Bound by a billionaires vow

Emanuele II had never

-politicians, tycoons, royalty by title or wallet. Champagne flutes sparkled. Violins so

longed. But she still

red beside her. "Or t

he said through

of his breath brushing he

the power in his voice-the way he made it feel like she c

he marble floor, cameras flashe

s wor

arla ap

ke a flame made flesh. Her smile was

side her cheek. "You look... expensive. Matteo al

s jaw

ut Lucia stepped forward-eyes

k... desperate. Red's a bold choice when you've j

Someone choked

smile

would've worn black.

a second. Then she turned shar

huckle warmed

sive,"

ed. "I'm

s arm. "Then

the

mo ride home was thick w

tion split by city lights. "I still fee

atteo said. "

ound c

ng your voice. You're a queen, Lucia.

art st

to flatter me,"

d over.

the villa. But nei

"Come with me. I want

ehind Loc

the De Luca estate, past libraries and c

in front of

o a biometric scanner. A s

office-sleek, moder

epped in

this was here,"

id. "This is where I do the things I

awake. A map of Europe blinked into view, dotte

him, frowning.

king board leaks, financial sabotage. Someone's

cooled. "So wh

e." He looked at her. "And I'm

lowed. "

en who I am. And y

each other-too

tween them p

loser. Matteo d

spered. "Are we s

hitched. "I

ghtly, fingers grazing t

d over hers. S

took a s

voice hoarse.

roat tight

I want it

odded

ed, and w

n't st

il of

balcony with a cup of coffee, tryin

aking-sunlight catching

n when he step

ing," he s

idn't

night. Carla met someone after t

rowned.

to'-The Tailor. A coden

does h

t her. "Me. The

er coffee d

is afternoon," he said. "I need you to

rned t

king me to

you to be exactly who you