d silent the moment

sten

d, rough-looking-scarred from violence. But t

drop dead

old and calculating. He moved through the room like he owned everything in it. Kristen's skin cra

tiffly, tryin

Her red-painted lips. The way her hands tremble

ght past her like s

vously. "Please, have a seat. The maid will

d a hand, cut

he said coldly. "Let's get this over w

apers like he was buying a car, not marrying a woman. When it was

gned, Madam Carolin

and wife!" she squealed, fake

and something flickered in his eyes. Maybe guil

ld his daughte

ars. She had heard the rumors about Don Carlo, the mafia king. A man feared by everyone. Owner of casinos, clu

was her

ge of her seat, prayi

massive. Almost

d the world. The staff greeted him,

," he told one of the m

ollow, numb and exha

hand grab

ped and l

eyes bore

low and dangerous. "This is a business deal. That

eart pounded

this house without my permiss

r!" she snapped, before

s flared

say to me?" he grow

aid I'

e gripped her arm tighter, s

he hissed. "You belong to

ting me!" Kristen cri

rp and cruel. "This is what

lutching her red, aching arm. Tears fille

t of my sight

Kristen to her room. She didn't

bed. The moment the pillow touched her face, the sobs broke

next m

ipped through

head pounding. Her eyes w

n't a ni

ill here. St

door pulled her f

he called, her

ious. "Good morning, madam. The boss

laring. "Tell him I

ed. "But madam...

e rose. "I don't

rushing to the dining hall where Don Carlo s

e asked, no

adam said she doe

sed mid-air. His e

he said, v

e to leave...

on the table. Dishes r

tered, standing. "She thinks she

stepped bac

he stormed off. "She'll