Seven years ago, Luca Ferrante walked away from me after believing my father ordered his brother’s murder. Now he’s back and he’s the ruthless Don ruling the city with an iron fist, and the only man who can save what’s left of my family.

When my father is gunned down at his own birthday dinner, his dying words send me straight to Luca’s door. He agrees to protect me… but his price is brutal. I have to move in, become his mistress, his willing fuck toy, body and soul surrendered to the man who now hates me as much as he once loved me.

I thought the worst was behind me. Then the fire. The bodies. The empire reduced to ash overnight. Everyone I loved is gone. Or so Luca claims.

Now I’m trapped in his house, playing his twisted game. He still wants me. Badly. And I’m going to use that against him.

In this city of blood and power, love and revenge are the same damn thing… and one of us is going to break first.

I don't know exactly when I decided to. One second I was still on the floor with my face against his chest and the next something in me just — closed. Like a door shutting quiet. I sat up straight and moved back and Luca let me without making it into anything.


I kept my eyes down. I couldn't look at him right now. I didn't want to see what his face looked like after all of that.


I pressed the handkerchief harder against my palm and focused on that. The sting of it. The pressure. Something real and small to hold onto while I pulled the rest of myself back together.


Breathe. Sit up straight. Stop shaking.


Luca stayed close, not touching, just near. After a moment he spoke, low and careful.


"We don't have to leave yet. I can stay here with you a little longer if—"


"I'm fine." My voice came out flat. Not sharp, just empty. "I'm okay. I'd like to go back to the house."


Chapter 18 - First Clue