ora

nce, the soft chime announcing our arrival at the top floor. He opened a door to a secluded di

, his shoulders broad beneath a dark, custom‑made suit that fit him like a se

s he heard

n Ro

s word was law, and his silence was more feared than any threat. His face was all sharp angles and stark planes, handsome in a way that was more intimidating th

low, resonant baritone that vibrate

as a command, softened by

ght, my hands resting calmly in my lap. I m

ox across the polished table. It was the antithesis of the garis

s ago," he stated, his voice flat. "You

, my own voice ev

his dark eyes. A flicker of something that might

t nod toward th

ring. It was an old design, elegant and severe. A large, clear d

f the Romero Family-the sym

recognized as the future Donna of the Romero Family. That means you will sit on

a discussion of terms. I had not expected this

nd I will make you a promise. This will be a marriage of convenience-a strategic alliance between

barest hint of a smirk. "I have no p

Alistair Pierce, a debt of honor. This repays it. Second, it solidifies my position on the East Coast and stops the

manipulations and half‑truths, Damon's brutal honesty felt like a clean, sha

pping to my hands, "is a symbol o

't a symbol of love. It was a symbol of

d lifted the ring. It was heavy, cool against

I closed my hand around it, t

oice quiet but firm. "A blood‑debt to collect from a traitor.

ptable. But my patience has its limits-and the Co

nt manner. The food was exquisite, but we barely spoke. There was no nee

to pretend to be softer, sweeter, less than I was. He saw my ambition, my inte

tood. "I will await your cal

coat, no offer to see me home. He

me disappearing through the door. I opened

nd this time, I would b