Shadows of the underworld

terms, reluctantly, but the feeling of being trapped in a game she didn't understand only grew stron

der the low lighting. Dante hadn't moved from his position at the bar, his eyes occasi

ntrolled, but there was something in it that made Ariana's skin prickle. "You think y

er voice tight with frustration. "I'm not a p

eady are," he said, his tone soft but unyielding. "The moment you walked

e could navigate her way out of it. The Rossi family wasn't just a mafia organization;

, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought he was don

r as long as he did, there's no getting out. Not unless you're willing to pay the price." He took

ng, like a bitter truth she didn't want to face. The pieces were starti

y despite the turmoil inside her. "I do wh

ar she saw a flicker of something softer in his eyes. It was gone in an

stake here than just your father's debts. We're talking about power, influence, and control. And if you

everything was spiraling beyond her grasp. Her world, her carefully const

id, her voice tight, "but don't ask me to become p

idn't reach his eyes. "You'll become a part of it whether you like it or not," he replied

on the back of the chair she sat in. His fingers lingered for a m

te. "You'll have your instructions soon. And remember-e

turned and walked toward the door. The faint click of his shoes on the marble floor ec

-

feeling that she was being watched. The shadows in the corners of the room se

check in. He hadn't noticed anything strange, but Ariana wasn't so sure. Her father's ties to the Rossi family had alw

er heart skipped a beat as she stood, her breath catching in her

r, her hand hovering over the handl

n behind dark sunglasses. His presence exuded an air of danger, a

oice deep and even. "I've be

she was ready to hear what it was. But what

said quietly,