Page 128 of Made for Sinners

“Something like that.”

He stopped in front of me, his gaze sweeping over my body in a way that made my skin burn. Then he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small red box.

Cartier.

My breath caught.

“For you, my princess,” he said simply, flipping the lid open to reveal a diamond necklace—delicate, brilliant, and unmistakably expensive. The kind of gift that said I own the world, and I want you to wear it.

I didn’t move.

He stepped behind me, brushing my hair over one shoulder, and fastened the necklace around my throat. His fingers were warm against my skin, his touch reverent. When he was done, he pressed a kiss to the back of my neck.

"Although, you're my Queen, Princess just does something to me."

I rolled my eyes as he chuckled.

“You look absolutely stunning,” he murmured.

I turned to face him, my hand brushing the front of his shirt. “You’re trying to distract me.”

“It’s working.”

I rolled my eyes, but the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me. He offered his arm, and I took it, letting him lead me out of the bedroom and down the hall.

The estate was already buzzing. Staff moved quietly through the space, setting up the last of the arrangements. The Conti estate might’ve been the official setting for family dinners, but tonight, Dante had insisted on hosting.

His house. His rules.

And everyone was coming.

Even my family.

The thought made my stomach twist.

We stepped into the main room, and I could already see the gathering storm. Rafe stood near the fireplace, drink in hand, his expression unreadable. Rafe and Luca were arguing over something that involved a lot of hand gestures and a bottle of whiskey.

And then there was my family.

My brothers stood near the bar, already halfway through their first drinks, their suits slightly wrinkled and their expressions wary.

Dante’s hand stayed at the small of my back as we moved through the room, greeting people, exchanging pleasantries that felt more like veiled threats. Everyone smiled. Everyone lied.

It was a mafia dinner, after all.

But beneath the surface, I could feel it—the tension. The anticipation. Like everyone was waiting for something to happen. Like we were all standing on the edge of a cliff, pretending we didn’t see the drop.

Dante leaned in close, his lips brushing my ear.

“Smile, wife,” he murmured. “We’re about to put on a show.”

I did.

Because I knew how to play the part.

And tonight, I was wearing diamonds.Cartierdiamonds.

So I smiled. Or at least, I wore something that looked like one. A practiced curve of the lips, a softening of the eyes—just enough to pass. Just enough to make the room believe I was the perfect Conti wife, draped in diamonds and loyalty.

---