e

enthouse. The moment the heavy steel

aring the very air from my lungs. My knees struck the hardwood floor with a jolt that resonated in my teeth. Five years

de into my emergency medical safe. I dry-swallowed two black-market

forehead against the cool marble counter, my e

lian walked into the penthouse. He owned the building

g a small velvet box. A confid

he said. "She has had her

it across the marble island toward him. It was the security foo

ring the ring. It showed his Capos bowing to h

n. Then, his gaze drifted down to the counter. He sa

ousness of my physical state. He understood that the insult he had delivered had been sev

was merely fulfilling the old oath, to keep the peace. I concealed it from

he tabl

" I said. "Return to the restauran

eyes turned dark. The apologetic m

on's Command is that you will be my wife. You

ers closing upon my skin with a possessive fo

e me,"

"Like a sister. Cease this jealous

d my fr

ort, I struck the Don of the M

itchen. It was a shocking, unforgivable breach of Om

omed on his sharp cheekbone. He slowly turned his head ba

t separation," I said

heavy breath, though his chest rose and fe

with clarity. I will depart and allow you time. W

tarted walking

box from the counter and thr

abella her

box lying on the floor. He picked it up, his

arble floor. The antique hinges snapped. The priceless diamon

and walked out, pulling the

a dynasty that had demanded everything from me and given me nothing in return. My chest still ached, a dull, insistent reminde