d with a

ith the usual quiet arrivals, but with gunfire and smoke. Kai arrived wit

the dock. Three of his men

Kai muttere

n try to hide it," she said, motioning to a black r

ied coldly. "I

nsive. The back door opened and out stepped Gianna Moretti, coat flowing behind her

d. "You came in pe

reach her eyes. "I like to see t

mitting th

her arms. "But if it was me, it would've bee

Kai. "We could sh

ed on Gianna. "That's wha

on the blood-slick dock. "I want a ba

n we're

r Kai to smell her perfume. "Y

You're bold.

anna tilted her head, watching him like a puzzle.

he same. Arrogant. Ov

n his eyes held her still. Just for a moment. Then she pul

way without

s shoulders like a second skin. He hated the way

rsh found him staring at the bl

s," Marsh said. "Like she

red. "She knows how t

didn't start

nal empire, Gianna learned early how to survive in a man's world. Alessio didn't

as always

y he manipulated silence, the way power shi

ng cleanups, learning how to make bodies disappear. Alessio still treated her

e rose, yes, but nev

tepping out of Alessio's shado

was at an underground auction. Both families had sent representati

expected the other

black silk like armor. The room bent around her, though n

Kai e

ound in the

, sipping champagne like it bored her. He stood tall, in a

e her withou

e or just distract me

she replied witho

n the mood

bad.

. The item came up, and immediately, G

aised

aised

did

. Not power. Just them. Heat behind

ioneer called it, so

rious, that smirk crawli

ipping, Ca

isible lint from his jacket. "

voice barely a whisper. "K

gain, dragging the air ou

her walk a

or the way his heart