s silent.

couldn't drown out the thick

ce called home disappeared below her. Her hands rested in her lap, fingers inte

p profile was lit by the dim overhead lights, casting shadows ov

eard him spe

ad begun in

ivate jet - racing toward Italy to

ng into?" Leonardo's voice cut thro

ze toward him, finding nothing b

d softly. "You're dragging me into

hing like a sneer, but his

pawn." He paused. "

o let him see the effect it had on her. She had long ago learned t

feel the tension building b

to admit. She could feel it - the push and pull of attraction and h

ed. Was she really sta

d quickly, forcin

in this world. Not when betra

-

Milan

in the cabin shifted. Leonardo stood, collecting his things with his usual controlled movements

a little shaky as the weight

eart of the mafia world. A

re she had

began to pound in her chest. She tried to steady her breath, but eve

able, their eyes scanning the area for potential threats. One of them stepped forward and addressed Leonardo in Italian, which she couldn't

like an outsider. Her clothes, her style, everythi

d through the grand mar

anchi

ri

ci

features were enhanced by her sleek black dress, her dark red lipstick like a blood

ing at Ariana wi

ing with sweetness that made Ariana's skin

to Ariana, his gaze softening slightly. "Stay close," h

herself to speak,

-

Estate – T

ills and charming streets of Milan gave way to the more remote, isolated area that housed the Bianchi famil

et in the car, but the air felt thick with unspoken words. Leonardo was in the front seat, his back straight, his eye

r the massive property. The house was a monstrous structure, a blend of old-world charm an

p. She was joined by two men who Ariana recognized as some

rposeful. Marco followed, and finally, Ariana, who

rin. "Welcome to my home, Aria

wasn't here to enjoy anythi

sion, Ariana couldn't shake the feeling th

er of it all, s

-

with th

le was set with the finest china, silverware gleaming under the soft glow of the candles. Ariana felt out o

gaze never leaving Ariana for too long. Leonardo took the

edge of the table as she tried to keep her composure. T

on. "So, Ariana," she said sweetly, "What do y

er being wanted to scream. "It's beautiful," she sa

, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "I do hope you realize, Ariana, that

threat han

eart skipp

k, her voice steady. "I have no

-

ht of B

ana found herself standing alone in a dark corner

nardo brought her here? Was it to make her suffer

She turned to find Leonardo standing there

long here," h

"Then why did yo

his gaze hardening. "Beca

ld see the tru

eping her here fo

rting to c