At the mention of her father, I sigh and look away toward the glittering crowd. Her father has been trying to buy a seat at my table for years. Unfortunately, his connections help build my empire, which means I need him happy.
Fran’s voice sharpens. “Don’t test me, Lorenzo. You may be used to getting your way, but you’re not the only one with power here.”
I turn my head back to her, a faint smile cutting across my lips. “You’d do well to remember whose name you’ll be taking.”
The waltz ends, the crowd applauds, and I step back, bowing slightly before leaving her on the dance floor. Her smile flickers for the first time.
I walk off without another word, needing distance before I say something that would make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
And as I head toward the nearest exit, my phone vibrates again in my pocket.
Elizabeth
My lips part as I zoom in, just to be sure I’m seeing what I think I’m seeing. I am.
The message comes through a heartbeat later.
You have your fun. I’ll have mine.
For a moment, I just stand there staring at the screen, champagne and noise forgotten. Then something slow and dangerous uncoils inside me.
My jaw tightens.
Whatever I was about to feel dies instantly, burned away by something darker.
I slip the phone back into my pocket and head straight for the door. My stride is controlled, because I know if I let myself move any faster, I’ll draw blood before I make it home.
Outside, the cold night air bites through the heat in my veins, but it doesn’t cool me. Not even close. My men straighten as I approach, falling into step without question.
“Take me home,” I say. My tone leaves no room for misunderstanding.
The ride feels endless. Every block we pass only winds the tension tighter. I replay her words and the defiance in those four sentences.
She wants to provoke me.
She wants a reaction.
She’ll get one.
By the time we reach the penthouse, my blood is on fire.
Cesaro is already waiting at the entrance, cigarette glowing faintly in the dark. He flicks it away as I step out.
“I want everyone out,” I tell him. “Guards, staff—no one comes up until I say otherwise.”
He nods once. “Yes, sir.”
The elevator ride feels long. My reflection in the mirrored walls looks nothing like the man who left this morning.
She wants to play games?
Fine.
I can play, too.
