el, a sparkling playground for the city's high societ

of champagne could cost more than your

was dressed in a stunning black velvet gown, complete with a diamond necklace. I had nev

picture of elegance. Bu

ame for information, for access

my waist, I felt less like his wife

y ear. "You're mine now; t

, but it felt co

th their mistresses, underworld kings exchanging veiled threats. Dami

of Enzo Di Carlo, a silver-haired man in a navy tuxedo, sharp-eyed and smiling like a wolf. Beside him stood his

extending a hand. "F

n turned his gaze to me. "

ord sounded

. "Beautiful. I hope she's read

st smiled. Valentina tilted her head, her smile

mind before I could stop

"We should talk soon," he said to Enz

Of course, we'

whispered as

. "The Di Carlos control half of the east coast port t

yone?" I asked,

e and replied,

, away from the noise and false laughter of the gal

und myself. "Is this

k a long drag before answe

ld, smiling for the cameras, pre

ost. "This isn't pretending, Claire. You wear my ring, you

own me,"

wall. His hand brushed my hair back gent

ch," he said, his tone

ar and fury coursing throug

our love; I nee

ned in, our lips almost touching. "Because I'm

ering money for Di Carlos. Millions. He came to me when he real

stumbled t

nd over the ledgers. Instead, he ran, tried to hide

debts. Your father died because he was a cowar

sound rang out across the rooftop. He didn't flinch; he jus

said. "The fire b

ars welling in my eyes. I didn't want to believe him, but

that was the

t lay a finger on me. I braced myself for the sto

ed himself a drink, settled by the win

his before?" I whispered,

trust me first." Well, I

d, turning to face

d completely wrecked my life, but oddly enough, he might

eone who had stopped pretending to be human. And

such thing as innocence.