The Crown I Stole

t beauty was just another weapon. She chose blood red, the shade of vengeance. The same color her

who had escaped the massacre with nothing but the clothes on her back and her father's silver pocket watch. Seven year

dentials-all fabricated, of course, to organize the Castello family's annual charity gala, which provided

ther's former consigliere was the only person from her old life who had survived. He'd raised h

ing around. "Get close to Dante Castello. Find proof of his illegal oper

ted beside hers in the mirror. "This isn't just about

ng through her chest. "And I'm going to make sure Dante Cas

r was. He's expanded their territory into five states since taking over three years ago. The FBI h

wed herself. Anything more might trigger a memory in someone who had

you different?"

use, unlike the feds, I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

aiting at seven to take you to the Castello mansion. Remember,

ned lipstick, a phone with an untraceable number, and a small knife disgui

ming. She took one final look at her reflection. The elegant black dress hugged her curves while remain

ly looked for in an employee: competent, discreet,

forty minutes. Alessia used the time to review the dossier on Dante

ue to "health reasons" which, according to Marco's sources, was a strategic move to put the more ruthless son in charge as the

erhaps, h

-of-the-art security system. Alessia's hands clenched involuntarily in her lap as the car approached

ate, and a guard approac

y. "I have an appointment with Mr. C

continued up the long, winding driveway. Alessia forced herself to breathe normally as

curity guard opened her door. Alessia stepped out, nodd

ung open, revealing a tall, ste

. Vega, the household manager. Mr. Castello is running la

ior was exactly what Alessia had expected, opulent but tasteful, displaying the Castello family's wealth with

and subtle bulges under their jackets where their weapons were holstered. Alessia cataloged

and knocked once before opening it. "Please

The room was dominated by a large mahogany desk facing floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the estate's gro

rching through the drawers. Not yet. That would come

phy. Business strategy. And-she almost smiled-a section on chess. The strategic game h

owerful piece on the board," he'd told her. "B

as-Dante Castello. The man whose order had destroyed her fa

dark hair was cut short on the sides but slightly longer on top, and his olive skin contrasted with

to admit, devastatingly han

baritone that carried easily across the r

e'd slipped into her dress earlier. "Not at a

had never had to worry about watching his back. Foolish.

he bookshelf. Up close, she could smell his cologne-something

th a professional smile. "Which is

ia felt a flicker of unease. Did he recognize something in her features? S

of his mouth that didn't quite reach his eyes-and

, then. I understand you

ence and deference in her posture. "Yes, I've organized events for several prominent families in

with the Castellos. He'd been the one to recommend "Sofia Bianchi" for th

his suit jacket as he sat. "Though I ma

ts flare. She kept her expression pleasantly

ce is important in any

arm. There was nothing casual about the intensity of his gaz

retion, Ms. Bianchi. That quality is par

ur guests will experience a flawless evening, and you'll never have to conce

r family's foundation. There will be politicians, judges, business leaders, people

rations, according to Marco's intelligence. The "essential support" Dante mentioned came at th

initial concepts based on the foundation's previous events." She r

erved him. Despite his relaxed posture, there was a coiled tension in his body that reminded her of a snake ready to s

e tablet back. "Particularly your security considerat

best security is invisible to guests while remaining effective. I imagine t

ture of the Castello business. But she needed to establish herself as some

Dante's eyes-amusemen

ega will provide you with the guest list and budget details. Th

fessional distance between them. "More than adequ

d. "We'll be working closely together in the

. This was the same hand that had likely signed her father's death

lied with a smile that

r a brief, disorienting moment, something electric passed betwe

her hand. "Welcome to the Castello family, Sofia. I hav

new just how

ansion, Alessia fought to keep her breathing

al game co

ing her departure from his study window, pho

walked into my house, exactly as we predicted." He paused, listening to the voice on

nside was a file labeled simply "Ricci." He flipped it open to reveal a photo of

ust last week: Alessia entering her apartme

he edge of the photo, a smal

murmured. "Let's see if you're as