and staircase felt like a march toward her own captivity, a life she'd never chosen. She was no stranger to the necessi

as though her preferences no longer mattered. The driver gave her a curt nod, and as she stepped int

red on the home she was leaving behind. I'll be back, she vowed silently

eLuca estate sat like a fortress on the edge of the city. Alessa could feel her heart pounding with anger and anxiety. She'd met Luca DeLuca a handful o

he steeled herself. She was a Russo, and even though sh

his dark hair neatly combed back, his expression impassive as he watched her ap

he said, his tone a

he replied, her voice

eyes. "Let's get one thing straight, Alessa. This marriage isn't

er arms, refusing to cower. "A dea

ul, Alessa. You might find that not every

gaze. "Then you'd better

al detached expression. "You'll have a room prepared for you," he said, dismis

ssociates, all of whom eyed her with disdain and suspicion. She could feel their judgment heavy in the a

he watched her. She ignored him, focusing instead on her meal. S

. "I assume you're aware of the responsibilities this

e intimidated. "I'm well aware of

e dismissive. "This family h

ver been weak, and she wasn't about to start now. But her a

ked down a dimly lit corridor, the silence between them hea

e terms of our arrangement," he

row. "Terms? I wasn't

s a free pass to do as you please. You may have been

"You may have forced me into this marriage, but

she thought she saw something flash in his gaze-admiratio

ber, Alessa, you're in my world now. Play

challenged, unable t

start making allies, fast. This is a danger

him go and scoffed. He thought he could control her, mold her into the obedient wife he wanted. B

ught about her father's words, the lessons he'd taught her. He'd trained her to lead, to be ruthless when

ol me. They think I'm her

n this marriage to her advantage. She would uncover every secret, every weak

at up, her instincts on high alert. The handle turned slowly, an

f, but the figure merely stepped f

whispered, sending a chill

she demanded, her voice l

Just checking on my dear niece. You didn't

ng his gaze with defiance.

ce. "You're in the lion's den now, Alessa. And trust me, the

into the shadows, leaving her alone, a