MasukWe changed cars halfway, stopping in an abandoned warehouse where two other cars and some men stood as though they were waiting for us.The three men stepped down from the car leaving me alone, and I silently waited, making sure they weren’t looking at me before I pushed the door open just a crack.Pleased to find that it was unlocked, I pushed the door farther and used the opportunity to break away from them. I didn’t care if it was stupid or about the possibility that he could shoot me for behind. I just pushed my feet to move fast.But he was quicker, he grabbed the back of my neck then tugged me backward, my legs staggering against the ground. “No!” I screamed, tears blurring my eyes. He dragged me back to the others and my heels cracked against marble with every stumbling step. My gown snagged on stone corners and tore, but he didn't slow down."Let me go!" I shouted, twisting, driving my fists into his back. "Do you hear me? Put me down, you arrogant bastard!"My knuckles co
GIOVANNI POVThe hallway erupted into chaos the moment I crossed the threshold with Arya in my arms. There were several guests scattered in the large hall, while others were still outside, held down by my men. Robert Don Vitale burst through the oak doors, his expensive suit jacket flapping open, a silver pistol already drawn. A dozen armed soldiers poured in behind him.It was useless though, I’d planned this over and over, making sure there was no way they could overpower us.Still, it was almost comical watching him try."Put her down, De Santis!" He roared his voice thundered,thick with rage and the false authority of a man whose power was slipping.I didn't stop walking, Arya writhed in my grip, her nails digging into my shoulder through the fabric. "Let me go!" she hissed, but I tightened my hold, keeping her pinned against my chest. Her wedding gown was already torn at the hem where she'd kicked, the lace catching on my cufflinks.Robert stormed forward, blocking my path. “I
Three days had crawled and now, it was my wedding morning. I was in my bedroom while Dad’s voice droned on about the sacred responsibility of being a wife."...and you must remember that this union is bigger than you, Arya. The De Luca family expects-"But his words were just noise, I stared past his shoulder at the window, watching the estate's gardens blur through my unshed tears."Are you even listening to me?" My father's sharp tone cut through my thoughts like a blade.I blinked slowly, mechanically reciting his last sentences back to him. "This union is bigger than me. The De Luca family expects a wife who will uphold tradition and bring honor to both families. I understand, Father. I'm listening."His eyes narrowed into suspicious slits, studying my face for traces of rebellion. The silence stretched between us until Mom stepped forward, breaking the tension with open arms."Oh, my darling girl," Mom whispered, pulling me into an embrace. Her voice trembled on the edge of tears
GIOVANNI’S POVMy jaw ticked with barely restrained tension, the muscle jumping beneath my skin in a rhythm that matched the throbbing pulse in my bruised knuckles. But neither sensation registered. They were insignificant background noise compared to the raging hard-on that had been torturing me for the past twenty minutes, straining against my tailored slacks with an insistence that bordered on pain.Enzo was talking, spilling out in that rapid-fire way he had when he was excited about a job well done. It was about finally catching the bastard, and how clean the grab had been. I could barely hear him. All I could think about was her.That fucking girl on the dance floor, except she wasn't just some girl. She was Arya Vitale. The one I'd been watching from the shadows for years, always keeping my distance.Until tonight.I’d been seconds away from dragging her into a dark corner and fucking her against the wall, consequences be damned. "Gio! Are you even listening to me?"I blin
The strobes of the lights danced in a dizzying pattern across the ceiling as the club patrons cheered and yelled in excitement over their drinks.I felt the music thrumming through my chest, settling somewhere deep in my ribcage, and I absolutely loved it.I grabbed Marco's arm, squeezing tight. "I love you," I shouted over the noise, practically bouncing on my toes. "This is the best pre-wedding gift ever!"Marco chuckled, the sound barely audible over the pounding electronic beat. "You're overexaggerating," he said, but there was warmth in his eyes.A waiter walked past, a tray balanced perfectly on his hand. I didn’t hesitate as I plucked a shot of tequila from the tray and threw it back in one smooth motion, the burn sliding down my throat.Marco gave me a look, one eyebrow raised."For extra courage," I explained, setting the glass down on a nearby table with perhaps a bit too much force.He laughed, shaking his head. "Wait here. I'll get us proper drinks." And then he was swallo
The next day was the actual fitting and I wasn’t sure I wanted to go through the whole process but I had no choice.Lucia Vitale was nothing if not meticulous about her children’s lives. And that was why she was my favorite parent. Three seamstresses fluttered around me, adjusting the pristine white gown that felt more like a straitjacket than a dress. I could feel the boning of the corset pressing against my ribs with every shallow breath I managed to take."Just a bit tighter, Miss Arya," one of the older seamstresses said, her fingers working the laces with determined efficiency.My vision swam slightly as the fabric constricted further around my torso. "If you make it any tighter," I gasped, my voice strained and breathless, "I'll pass out before I can say my vows."The ladies chuckled, but my mother looked up from where she sat reviewing fabric swatches, "Arya, don't say such things. You'll jinx the wedding!”"I'm not joking, Mother," I managed to say and I gripped the back of







