CH-18

A soft sound of giggling drifted through the hallway just as Vincenzo approached the living room.

The sound was light… almost musical.

And irritating.

His steps slowed automatically.

He already knew who it was.

There was only one person in this house whose laughter carried that careless sweetness — the kind that could float through walls and settle under someone’s skin.

Gia.

His jaw tightened slightly as he pushed the door open.

The moment he stepped inside, her bright smile froze.

It vanished from her lips so suddenly that it was almost amusing to watch.

Her head lowered instantly, and the polished marble floor seemed to become the most fascinating thing in the room.

Vincenzo’s eyes never left her.

Not even for a second.

He noticed everything.

The way her shoulders stiffened.

The way her fingers curled slightly into the fabric of her dress.

And then—

She bit her lower lip.

His gaze darkened.

He could see it clearly now.

Fear.

Nervousness.

Good.

A faint smirk appeared at the corner of his lips.

Good. You should be scared after the stunt you pulled, baby girl.

His eyes roamed over her slowly, deliberately.

Her eyelashes fluttered nervously before she dared to lift her gaze again.

For a moment her eyes met his.

And the moment she realized he was still watching her—

She dropped them again immediately.

Like a guilty child.

Too late now, he thought coldly.

You have already stepped into the wrong battlefield.

His expression hardened as his gaze moved across her figure.

You made a big mistake coming into my life, baby girl.

I warned you.

You simply chose not to listen.

Now whatever happens…

I am not responsible for my actions.

She sat there obediently, nodding softly while listening to his mother speak.

Anyone else would think she was fully focused on the conversation.

But Vincenzo knew better.

He could practically feel the tension radiating from her body.

She knew he was watching her.

She could feel his gaze burning into her skin.

And yet she did not dare look back.

“Why are you standing there? Come sit here.”

Aunty suddenly grabbed my hand and pulled me down beside Gia before I could even react.

The moment I sat beside her, something inside me snapped.

If there was anything I could see right now…

It was red.

Only red.

Because I knew one thing very clearly now.

There was no going back.

Nate was practically losing his mind inside my head.

My wolf was inhaling her scent like it was oxygen itself.

Like he had been starving for it.

For the first time in my life…

I wanted to rip Nate out of my body.

If only that was possible.

Soon my sister-in-law entered the room, followed by a group of elders walking behind her.

Of course.

Why not invite the entire kingdom while we are at it?

I exhaled slowly, already feeling my patience thinning.

She had called the elders too.

How convenient.

But then again…

Being royal certainly had its advantages.

I would not be surprised if they had already assigned a priest inside the palace temple dedicated to the Moon God for this occasion.

The thought almost made me laugh.

Almost.

Everyone around me looked excited.

Happy.

Celebratory.

Gia was smiling brightly.

Her happiness was so obvious that it was almost blinding.

Meanwhile, I could not even manage a fake smile.

Not even one.

Within minutes the children entered the room as well.

The elders started their rituals, discussions, and whatever formalities they felt necessary.

And somewhere between all that noise—

My brain completely froze.

I never imagined…

Not even in my wildest dreams…

That I would come to Brussels for a visit—

And end up getting engaged the very next day.

I rubbed my forehead in irritation.

My patience was hanging by a thread.

I wanted this entire charade to end as quickly as possible.

But fate clearly had other plans.

Everything was happening painfully slow.

Like someone had deliberately slowed time just to torture me.

My face remained expressionless the entire time.

Meanwhile Nate was practically purring inside my head.

Happy.

Content.

Excited.

He wanted to touch Gia.

To feel her.

To claim her.

The thought alone made my jaw tighten.

Forget touching her.

Right now, I did not even want to think about her.

Finally…

After what felt like an eternity…

Everything ended.

I exhaled deeply and closed my eyes for a moment.

Mom immediately pulled both of us into a warm hug.

I stiffened slightly.

But Gia—

Gia hugged her back like she belonged there.

Like this was the happiest moment of her life.

Her eyes were closed.

And she was smiling.

I stepped away without saying anything.

My gaze drifted sideways.

She was still smiling.

Far so happy for my liking.

My eyes slowly met hers.

Her gaze was avoiding me again.

But the happiness inside her eyes…

That was unmistakable.

I smirked slightly.

She had no idea.

No idea what storm she had just invited into her life.

“This happiness won’t last long, princess,” I murmured quietly once we found ourselves standing slightly apart from the others.

People around us were busy celebrating.

Hugging.

Laughing.

From the corner of my eye, I could see them admiring us.

To them…

We probably looked like a perfect couple.

A newly engaged pair.

Happy.

Beautiful.

In love.

But what they did not know was simple.

We were anything but a loving couple.

“I know it won’t,” she replied calmly.

Her voice was soft.

But firm.

“However…”

Her eyes finally met mine.

“My desire will last until my last breath… My King.”

The way she emphasized those last two words—

Made something inside me ignite instantly.

Rage flared through my veins.

In our house…

All women call their husbands My King.

And she dared to say it to me.

Before I could react, my gaze shifted toward my brother.

He raised his eyebrows at me silently.

A question.

What happened?

I shook my head slightly.

Nothing.

But I knew he did not believe me.

“Sis… if this is done, can I leave?” I said after a moment.

“I have an important call to make.”

“Yes, all done. You may leave, champ,” my brother replied immediately before anyone else could object.

And for that—

I was grateful.

Because no one in this room would dare oppose his decision.

Mom did not look very pleased.

But I did not care.

I needed to get out of this room before I did something I would regret.

The entire situation was suffocating me.

My head was pounding.

A wave of nausea climbed up my throat.

Without another word, I walked straight out of the room.

Danny followed behind me.

“Danny, I’ll manage,” I said without turning back.

Danny was almost my age.

One of the most trusted men in my brother’s security.

Technically his bodyguard.

But whenever I was here—

He became mine.

“I know, Prince,” he replied calmly.

“However, I am on your service until you leave.”

“You know I don’t need protection.”

I smirked faintly.

“People barely remember my existence here. Who exactly is going to attack me?”

Danny chuckled softly.

“Prince, you are one of the most promising millionaires in Brussels.”

“And the most eligible bachelor.”

He paused.

“And let’s not forget… extremely handsome.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Still don’t need security.”

I muttered while checking my emails.

Danny wisely chose not to argue further.

“Bring the Prince’s car,” he ordered someone.

I barely paid attention.

Until a sleek vehicle approached.

I glanced up briefly—

And froze.

A brand-new Porsche 911 stood in front of me.

Shining.

Flawless.

Blue like liquid sapphire.

Danny spoke casually.

“Alpha bought this especially for you.”

I closed my eyes for a moment.

Unbelievable.

How much was my brother planning to spoil me?

“For a few days’ visit he bought me a new car?” I muttered.

Danny simply shrugged, clearly amused.

“Let’s go,” I sighed.

I slid into the passenger seat while Danny took the driver’s position.

“Take me to my company.”

After a short drive we reached the building.

I stepped out and suddenly noticed my clothes.

Right.

I was still dressed for the ceremony.

Perfect.

But honestly…

Right now, I didn’t care about appearances.

I only wanted to see my friend.

Ignoring every greeting, I walked straight to the elevator and pressed the button for the tenth floor.

The moment the doors opened, I walked straight to Waldo’s cabin.

Without knocking.

The door swung open.

And the first thing I saw made me curse loudly.

“Fucking hell.”

I turned away instantly.

A girl was on her knees in front of Waldo. She was sucking hard on Waldo’s member while he was very enthusiastically occupied.

“What the fuck—” Waldo cursed too.

“Get lost,” he barked at the girl.

I stood there with a frown while waiting for them to regain some level of decency.

A few seconds later the door shut.

“Vincenzo.”

I turned around at the sound of his voice.

**