The Devil's Bargain.

e wind against the windows sent her thoughts spiraling. Enzo Carbone's voice echoe

, her suitcase was packed and ready. It sat by the door, a sm

eyes, and his usual carefree attitude was nowhere to be found. He lingered near the kitchen, wa

o this," he said fin

to? Mateo, I didn't have a choice. It was this or..." Her voice caug

r, pacing like a caged animal. "But it's

-ridden rambling. "It's done. The only thing you can

his sides. "I swear, Sophia, I'll pay

"You don't get it, do you? This isn't about money anymore. It's about

startling them both. Mateo froze, but

ed and flanked by another of Enzo's men. His expression was unreadable, but his sharp gaze

is tone clipped but n

nodded. She reached for her suitcase, but Lu

rning toward the sleek bla

t time, her heart heavy. "Take ca

phi

acked, and she shook

out of the apartment, the door closing behind

s on the road. Sophia sat stiffly in the back seat, her hands clenched in her la

through the cypress trees, casting dappled shadows across the stone driveway. Th

led her through the grand entrance, the marble floors gleaming und

" Luca said, stopping outside

ated, her he

look. "Good luck," he said before

he walls and a massive desk dominating the space. Enzo stood by the window, his hands in his pocke

faint smile tugging at

room, her chin lifting defian

ment in his gaze. "You'll find, Sophia,

e chair across fr

t across from her, his movements fluid and deliberate. He studied her in

es you'll need to follow. If you want this to work-and if you want you

, but she nodded. "Fin

irst, you'll stay here at the villa. Your role as my fiancée req

said, her vo

ic appearances with me. Dinners, parties, meeti

r fists in her lap

you'll follow my lead. In public and in priv

ght of his words, but she forc

flickering across his face