r like whispered venom. A chill course

stood tall, silent, clinging to the last thre

ng she wouldn't allow, it was

ked, her voice so soft it

ith a calm, almost cynical smile, taking her hand

voice steadier now, though still weighte

, with the cold detachment of sta

es around them were mere masks-forced, tense

y, as long as you remem

all t

u give me your loyalty, and I keep your brother whole. It's not a

I don't

with a chilling nonchalance, as if discus

lmost without thinking, her vo

ile curl his lips-not an ordinary smile, b

brushing his fingers across her face wit

ce. Vittoria recoiled instantly, her b

w and calculated. "They're symbolic. Useful. And above a

're

to be," he declared, his voice shar

garden, as if dragging the past into the prese

o live with the monster

ne of his soldiers, discr

easured calm toward a man whose presence hushed the

he cold elegance of one who knew how to measure power in silence. His voice was

, gripping his hand firmly. "And since we won't have a honeymoon, for obvious reason

e touching his lips but not his eyes. "But

e far more than boldness," Vincenzo

oice thundered through the

rd Vincenzo, crossing the garden with cle

she threw her arms around him, holding him tightly against her. "Dio mio, you're alright..."

ace, his shoulders taut, his gaze locked

tered the wall his anger had built. Slowl

tered, breathless, his voice hoarse w

rying to soothe him, though her own

his tone dripping with mock admiration. "Just threaten to tear one apart, and sudd

sy glances, as if searchin

he verge of snapping, as if the fuse were alrea

ling away from Vittoria and taking a step forw

" Vincenzo replied, stepping closer and taking Vittoria's hand with a theatrical fl

, his eyes sweeping the garden for an

eir rigid expressions, carved in barely contained rage, said it al

ded, her voice choked, barely a whisper betwee

wedding was, I'm still in mourning. Burying my father and brother..." He paused, his eyes darkening,

demeanor shifted. The smile returned-slo

r. "Keep being sweetly obedient. Use that pretty mouth to make me forget, even if just for a few minutes,

back, her voice steady despite the tremor threatening

a master," Vincenzo whispered, his shadowed gaze bo

firmly and began leading her through the g