Sweet Temptation

by Cora Reilly

“No discussion. How you create bloody sheets is up to you.”

“What is it you are su...

“I’m not suggesting anything,” Luca said. “I’m only telling you that I want to see bloody sheets, and I and everyone else will take them as proof of your wife’s ...

had been at the presentation of the sheets after his wedding night with Aria, but even as I tried, I couldn’t imagine Luca sparing anyone. I had seen him ripping out a man’s tongue for disrespecting Aria and had been there when he’d crushed his uncle’s throat.

While I didn’t fear dying, I loathed the idea of what that would mean for Daniele and Simona.

“I’ll do what you ask of me, Luca, like my father and I have always done.”

the small sunflowers woven into her hair and bridal bouquet.

Maybe wistfulness or even sadness. I remembered my first wedding. Sadness wasn’t part of my feelings when I thought of Gaia.

Now, as her soft lips touched mine and her sweet scent hit me, a deeply buried desire kindled inside me. Claiming her tonight wouldn’t be a problem. Being a better man definitely wasn’t in my future.

“Why didn’t you wear the diamond earrings I bought for you?”

“They didn’t match the flower arrangement.”

“Look happy, Giulia,” she whispered. “Don’t you realize how lucky you are? I’d have never thought we’d manage to marry you off to an Underboss, considering all of them were already married. This is such a stroke of luck.”

What was a stroke of luck? That Gaia Moretti had died, leaving two small children behind? That I was married to the man who might be responsible for her death?

“For God’s sake, try harder to look happy. Don’t r...

Mom didn’t even realize how cr...

“You finished this summer, right?” Mia asked.

“Yes. I thought I’d go to college, but…” “But you had to marry my brother.” “I would have had to marry either way, but as a wife of an Underboss, going to college is out of the question,”

“That’s true. You’ll be busy raising his kids, so you won’t be bored.”

I had absolutely no clue about kids. I’d read countless articles about raising kids in the last four months, but reading and doing were two very different things.

“You’ll be fine. I live close by. I can help if you don’t know what to do.”

Cassio must have heard because he frowned.

“You have two small kids of your own with a third on the way. You’ll have your hands full. Gi...

“Why don’t you order me to stop? Maybe my body obeys your command.”

“I expect you to choose your words more carefully in public. I’m your husband and you’ll respect me.”

“Understood?” “Understood, sir

“It’s my turn,” Christian said. My smile became less stiff as my brother took over. He gave me a quick smile as we began to dance.

“You don’t look happy that I’ll live in the same city as you soon.”

Christian shook his head. “Not at this price.”

“You mean me being married ...

“Only Luca, Mansueto, and Cassio know.” He hesitated. “And?”

“The clean-up crew. Both of them died shortly after in a tragic car accident.”

“Dad needs Cassio’s support to stay in power. Dad’s a weak boss. It’s only a matter of time before others will try to have him removed. With Cassio in the family, people will hesitate. If I already were in power, I wouldn’t have given you to him. I would have controlled our men myself.”

“He’s effective and brutal. He doesn’t tolerate disobedience. He’s got his men under control. Few men in our circles are as well respected as him. He’s the best Underboss that the Famiglia has at the moment.”

“Then tell me what to do to make this marriage with him work.”

He laughed mirthlessly. “How would I know?” Our dance ended, and he fell silent, his mouth twisting in disgust.

“Obey...

Despair weighed do...

Four months ago, my main concern was what kind of Pilates course I’d do and if I’d find time to finish a painting. Today, I had to worry about how to please a husband, who might have killed his wife and...

“Will you give this old man the honor of dancing with the bride?”

“Mansueto, please. We’re family now.”

“We’ll have to dance in one spot if you’re all right with that, young lady.”

“You’re very quiet. From what I hear, you’re not a quiet girl.”

Mansueto’s eyes were kind, but like his son, his reputation was chilling.

“My son’s reputation makes me proud,”

know he’ll rule over Philadelphia without trouble, even once I’m gone. But it’s a reputation that might unsettle a young woma...

“My wife and I raised my son to respect women, and from what I know, he does.”

He shook his head with an apologetic smile.

“If I ever tire of life, I’ll ask for that dance.”

“My son is a bit territorial, I’m afraid. You can dance with family, but please refrain from approaching other men. I’d hate to witness a conflict at your wedding.”

“Cassio is a difficult man, Giulia. I won’t lie.”