oe

ways I had never known. Leo's arm was wrapped around my waist like a steel band,

time in year

t. Even in sleep, his jaw was set, his brow furrowed-as if h

along his collarbone, and hi

no venom in it. His arm tightened

ing well," I

e against my hip, and I felt something shift between us-some

ou refuse

r that morning. His massive weight pressed me down into the thin mattres

t on tying your f

d not struggle against his hold. I leaned my

s body turni

spered against his lips. "We took the blo

bones ached, but I held his gaze, even

e, Leo.

hest, and I snapped at him, my

for days! My reputation is ruined. You

sed my wrists and pushed himself off the cot. He turned hi

ark promise. "But I swear to God, if I die, I will ensure yo

e I could save him. But he had begun to care whether I lived

en. Silas marched down the steps, flanked by four high-ranking Syndicate Ca

e. He looked nervous, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. "It is a full pardon. The Don has fa

hands. He gestured frantically to the guards, who rushed forward, fumbling with

irt right in front of them, unmoved by their presence. He pulled on

ound, my breath c

nd the very shadows in the room. The suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, and the Cap

red my mother's warnings-how she had told me never to trust the intoxic

large hand wrapping firmly around my lower back. He d

of the black site, the blinding sunlig

ssidy. Standing beside my corrupt family was Capo Car

ing profusely as he plastered

oss. And to my wonderful

ght past Charles as if he were a ghost,

dsome face, utterly mesmerized. From the naked regret in her eyes,

harply, a harsh, grating sound

ed, stepping into our path.

n at Carlo with a gaze so

d your treacherous mother." Leo'

inst his side. His arm wrapped around my waist like a steel b

waiting armored SUV. The heavy doors sl

pulled away. I saw Charles's pale, terrifie

first battle