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CHAPTER 9

Author: Nancy Grey
last update Last Updated: 2025-09-03 20:05:37

Luca’s POV

And the worst part for him was that he knew I would enjoy every second of what came next.

I moved slowly, unhurried, like a predator who already knew his prey couldn’t escape. My hands stayed tucked in my trouser pockets, my shoulders relaxed, but inside me there was that familiar heat, that dark satisfaction that came whenever someone crossed me. I fed on their fear—it was stronger than blood, sweeter than wine.

He tried to follow my movements with his one good eye. The other was swollen shut, purple and ugly. His mouth trembled as he sucked in broken breaths, the chains above his head rattling every time his body jerked. Sweat ran down the side of his face, dripping into the cuts along his cheek. His chest rose and fell too fast, like he already knew what was coming but still clung to the hope that I’d let him walk away.

I stopped right in front of him. For a moment, I didn’t speak. I just stared, letting the silence hang heavy between us. I wanted him to drown in it, to
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  • SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON   CHAPTER 21

    Dahlia’s POVThe sound of voices drifted in through the door. At first it was faint, but as it grew clearer, I realized two women had entered. Their heels clicked against the floor, sharp and confident, and then there was the soft pop of lipstick being applied, the rustle of dresses shifting as they stood in front of the mirrors.I moved slowly, staying quiet, afraid to make a sound. My hands gripped the counter in front of me as their voices carried through the space.“She doesn’t belong here,” one of them said, her tone sharp, dripping with disdain. “Did you see her? Clinging to his arm like she was terrified to let go.”The other woman laughed softly, cruel and low. “Of course she doesn’t belong. She’s not one of us. I heard she used to be nothing—just a nobody. And now she’s parading around as if she’s the queen of the room, just because Luca Romano decided to drag her in.”Heat rushed to my face, burning hotter than the champagne had. My chest tightened, and I had to remind mysel

  • SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON   CHAPTER 20

    Dahlia’s POV“Nice to meet you,” I whispered back, my voice sounding small even to my own ears.But before I could even breathe, Cecillia turned fully to Luca. Her whole demeanor changed instantly. Her lips curved into a brighter smile, her eyes softened, and her voice grew sweeter. She let go of my hand like I hadn’t existed at all.“Luca,” she said warmly, almost too warmly, “it’s been such a long time.”And then, boldly, she leaned forward, clearly aiming to hug him.But she froze halfway there.Because Luca’s eyes snapped to hers, cold and sharp as blades. His jaw tightened slightly, and the weight of his stare alone stopped her in her tracks. Cecillia faltered, her smile flickering for a brief second, before she quickly stepped back, tucking her hair behind her ear like she was embarrassed.Heat rose in my chest as I stood there watching, unsure what I was supposed to do. A strange mixture of relief and insecurity battled inside me—relief that he hadn’t let her touch him, insecur

  • SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON   CHAPTER 19

    Dahlia’s POVThe car slowed to a stop, and I felt my stomach twist itself into a hard knot. My fingers curled into the fabric of my gown, bunching it up in my lap as though holding onto it would keep me steady. The driver stepped out, and a second later the door beside Luca opened. He got out first, tall and composed, his tuxedo fitting him like it had been stitched onto his body. He looked untouchable. Like he owned not just this night, but the entire world.Then he turned to me and stretched out his hand.For a second, I just sat there staring at it. His hand was big, strong, his skin slightly tanned against the white cuff of his shirt. My heart hammered in my chest so loudly I was sure he could hear it. Slowly, with trembling fingers, I placed my hand into his. His palm was warm, steady, and in one easy pull, he helped me out of the car.The cool night air hit me, carrying with it the faint sound of music, laughter, and clinking glasses drifting out from the grand building in front

  • SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON   CHAPTER 18

    Dahlia’s POVWhen she finally stepped back, I almost didn’t recognize the reflection staring back at me. My lips were painted a soft, glowing red that made them look fuller than they really were. My lashes were long and dark, brushing lightly against my skin each time I blinked, and my face looked smooth and flawless, like the makeup had erased every trace of the sleepless night I had. The red gown hugged me perfectly, clinging to my body in ways that made me nervous. It shimmered faintly under the lights, catching every movement. I looked… exquisite. Too exquisite. Like someone else entirely.For a second, I didn’t know whether to smile or cry.The door opened suddenly, the sound echoing in the quiet bedroom, and my heart jumped into my throat. I turned quickly, clutching my hands together, and there he was—Luca Romano.Mrs. Cruz gave him a polite greeting, then she leaned closer to me and whispered, “Good luck,” before slipping out quickly, almost as if she didn’t want to linger in

  • SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON   CHAPTER 17

    Dahlia’s POVI finally pushed myself up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My hair was a mess, strands sticking to my cheeks, and my lips were dry. I dragged myself to the bathroom and turned on the shower. The rush of water filled the tiled room, echoing softly. I stepped under the spray and let the warm water pour over me, soaking into my skin, washing away the drowsiness. I closed my eyes and tilted my head back, listening to the steady sound, and for a moment I felt almost calm. Almost safe.When I finished, I wrapped myself in a towel and wiped the steam from the mirror. My reflection stared back at me, pale and bare, looking younger than I felt. There was no glow, no shine—just me, simple, plain. A little part of me liked that.I dried my hair quickly, leaving it damp and messy, and went into the closet.The closet wasn’t just a closet. It was like a showroom. Dresses of every color and texture lined the walls, neatly pressed and hanging on polished wooden hangers. Some shimmered

  • SUBSTITUTE BRIDE FOR THE MAFIA DON   CHAPTER 16

    Dahlia’s POVOphelia walked back out after the last bag was unpacked, dusting her hands lightly. “Everything is arranged. If there’s anything you don’t like or need, we can replace it. Mr. Romano only wants the best for you.”I swallowed hard, not sure what to say to that. My chest felt tight, as if the words had wrapped themselves around me like chains.After what felt like hours, Ophelia and her attendants finally left, their soft voices and footsteps fading down the hall until only Dante and I remained.He turned his sharp gaze to me, his expression unreadable. “Is there anything else you need, Mrs. Romano?” he asked, his voice calm but with a weight that made me sit up straighter.I shook my head quickly. “No, thank you. This is… more than enough.”He studied me for a moment longer, then gave a small nod. “Very well. If you need anything, you can reach me through that phone.” He gestured to the one still in my hand.And then, just as silently as he had arrived, Dante stepped out o

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