Bound by Blood and Desire

ting emotions-fear, desire, anger, and something she dared not name. Luca was a constant presence in her life, his dominance both infuriating and intoxicating. But benea

everythin

roze, her heart racing as heavy footsteps echoed through the penthouse. Luca appeared in the doorway, his shir

pping the teacup and rushing

arm, his voice strained. "A

er hands trembling as she helped h

to the bathroom, grabbing the first aid kit and a towel. When she returned, Luca w

revealing a deep gash along his side. Her stomach churned at the sight, but she forced herself to

his gaze locking onto hers.

lean the wound. "My brother taught me. He

gged at Luca's l

d. Luca didn't flinch, his eyes never leaving her face. When she was do

etly, his voice softer t

throat tight. "Y

and brushing against

the couch, her body tense as he leaned his head against her shoulder. Th

ter a long moment, his vo

reath caught

regret. "For dragging you into this life. For tr

bility in his voice breaking down the wal

"I'm not a good man, Isabella. I've done things...

ched up to cup his face. "You can b

yes closing as he let out a sha

y, replaced by a fragile but undeniable connection. Luca's lips found hers in a tender kiss, his touch gen

d his forehead against hers, his breathing

heart swelling with emotion.

-

ned exterior. Isabella saw a side of him she had never imagined-a man burdened by guilt and regret, a man who longed for re