Bound by a billionaires vow

ver worn any

morning light filtering through the arched windows of the bridal chamber, the ivory fabric catching every golden ray. The dress

e mirror and barely recogni

oot peasant from Cas

ut to becom

omach

ou," came a

ng slightly on a carved cane. The matriarch looked thinner than

"It's beautiful. But

Power fits awkwardly at first, like new shoes.

wn. "That's wha

ed for her hand. Her skin was paper-thin, vei

promise you this, Lucia-no matter what happens, t

forming in her thro

in, clipboard in hand, headset in place, panic behind

tained glass windows in soft hues of rose and gold. Fresh white roses lined the aisle. Candlelight flickered along the pews, though there w

as a

was the ce

e, every head turned. But he

o De

ollar, no tie-defiant even now. His posture was impeccable, every muscle taut. Hi

as she walked toward him, her heart h

dn't

er di

hesitated for half a second before slipping hers t

hroat and began the cere

raced as she stood next to the man who,

ought. Not a kiss. Not a brush of

priest said. "In honor and d

firm as he repeated

t turned

er in the hospital bed, her grandmother working the land with bl

she wh

miled and tu

hese ri

box. Matteo took the ring first and slid it on

hand-strong, calloused, no doubt used to hard decisions. She slid the r

t raised

Church and the De Luca legacy, I

sh f

sil

at Matteo. Their

his throat. "The ki

ips touched hers lightly, too briefly for anyone to call it pa

. A warning

away, his face

plause

through the tall windows as servers moved between tables with champagne and fresh fruit. String mu

able, barely touching her plate. The

rimson lips and an emerald dress that hugged every curve. She was

at?" she

dn't look

an eyebrow.

," he said flatly. "

Lucia then, her smile sh

she agrees," L

tone cool. "It doesn't matter

r champagne. "Y

toast was made, and Giulia rose, her gla

Lucia. May your marriage bring the peace and strength our family n

turned

eo, forcing a smile a

heart was

stood at the window in her wedding gown, watching the sun dip

opened be

idn't

ere tonight. Or I can have the guest su

aled. "Th

ear her, not touching. The sile

what I expec

Good. I'm not here t

ly smiled

id, stepping back. "If you ne

leaned against the

as ma

a stranger with haunted eyes

r the hills of Tuscany,

or love. I'm he