Exactly one year later, the Rossy estate was completely unrecognizable from the dark, paranoid fortress it had once been.

The heavy steel shutters had been replaced with thick, bulletproof glass that allowed the warm morning sunlight to flood the hallways.

The Moretti family had been completely wiped out in retaliation for the siege, ensuring absolute peace on the Eastern Seaboard.

Vincent Rossy was in perfect, peak physical condition, his broad shoulders easily filling out his custom Italian suits.

He was sitting at the small, intimate table on the private balcony adjoining the master suite, reading the morning paper.

Norah walked out onto the balcony, carrying a silver tray with two steaming mugs of black coffee and a plate of fresh pastries.

She was not wearing a plain black maid's uniform, but a stunning silk robe that draped elegantly over her frame.

A massive, flawless diamond ring caught the morning sunlight, sparkling brilliantly on her left hand.

She set the tray down on the table, leaning over to press a soft, lingering kiss against her husband's cheek.

"Good morning, my king," Norah teased softly, stealing a warm croissant from the silver plate.

Vincent folded the newspaper and tossed it onto the empty chair, pulling her smoothly onto his lap.

"Good morning to the woman who actually runs this empire," Vincent countered, wrapping his strong arms securely around her waist.

It was true, Norah had taken over the legitimate, front-facing businesses of the syndicate, turning them into massive, legal successes.

She no longer scrubbed floors, she commanded boardrooms with the exact same quiet authority her husband used to command the streets.

"Enzo said the new head chef is terrified that you are going to critique his risotto tonight," Vincent laughed, kissing her neck.

Norah smiled, resting her head against his broad chest and listening to the strong, steady beat of his perfectly healthy heart.

"He should be terrified, I know exactly how to make garbage taste better than his truffles," Norah joked happily.

Vincent tightened his grip around her, looking out over the sprawling, peaceful grounds of their secure estate.

He had spent his entire life building an empire built on fear, violence, and constant, agonizing paranoia.

He had been starving to death in a mansion filled with caviar, completely isolated at the top of a dangerous world.

Now, he was perfectly full, entirely healthy, and completely surrounded by unconditional love.

He looked down at the beautiful woman in his arms, the savior who had offered him a simple bowl of broth when he was dying.

"I love you, Norah," Vincent whispered, the words carrying the absolute weight of a sacred vow.

Norah looked up into his dark, warm eyes, feeling entirely safe in the arms of the most dangerous man in the city.

"I love you too, Vincent," she promised.

They sat together in the warm morning sun, eating simple food, perfectly content in the beautiful life they had fought so hard to build.