BILLIONAIRE MAFIA LORD & HIS GIFTED BRIDE

anding at the doorway of Lorenzo De Luca's private residence, clutching a small hand

to take up as little space as possible. Soft mouth. Long lashes. Skin that seem

over the other as he studied her. Slow, measured. Ass

d the man behind h

stretched. She lowered her eyes in

annoy

speak?"

r guardian said

ple used when the

forward. "Wha

" she w

me. As if she did

k at

ised her eyes. It wasn't fear. It wasn't conf

p lodged itsel

he had no say in. She stood there, nodding politely, h

, relief crossed her face

elieved,"

"I- I did

he inte

smoothing her skirt three times, tucking her

y you're her

she whi

agreed

ter. Hesitation lingered.

't sound

ed, voice trembling, "in a w

Small, hones

not dramatically, just a bri

aw cl

se enough that she could smell

afe here,

ered, uncertainty

ut don't confuse s

ropped. "I

one finger. Not gentle

doesn't mean I'll hurt you

Relief flickered, foll

and," she

hen said softly,

do," she

uck something u

o touch her. Expected cruelty,

n't expect w

would sleep. Gave her

more tha

ge for her, she realized something t

if it

y audible, she whi

lled, came from beside her. "Sleep. You

est ti

s, she heard it - a sharp, metallic cl

k that wasn't su

toni

and unfamiliar, murmur

k no one would try

art st

he first sign that her life, her fragile safety, and even Lorenzo h