ella

in on us. I could feel Elvina's gaze burning into the side of my face, a visceral, violent hatred that

mained locked

was weighing the cost of war against the value of my ruthlessness. Then, his gaze shifted. He looked at Dante-the outcast nephew

isputable rumble that shook the floorboards. "Th

nte's mother-pressed a lace handkerchief to her mouth, her eyes gleaming with undisguised, ravenous ecstasy. Her branch of the

s dark eyes burning with a volatile mix of shock, intense scrutiny, and the distinct

ffocating, triumphant embraces. By the time the heavy oak door of Dante's Gold Coast penthouse clicked

icago skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. The air smelled of expensive scotch, my heavy floral perfume

s measure of whiskey, deliberately avoiding my gaze. He gestured v

ed, his voice tight, refusing to

is was just another inconvenience he could sleep off. I couldn't let him. I

g memories of betrayal from my past life. When

g perfectly. "The future Queen of this city. Now... I'm married to 'The Ghost,' a

lfway to his mouth. Panic and confusion warred on his han

shot back, his brow furro

ce hang for one

my spine, the trembling victim vanishing into thin air.

usion in his eyes morph into dawning horror. "Only less painful paths to the sa

m, my heels clicking sharply

believe you were

lazy, indifferent facade he wore like armor shattered completely. He stared at me, the heavy