Queen of Shadows
The morning light filtered through the heavy drapes of her bedroom, casting a soft glow over the r
n't just a man trying to take control of her family's empire-he was a man who thrived in the shadows, who knew how to bend others to his will with the m
And that made him al
te, given what she had lost. As she fastened her necklace, her mind shifted to the day ahead. She needed
houghts. It was Sofia, one of the maids who ha
es filled with concern. "Your uncle asked me to bring you to his
that she was to be married to Luca, and already her uncle was making plans as if
about to walk blin
ere shortly," she replied
arly wanting to say more, but she
her mother's eyes, her father's strength, and a glimmer of defiance. If they wanted
arriag
nsive whiskey. Enzo sat behind the large oak desk, leaning back in his chair with a self-satisfied smirk. Beside him
motioned for her to sit across f
her posture straight, her hands folded in her
es. There are many details to sort out, but most impor
er opinion-he was testing her. If she showed resistance, he would use it
Alessa said smoothly. "B
fted, clearly surp
her voice steady. "I want control over
fading from his face as he tried to gauge
modity," she said, her tone sharp, "I'd at l
ly unsure of how to respond. But Enzo's expression softened, hi
can handle the wedding details. But don't forget, Aless
refusing to back down.
s Invi
ements. But her mind was elsewhere, focused on her growing need to find a way out. She had contro
ock came at the door of her office. Mar
an, "Mr. DeLuca has s
in her chair. "Wha
name embossed at the top. She opened it, reading
sand
ou tomorrow at th
much to
L
wanted to discuss. This was Luca's way of asserting control, of remi
to do?" Marco as
re slipping it back into its envelope. "I'l
eLuca
every bit as grand as her own family's, but there was something darker about it. The towering iron gates, the tall hedges that seemed t
they reached Luca's private office. The walls were lined with dark wood panelling, the air thick with the s
s below. He didn't turn when she entered, but she knew he was aware of her pr
e smooth as he finally turned t
g in every detail. This was Luca's domain, his kingdom, and she
lied, her voice cool as she crossed the roo
here's always a choice, Alessa. You just h
hands in her lap as she looked up at
nst it as he crossed his arms. His eyes never left her
an eyebrow.
t clear last night that you don't see this marriage
want, Luca?" Alessa
voice low and dangerous. "I want control, Alessa. Over this city,
ut she didn't flinch
d. "Then you'll find that refusi
e O
ng in the air. Alessa knew this was a turning point-either she could resist him and risk lo
ly, her voice steady. "If this is going to be a p
But understand this, Alessa: control doesn't come without
art racing, but her voic