sio'

y traceable detail about her, I have Matteo delivered to me. That fucker eagerly supplies every missing

unt. I need to confirm the facts from her own lips. I kno

g with raw fear, she doesn't drop her gaze. She displays more backbone than her treacherous st

th my own hands if he whispered a single word of this

ched state as transactional currency. She is worth infinitely more than a mere thr

ents to cover what he owes, yet he chooses to sacrifice her instead. That fucker is willing to sell

l of her inheritance at twenty-five. Matteo undoubted

furia

nowledge, her complete innocence is unmistakable. When Larry investigated h

soup and meals to ailing parishioners. In the world I command, a woman this untainted is a fuck

rectly to her mouth. I would stake my entire fucking fortune that no man has ever

ck to her cheeks. Christ, she is so fucking innocent that a si

, and I can see the visible strain it requi

She smells of warm vanilla and baking bread-a scent that makes my mouth fucking water instantly-und

I turn and walk away, I feel the intense heat of her frighte

y, but she possesses the one thing no one else in m

If I claim her, I will marry the most beautiful woman in Los Angeles. She will warm my bed at night and bear m

ally. The entire notion of romantic love has never held the slightest appeal. But th

s?" Joey inquires as I

d settle into the back seat. "Drive me to the club f

y responds while Joey st

tely saturated with the strategic opportunity laid before me. Before I ever saw Eleonora, I didn't give two shits a

ns no true

rming my bed is simply too advantageous a prospect to ignore.

o. I am not known for offering second chances, but a deeply sadistic part of me desires to toy with that fucker

g to the vehicle to execute my order. Elysian Reverie is closed for business on Sundays, so aside

gged over the past week. I employ people to handle nearly everything for me, but when

hat transport prohibited merchandise across global waters. Daniele manages the intricate

Sunday is Frank's sole contracted day off, so I don't e

we can carefully train to eventually succeed Frank here. It will not be an easy decision to make, because besides maintaining necessary alliances with the heads of the other four fa

rrified Matteo, who looks as though he hasn't slept a wink since our last conversation. His ha

a staggering halt directly in front of my imposing desk. I lock my eyes on him with p

I could kill him right now and simply take Eleonora. The cl

If I decide Eleonora belongs to me, you will not interf

d by a wave of profound relief. "So... you are agreeing to take her...

ve not yet reached my final decision. But you should understand this: if you breathe so much as a single word of this

c agreement. "I'm not a complete fool. The absolute last thing I wan

ity. "Is that a legitimate concern? Do you

little house with a white picket fence, married to some gentle, perfect husband. Wedding rings engraved with both their names. She's been saving herself

sist of fortified estates and limitless resources, not some quaint, pathetic fucking picket

e. "The usual sentimental nonsense.

n slots neatly into my plannin

lready in motion, his large hand closing firmly around Matt

laptop, but the numbers blur together in my mind. My thoughts are ent

nder a cleverly devised pretext. Additionally, I want to ensure her stepbrother remains oblivious to my intentions of taking more from her than just her virginity. Once I have he

e about being prepared to systemat

one fuck

pliance, her striking beauty, and the heirs she will provide me, she will live a life of unparalleled luxury and security. She will be responsible for raising our children within the saf

y mind, the corner of my mouth lifts

ntouched innocence will belong to me. Permanently. Completel