Chapter 2

I looked at the jewelry box Bruno, the butler, had delivered, then quietly got up off the floor.

When I was little and living on the streets, I could fall and split my head open, scream myself hoarse, and no one would care.

Now one slip earned me a diamond necklace worth a small fortune. I should have been happy.

Another full day and night went by, and the business pages were full of stories about Antonio and Isabella.

The two had joined forces to turn the Moretti family's dirty money into legitimate assets.

A woman from one of the branch families called, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ella, have you milked Antonio for enough gifts yet?

"Take it from me. Men are all the same. And look at who Isabella is. A law school prodigy. How are women like us, who live off men, supposed to compete with that?"

For a moment, I wanted to argue.

We're all human. Why can't we measure up?

But then I saw Antonio take Isabella to the family's annual gala.

And the fight went out of me.

Just a month ago, Antonio had sworn to me, "Ella, at this year's gala, I'm going to tell everyone you're my one and only."

Old Mary had told me never to ask the master for a title as a reward.

Even if he offered, I was supposed to play it cool and hold out for more. After all, money and protection were what really mattered.

For the first time, I broke the rules. I blushed and said yes.

I'd waited all day, only for Bruno to show up and take the couture gown from my closet.

"Ms. Ella, something's come up with the Don. You won't need to go to the gala tonight."

I didn't cry or make a scene. I even pressed the gown smooth before I let him take it.

Then I stood and looked around the lavish suite. The safe was full of jewelry and cash Antonio had given me.

I never used to understand why Old Mary had made that harsh rule.

If the master looks twice at another woman, grab everything valuable and run.

Never ask why. Not once.

But now, I finally understood.

Those rules were meant to keep us from getting carried away by the illusion of being loved, so we could walk away before we got in too deep.

Antonio had spoiled me for two years, and I had begun to believe I was the exception.

So much so that I had forgotten the most basic rule of being a pet.

It's business, not love.

I took a deep breath and did my best to push down the ache.

I grabbed a duffel bag and began neatly sorting my jewelry into it.

If this wasn't love, I was taking every cent of what I'd earned.

I heard the door lock turn as I calmly tucked a stack of cash into the bag.

Antonio frowned as he watched me. "What are you packing all this for in the middle of the night?"

I looked up, and my eyes landed on Isabella behind him.

She wore the champagne-colored gown she had taken from me that afternoon. It was a size too small, stretched tight across her body, and the zipper was starting to strain.

"Antonio, you should've told me the dress was for Ms. Rossi. I'd have helped her find one in her size. That one looks so tight she can barely breathe."

Isabella's face darkened. "You're overthinking it, Ella. This is what a healthy working woman looks like. I'm not like you pets who live off men and have to stay frail to please them."

Without dropping my smile, I turned and looked at Antonio in silence.

Two years ago, an heir from one of the branch families had made a snide remark about my humble origins.

In front of the entire family, Antonio broke the man's hand.

He even declared that he was cutting off all business with them.

From that day on, everyone knew I belonged to Antonio.

I might have been his pet, but I was his most prized possession.

But now, when Isabella openly humiliated me, all Antonio did was frown.

"Ella, don't start," he said wearily. "Isabella's new here. She doesn't know our rules yet. Just let it go."

Looking at Antonio's handsome yet strangely unfamiliar face, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

Thank God. Thank God I listened to Old Mary.