te's home had become her prison. She pulled her hair back into a loose bun and tried not to think about the knot in her gut. She had been coerced into this arrangement over a week ago, and every d

ting a little s

, her heart thumping in her throat. Expecting to see one of Dante's men,

led slightly, unsurely

tate, and she didn't appear so... kind. Elena stood out from the chilly, masculine vibe that

said while crossing her arms

he went inside. "Dante asked me to

sis

ed you." Francesca responded, her ton

Dante isn't one to talk about family. or,

ost innocent, but she wasn't sure if she could put her trus

r me' mean?" With a tone full of

ess mostly making sure you're comfy. Y

red. "Could ha

her eyes grew somewhat darker. "You may think

. "From whom? Before he made the decision to includ

"You don't understand the whole si

Saint

elied his constant expression of indifference, as if there was nothing in the world that could ever truly impress him. He was second in command to Dante, and judging by the expressi

Francesca whispered under her breath, "Ca

h the door. The tension in the air increased as they proceeded down the opulent hallway, Francesca could feel its weight bearing down on her. As they arrived at the study, Vince pu

hin, with his black hair styled back and his eyes icy and calculating. His well-tail

xpression unreadable. "This i

eyes locked on hers. "My pleasure,"

cesca remained silent. This man had an unsettling qual

f weakness, she crossed her arms

aw tensing slightly. "Lorenzo is here

ed her brow. "What's the con

on her, saying, "Everything." "As you can s

her blood freez

ess associate." "A few years ago, he assisted me in a diffic

And lucky for me Francesca

isted. "What a

y your father has garnered interest." "What Dante owes on that favor now interests more peop

ent on before he could reply. His voice was gentle but full of hate as he whispered, "I don't want to hurt

d Lorenzo's meaning perfectly. Her father had been associated with individual

at Lorenzo. "Lorenzo, you came here to make a po

hing the suspense. But Francesca

be back before you know it." And with that, Lorenzo pivoted on his

ath her exterior. "You're the one putting me in danger, e

her with caution and a quiet voice. "You to understand, Francesc

ched at her sides. "Then tell me how

. You are the queen on the chess board. Ho

st open once again before she could react. Elena burst in

became seri

na muttered. "They