o's

my b

t across my skin, and my hands began to tremble uncontrollably. I stared at him, waiting for the punchline, for some sign that this was all a twi

he corner me like this

at was bitter, laced with the terror

?" I asked, my voice laced with derision. "You must

scolded, her voice sha

e infamous Mafia Kingpin who had had a one nightstand with several women wo

d barely begun to envision. I looked up at Russo, hoping desperately that I'd find some trace of humor in his eyes, some sign that this was a cruel joke. But hi

to his face, showing him

engaged,

as a man not accustomed to being mocked or questioned. His silence was more unnerving than any threat he could have voiced. He was weirdly warm to me

nd some support, some sign that this

unt Lydi

w about thi

ction as rare and cold as a winter sunrise. I remembered family gatherings from years ago where her disdain for my mother was barely concealed, the way she would

s can't be true, is it?" I asked, givi

ed coldly. "Your father took a huge loan and used y

bang, and a group of Russo's men dressed in suits

agreement. "My father loves me, he would never use me a

options, pay me back my money this minute

hem, a sliver of doubt crept into my mind. What would happen if I refused him? The thought of livi

away," he

ved closer to me. I took a glance at the door th

ame as well as the heavy footsteps of the guards behind me, their pursuit relentless. My mourning gown clung to my legs, soake

th power, wealth, and ruthlessness. When his parents died, Enzo had taken up the mantle with the help of his grandfather, carving out an empire that was even more feared than the one h

shing myself to move faster. I could feel them gaining on me, their presence like a dark cl

I cried silently as I sprinted t

truggled, thrashing against their iron grips, but it was no use. They dragged me back

dark sky. He watched me with an unsettling calmness, his face unreadable. There was no hint

eady myself. My heart pounded in my ears, the reality of my situation sinking in with

my chin. His touch was deceptively gentle, but it sent a cold chill down my spine

e started. "Do you know why I'm called Russo instead o

curving into a devious smirk as

ved my face away. I flung back the hair lying across my face, h

married to you, NEVER,"

urned to look at my face. "Do you mean what you

ed directly into his brown eyes. "I'd

hen, ki