“And?”
I forced a shrug.“He was…predictable.It’s all about business.He’s not the man for me.”
Father’s laugh was low.“Enrico is many things, but not predictable.He’s persistent, and persistence is power.Remember that.”
I traced the seam of my dress, gathering courage.“I don’t want my life to be arranged like a business deal.”
He took a second, swishing the liquid in his glass.“You think I would trade you?”
I met his gaze, knowing he was just trying to play the role of a good father.“Wouldn’t you?”
His hand found mine, strong, warm, grounding.“You are my heart, Mia.I’ve fought too long to protect this family to throw your happiness away for profit.However, I think Enrico has been patiently waiting.”
Love in our world always came tangled with power, and I couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began.“I want to believe you.”
“Then do.”His tone softened.“Enrico is not your fate unless you choose him.I’ll see to that.Business has never been better.We don’t need an alliance, which means you are free to marry who you wish.”
The promise sat heavy between us.I wanted to trust it, to believe the man who’d built empires from loyalty and fear could also keep me safe from the same system.
The car slowed as the estate came into view—iron gates, endless stone.I stepped into the cold again, the house towering, muted and still.My footsteps echoed up the stairs.
I stood before the mirror; the girl in the reflection caught between longing and legacy.My father’s promise still echoed in my head, but beneath it was Enrico’s voice—low, certain, dangerous.He wasn’t someone who gave up easily or used to hearing no.
Tonight, I’d make myself one vow.
I won’t be anyone’s bargaining chip.Not my father’s.Not Enrico’s.Not anyone’s.But what happens to a woman who says no to men like him?
2
ENRICO
For years I’d waited patiently for her because one day she’d be the perfect wife and leverage.But the truth was simple.I wanted her.And wanting something that pure was a dangerous habit to keep.Especially in my world.Could I live with myself knowing if I claimed her, Mia’s life would be in danger for the entirety of our marriage?
A man like me didn’t focus on his own needs.The family business always came first, but the moment my eyes laid on Mia, something snapped.She was going to be mine.The only woman that would ever sleep in the same bed as me.Her or no one.
But it’d been five years.I was running out of patience.No other woman made me feral and believe me I’d tried to find one.Hell, I’d tried to get her out of my head, but no matter what I did, she held residence there.
I waited around finishing one last drink after the Moretti’s left.Honestly, the only reason I came tonight was to see her, but I had plenty of things to do—business to handle, debts to collect, an empire that never slept.So, I departed the reception and waited for my car to be brought around.
“Here you are, sir.”
I slid inside and took off.On my way over, my mind went back to how wonderful her body curved against mine while she was in my arms, even if just for a couple of minutes tonight.She could play hard to get, but eventually she’d be my wife.I’d make sure of it.
When I reached the warehouse, outside its single flickering bulb cut through the dark like a warning.Tonight needed to go perfectly, but my brother Marco set this meeting up.Sometimes he could be a loose cannon, so I had to keep my eye on him.My father was a brutal man, and my brother took after him more than I did.
“Let me know when they arrive.”The guard straightened as I approached, stepping aside without a word.“Eyes on a swivel.”
Inside, Marco stood near a tower of crates, posture coiled.He gestured toward the shipment.“This isn’t just guns and ammo.There’s something else here—something that could tip the balance.”
I studied him.Should I be worried he’d gone rogue?“How big?”
“If we play it right, no one touches us.”
Marco had it in his head that if we became so powerful, the other families would have to bow to us.Which in theory was true, but we’d have to snuff out all their business to do that, which would cause an all out war.
“Untouchable is a dangerous word.”I moved closer, eyes scanning the rows of crates.“We can’t afford mistakes.Not tonight.”
“Already handled,” Marco replied.“Security’s doubled.No one gets in or out without my call.”
