nt

y arms. My four brothers rushed over, eager to see what was happening, but I didn't

t about her, something that made my chest tighten. What makes her so special? She's just a sla

ight, red gown-completely out of place yet mesmerizing. I remember my initial instinct: stay away. But the moment her eyes met mine, something shifted

zed that I made my decision. She would be mine. Moretti had been a thorn in our s

her in ways I couldn't explain. It didn't matter. She was supposed to be nothing more t

I commanded, trying to p

, their eyes fixed on her. The way

to please our father. But there was something in thei

tion. We should give her something to eat," Mar

ustration bubbli

ained. Marco's concern for her grated on my nerves. Why does he care? The

exposed thighs, his expression filled with lust. My jaw clenched in anger. Why is he looking at her like that? My c

and pulled it over h

in brushing against mine was still lingering-that softness beneath the coa

Rico's mocking voice grated against my ears, a

ying?" My fists cl

tor, covering her up... It seems like you're becom

y her lips had parted slightly when the bidding began. She had no idea what was coming, yet she stood there, proud, unbrok

ood b

g our family's interests. If something happens to her

y enjoying himself. He always knew how to push

ght, Dante. You've never cared about any wom

ared before. So, why now? What was it about her that made me h

than it should have been. "I'm focused on making sure

other is right. We need to make sure she's alive and we

the way he kept looking

ut, sharp and irritating as always. "Maybe

roaned i

hinning. The last thing I needed was his

mpetition. I have just as much right to be here with her

all acting like this? Rico, of course, had to join in,

ings to do than waste my time with a slave." Without anoth

othing but a slave-not a queen or some prize

atter how hard I tried, thoughts of Serena kept creeping back into my mind, gnawin

I even thinking about her? I should be focused on my tasks

ed around her, the way they

apon to hurt Don Moretti. And if I wanted to win this game,

nswered, but what caught my attention was the sou

's happening in there

wled under my breath,

her place. She's a slave, nothing more. She's not here

haking as I grabbed my car keys. Serena will learn her