Shadows of The throne

e room, casting shadows over leather couches and walls lined with rare art. The scent of cigar smoke and

her uncle Vittorio's inner circle, a supposed Sicilian enforcer with a reputation for ruthless efficiency. Marco was lean and shar

apped her back to the presen

g. "Of course. You were just about to explain how you

't reach his eyes. "As I was saying," he continued, "Marco will be ha

bar, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand. His face betrayed not

ks are a delicate asset. One misstep, and we lose millio

hers. There was no anger, no offense, just a

is voice smooth and deep, "experience is useful,

n by the boldness of Marco's reply. Elena leaned back in her

d, a faint smile tugging at her l

That

quiet roar of the fountain and the rhythmic patter of raindrops against stone o

wasn't

n't tru

ept hidden in her coat. Marco stood a few feet away,

n people," she said coldl

t miss the way his gaze lingered on her hand before meeti

hand. "Trust isn't a word

tone as steady as his stance. "B

ould you t

flicker of something in his eyes. Curiosity? Doubt?

Not because you're weak, because you're stronger than the rest of them

or a moment, she considered telling him to leave

Marco?" she asked. "A

mile spread across

allenges. She wasn't sure whether to feel intrigued or

here?" she asked,

ng nothing. "I wanted to see if you're a

going to do with

the sharp edges of his face. "Use it. Pr

ned impassive. This man was a puzzle she couldn'

t but warning. "The moment you think you'

w and rich. "Then I'll ju

r alone in the rain. But the weight of his presence lingered, and for the fi

s. He was a threat to her throne, an