ella

e chaotic sounds of 1920s Chicago outside. The air inside

abric pooling around my feet like melted rubies. For five years, I had been a ghost trapped in a dark, suffocating sleep. B

e it

peace. I turned to see a woman with heavily pai

sked, my voice q

er. Her eyes raked over my veiled hat with blatant disgust. "Take it off now. A cheap

to a monster's blade; I wasn't about to surrender my dignity

nged, her manicured nails digging painfully into my bare sh

sped, shovin

to a frantic whisper. "Miss, please, you must yield. That is Natalia Gallo, daughter of Capo Gallo

d from my face.

ared at Natalia, who was now smirking triumphantly. She didn't know she was bullying the very sister her fiancé had wept over just

wearing it to the charity gala this weekend. I want to surprise my Marco.

e had no idea he had only crossed the

it off," I said,

at the two massive men standing by the door-her family's Soldiers.

their grips like iron vices, pinning me in the center of the boutique.

f me!" I

cruel smile playing on her lips. "Let's see wh

hed for

she pulled off the veil, my face would be exposed. The

wrenched my right arm just enough to lean forward, and I sank my teeth

copper floo

clutching her bleeding wrist. "You bitch!" she screamed, her face purpl

heavy fist, aiming straight for my face. I squeez

boutique's front door be

t never

he held a white pastry box tied with a neat little ribbon. But his eyes