Page 50 of Shattered Engagement

Either way, blood will flow. The only question is whose blood it will be, and whether what Isadora and I have built can survive the crimson tide.

17

Isadora

The chandelier above the rehearsal dinner glitters like a thousand watchful eyes. I sit at the head table beside Luca, my prison guard disguised as a fiancé, and force another smile as guests raise their glasses in yet another toast to our “blessed union.” My champagne tastes like ash in my mouth.

Tomorrow, I’m supposed to become Mrs. Luca Calviño. The thought makes my skin crawl.

“You look beautiful tonight,” my mother whispers, leaning close as she adjusts the strap of my burgundy gown. “The perfect bride.”

If only she knew. If only any of them knew what waits on the horizon. The storm Stefano and I have set in motion will shatter both our families by this time tomorrow. Their blessed union will end in blood.

I scan the room, finding Stefano instantly despite the crowd. He stands near the exit, ever the vigilant protector, his amber eyes occasionally meeting mine across the sea of black ties and evening gowns. To anyone else, he’s merely Alessio Gravano, the stoic enforcer assigned to guard the precious De Angelis bride. But I see beneath the mask to the man underneath—to Stefano Calviño, the rightful heir returned from the dead, the man whose touch sets my body aflame.

The man I’ve risked everything for.

“Smile, darling,” Luca hisses through gritted teeth, his fingers digging into my thigh beneath the table. “The governor’s watching.”

I plaster on my society smile, the one I’ve perfected over years of being the De Angelis princess. “Of course, my love.”

The endearment tastes sour on my tongue.

Giancarlo rises from his seat, commanding attention without raising his voice—a skill his son has inherited. I watch him closely, this man who ordered the murder of his wife and attempted to kill his own son. He looks distinguished in his custom tuxedo, with his silver hair perfectly styled, not a hint of the monster lurking beneath the polished exterior.

“Tomorrow,” he begins, raising his glass, “two great dynasties unite as one. The Calviño and De Angelis families, bound by more than business—bound by blood and marriage.”

Ironic, I think, that he speaks of blood when he so easily spilled his own.

My father stands beside him, pride evident in his posture. “To Luca and Isadora,” he says, lifting his glass higher. “May their union bring prosperity and peace to all.”

The room erupts in applause. Luca squeezes my hand too tightly as we stand, the picture-perfect couple. His smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

“A few words from our groom?” Giancarlo suggests, gesturing to his son.

Luca steps forward, dragging me with him. “I’m a fortunate man,” he begins, the rehearsed speech flowing smoothly. “To have captured the heart of the most beautiful woman in New York.”

Captured. As if I were prey. The accuracy of his word choice makes me shiver.

“Though sometimes,” he continues, his tone shifting subtly, “I wonder if I truly have her heart at all.”

The room falls silent. This wasn’t part of the script.

“My bride seems... distracted lately,” Luca says, his fingers digging painfully into my waist. “Perhaps her thoughts are elsewhere? Or with someone else?”

My blood freezes in my veins. Does he know? Has he discovered our secret?

I force a laugh, trying to diffuse the tension. “The only distraction is planning such an elaborate wedding in so little time.”

A murmur ripples through the crowd—some amused, others uncomfortable at the public display.

“Is that so?” Luca’s smile is razor-sharp. “Then you won’t mind proving your devotion.”

Before I can react, he pulls me against him, his mouth crashing down on mine in a bruising kiss that’s more possession than affection. I remain rigid in his arms, fighting the urge to push him away, conscious of the hundreds of eyes watching us.

When he finally releases me, he turns to the crowd. “See? Nothing to worry about.”

The laughter that follows is uneasy, but the moment passes. Crisis averted, at least temporarily.

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