LOGINWilhemina—I stared at Emilio’s message for another few seconds before rolling my eyes.Of course. Because apparently I was also supposed to provide a fucking attendance report. I quickly typed back.Me: Sorry. It was late so I just crashed. Busy now. Text later.Sent. Minutes passed. Nothing. I rolled my eyes again.“Whatever.”I tossed my phone beside my plate. I was not letting Emilio ruin this trip. Not happening. Azrael remained quiet for a moment before casually taking another sip of coffee.“You know...there’s a way you can respond to him without actually having to engage.”My fork stopped halfway to my mouth.“Really?”I looked at him curiously.“How?”“Give me your phone.”Without thinking, I picked it up and placed it in his open palm. The action registered about two seconds later. Wait. I’d just handed this man my phone without hesitation.My personal phone. Messages. Emails. Photos. Banking apps. Business information. Everything. Had I really reached a point where I truste
Wilhemina-Warmth.That was the first thing I noticed as consciousness slowly pulled me from sleep. Warmth, the quiet hum of engines, and a steady heartbeat beneath my cheek. I shifted slightly before realizing I was practically curled into Azrael’s side, one arm draped across his stomach while his arm rested securely around me.“Good morning, sleeping beauty.”I smiled without opening my eyes.“Morning.”His lips pressed against the top of my head.“You can go back to sleep. We still have another eight hours.”My eyes opened.“Eight?”“Approximately.”I stretched, my legs extending beneath the blanket he’d apparently placed over me while I slept.“I’ve already been asleep for like three hours.”“two hours and fifty-three minutes.”I lifted my head.“You timed me?”“No.” His mouth twitched. “I looked at the clock.”“Mmhmm.”He chuckled. I sat up and glanced around the private jet. I’d flown privately more times than I could count, but there was something different about this.Maybe be
Azrael-“Mr. Valchini?”I glanced up from my computer. My assistant stood in front of my desk holding a folder.“The contracts you requested. Also, the R&S agreement has been drawn up and is currently being reviewed by Arbitration. They expect everything to be finalized before the gala.”“Excellent.” I accepted the folder. “Thank you.”“You’re welcome, sir.”She remained standing there. I waited. Five seconds. Ten. Her cheeks slowly reddened.I sighed.“That will be all.”“Oh! Right. Of course.”She hurried from my office. The door closed. I leaned back.“Jesus.”It happened often. Women lingering. Staring. Finding unnecessary reasons to remain in my presence. Over the years, I’d become accustomed to it. That didn’t make it any less fucking annoying.I’d experienced more than my share of women. Beautiful women. Wealthy women. Models. Actresses. Heiresses. None mattered. Because apparently, my heart had been waiting for one woman.My Mina.A smile tugged at my mouth. The past several w
Wilhemina-“Here’s your mail, Mrs. Saldini.”I glanced up from the contract I’d been reviewing and smiled as Latisha stepped into my office.“Thank you, Latisha.”She placed several envelopes on my desk.“How’s Mary doing?”Latisha instantly perked up.“Oh, she is wonderful! Super-fast learner. Complete computer whiz. Honestly, training her has been a breeze.”I smiled. I wasn’t surprised. Mary had been efficient even as my maid. Friday marked several days of her shadowing Latisha, and apparently, she’d adapted quickly.“Glad to hear it. You ladies can wrap things up and head out early today.”Latisha squealed.“Seriously?! Thank you! I still have last-minute packing to do.”I laughed.“Well, then you better get out of here. Don’t let Tim do all the work.”“Please. Tim would forget his toothbrush if I didn’t pack it.”I laughed as she headed toward the door.“Latisha?”“Yes?”“Send Mary in before you go.”A few minutes later, a familiar face peeked around my door.“Mrs. Rucci? You wan
Emilio-“Emilio...you are here. Again.”Alfredo Rucci’s tone was flat. His eyes were not. I immediately stood as he entered the grand room of the Rucci estate.“Yes, sir. My apologies.”“But?”I swallowed.“I...need to speak with you regarding Wilhemina.”Silence.Alfredo crossed the room and lowered himself into the armchair opposite me. Cornelius immediately appeared with a glass of whiskey. Alfredo accepted it without looking away from me. The he took a slow sip.Silence remained for several moments before he spoke.“Do you know what makes a great whiskey, Emilio?”I blinked.“Sir?”“Time. Patience. The proper barrel. The proper temperature. Quality grain. Every ingredient must be carefully chosen. Every condition controlled.” He studied the amber liquid. “Give a skilled distiller the right ingredients, and he can create something worth a fortune.”I remained silent.“And that,” he continued, “is precisely what I did with you the moment I agreed to let you marry my daughter.”My ja
Emilio-The door closed behind Wilhemina.I didn't move. The folder remained clutched in my hand, the photographs inside suddenly feeling like they weighed a fucking ton.Emotions was pouring through me. Embarrassment, confusion, but most of all... anger I was fucking seething. Yet, somewhere beneath all of it, I knew this was my fault.I knew it. But fuck that! Who the hell did Wilhemina think she was?Walking in here making demands. Threatening me. Telling me where she was going to live as though my opinion meant absolutely nothing!The ball is no longer in your court.My jaw clenched. For the first time tonight, I realized one painful thing that I'd long forgotten. Wilhemina was indeed Mafia and without a doubt, Rucci's daughter. Arrogant fucking—“GEORGE!”My voice thundered through the house. Seconds later, George appeared. Calm. Of course he was fucking calm.“How can I help you, sir?”I scoffed.“Don't fucking play with me.”His expression remained neutral.“Sir?”“It was you,







