The Crimson Throne

was now hers. Adriana sat at the massive mahogany desk, her fingers tracing the intricate car

marble floor. Each man represented a different piece of her father's e

er. He had warned her that not all of them would accept her leader

rst to take a seat. His weathered face gave nothing away,

ambitious man, his alliances had always been questionable. He wou

down his cheek, earned from a knife fight years ago. He was loyal-t

en too many battles and lived to tell the tale. His loyalty had been to her father, not

m, letting them watch her. They expected weak

steady. "You're all here because my father is dead.

Some of them already knew this, b

ng clear-I am not here to ask for permission. The De Luca family is mine now, and I

rds for someone who has

s gaze, unflinching. "You think I need to prove myself by killing someone?" She le

k faltered, just for a second, but

ith me, or you don't. But if you don't, then you'd better be

ng the tension. "She's

r leaving hers. He was testing her

about this, Adriana. Whoever killed your fath

," she said. "

"Your father built this empire through blood and fea

kno

oment, then gave a slow nod

wed. Matteo was the last to

control. Not yet.

remained behind, arms cr

ity stretched before her, glittering under

So what's th

"We find out who pulled

d. "And wh

mile spread ac

ir world to