knot. "I... I didn't ask him to do that."
"No," Rosa agreed softly. "But Gabriel does nothing without a reason. He saw something in you, Nora. Eat your food. He wishes to see you in his conservatory when you are finished."
An hour later, Nora walked down the west wing corridor toward the glass conservatory.
The room was filled with exotic tropical plants, blooming orchids, and the sharp scent of damp earth. Gabriel stood near a glass wall, holding a brass watering can, wearing a casual dark grey sweater and trousers.
He turned as she entered, taking in her appearance with a nod of approval. "You look alive today."
"Thank you for the food... and the doctor," Nora said quietly, standing near an orchid display. "Rosa said you're meeting with the council today."
Gabriel set the watering can down and walked toward her, wiping his hands on a linen cloth. "Word travels fast."
"Gabriel," Nora looked up into his striking gray eyes. "Why did you really take me? A man like you doesn't pay a fifty-thousand-dollar gambling debt just to save a girl in an alley. What do you want from me?"
Gabriel stopped three feet away from her. The casual warmth in his demeanor vanished, replaced by the razor-sharp mind of the Syndicate chief.
"My father was betrayed six years ago, Nora," Gabriel said, his voice dropping an octave. "The man who set him up was Julian Vance—head of the Vance Syndicate in New York. For six years, Julian has tried to corner my shipping routes by forcing a marriage between me and his daughter, Isabella."
Nora blinked. "And my presence stops that?"
"By law, the Costa charter dictates that a married chief cannot be forced into a alliance marriage by the Council," Gabriel explained calmly. "You gave me the perfect legal shield to reject Isabella Vance without starting an open war on the streets."
Nora let out a bitter, soft laugh. "So I'm just a chess piece. A fake wife to block an unwanted marriage."
"You are a shield," Gabriel corrected gently, stepping closer until he was standing directly in front of her. "But you are not fake. The marriage certificate was signed and registered with the city clerk at nine this morning. Legally, religiously, and under Syndicate law... you are Nora Costa."
Nora’s heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird. "And what happens when Vance finds out?"
Gabriel reached out, his hand resting gently against the side of her neck, his thumb stroking her jawline.
"Then Vance learns why people call me the Reaper of Boston," Gabriel murmured.
Before Nora could process his words, the heavy double doors of the conservatory burst open.
May you like
Leo rushed inside, his face pale, holding a secure satellite phone.
"Boss," Leo said frantically. "We have a problem. Diane and Chloe just went to the Boston Globe. They're selling a story claiming you kidnapped Nora from their home at gunpoint."
