Chapter 1

"Give me 15 minutes. I'll be right downstairs."

I hung up and walked into the dressing room. The gown I'd carefully custom-made for Vincenzo Rossi hung there quietly.

I remembered when we'd ordered it. Vincenzo had waved it off, saying, "It's just New Year's Eve. No need to make such a big deal."

At the time, I thought he was being considerate. Now I understood he'd found me a nuisance.

The woman in the mirror had delicate features, but her eyes were hollow.

The doorbell rang right on time. I opened the door to find two men standing tall outside, both in perfectly tailored black suits, their demeanor cold and professional.

"Good evening, Signorina Gatti."

I nodded and stepped aside to let them in. "Give me five minutes."

I walked into the makeup room and applied the brightest red lipstick I owned.

"Let's go."

Once I'd settled into the spacious back seat, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Vincenzo's sister, Valentina Rossi.

"Grazia, Vincenzo is handling family business tonight. Several Dons are present. You should rest early and not disturb him, okay?"

I smiled bitterly and replied. "Alright. I wish him success."

The car stopped in front of the club, an Abate family property. With wine, women, and indulgence, no one could resist this place.

Deafening music pounded against the car windows. I pushed open the door, and the two male escorts flanked me on either side.

Inside, the lighting was dim, and the crowd was deafening. The air was thick with alcohol and hormone.

I spotted Vincenzo immediately in the corner. He held that woman from the video tightly in his arms, kissing her as if his life depended on it. One hand had already slipped beneath her clothes.

Valentina and a pack of his worthless friends whistled obscenely beside them, raising their glasses and cheering wildly.

I looped my arms through both male escorts' and walked toward the center of the dance floor. The spotlight swept across my face with eerie precision.

The music cut off abruptly. The instant Vincenzo saw me, he froze. His hand yanked out from beneath the woman's clothes.

Valentina's mouth hung open, her cheer dying in her throat. Their faces showed shock that they couldn't mask fast enough, as well as the ugly embarrassment of being caught.

I led my entourage straight toward the best VIP booth in the house. I sat down gracefully, my voice quiet but cutting through the silence.

"Tonight, everything in this club is on me."

The entire club went silent for a heartbeat, then erupted in thunderous cheers. Only Vincenzo's corner remained quiet as a grave.

I looked at the bartender and placed my order. "Bring me ten bottles of your most expensive liquor."

Then I shifted my gaze to Vincenzo's table.

"Especially for that corner table. Send each of them a bottle. My treat." I paused. "Tell them Grazia Gatti is buying their drinks tonight."