ella

silence of the grand lobby, a pathetic ec

the rigid, violent tension coiling in Damien's massive frame. The heat of his chest pressed against my back

sa," Damien murmured, his voice a low, chill

suspicions-that my submission was a lie. My mind violently flashed back to the damp, freezing air of the speakeasy cellar. I remembered the stench o

peat itself. I would not l

emon of Chicago fully. The violent storm in his deep blue eyes was terrifying

f his custom suit, before my fingers boldly framed his jaw. He went co

in front of my uncle, his Soldiers, and the man I wa

te possession. I poured every ounce of my dark resolve into it, claiming him just as fiercely as he had cla

"You took me from my engagement party, Damien. By our rules, I am already your prope

into a deafening

dangerous-a dark, triumphant arrogance. A cruel smirk touched his lips as he pulled m

pell. He stared at me, utterly bewildered, his custo

re. "Uncle Hector, you know my temper better than anyone. If I were truly being forced, do you think I would be sta

my collarbone, then at the unwavering certainty in my eyes. Slowly, the murderou

rfering where I am not needed." He raised a hand, signaling his Soldiers. The

was too much for t

t Ivy League facade completely disintegrated. "You chose a monster, Is

is my woman now, Barron," he drawled, his tone laced

palpable. "Fine. You want a war? You have it. This is a declaration against N

ready been there. My mind drifted to the memory of my sweet, venomous sister, Sophia. I remembered the sickening truth I had learned t

Damien. He had no idea that the true Vendetta had