eri

I want

intering like glass. His hands balled into fists at

The pleasant murmur of the party continued around us, blissfully un

, he seemed amused by Alessandro's sudden outburst, as

. He gestured lazily toward me without breaking eye con

outside my comprehension. I couldn't tear my eyes a

ly, declaring ownership over me

hest to chest with Luca. His height gave him an advantage,

th me," Alessandro growled, his voice just low enough to kee

His smile widened, sharp and predatory. "Funny," he

snap. I glanced around, desperately hoping someone wo

epped forward, his hand outstretched in what he probably thought was a gesture o

of recognition in his eyes as he regarded my father.

now, edged with something darker. "Still med

almost alarming. He glanced nervously at Alessandro, then back at Luc

with a deceptively light voice. "After all, it was you

t take it

ugh the tension before I could stop myself. All three men turne

as though I'd betrayed him by speaking, and Luca...

tarted, but Luca silenced

turned back to me, his green eyes locking onto mine. "Your father owes me more

hit me l

Alessandro to pay my family's debt and the

ing for denial in his express

manded, my voice tre

is composure snapping. "I won'

ghed, the sound ri

ision, twisting it just enough to make Alessandro flinch. "Carefu

ed, stepping forward, but Luca'

Luca said, his voice sharp.

it. But no matter how much I searched their faces, I couldn't piece together

hands trembling at my sides. I didn't know what game they were playing, b

smiled again, softer this time, though no less dangerou

k to Alessandro and my father, his sm

ped around my waist with ease, and before I could even pro

p. My fists pounded against his chest, but it was li

like water before him, their stunned whispers and gasps following us. I caught a gli

ther hand, took a h

on. "Let her go!"Luca didn't even glance back. His focus wa

der this time. "Put me down r

. "Keep yelling? Scratch me with those pretty little nails? I

I twisted harder in his grip,

n. He paused, just outside the ballroom,

?" he asked, his ton

shrieked, my voice echoing in t

a slow, dangerous s

en he

let

ms smacked against the cold marble, the impact jolting through my body.

d dropped me on