The Heiress of Shadows

. Sunlight spilled through tall windows framed by sheer white curtains, casting ethereal patterns on the polished floor. The place ree

d trousers that someone had laid out for her. The maid had offered to help her dr

echoed across the marble,

red the room like

ike it had been sewn onto him. His black hair was swept back in a way that seemed both effo

didn't

if they were two lovers me

aid n

r her space-or perhaps to assert distance. A servant immediately appeared with

e said, her voice lo

his coffee. "Technically, I didn't. But

edge of the table. "Necessar

ecessary to ensure a

apping me and marrying me under false pretenses is a tra

. "The marriage is legal.

s dru

id under Levanis law, as well as EU business contracts." H

omach

ed what he was saying. There was no remorse in his tone. Just logic

aid. "You can dress it up as

en he put his cup down and leaned back in

er eyes. "What

country, if you wish. But the moment you do, the Moretti board will remove you. Public scandal.

stared

. It was a trap pa

e as well. And more importantly, it keeps the wolves at bay. Both

raping sharply against the marbl

need time. And whether you like it or not,

ver coffee pot. The porcelain cup. Anything t

he di

fford to be re

she said. "And you do

," he said, finally standin

eath c

agreed to m

stock, a line item in

e doorway, pausing

ss to the library, the gardens, the upper floors. T

he asked

soner, Valeria. You're my wife. And eventu

closed be

e fell

rrender. No. This was the

o the tall windo

statues and hidden alcoves. Beauti

as still

dom in the obvious ways. N

ken her name. Her

would take

ly. Not

. Strat

ather had

a Mor