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I turned from side to side, admiring my reflection in the mirror. The deep red gown hugged my curves perfectly, the intricate gold embroidery shimmering under the soft glow of the vanity lights. My dark waves cascaded over my shoulders, and for the first time in a long time, I felt powerful. This is my night.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called, expecting my stylist
“Come in,” I called, expecting my stylist.
Instead, my brother, Adam, stepped inside, grinning. “Damn, sis. You look incredible.”
I smirked, twirling slightly. “I know.”
Adam chuckled. “Good, Confidence looks good on you.” Then his grin widened. “Oh, and whatever you and
Zaverio did? It’s working. Nobody showed up at Tony and Stefano’s party. Everyone’s here instead.”
I giggled, a spark of excitement rushing through me. “That’s exactly how it should be.”
Adam leaned against the doorframe. “Yeah, well, don’t get too comfortable up here. The guests are getting antsy. They’re waiting to meet the mysterious Salvador heiress.”
I rolled my eyes playfully “Fine, fine. I’ll be down in a minute.”
Adam nodded. “Hurry up,” he said before stepping out.
Just as the door clicked shut, another knock came.
“Adam, I said I’ll be down soon,” I called, adjusting my earring.
A deep voice answered instead. “It’s not Adam.”
I froze
I turned slowly as the door opened, revealing Zaverio standing in the doorway, looking impossibly handsome in a tailored black suit. His dark eyes traveled over me, filled with something intense–something that made my breath
hitch
“You look… breathtaking,” he said, his voice smooth as silk.
Heat crept up my neck. I turned away, pretending to adjust the bracelet on my wrist. “What are you doing here?”
Zaverio stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “I came to see you,” he murmured. “And to escort you
downstairs.”
I swallowed. The room suddenly felt too small, the air too thick. I avoided his gaze, moving toward the vanity to grab my clutch.
But in my nervous shuffling, my heel caught the edge of the rug.
I let out a small gasp as I stumbled, arms flailing-
And then I wasn’t falling anymore.
Strong arms wrapped around my waist, steadying me before I could hit the floor. I gasped, my hands instinctively grasping Zaverio’s shoulders.
For a moment, everything stopped.
Our faces were inches apart, my lips just a breath away from his. I could feel the heat of his body, smell the faint scent of his cologne–dark, musky, intoxicating. My heart pounded wildly against my ribs.
lips.
Zaverio’s grip on me tightened slightly, his eyes darkening
“Careful,” he murmured, his deep husky voice sending shivers down to places I couldn’t even dare to think about.
I couldn’t breathe.
Then-
“Ciara!” Adam’s voice boomed from the hallway. “Are you ready or not?”
G
I jerked back, breaking the moment, my face burning. Zaverio let me go slowly, a knowing smirk playing on his
“Seems like we’re out of time,” he said, offering his arm.
I exhaled shakily before slipping my hand through his “Let’s go.”
The ballroom was alive with music, laughter, and clinking glasses. The grand chandelier sparkled overhead, casting a golden glow over the sea of guests dressed in their finest attire.
I walked in beside Zaverio, and all eyes turned toward them. A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd.
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“There she is,” Adam said, stepping beside her. “We’ll start the introduction soon.”
I nodded, still feeling slightly flustered from earlier. I needed a moment to collect myself.
“I’m stepping out for some air,” I told Adam.
He gave me a curious look but shrugged. “Don’t take too long.”
I made my way toward the balcony, inhaling the crisp night air as I stepped outside. The cool breeze kissed my heated skin, and I closed my eyes for a moment, willing myself to calm down.
Then I felt it.
A presence.
My eyes snapped open, and my breath hitched.
Across the courtyard, partially hidden in the shadows, stood Tony.
He wasn’t alone. Several of his men flanked him, but I barely registered them.
Because all I could see was him–his cold, furious stare locked onto me.
A shiver ran down my spine.
Tony wasn’t just angry.
He looked ready for war.
