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CHAPTER 7

Author: Aria Quinn
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-21 21:06:08

The ballroom had gone silent, hundreds of eyes watching the confrontation. Salvatore's face flushed with humiliation and rage, but the fear in his eyes was unmistakable.

"Perfectly," he spat, backing away. "Enjoy your wedding, Ricci."

As Salvatore retreated, conversation gradually resumed around them. Isabella realized she had been holding her breath and exhaled slowly, trying to process what had just happened. Leonard had defended her—not as a possession being threatened, but as a person being disrespected. The distinction was small but significant.

Leonard turned to her, his dark eyes searching her face. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," she answered, surprised to find it wasn't entirely a lie. "Who was that?"

"Salvatore Conti. He controls most of the shipping routes along the southern coast." Leonard's hand came to rest at the small of her back again, guiding her toward a quieter corner of the ballroom. "We have... history. He's testing boundaries."

"Using me," Isabella said flatly.

Leonar
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  • Bound By Blood   CHAPTER 9

    Isabella woke to sunlight streaming through partially opened curtains and an empty space beside her. The sheets on Leonard's side were cool to the touch; he had been gone for some time. A note rested on his pillow, written in a strong, precise hand:{Business calls early. Breakfast on the terrace at 9. Don't be late.}She glanced at the elegant clock on the bedside table: 8:17. Just enough time to shower and dress. As she rose, she noticed a small box that hadn't been there the night before, wrapped in silver paper with no bow or card. Inside was a platinum bracelet, delicate but substantial, set with emeralds that matched her eyes. Not diamonds—the traditional choice—but something more distinct, more specific to her.A claim, not a gift. A beautiful shackle.Isabella slipped it onto her wrist regardless, admiring how the stones caught the light. If this was to be her life, she would embrace its luxuries while searching for its weaknesses. She would learn the rules of Leonard's world

  • Bound By Blood   CHAPTER 8

    He took a measured sip, studying her over the rim of his glass. "I didn't bring you into my home, into my life, merely for the pleasure of forcing myself on an unwilling bride." His voice hardened slightly. "I have higher standards than that."Isabella stood straighter, lifting her chin. "So what exactly are your standards, Leonard? You've made it clear that I'm your property, a political alliance sealed in blood and paper. What role does my willingness play in any of this?"Something dangerous flashed in his eyes—not anger, exactly, but a predatory focus that reminded her exactly who she was dealing with. He set down his glass and approached her slowly, like a wolf circling wary prey."Let me be clear," Leonard said, stopping close enough that she could smell his cologne—sandalwood and something darker. "Our marriage is real, legal, and permanent. You are my wife. That means certain things are expected of us both." He lifted a hand, and she flinched slightly, but he only traced the a

  • Bound By Blood   CHAPTER 7

    The ballroom had gone silent, hundreds of eyes watching the confrontation. Salvatore's face flushed with humiliation and rage, but the fear in his eyes was unmistakable."Perfectly," he spat, backing away. "Enjoy your wedding, Ricci."As Salvatore retreated, conversation gradually resumed around them. Isabella realized she had been holding her breath and exhaled slowly, trying to process what had just happened. Leonard had defended her—not as a possession being threatened, but as a person being disrespected. The distinction was small but significant.Leonard turned to her, his dark eyes searching her face. "Are you alright?""Yes," she answered, surprised to find it wasn't entirely a lie. "Who was that?""Salvatore Conti. He controls most of the shipping routes along the southern coast." Leonard's hand came to rest at the small of her back again, guiding her toward a quieter corner of the ballroom. "We have... history. He's testing boundaries.""Using me," Isabella said flatly.Leonar

  • Bound By Blood   CHAPTER 6

    Isabella stared at her reflection in the ornate full-length mirror, barely recognizing the woman who gazed back at her. The wedding dress—a custom Valentino creation of ivory silk and delicate lace—hugged her figure perfectly. Too perfectly. It felt like a beautiful cage."You look stunning, Isabella" whispered Maria, the elderly maid who had been assigned to help her prepare. Her wrinkled hands trembled slightly as she adjusted the cathedral-length veil.Isabella met the woman's eyes in the mirror. "Thank you," she replied, her voice hollow. She wondered if Maria knew what this wedding truly was—not a union of love, but a business transaction sealed with her body and freedom as collateral.The door opened, and Gia slipped in, her bridesmaid dress a shade of burgundy that matched the Ricci family colors. Her face was a mask of practiced cheer, but her eyes betrayed her concern."They're almost ready for you," Gia said, approaching carefully. When Maria stepped away to retrieve the bou

  • Bound By Blood   CHAPTER 5

    I could feel the weight of it all as soon as I entered the restaurant. The sound of glasses clinking and soft conversation blended with the aroma of roasted garlic and herbs. It was meant to be familiar and reassuring. But it felt like a prison tonight. The shiver that was creeping up my spine was too strong for the cozy glow of the candlelight.I saw Leonardo already seated at the table with my father. Wearing his typical fitted suit, my father appeared very relaxed, as though this were just another informal family meal. He took a slow, peaceful sip of his wine. However, Leonardo was another matter.He sat there like a king on his throne, exuding power in every subtle movement. He didn’t have to say a word, but his presence alone commanded the room. The waiters even appeared to be more careful around him, as if they were worried about taking a wrong step. The whole place seemed to give way to his will. With every step becoming more difficult, I forced myself to move in the direction o

  • Bound By Blood   CHAPTER 4

    I watched the steam rise from my unfinished cappuccino while I sat in the rear of the café. The outside world seems so typical. People were passing by, having fun, and going about their daily lives as if nothing had happened. As if they weren't stuck in a nightmare from which they couldn't escape.As though I wasn't.Gia was eyeing me with that expression in her eyes as she swirled her drink across from me. When she sensed I was going to break, she always had the one.She crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, saying, "Spill it." "You're suppressing something, and I won't let you go until you tell me what's happening."With a sigh, I combed through my hair. Even though the sun was streaming through the café windows and giving everything a lovely glow, it didn't make the pit in my stomach go away.What was I meant to say about this? How could I explain something to her that even I found difficult to comprehend?With a sour tone, I blurted out, "I'm getting married."Gia blinked,

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