THE DEVIL'S BRIDE

center, her spine straight, hands clenched at her sides, heart pounding like

on power, who spoke in threats rather tha

an C

il of N

ed stories about him in hushed voices. A man who ruled the underworld with an ir

ntina wa

r, his blood staining the pristine marble floor. He groaned, clutchi

smooth, deceptively calm. The kind of calm that sent chil

e floor, and when he finally spoke, his vo

d back in his chair, dark eyes unreadable. "You stole from me. You thought you cou

's stomac

stay out of the Costa family's way. But foolish pride and greed had drive

back," her father raspe

d as if disappointed. "Time is a luxur

oom t

nce, waiting for the inevitable order. The momen

efore she could stop herself. "

silenc

nd assessing. He didn't speak, but th

to make an example out of him. I understand that. But if you ki

drian's face. "And what exactly

me sent a shiver

her chin.

ce came from beside h

y on the man in front of her. "L

ppled throu

red in his gaze. He studied her, taking in her defiance, the

f to save him?" His voi

forced her

t was low, cold, filled with some

even want you,"

tral. "You want power. Leverage. A reason for the De Luc

long, tense moment befo

om wen

e suffocating. When he finally stood before her, he

dn't f

"You're bold," he murmured. "But do you

s gaze. "I

cheek, and her stoma

s men. "Take De Luca and dump him outside the city. If he co

r gasped.

. Valentina didn't dare look at him. If she did, sh

lm when he spoke agai

that, her fa

..

s La

of the dress she had been given. She hadn't moved since they left her he

ith the devil. And no

ked open, and

es rolled up, his forearms dusted with faint scars. He looked

sion today," he said, shu

dn't r

"Tell me, Valentina.

up, meeting his gaz

ile curved his

an down h

age, and now, she had no choice b