ella

guest room, navigating the grand, black marble staircase. The painted eyes of past Moretti Dons watched me from the walls, t

whispered near the foyer. "They sa

ine hanging over my neck, a ticking clock I couldn't afford while planning my own vende

ahogany table, a fortress behind his *Wall Street Journal* and black coffee. I took a seat far down the side, the physical di

ntries. "The staff think

ently against my glass. Orange liquid spilled on

per. His slate-gray eyes locked onto mine, devoid of ou

ice deadpan, ignoring the terrified maid. "Incapab

ed, his voice a low, dangerous rumble

ancy by Christmas. If the elders believe this rumor, I become a safe, ornamental Queen. An honor

en, a dark amusement curled the corner of his mouth.

us with the silent, lethal grace of a lion. He didn't stop until he was standing direct

enveloped me. He leaned down, his

r authority in his tone sending a shiver down

essed brutally against my pulse point. The blistering heat radiating from his skin, the calluse

thing broken about this man. He was raw, terrifying power,

ty," he whispered against my skin, his grip tighten

ut of the dining room, leaving the a

as a lie, which meant my "safe" shield was an illusion. I was pl

for only a fraction of a second before the ice returned. "Call my

o prove I wasn't just a pawn on his board. I needed to strike fi