Dark love

ilver foil. An elite charity gala at Villa Lamberti, hosted by the Lomb

as different. This time, she would not be the elegant art consulta

of Matt

ng to her ribs

that hugged the soft curve of her belly. It was bold. Unapologetic. A choice. The neckline was mod

t. Her lips, a muted rose. Diamond studs

oked p

man walking a tigh

looked at her. His gaze trailed from the sweep of her dress to the

gan, then stopped.

. "Careful. Flatter

eyes flicked, just brie

d without effort. Flashbulbs snapped discreetly at the gates-never too close, nev

ad. Waiters moved through the crowd with silent grace, silver trays balanced on white-gloved hands. The elit

es fou

ling

ini girl?... No, Ricci now... She's pregnant, isn

r chin high,

re to shrink.

r back-not possessive, but present. A g

she murmured th

wo of us," he repli

but never quite aligned. Matteo spoke with donors and CEOs. Elena was approached

in a voice honeyed with condescension. "A

y. "It's certainly

far end of the ballro

le

ood ch

ied to push her toward before Elena had severed the strings. Tall, wel

," he said, glancing at her belly

prised the news reached your ears, considerin

ell me, Elena. Do you ever miss being untouchable

eo appeared at her side like a

lm. Lethal. "Wal

aw what most missed: Matteo's restr

r. "Of course. Wouldn't w

urned to her, eyes darker

ou all

urvived

r a beat. "You sh

d raw, he offered her his hand. No

s beginning to understa

hesi

too

Not close, but not distant.

usic

sand glittering lights, the illusion of bei

lo

t

rd something neither of