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I stand there, completely lost for words. I have no idea what the fuck just happened—or how the hell he found out. This was meant to stay under lock and key, and the only people who knew the truth were me and…

I shake my head.

Surely not. Surely he wasn’t stupid enough to go to my son.

The rage simmers just beneath my skin, threatening to break through. I ball my fists at my sides and breathe deeply, trying to calm the urge to kill that laps at my senses.

I want his head on a platter for what he’s done. He’s trying to undo my life, and I refuse to let that little cockroach win. I should’ve put a bullet in his head when I had the chance, and now I’m stuck dealing with the aftermath of a pest that refuses to die.

The blood rushes to my head, the pressure increasing with each passing second. I groan as I try to rub away the tension that’s settled in my face. I close my eyes and lean against the ledge, trying to center myself.

I have a room full of guests who will expect to see the groom, and he is?—

“Mr. Davacalli?”

A sweet, angelic voice snaps me out of my reverie.

My eyes rip open. “Maria.”

She stands by the door in her white cocktail dress, her hair flowing in the breeze. The light behind her hits her features perfectly, casting a gentle glow on her face. She shifts from side to side, unsure whether to come closer or stay where she is.

Stay where you are, little dove.

I’m a monster who can’t be trusted.

My unspoken words must reach her, because she remains at the threshold.

“I’m looking for Daniele.” I watch the small ball in the middle of her throat bob up and down.“He left the ballroom suddenly, and the party is about to end.”

“He had some business to attend to. As you know, our world waits for no one.” The lie falls from my lips easily. “He’ll be out shortly, I’m sure. I’ll go and find him.”

She doesn’t seem convinced. “Is… is everything okay?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t it be?”

Her hazel eyes take on a much bluer tone under the moonlight. They reflect the hue of the moon in them.

“It’s just… you’re a little tense. If everything is okay, then I’ll just head inside and wait for him to come back.”

I don’t like the way her eyes carry that sad gaze.

What alarms me more is how much I… care for this girl.

I don’t know if it’s because she reminds me of a lamb in a world full of wolves, just waiting to devour her.

You better keep her safe.

Marta Faravelli’s words echo in my mind, and I snap out of it.

“Go back inside. Don’t worry yourself with Daniele. He’ll be in shortly.”

She still seems unsure, but she nods and makes her way inside.

I watch her body retreat down the hallway without so much as a glance back my way. Her scent drifts onto the balcony behind her, and I have to physically stop myself from inhaling it like a starving man.

She is not mine to have. She never was.

It becomes a chant of sorts as I force my gaze away.