Bound by a billionaires vow

, cobbled streets. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the sweet aroma of sun-ripened figs,

ed by a man in a polished black car with De Luca insignias on the doors. The parchment was thi

ediately. A matter of family legacy re

command and mystery. The De Lucas were the most powerful family in the region-wealthy beyond imagination, rulers o

a Rosa, had paled whe

hispered, making the sign of the cross

approached the gates of the grand estate in the back of a luxu

ngdoms of their own. Lucia stepped out of the car, her cheap cotton dress clinging to her from the heat and nerves.

. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and oil paintings of lon

tall oak door and knock

ped inside

e he

o De

himself, and his jet-black hair was slicked back with ruthless precision. He didn't rise from the chair beh

," he sai

summoned me. I didn't thi

usement flickering over his face.

. She had grown up poor, yes-but she was not stupid, nor weak.

" she asked, fo

ade her breath catch. He walked slowly to a cabinet, poured himse

ly, not looking at her. "She has only on

. "And you ex

e interrupted c

ped. "I beg

er's life. My family owes yours a debt. My grandmother has decided to repay it-with you. She belie

You want me to marry y

omanticize it. I need a bride. You need se

money," she snapped

rowning in debt. Your brother's medical bills are risi

mail, wrapped in silk and spoken in

that he

kind of man uses his wealth to m

ve in love. A man who has no time for games. Thi

to run, but something else-pride, duty

out of this?" s

til only inches separated them. She could s

A woman who won't pretend to love me. And most importantl

s none. He was a man carved from ice, but she sensed

ll reason, sh

ously

et her," she

blinked

one making this demand, I want t

flickered with surprise-and somethi

t nod. "Very w

rridors of the villa, Lucia couldn't help th

am I getting