I had been terrified on my first day here, too.

It was a total wonder how easily I had adapted to this place—how I had gone from a trembling captive in an underground cellar to a Mafia boss’s submissive, and now, to the undisputed Signora of this estate. My feelings had shifted so drastically during my stay, transforming fear into something far more dangerous.

The hours bled away as I sat in the grand lobby chatting with Ginevra, who stubbornly refused to leave without meeting Sullivan face-to-face.

Sullivan hadn't returned early as expected. As the afternoon light faded into dusk, Gin's nervous energy grew unbearable. I looked at her, deciding...