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A sharp knock at the door freezes us both.

“Isadora?” Luca’s voice calls through the wood, sending ice down my spine. “Are you in there?”

Stefano’s expression darkens, but his movements are swift and silent as he helps me straighten my clothing. In seconds, there’s a respectable distance between us, all evidence of our encounter erased save for my flushed cheeks and swollen lips.

“Just a moment,” I call, forcing steadiness into my voice.

Stefano moves to the window, assuming the position of a security check as I smooth my hair and take a deep breath. When I open the door, Luca stands there with suspicious eyes and a tight smile.

“Darling,” he greets, gaze immediately moving past me to Stefano. “I wasn’t aware you had company.”

“Mr. Gravano was updating me on the new security protocols,” I explain, the lie flowing smoothly. “After what happened with the shipment last night.”

Luca’s eyes narrow, but he plasters on a smile that doesn’t reach them. “Of course. Safety first.” He turns to Stefano. “I’m sure you have other duties to attend to, Gravano. I’ll take it from here.”

It’s a dismissal, one that Stefano can’t reasonably refuse without raising more suspicion. He nods, the perfect professional. “Of course, Mr. Calviño. Miss De Angelis, we’ll continue our discussion later.”

As he passes Luca, something electric and dangerous crackles between them—two predators assessing each other, one unaware they share the same blood.

Once Stefano is gone, Luca enters my room and closes the door behind him. His presence feels invasive in a way Stefano’s never does, despite their similar builds and commanding presences. Where Stefano radiates controlled power, Luca exudes entitled dominance.

“I have news,” he says, reaching for my hand.

I allow him to take it, suppressing a shudder at his touch. “About the shipment?”

“About the wedding.” His smile turns genuine, which worries me more than his anger. “We’re moving it up. Day after tomorrow.”

The floor seems to drop from beneath me. “What? But the preparations—”

“Are being accelerated.” He squeezes my hand too tightly. “In light of recent events, both our fathers agree that solidifying our alliance quickly is imperative.”

Two days. Not four. The timeline Stefano has so carefully constructed is collapsing.

“Why the rush?” I ask, struggling to maintain my composure. “Surely after the theft, we should be focusing on security, not wedding plans.”

“That’s exactly why we need to proceed.” Luca’s thumb rubs possessive circles on my wrist. “To show strength. To demonstrate that nothing can disrupt what our families have built.”

I force a smile, though panic claws at my throat. “Of course. Whatever you think is best.”

His eyes search mine, looking for any sign of resistance. “You seem distracted lately, Isadora. Is there something you want to tell me?”

The question carries a threat beneath its surface. I meet his gaze steadily, years of practice keeping my expression neutral.

“I’m just anxious about the wedding,” I lie. “Everything’s happening so quickly.”

“Are you sure that’s all?” His hand rises to cup my cheek, the gesture possessive rather than affectionate. “You wouldn’t be keeping secrets from your future husband, would you?”

My heart hammers against my ribs, but I don’t flinch. “What secrets could I possibly have, Luca? My life’s an open book.”

The perfect daughter. The obedient fiancée. The lies come so easily now.

“Good.” He leans in, pressing a kiss to my lips that I force myself not to recoil from. “Because if I found out otherwise, the consequences would be... severe.”

The threat hangs between us, unmistakable. I nod, maintaining my mask of compliance while my mind races with implications. Two days. We have two days to execute a plan meant for four. And Luca suspects something—maybe not the full truth, but enough to be dangerous.

“I should tell my mother about the change,” I say, needing distance from him. “There’s so much to reorganize.”

“She already knows. Everyone does.” He releases me, stepping back. “I just wanted to tell you personally. To see your reaction.”