Bound by a billionaires vow

rning breeze. The room around her glowed with the warm hues of dawn. Gold spilled a

s no warmth

listened for the sound of footsteps returning last night, some indication t

he h

d worn until long past midnight. It now hung like a defeated ghost across a

ught the morning light, throwing

stared

s is m

and walls of glass framed the rolling vineyard hills in the distance. A long breakfast table had already b

ected s

suits, sipping espresso and reading stock reports. Staff flitted around like silent shadows. But at the cen

falt

ad across her face. "Buongiorno, Signora De Lu

ed a smile

ate," Carla said, taking a d

ee, pouring herself a cup slowly. Her hands did

didn't

ng me espresso in bed. Of course, t

me men mature. Ot

ances were exchanged behind na

oached. Matteo entered the kitchen in a crisp

he said.

own with a click. "I was just telling y

even look at

ourse. I wouldn't dream of s

isappeared down the hall

led. "She'

ss smile. "Charming l

rlooked the vineyard. Outside, the sun war

he said. "There's a quarterly meetin

You want me to t

. My wife makes appearances, smiles at the camer

I supposed to wear to these things? I d

ou need by tonight. My as

u'll expect me to stay in your suite ag

en, eyes hard. "Tha

, her voice tight

n her expressio

you," he said more softly. "T

funny way of

ed. His were st

was," he said. "Don

react. "I'm not asking for softness. Just... something.

re to save y

ike a slap. True.

looked

hem until finally, she turned t

shoes wrapped in tissue paper. Lucia tried not to feel overwhelmed as she si

arely blinked as she sized up Lucia's figure and complexion before arranging garments

erald, crimson, midnight. No pastels, no prin

ormation happen to her like she was w

th wing of the house. It was quiet, fragrant with jasmine and honeysuckle. She neede

near the fountain and sta

ht find you here

ia, wrapped in a shawl despi

"You shouldn't be o

her off. "It's the only t

ench beside Lucia. They sat toget

hard day," Giu

doesn't like surprises. Or

in, they left. His mother. His father. Carla. Friend

ward the stars. "What if

at least you'll be the first

. "Why do you belie

said. "You didn't flinch. You didn't beg. And you

s eyes

t gets better. But that man... my grandson... he ha

wly. "Then I'll j

room to find a small envelope on h

open

sentence, typed on

flawless

art th

ion. Or an apology.

was som

in the

, that was en