ella

d cage smelling of expensive rosewater, Earl Grey tea, and thinly veiled venom. I sat

ly," Alice O'Donnell whispered excitedly, leaning in. "There's eve

The memory of his paralyzing stare in the g

t of his proximity, a sickly swe

e had always harbored a sick obsession with Damon, and my betrothal to his nephew made me her favorite target. "Some people are like cheap

ent. A few girls excha

red my head. Today, I rememb

d your meaning. Are you implying that the betrothal used to maintain Falcone honor is worthless

mile faltered. "I-

Valentina," a sha

but right now, her eyes were blazing with familial pride. "You do not insult my family's ho

bling. She spun on her heel and f

calculating respect in her gaze, rather than pity. I offered h

on

ks, and political desperation. I sat across from Mayor James 'Ji

brow despite the cool room. "Why are you personally overseeing thi

't need to know that the image of Grayson's hands on Isabella's fragile wrist was burning a hole through my sanity

. "The fathers and future husbands of those girls

learn to pull a trigger-and making sure they are aiming at the targets I

on. "Brilliant," he muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Absolutely brilli

f it," I rep

t she could navigate the treacherous waters of my family on her own, but she was