A hysterical laugh threatened to spill out, but I swallowed it down, steadying myself before finally finding my voice. "You should be telling Stefano this, not me."

A knowing smirk danced on Emiliano's lips, sending a shiver down my spine. "You know why I'm telling you, Gianna."

I shook my head, feigning ignorance. "No, I really don’t." His smirk faded, his gaze turning sharp and almost cutting.

"Don't insult my intelligence. I’ve been nothing but honest with you. I don’t expect total trust, but don’t lie to my face."

I took a shaky breath. "If you're implying that I’m Stefano’s mate, you're wrong."

"Are you so sure?" His eyes narrowed....