LI

mborghini back to Evanston, followed by some of his men. I did

me. A strange feeling tightened my chest, but I reminded myself that this was the only way for me to escape Matteo. After shooting him, he would ha

noon, Matteo would be going half mad trying to find me, a

a was a thing to be honored, but I was scared regardless. However, the presence of Roman provided a comfort that d

ng his eyes off the road. My cheeks flamed and I instantly t

on a child. And this is the man whom they said was the devil

oman took one hand off the stee

e, Callie. He shoul

in my stomach. A w

lli

eat. For a moment, I thought I felt a connection tug between us. I instantly wanted his lips on mine aga

oozed masculine strength and confidence. It was too risky. Roman had made it clear that this was a marriage of convenience; we were to have n

eld the manor I had grown up in, the home of the Vitale, which was supposed to be Matteo's by reason of our marriage

k in the sight of the Vitale Manor, dull unadorned walls with dry vines snaking up the sides. The inside was as gloomy as the out

side of the door. Behind us, his men stood firmly. Their hands p

He smiled at me, his amber eyes twi

rgency when I noticed Vitale soldiers closin

lright,

Once all the members of the Evanston mob family heard that the Roman

from the manor doors. His jade eyes as icy as the Arctic. His eyes danced

had me shifting closer to Roman. There was a bandage aroun

r calm, even though there was a figurative ticking b

ut age but more about a long-term feud. From where I stood, I could see Matteo's jaw clench in

beat passed, but neither man di

looking for you since....last night." M

pite myself, my body tightened to Roman's touch. Matteo's eyes widened, both

lanning to do Orsini." The calmness with w

d. Red-hot rage slashed over his face. Although his body was perfe

how you speak

re you talking about? Calista is my..." Matteo abruptly shut

marrie

ay, tilting my chin up despite the anxiet

"Calista. He's not the man you think

ly didn't sleep with my stepmother a night to our wedding."

he glanced at me. "That reminds

Maria outside. My anger flared when she came out, shivering like a wet bird. Roman tilted his head at one of his soldier

Down to the scalp

ned. Shock, anger, and sur

ut I'm afraid my wife wouldn't appreci

hen Maria didn

cast a loving look at me that would have fooled anyone. "I just married this de

nly it were true. Romans hands on my body. His mouth on mine. Tangled limbs and breathless pleas. I shuddered.

ged. But neither he nor any of the Vitale soldiers moved a muscle; they were all too scared of Roman. When the blond man

oman said curtly, bu

tina, right? That's why

but I didn't miss the way they held eye contact longer like there was more they'd want to say but couldn't. Matteo took a step back, he couldn

ive off, leaving an ego-bruised Matteo a

. I was supposed to bask in happiness over the revenge he had taken for me. But