a P

he cold takeout food leaving the

coiled in my gut, scald

ness" Marco was handling tonight-the kin

ely abandoned the idea of ever telling

ins of my dinner into the trash, taking a grim satisfaction in burying the sh

the estate until the hou

massive bed, keeping my breath

ster bath. A few minutes later, th

covers, his strong arms wra

ay from his touch, my spi

nd pulled me closer, his che

oice low and thick with a fatigu

d sound, feigni

r raging inside me, simply brushed a

arly to inspect the legitim

warmed breakfast on the

like a stone in my stomach that I had foolishly m

med with a n

our old academy crew, announcing h

chill spreading through my veins w

here on time

next move. I decided to attend the gatherin

ork at my own Family's legitima

doors to the VIP lounge. The brass handle turned under my palm, and the hinges l

ath st

t beside Sophia on th

ee smile-a genuine, unguarded look

oticed m

ness, her voice rising above the din to dem

aking an empty seat at

focus entirely on the woman beside him,

mocking voice cut

all the way over there, instea

instantly, d

met the cold gaz

known for his ruthless efficiency a

man who had always taken a cruel p

ark, dangerous energy that commanded re

d, leaning cl

cause you finally found the right person, Marco?

r of something unreadable crossin

he Family elders," he said casually,

ullet, but like a shard of ic

began to murmur, questionin

had just been waiting for

gs over, raising his hands

Our families needed an allianc

smile onto my face, refusi

n the sudden quiet, publicly denying having an

jaw clenching as his gaz

h, grating sound th

nally have your shot, Bianchi," Nico

id not

oing nothing to stop the blatant d

pressing white against the leather. I thought for a mo

f the VIP room, barely making it to

ked out to the valet stand. The cool ni

s clinging tightl

his armored SUV, his hand resting pr

across the pavement. He offered a half-

him I would call my

is mouth parting

y against his chest, com

rapped his arm tighter around her, t