d wearing a familiar face. Still, even someone like her could step into a well laid trap, one woven with care by Matteo Ricci. They met through business. The Morgans generally avoided an

Marcus. She ignored them all, turned the phone off, and instructed that Matteo

dy every move as though the world were a chessboard. And in this particular game

uld fail. Alicia had a strong will and a sharp

t her with no choice. That was how

ially precarious state. Of course, the danger itself was not real. The Morgans were more than capable of staying afloat, but Matteo had no intention of letting his boss down. He did n

confronted with a troubling report. The accounts were bleeding red, and if nothin

de his move. Now, he wa

him from across the desk, "I have to a

eplied calmly. "Financial ones, and personal ones a

e. "You're right,"

m," he said, wearing his usual unreadable sm

er arms crossed over her chest, a fa

need yo

ned perfectl

jection within the next forty eight hours, that subsidiary will declare bank

that outcome. She had options, yes, but every one of them carried serious ri

gaze dropped

is t

d slightly o

aid. "Someone is willing to sa

hrough the pages. Her movements were qu

e stared back at h

sharply, fixing Matt

oke, right?"

o smi

d calmly. "Dante is

ose them. Not merely as lovers, but as wives, as possessions. Alicia had always been clear about one thing. She would never be with a man like him. She had e

her, and she still did not understan

ment," she said coldl

t shrug. "Dante only wants one thing in return. For you to marry

her blood be

ev

ough he genuinely re

voice steady. "You don't want to burden your parents. You don't want to drag your brother into this. And you certainly don't want to be a disappointment to the family. Especially, after being deceived. Dante is the only alternative.

failed now, it would not only make her look incompetent. It would stain h

reath, forcing herse

at if I

a hint of amusement flic

ompany collapses, and you'll be the one held responsible." He paused, watching her closely.

s curled into

ttle closer, leanin

ne," he said quietly. "And believe me, if you accept,

ante did not simply want her. He wanted her as an

session. She was a Mo

t of my

, his confide

," he said calmly. "I'm sure y

provocation, he

he was. Trapped between the sword an

ess closing around her chest as thou

e accepted, her fre

... She would lose

her, and she found herself trapped inside that narr