Chapter 1

"Mom, where are we going?" The question came out smaller than I intended.

"Not far. Just somewhere better." Her smile was mysterious, almost secretive. "Beatrice! Remember how I told you I was dating someone? I think it's time I introduced you to him."

As we drove through increasingly wealthy neighborhoods, my unease grew. These weren't the kinds of places people like us belonged. The houses grew larger, the gates taller, and the gardens more manicured with each turn. I watched the familiar streets of our humble neighborhood fade in the rearview mirror, replaced by mansions that seemed to stare down at our modest Honda Civic with contempt.

"Mom! Why are we here?" I asked as we pulled up to massive iron gates flanked by men in dark suits. Their faces were expressionless as they checked our car.

The house beyond the gates was enormous—white stone, multiple levels, gardens that seemed to stretch on forever. It looked like something out of a movie.

"This is our new home," Mom announced with a confidence that took my breath away. "Antonio Vasquez chose me as his new partner. We can finally live the life we deserve." She turned to face me fully. "And you're going to have four stepbrothers. They'll protect you from now on."

My mouth fell open. The Vasquez family. Even in our modest Bronx neighborhood, that name carried weight—whispered with a mixture of fear and respect.

"But remember, Beatrice!" Mom's voice turned serious, almost threatening. "No matter what happens, don't let them get close to you. Don't let them into your heart."

"But why would they do that? I'm their sister now."

"That's exactly what you need to remind them. They can't touch you because you're their stepsister. Beatrice! We don't want to ruin this chance at a better, more luxurious future." She gave me a reassuring look before we got off the car to be greeted by the guards.

I stared up at the mansion, trying to process the fact that this was supposed to be our home now. Mom had always dreamed of a better life for us, but this was beyond anything I could have imagined. I had so many questions, but one overrode all others: why was she so worried about her boyfriend's sons getting "close" to me?

As the gates opened before us and men in expensive suits approached our car, I realized my life was about to change in ways I couldn't even imagine.

And I had no idea if that change would save me or destroy me.

I clung to Mom's arm as we entered the massive foyer of Antonio Vasquez's mansion. The ceiling soared above us, adorned with a crystal chandelier that probably cost more than everything we'd ever owned. My clothes still felt slightly damp from the humiliation at school, and I couldn't shake the image of Salvatore's mocking eyes.

"Sofia, bellissima! And this must be Beatrice." Antonio emerged from a doorway, his silver hair perfectly styled, wearing an impeccably tailored gray suit that screamed money and power. He moved with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how much space he occupied in the world.

Mom immediately transformed before my eyes, her smile widening as she accepted his kiss on both cheeks. "Antonio, thank you for inviting us to your beautiful home."

His dark eyes assessed me with interest. "Welcome, Beatrice. Please, make yourselves comfortable." He gestured toward an adjoining room. "Come, sit."

I followed them into a living room that looked like something from a luxury magazine—pristine white furniture that probably cost more than a college education, massive windows overlooking manicured gardens, and tasteful artwork that I suspected might be originals.

"Please, sit," Antonio motioned to an Italian leather sofa that looked too perfect to actually use. I stayed glued to Mom's side as we sat, my fingers nervously playing with the hem of my shirt.

Antonio noticed my anxiety. "You seem tense, Beatrice. Is everything alright?"

Before I could answer, Mom jumped in. "She had a difficult day at school. Some students were bullying her."

Antonio's expression darkened. "That's unacceptable. Once our relationship becomes public, those who mistreated you will be begging for forgiveness."

"Are you hungry?" Antonio asked, changing the subject smoothly. "Mrs. Gallo is preparing a traditional Italian lunch. In the meantime, perhaps you'd like to freshen up? You look a bit... disheveled."

I glanced down at my still-damp clothes, embarrassment flooding through me again.

"Mrs. Gallo can show you to your room later, but for now, there's a guest bathroom upstairs," Antonio continued. "Second floor, third door on the right."

Mom nudged me. "Go ahead, Beatrice. You're eighteen now—you can find a bathroom on your own."

I hesitated, my fingers unconsciously reaching for the antique necklace I always wore—a habit when I felt anxious. "I'll be right back," I mumbled, reluctantly detaching myself from Mom's side.

The grand staircase felt endless as I climbed, my footsteps muffled by plush carpeting. The second-floor hallway stretched in both directions, lined with identical oak doors.

I counted doors... one, two... was it the third or fourth on the right? Everything looked the same. After a moment's hesitation, I pushed open what I thought was the correct door.

The sight that greeted me froze me in place.

A young man sat at a desk, his back partially to me, laptop open in front of him. But the laptop wasn't what caught my attention—it was his hand wrapped around his exposed erection, moving rhythmically as he watched something on the screen.

I gasped involuntarily.

He whipped around, deep blue eyes widening in shock before narrowing dangerously. His face was perfectly sculpted—high cheekbones, strong jaw, lips that would have been sensual if they weren't currently twisted in anger.

"Who the fuck are you?" he growled, hastily covering himself. "What are you doing in my room?"

My face burned with embarrassment. This was the first time I'd ever seen a man's... I couldn't even think the word without blushing harder.

"I'm sorry!" I stammered, backing away. "I..."

"Get out!" he roared, standing up and adjusting his pants. "NOW!"

I didn't need to be told twice. I slammed the door and ran down the hallway, heart hammering against my ribs. I flew down the stairs, nearly tripping in my haste to return to the safety of my mother's side.

Mom and Antonio looked up as I burst into the living room, both wearing expressions of concern.

"Beatrice, what happened?" Mom asked, frowning at my flushed face. "Why didn't you freshen up?"

"I—I got lost," I said, trying to catch my breath as I sank back onto the sofa beside her.

Antonio studied me carefully. "Mrs. Gallo will show you around the house later. This place can be confusing for newcomers."

Mom placed a hand on my arm. "Beatrice has always been timid. She struggles with new environments."

Antonio nodded understandingly. "My sons were the same when they were younger. Speaking of which, I should call them down to meet you both." He rose from his seat with fluid grace. "Excuse me for a moment."