The Mafia's Virgin Deal

t. She barely remembered how she'd made it to the estate, but somehow, she had. The grand gates loomed ahead, an imposing sight that made her sto

rted her through the sprawling grounds of the estate, which felt more like a fortress than a home. Everything about the place screamed power, w

nce as sharp as ever. His eyes studied her carefully, tak

s voice low and controlled

nything she'd ever seen. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, casting a soft glow over the marble floors. Everythi

sprawling city below. His tall, imposing figure was every bit as intimidating as she remembered, though there was something differen

ce her. His eyes met hers, dark and intense, studying her as

whisper. She didn't know what to say, how to act. She felt sma

eyes tracing the line of her jaw, the curve of her lips. It was as if he w

nly, his voice so quiet that Bella wa

she asked,

before the hardness returned to his eyes. "Vivi

lost, made her stomach churn. She had heard the whispers, the rumors that surr

r voice trembling slightly. "

But you... you carry something of her in you. A resemblance, perhaps." He paused, his e

s man she had just met-someone who had been through so much pain and loss. But that connection also made her

he might say something more. But instead, he gestured to the

prepared for the emotional turmoil that seemed to accompany the deal she had made. She had agreed to sell a part of herself,

ween them. His voice was steady, but there was something colder about it now, as i

odded.

ment is as much about power as it is about necessity. I'm not asking you for anything you don't want to give. But in

wed. "What k

en. "You'll remain a part of this world. But you must understand, Bella, tha

o ask what that mea

n?" she asked, her

never look back. I won't force you to stay. But you'll never have the money,

f them leading her back to the same conclusion: she had no choice. Her mother's life depended

id, her voice firm

ing. "Good," he said. "You'll sign the contract tomorr

didn't know if she was making the right decision or if she had already lost herse