THE MAFIA'S PRICE
Survival.
He leaned in then, his lips hovering inches from mine, the scent of whiskey and his own potent musk filling my senses, clouding my thoughts. "Your father thought he was sending me a pawn," he whispered, his breath warm against my skin, teasing, promising. "He underestimated you. He underestimated us. Now, we’ll show him what a queen can do." The words resonated in my chest, fueling the fire he'd kindled. A queen. Not a princess hidden away, not a bargaining chip. A queen, beside her king, or perhaps one who could stand alone if needed.