TA'S

ago to my home in Evanston, followed by some of his men. I di

the man besid

is infamous reputation and his name. A strange feeling tightened my chest

noon, Matteo would be going half mad trying to find me, a

was a thing to be honored, but I was scared regardless. However, the presence of Romano provided a comfort that du

" Romano assured without l

wha

, Callie. Matteo sho

in my stomach. A w

lli

d and he finally glance

connection tug between us. I instantly wanted his lips on mine again, his taste was im

e." I said evenly

nce. It was too risky. Romano had made it clear that this was a marriage of convenience; we were to have no person

e sounded different, more c

which was supposed to be Matteo's by reason of our marriage. The black gates opened auto

My heart twisted in my chest as I took in the sight of the Vitale Manor, dull unadorn

y. There wasn't the faintest fear

side of the door. Behind us, his men stood firmly. Their hands p

miled at me, his amber eyes twinkl

cy when I noticed Vitale soldiers closing

lright,

Once all the members of the Evanston mob family heard that the Roma

from the manor doors. His jade eyes as icy as the Arctic. His eyes danced

had me shifting closer to Romano. There was a bandage aroun

er calm, even though there was a figurative ticking

h in anger. He stepped forward, the soldier behind

beat passed, but neither man di

looking for you since....last night." M

pite myself, my body tightened to Romano's touch. Matteo's eyes widened, both

anning to do Orsini." The calmness with whi

d. Red-hot rage slashed over his face. Although his body was perfe

how you spea

What are you talking about? Calista is my..." Matteo ab

arried

way, tilting my chin up despite the fear

"Calista. He's not the man you think

ly didn't sleep with my stepmother a night to our wedding."

s he glanced at me. "That reminds

Maria outside. My anger flared when she came out, shivering like a wet bird. Romano tilted his head at one of his soldier

own to the scalp.

ned. Shock, anger, and sur

but I'm afraid my wife wouldn't appre

ime to waste. Besides.." he cast a loving look at me that would have fooled anyone. "I just m

ly it were true. Romanos hands on my body. His mouth on mine. Tangled limbs and breathless pleas. I shuddered.

e begged. But neither he nor any of the Vitale soldiers moved a muscle; they were all too scared of Romano. When the blond ma

omano said curtly, b

tina, right? That's wh

er," he growled. Matteo had the good sense to remain quiet, but I didn't miss the w

of Chicago outfit was the most powerful man in Illinois. W

nd drove off, leaving an ego-bruised Matteo

efore. I was supposed to bask in happiness seeing Maria and Matteo punished, bu