Vivienne's POV " Shit . " Lisa's face paled . " He didn't tell you ? Elias comes from one of the biggest mafia families in Italy . The Baliy . You've never heard of them ? " My blood ran cold . " Weapons and drugs . That family ? " Lisa nodded grimly . " Yep . The biggest . If you thought Kael was bad in New York , imagine him multiplied by a hundred . " She sank onto the bed with a sigh . " How do you know Elias ? " " He saved me . From a robbery . I thought he was hurt and tried to drag him to a hospital ... " Lisa's eyes went wide . " So he played knight - in - shining - armor ? No wonder you agreed to a date . But V - you haven't dated anyone since Kael , and the first man you let close is a mafia prince ? That's beyond dramatic . " She stopped , studying me with a look that was half gossip , half concern . " If you keep seeing him , there's no way you won't cross paths with Kael again . Elias is here to expand his family's business into the States . That's why he's in London - to test the waters . " " No , " I said firmly , standing . " I'm not continuing anything with him . I'm done with the mafia and all its rot . " I left the room , grateful that Elias and I hadn't traded contacts . Men like him had women flying at their feet . He'd forget me soon enough . I told myself I was sure of it . I was at a nearby vineyard three days later , mid - conversation with the owner , when I saw him . Elias . What was he doing here ? And he saw me , too . His eyes lit up , and he started toward me . " That's all for now , Vivienne . My assistant will be in touch , " the vineyard owner excused himself just as Elias closed the distance . " Vivienne , " Elias said , his voice low and warm . " I've been trying to find you . Lisa told me you were busy . " Lisa . She must have been trying to keep him away . But fate - or misfortune - had a sense of humor . " Hey , " I said lightly , forcing a smile , edging a step back . " Business has been crazy . How are you ? Lisa mentioned you were only visiting . " Elias noticed the retreat instantly . His smile faltered . " Are you not happy to see me ? " 1/3 +25 Bonus " No , it's not that . " My words stumbled . " 1 ... " " Did I frighten you ? " His expression was almost wounded , like my distance was cutting him . " No- " " Then why , " he pressed , brows furrowing , " do I feel you pulling away ? You were fine on our first date . " " I just ... have a headache , that's all . " Before I could blink , Elias scooped me up into his arms . Effortless . Carried me like a princess toward his car . " What are you - Elias , put me down ! " I struggled , but it was useless . His grip was steady , immovable . He set me in the passenger seat , buckled me in himself . His mouth was a grim line , no trace of his usual teasing smile . " You need to take better care of yourself , Vivienne . " " I'm not- " He drove me straight to a hospital . Only after the doctor declared me perfectly healthy did the tension ease from his face . Guilt tugged at me . My excuse had rattled him more than I expected . " Elias ... " I began . 6 : " Come with me tonight , " he interrupted , his gaze softening . " A party . Will you ? " His eyes had that pleading edge , almost boyish . " A party ? " My instinct was to refuse . But after I'd just lied to him , dragged him into worry ... I hesitated . Then nodded . " Sure . " The party was at London's grandest hotel , chandeliers dripping light across the gilded ballroom . I hadn't taken two steps inside before I recognized faces . Familiar . Too familiar . Mafia heirs and brats , polished up in tuxedos , sipping champagne . Cold dread slid down my spine . If they were here ... " Vivienne . Long time no see . " Kael's voice . My blood turned to ice . I turned . There he was . Kael . He strode toward me . His hand lifted - about to touch . But before he could , a hand slid firmly around my waist . " This rude man , " Elias said coolly , his accent sharper , " why are you bothering my guest ? " 2/3 +25 Bonus Kael froze . His eyes cut to Elias , then down to where Elias's hand rested against me . His lips curled into a smile that wasn't a smile at all . " So this is why you couldn't even bother to say goodbye ? " His voice was venom - laced silk . " To be with another man ? " " Don't , " I warned quickly , glancing at the crowd . " Not here . Too many eyes . " But Kael's gaze was wild , unhinged . I'd seen that look before . " Why ? " he sneered . " Afraid they'll accuse you of cheating ? " " Me ? Cheating ? " My laugh came sharp , bitter . " Have you lost your goddamn mind ? You're the one who cheated . You - who got an innocent girl pregnant and lied to her . " I hadn't wanted to drag Nyssa into this . But Kael had forced my hand . " That's right . Where's Nyssa ? Where did you take her , you evil bitch ! " Kael roared at me . " No one took me anywhere . " The voice rang out behind him - steady , clear . Nyssa . " I already told you in my letter , " she said , stepping into the light . " I left you . My decision . Mine alone . " Support Share