Queen of Shadows

The morning light filtered through the heavy drapes of her bedroom, casting a soft glow over the r

n't just a man trying to take control of her family's empire-he was a man who thrived in the shadows, who knew how to bend others to his will with the m

And that made him al

te, given what she had lost. As she fastened her necklace, her mind shifted to the day ahead. She needed

houghts. It was Sofia, one of the maids who ha

es filled with concern. "Your uncle asked me to bring you to his

that she was to be married to Luca, and already her uncle was making plans as if

about to walk blin

ere shortly," she replied

arly wanting to say more, but she

her mother's eyes, her father's strength, and a glimmer of defiance. If they wanted

arriag

nsive whiskey. Enzo sat behind the large oak desk, leaning back in his chair with a self-satisfied smirk. Beside him

motioned for her to sit across f

her posture straight, her hands folded in her

es. There are many details to sort out, but most impor

er opinion-he was testing her. If she showed resistance, he would use it

Alessa said smoothly. "B

fted, clearly surp

her voice steady. "I want control over

fading from his face as he tried to gauge

modity," she said, her tone sharp, "I'd at l

ly unsure of how to respond. But Enzo's expression softened, hi

can handle the wedding details. But don't forget, Aless

refusing to back down.

s Invi

ements. But her mind was elsewhere, focused on her growing need to find a way out. She had contro

ock came at the door of her office. Mar

an, "Mr. DeLuca has s

in her chair. "Wha

name embossed at the top. She opened it, reading

sand

ou tomorrow at th

much to

L

wanted to discuss. This was Luca's way of asserting control, of remi

to do?" Marco as

re slipping it back into its envelope. "I'l

eLuca

every bit as grand as her own family's, but there was something darker about it. The towering iron gates, the tall hedges that seemed t

they reached Luca's private office. The walls were lined with dark wood panelling, the air thick with the s

s below. He didn't turn when she entered, but she knew he was aware of her pr

e smooth as he finally turned t

g in every detail. This was Luca's domain, his kingdom, and she

lied, her voice cool as she crossed the roo

here's always a choice, Alessa. You just h

hands in her lap as she looked up at

nst it as he crossed his arms. His eyes never left her

an eyebrow.

t clear last night that you don't see this marriage

want, Luca?" Alessa

voice low and dangerous. "I want control, Alessa. Over this city,

ut she didn't flinch

d. "Then you'll find that refusi

e O

ng in the air. Alessa knew this was a turning point-either she could resist him and risk lo

ly, her voice steady. "If this is going to be a p

But understand this, Alessa: control doesn't come without

art racing, but her voic