o make an appearanc

s were forged over scotch and secrets. If I didn't go, it would look like weakness. It w

sleeved dress that fit like a second skin.

ing c

atmosphere shifted. The air grew heavy. Whisper

gs?" someone mutt

w owner," another voice

raight. I walked past the groups of laughing heirs and hei

a man who had known my father for twenty years, nodded

s Ho

the corner

Ja

ts. The foot soldiers. They stared back at me with holl

dealer asked, his voice c

room just as the dou

m went

ed by Luca and Matteo, walking

cheap, and screamed for attention. She was clinging to Lu

odyguard. But his gaze didn't sweep the room for threats to me. It k

't even l

bandoned t

derboss's daughter-the Vitiello Princess-was sitting alone at a card table, exposed and ung

iting for a reaction. Waiting for the tearful

lding,"

ing clearly over the sud

Jacks face up on

ng the trash

us servants lying uselessly on the table. He loo

f the game, M

my black skirt with de

games," I said. "I

e exit. I had to p

, a flash of victory on her face. She sque

ckered in his gaze for a microsecond-a ghost of the boy who us

jutting out, daring me to sp

't say

't slo

m in the warmth of the club while I s

didn't realize that by leaving me unguarded, they hadn't just insulted me. T

lnerability was an i

e moon, sharp and

the empty street. "Because you just f