Because he knew some games had been played from behind the scenes. He hated that his crush was marrying

edge of her bed in the guest suite of the Salvadore estate. It was a luxurious room, soaked in soft golds and creams, with prett

through the halls, arranging floral displays, selecting menus, con

d the best secret agents who were part of the crime world.

zed. A messag

on't be

th. Just instructions. B

idn't

it had been plucked out of a painting worth Two hundred thousand or more. Stained glass windows ca

acks and a dark grey shirt, sleeves rolled up to his

" he said as

replied, lifting her chin. "A

ured, glancing at

osed where pictures would be taken. Rose did everything she was asked without complaint. Not because she wa

Dante dismiss

id as Rose tu

used.

. "You're way worse with at

oo

teresting. Co

t. I'm only cold to

e tension between them changed. Not soft. Not

aid quietly. "But I assure you, b

n. If you're protecting me f

ehind her ear while smiling

ped his

dn't

sed to be planning her future, celebrating love, and picking honeymoon destinations. Ins

her from screaming. Wrapping a shawl around her sho

at by the fountain, running h

t sleep

tartled her

ired. Slim in build but with a sharpness to his post

. "I've not seen yo

a small smile. " Cuz you pr

y asked while s

wed her ey

fountain's edge beside her, setting the

rtuna

led. "Ro

gh y

ante doesn't make

re to warn me? Threaten me? Guilt-trip m

m just here for the stars. But if you nee

her. There was no malice, no man

ing a doctor. How Bella was the light of her life. How

inished, M

you're brave.

be b

end in this house, look for the East Wing. My door's a

first time since signing that contract, Ro

ith golden sunlight an

y in her bridal gown. Her veil was in place. Makeup soft

is. Her chest was tight. Her h

came at

her m

ened. "What are

ought you could

eyes, but she blinked t

't have to do this. Should we run?

uch a funny mom . If it were just me

choed through

-profile guests whispered behind fans and masks of politeness

e is they won't kn

pression unreadable, a man used

e doors

se wal

nce was

She walked like a queen walking to her

met hers. Col

them h

ch word was a blade. Each p

y now kiss the bride," Dante

t the last second. His

ed through

ead in guilt. While her moth

enched. But he

sband and wife. Applaus

sparkled above tables with gold-rimmed plates and gla

e entire time, his arm aro

ered, "I hope you don'

live." s

ke a habi

mock toast. "Here's to o

ft and the staff had disappeared into the sha

ny space she'd ever lived i

the door. "T

he asked, voice

ied. "And I don't force

m. "Then why d

se control is better than chaos

sed th

he bed, veil cru

as ma

te Sal

ire sparked to life. Not love

the end of

nly the