CHAPTER 1

ADRIAN’S POV

“Take off your pants.”

I blinked, convinced I’d misheard him.

I’d been expecting a bullet to the head. Maybe a chance to say my last words. But the enormous, terrifying mafia boss standing in front of me looked almost curious, and that infuriating smile on his ridiculously handsome face told me he was dead serious.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I won’t repeat myself.”

I glanced at the impeccably dressed man before me, then at the two hulking bodyguards stationed outside the suite door.

A few weeks ago, my biggest problem had been deciding which woman to spend the weekend with without the one from the previous weekend finding out.

Now I had a dangerous mafia boss ordering me to strip.

All because I’d been a complete idiot.

And because I’d cheated on his sister.

THREE WEEKS EARLIER

“You’re a walking disaster, Adrian. I honestly don’t know why I’m still friends with you.”

“Because I’m the best.” I took a sip of coffee and flashed him a grin. “Face it, Nico. Without me, your life would be painfully boring.”

Nico looked up from the planner he’d spent the entire morning filling with contracts, vendor appointments, and delivery schedules for our event-planning agency.

We’d been working together for years. He made sure everything ran smoothly, and I convinced clients they couldn’t possibly live without our services.

It was a beautiful partnership, really.

Mostly because I got to do all the talking.

A couple of tables away, an older man started raising his voice at a young waitress because he wasn’t happy with his blackberry tart.

The poor girl looked ready to cry, clutching her serving tray against her chest as she apologized over and over.

I stood up without giving it much thought, walked over, and leaned toward the table with my most charming smile.

“Sorry to interrupt, sir, but I couldn’t help overhearing. If you’re looking for the best tart in the city, I can personally guarantee this place’s raspberry tart is a masterpiece. In fact, let me treat you to a slice. I’d hate for you to leave with a bad taste in your mouth.”

The man blinked, clearly caught off guard by my enthusiasm.

His shoulders relaxed, and after a moment, he accepted.

I winked at the waitress, who gave me a look of pure relief before hurrying back toward the counter.

I left a bill on the table to cover the dessert and returned to my seat.

Nico was watching me over the top of his glasses, one eyebrow raised.

“See? I’m not a monster,” I said, dropping into my chair.

“No. You’re a shameless flirt. I bet that waitress’s number will magically appear on your napkin any second now.” He pointed his pen at me. “Alicia’s been walking around on cloud nine for a month. She thinks you’re Prince Charming sent straight from heaven. And knowing you, you’re going to break that poor girl’s heart. This is already your longest relationship.”

“Why would I break up with her?” I asked, taking another sip of coffee. “She’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever dated, she’s practically swimming in money, and we have a great time together.”

“Yeah, but you don’t love her. And the second she so much as whispers the word commitment, you’ll run for the hills. Just like you always do.”

I fell silent.

His words stirred up memories of something I’d never heard said to me when I was growing up.

My father said I love you so easily that sometimes I wondered whether he remembered which of his three women he was saying it to.

My mother always chose to believe him.

I’d decided a long time ago that I would never make the same mistake.

True love didn’t exist. There was only the fear of being alone.

I liked affection. I loved attention. Hell, I practically lived for it.

But committing myself to loving one person for the rest of my life?

Not a chance.

“We’re not going to get to that point,” I said firmly. “We’re living in the moment. Everything’s fine.”

Or so I thought.

Until that very evening, when Alicia and I went out to dinner at an exclusive restaurant downtown.

Alicia looked stunning.

She wore a blue dress that complemented her fair skin and bright blue eyes, her gorgeous blonde hair swept into an elegant updo.

She was everything I’d ever wanted in a woman.

And then some.

“I have a surprise!” she announced, clapping her hands excitedly as the waiter poured our wine. “You’re finally going to meet my older brother tonight.”

The wine nearly came shooting out of my nose.

I choked, coughing into my napkin as heat rushed to my face.

Alicia burst into delighted laughter and leaned across the table to dab a stray drop from my chin.

“Relax, sweetheart,” she teased. “My brother can be a little intimidating, but he only wants me to be happy. And I know you make me happy.”

“Your… brother?” I managed, struggling to regain my composure.

Why the hell does she want me to meet her family? I thought we were keeping things casual!

“I know I haven’t told you much about him, but he’s the most important person in my life. He practically raised me. His name is Matteo, and I’m sure you’ll get along. You have a way with people.”

Matteo.

I pictured some forty-year-old guy with a beer belly, a boring suit, and an endless list of questions about my intentions toward his precious sister.

And what was I supposed to say?

Well, sir, my only intention is to have a good time with your sister without getting tied down.

Yeah. That would go over beautifully.

But the worst part wasn’t the brother himself.

It was what meeting him meant.

Meeting the family was the first step toward conversations about moving in together.

Engagement rings.

Marriage.

God, I felt dizzy just thinking about it.

Panic clawed at my chest.

I needed to get out of there.

“That’s wonderful, sweetheart,” I lied. “Just give me two minutes. I’m going to wash my hands before he gets here.”

I pushed back my chair and stood.

I needed air.

I needed to be as far away from this situation as humanly possible.

And I needed it right now.

As I hurried toward the restrooms, I pulled out my phone and texted Nico.

CODE RED! Alicia wants me to meet her brother. Call me and fake an emergency. ANY emergency!

I was so focused on my screen that I didn’t notice the man rounding the corner.

I slammed straight into him.

My phone slipped from my fingers, and I lost my balance.

But before I could hit the floor, a strong hand caught me around the waist and pulled me against a solid chest.

I looked up.

Holy shit.

The stranger was ridiculously handsome.

Dark hair. A sharply defined jaw. A suit that probably cost more than my monthly rent.

And gray eyes that stared down at me without the slightest hint of warmth.

Our gazes locked.

Something strange shot through me, almost like an electric current.

Maybe it was the way he looked at me.

Or the sheer force of his presence.

Whatever it was, it left me speechless for a full second.

His hand slid away from my waist, leaving behind a lingering warmth I couldn’t quite explain.

Then, with infuriating calm, he bent down and picked up my phone.

His eyes lingered on the screen before he handed it back.

“You should watch where you’re going,” he said coldly, his brows drawing together as he studied my messages.

What the hell is his problem?

“And you should learn to keep your nose out of other people’s business,” I shot back, snatching the phone from his hand.

His expression darkened.

“Adrian! There you are!”

Alicia appeared in the hallway, beaming from ear to ear.

“Oh, look! I see you’ve already met!” she exclaimed.

She turned toward the stranger.

“Sweetheart, this is Matteo. My older brother.”

I slowly turned back to the man.

He was staring at me like he was seriously considering punching me right then and there.

Oh, fuck.