The Mafia King's Temptation (Dante and Lucia) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26- Mind Your Place

Dame watched Mark Sullivan’s face fill another TV screen spouting poetic bullshit about “Inst love” and “regrets,” my legendary control threatened

to snop

“Tuum off,” I ordered through clenched teeth.

James, my campaign manager, hesitated with the remote. “Sir, you need to see this. The interview’s gone viral. His gallery appearances are drawing crowds. People are starting to question

said turn. li. Off”

The TV wem black, but the damage was done. Sullivan’s words echoed in my head: “When you truly love someone, you never stop fighting for them. And Lucia Valentini.. she was worth fighting for?

My hands curled into fists on my mahogany desk. The artist had been making rounds on moning shows, cultural programs, anywhere that would give him a platform to pant himself as the tragic romantic hero. The struggling artist who’d lost his muse to a powerful mafia heir

was calculated. Strategic Someone was backing hun, funding this media circus.

“Our sources confirm he’s received substantial support from multiple panties.” Marco reponed from his position by the window. Chen Medin Group Foster Industries

“My opponents.” I didn’t need the list. Every major player rd crossed, every rival Ed out maneuvered–they’d found their perfect weapon. A preity boy with a camera and a broken heart.

“The public’s eating it up,” James added, scrolling through his tablet. “The artist versas the mobster. True love against arranged marriage. 1r’s- “A fucking firy tale. The words came out as a groud. Find out who’s bankrolling him. Every donor, every connection. I want them all.”

Marco modeled already typing on his phone. But Junes shifted uncomfortably.

“Sir, about the campaign.. these stories are gaining traction. The polls-

“I don’t care about the polls.” My voice dropped to that dangerous register that made lesser men tremble. “I care about making Mark Sullivani Ciappear

“Disappear?” James went pale. “Mr. Romano, you can’t

“Can’t what?” I stood slowly, enjoying how he flinched. “Cank project who’s mine! Can’t silence someone who threatens everything we’ve built“ There are other ways-

“Are there?” Imoved to the window, staring out at my city. My empire. “Tell me, Jones, how do you suggest we handle this? More press releases? Carefully worded memes! While he’s ur there painting himself as the noble victim and Lucia as some trapped princess?”

The door opened before James could respond. Luch swept in, a vision in emerald silk that made my breath catch despite my rage. Her eyes blazed with that fire that had first draw mean her

“Everyone out” she commanded, her voice carrying that blend of Valentini authority and Romano steel she’d perfected.

Marco and James didn’t wait for my confirmation. They knew that one

When the door closed behind them, Lucia tamed those fience eyes on ine. “Have you lost your mind!“

“Probably couldn’t help the dark langli that escaped. “But not in the way you think.”

“Really?” She stalked closer, fearless as always “Because 1 just heard you talking about making Mark disappear. Please tell me you’re not actually considering-

“What? Removing a threat?” I closed the distance between us, backing her against my desk. “Protecting what’s mine?”

“He’s not a threat!” Her hunds pressed against my chest, but he didn’t push me away. “He’s just…hart. And being used by your enemies”

“Used““I caught her chin, forcing her to meet my gare. “Or willing? Tell me, car, do you really think his feelings are just an set? That he’s not still in love with you!”

Something flickered in her eyes–paint Regret? “His feelings don’t matter.”

“Don’t they?” My fingers tightened slightly. “Every time he appears on another show, talking about your love story, your comection. you expect me

to just watch?

“Yes!” She showed me back, her temper fluring. “Because that’s what rational people dol They don’t plot murders or kidnappings or

“Who said anything about murder?” I smiled, but there was no warmth in . “I was thinking more retirement. A nice villa in the South Pacific. Plenty of time to paint sunsets and write poetry about lost love.”

“You can’t do that. Her voice shook with anger or fear or both. Twon’t let you.”

“You won’t let me I moved closer acain, raging her against the desk. “And how exactly do you plan to stop ine, cara)”

“By handling it myself.” She lifted her chin defiantly. I talk to him. Make him understand

She will see and talk to him. Agala

“No.” The word crane out as a

as a growl.

12:58

Clupter 20 Mind Your Place

“No!” Her eyebrows shot up. “You don’t get to date who talk to, Danir.”

k against me

“When it comes to him? Yes, I do.” My hands gripped her hips, pulling her flush a

st me. “You’re mine, Lucia My fiancée. My wife in three weeks

She pushed against my chest again, but Theld firm. “And your possessive caveman mutine isn’t helping anything!”

“You’re impossible!” But her breath hitched as my mouth found her neck. “And arrogant. And

Iresponded instamly, hing her onto the desk as papers scattered to the floor. My hands pushed up her skin, finding bare skin that made me growl

with satisfaction.

“Tute you,” she gasped as my fingers found lace.

“No.“Tucked hard at her neck.

“Danie- Her · protest turned into a moon as my fingers slid beneath silk……

“Say you won’t see him.” I demanded againu her skin. “Promise me.”

Instead of answering, she pulled me back to her mouth, kissing me with a desperation that matched my own. But when I tried to deepen it, she bit my lip again and shoved ine hark

i don’t get to do this. Use sex to comrol me, to make me submit to your

“No.” She slid off the desk, straightening her dress with trembling hands. “You d posesive bildiyim”

‘Luria-‘

Tim going to talk to M

to Mark.” Her voice was steel now, all traces of desire buried beneath Valemini determination. “I’m going to handle this my way: