that in front of everyone," I hissed, fo

ind us. Alessandro stood at the stone railing, back straight, staring out at the dark gardens like I was

nd. "This isn't the

ed past me earlier. "You think you can just show up after all these years, nod at my

cold and unreadable. Up close like this, he towered over m

he said flatly. "Some

ro. You disappeared. No call. No letter. Nothing. I waited for you. I c

s is business. The alliance protects both

ot business. I'm a person. I fight. I breathe. And I sure as hell

ong and warm. Heat shot up my arm. For a

uilt an empire on blood and silence. Love is a weakn

but didn't step back. "Then why agree

e leaned in, breath brushing my ear. That damn scent filled my lungs

ning in my chest. "Leave m

wall beside the balcony doors. He caged me in, hands planted on eith

hell now,

otter I didn't want to name. I could feel the hard muscle of his ches

I whispered, but my vo

ross his lips. "Good. Y

e like this again and I'll make you regret it.

then lower to the neckline of my red dress

chin, tilting my face up to his. His thumb pressed against

ng for something. "Still got that M

ping back like touching me disgusted him.

ide me. Keep your fire hidden. Or I'll make

een, skin still tingling. Rage and unwant

insult, he turned and walked

eathing hard, watching his

asn't

a lon