36. Ezra

Chapter thirty-six

Ezra

I sit behind my desk, staring at the blank laptop screen in front of me, though my mind is miles away from this office. Raven’s face consumes my thoughts— her voice, her touch, the way she looked at me before she walked out of my life.

Two weeks have passed since I let her go, but each day feels like an eternity. The mafia has been my world for as long as I can remember; it was all I ever knew. Power, control, danger—it’s in my blood, ingrained into every fiber of who I am. It was enough before—more than enough.

But now? Now, everything feels hollow. This empire I’ve built, the men who swear loyalty to me, the constant danger—it feels worthless now. Ever since her. Since I knew what it felt like to want something real, someone who means more than all of this.

But Raven does deserve better. Our child deserves better. They both deserve normal lives, away from this dangerous chaos.

I push away from the desk and move toward the window. The sky is dark outside, clouds hanging low. I press my forehead against the cool glass and take in deep breaths, trying to clear my head.

I can't bring the dangers I face daily into their lives. I won’t. The memory of Silvia and Vittoria still haunts me. They were caught in the crossfire of my world, and I can’t let that happen again; not to Raven… not to our baby.

For the hundredth time in the past two weeks, I wonder if my obsession with power is worth losing everything that matters.

No.

Coming to the same conclusion as I did several times in the past couple of weeks, I decide it is finally time to take action.

I walk to the wall painting by the shelf and take it off the wall. I move my fingers over the combination lock of the safe. A click resounds through the room and the door swings open.

Staring at the items inside, my eyes land on a thick leather-bound folder. I stare at the cover, which is worn but neat, with a crest embossed on the front—the family emblem. Refusing to give it a second thought, I take the folder out and shut the door.

Hanging the painting back in its place, I move back to my desk. I untie the rope that binds the folder closed, my fingers brushing against the crisp pages. I nod when everything checks out before placing it on the desk.

The first page of a document stares at me for a second, my eyes dashing past all the words straight to the bottom of the paper. A blank line looms there, where my signature should be. I pick up a pen and scribble on the line with slow, deliberate strokes. After I sign, I seal it with the family crest.

Grabbing the paper, I pause and peer over it, pondering if I’ll later regret this. However, at the thought of Raven, I’m certain I won’t. This is the only way. I slip the paper back into the folder, tie the rope once again, and pick up my phone to dial Elio.

“ Capo (Boss),” he says, as soon as he picks up.

“Elio, vieni nel mio ufficio subito (come to my office right now).”

“In un minuto (In a minute),” he responds, and I hang up.

Within a minute, there’s a knock and Elio steps in. His eyes are locked on me, his expression unreadable, as he stops in front of the desk.

“ Mi hai chiamato, Capo (You called for me, Boss)?”

“I’ve made a decision,” I say, hesitating for a second before picking up the folder and handing it to him. “ Apri e leggi quello (Open and read that).”

His brows knit together, and then he takes the folder. Pulling out the documents from the leather-bound folder, I watch as his eyes scan the contents. The confusion on his face quickly shifts to shock.

“Ezra... che diavolo è questo (what the hell is this)?” His disbelief is palpable as he glances back at me.

I smile, realizing he used my name instead of calling me ‘Boss’. That in itself confirms it— the time has indeed come.

“That folder contains the transfer of power for all of the warehouses and businesses used in the day-to-day operations, which I’ve already signed and stamped with the family crest. With immediate effect, I’m stepping down and transferring the leadership to you.”

Elio’s mouth drops open. He shakes his head in shock. “What? No. Non c'è modo (No way). What do you mean, stepping down?” He looks up from the papers, eyes wide. “You’re still young, strong. There’s no reason for this. You can still lead.”

“I’m done, Elio,” I reply, my voice firm. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while now. It’s time for a change.”

“ Non fai sul serio (You’re not serious).” He looks down at the papers again and then back at me, disbelief still very evident on his face. “You’re one of the most powerful bosses in the mafia. All the others look up to you. You’ve built an empire. Why walk away now?”

“I’ve given enough of my life to this world. I’ve bled for it, fought for it. And for what? Power? Money? Elio, this life has cost me too much.” I pause, taking a breath, feeling the gravity of my next words. “There’s something more important in my life now—my family. My second chance. I cannot lose that. Not again. And you’ve proven more than capable.”

He blinks in realization. “ Questo riguarda Raven... vero (This is about Raven... isn’t it)?”

“ Sì.” Her name alone is enough to stir the emotions I’ve tucked away for weeks. “You do know she’s pregnant, Elio. She’s carrying my child. I can’t let history repeat itself…”

A glint of understanding shimmers in his eyes.

“Elio, you’ve been with me for years,” I say, getting up and stepping closer to him. “I trust you. The men respect you. You’re more than capable. It will be unfortunate if you turn it down.”

He looks down, shaking his head slowly. “I don’t know... I never thought I’d be in this position.”

“I feel you’re more than ready for it,” I insist. “I know I’m leaving you with some clean-up duties. You still have the FBI lurking around just waiting for our mafia to mess up. And with me killing Frank, I’m sure they are going to come down hard, so watch your back. But like I said... this life isn’t mine anymore.” I place a hand on his shoulder, and raise a brow at him. “Unless you don’t want it.”

The room grows quiet as Elio processes it all. Then, with a sharp exhale, he chuckles lightly before he finally nods. “If this is really what you want, then... lo farò (I’ll do it).”

“ Lo è (It is),” I nod.

As I move to leave, Elio's voice stops me. “ Cosa farai adesso (What will you do now)?”

I stop at the door, a small smile breaking free. “Be with Raven. Be with my family.”

For the first time in years, as I step out into the hallway, I feel lighter.

I feel free.