Bound by Blood and Desire

room, her hands clasped tightly in front of her, her heart pounding so loudly she was certain everyone could hear it. The air was thick w

of few words, but when he spoke, his voice carried the weight of authority. Beside him stood her

tone firm but not unkind. "You u

urse. This was about power, about alliances, about securing the future of t

filling the room like a storm cloud. Luca Moretti. She had heard his name whispered in hushed tones, stories of his ruthles

rands falling carelessly over his forehead, and his green eyes-sharp, calculating-seemed to pierce straight through her

idn't smile, didn't offer a word of greeting. Instead, he looked at her as

id, rising from his chair

ellano," he replied, his voice a low, gravelly rumble that sent a strange w

la. "This is my daughter, Isabella. Sh

. But she held her tongue, her eyes downcast as Luca stepped closer. She could feel the heat of hi

commanded, his vo

nse, searching, as though he could see every secret she had ever tried

I expected," he sai

replied, her voice b

uickly as it appeared. "Young," he repeated, more to himself than to her. Then, tu

ugging at the corners of his mouth. "Good.

ks, her life would change forever. She would belong to this ma

," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. Then, without another word, he turned and walke

me. Luca Moretti was not a man who would be easily swayed, not a man who would tolerate defiance. And yet, as she replayed the encou

s also undeniably drawn to him, a fact