Chapter 30
As the evening wound down and the guests began to depart, Domenico carried a sleepy Ruby up the grand staircase. The estate was secure, a silent fortress guarding its king and his heir. He walked into her beautifully decorated room, gently laying her down in her bed and pulling the soft covers up to her chin. Ruby blinked sleepily, her small hand reaching out to grasp his heavily tattooed finger. "Did you have a good birthday, little bird?" Domenico whispered, his low voice soothing in the quiet room. Ruby nodded, a soft smile on her face. "The best, Daddy," she murmured, her eyes drifting shut. "No bad ladies." Domenico leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "No bad ladies," he promised softly. "Only us." He stood up, adjusting the dim bedside lamp. He looked at his daughter, the reason for his ruthlessness, the anchor to his humanity. He had burned down an empire and drowned a dynasty in blood to ensure she would never cry on his floor again. And he would do it a thousand times over. Domenico Falcone stepped out into the hallway, pulling the door securely shut, the undisputed king of a violent world, standing eternal guard over his only treasure.
