Page 5 of Wanton

"I…" I swallow. "I don't know what you're talking about." It's not a lie. I actually don't know what he's talking about. Who did my grandfather kidnap? When?

"I know you don't."

"Your brother killed him." It's not a question. I already know my grandfather is dead. Domani and Coda confirmed it, but I want to hear the truth from this man.

"Yes."

I nod silently, shivering as a chill rips through me. "My father? My b-brother?"

"Alive." Luca pauses. "They’ll stay that way so long as they bow to theCapo dei capi."

Will they? Marcello, perhaps. He has no interest in being king of kings. But my father? Will he bow? I don't know. Money talks as far as he's concerned. That's all he cares about. Money and what will make him the most of it.

Luca draws to a stop in front of me, tipping his head down to study me. This close, I see the flecks of gold in his mocha eyes. His rich, earthy scent tickles my senses, making my head spin again.

"You drugged me," I accuse, though the words come out breathless and trembling.

"No, Mattia gave you a mild sedative to calm you down. He was worried you were going to hurt yourself." A frown twists at his lips. "You don't remember?"

"I…" For a long, frightening moment, I don't remember. And then a little flash of memory floats to the surface of my mind. "I had a panic attack. In the SUV."

Luca nods. "You couldn't breathe." His gaze flits across my face, searching again. "How often do you have them?"

"That's not your business." Hell will freeze over before I tell this man anything about the attacks that leave me defenseless and gasping for breath. I've had them for years.

He sighs quietly. "Have it your way, then."

"Plan on it," I snap, lifting my chin in a haughty display even though my legs want to collapse beneath me.

That makes him smile for some reason. He's far too beautiful when he smiles, like a lion at rest. And exactly like a lion at rest, he's still capable of inflicting mortal damage with minimal effort.

"Callandria Genovese," he murmurs. "What should I do with you,principessa?"

I don't think he's talking to me, but I answer him anyway. "Let me go, Luca. I…I won't tell anyone I was even here. We can pretend it never happened."

"That doesn't work for me, princess." He reaches toward me, and I flinch backward, but there's nowhere for me to go. His fingertips trail down the side of my cheek before gently encircling my throat.

He doesn't squeeze, but he draws me closer, almost as if compelling me with nothing more than the command in his gaze and his hand around my throat. I sway toward him. Closer. Closer.

Until nothing but a tiny sliver of air separates our bodies. I feel the heat of him searing me, feel the way his aura kisses mine every time he draws a breath.

"The rumors about me aren't entirely wrong, princess," he says, turning his head to place his mouth against my ear. "And I find the sight of you chained to my bed far too appealing to give you up that easily."

Shock runs through me, humming like a bowstring pulled taut. I raise my arm, aiming a slap at his smug, arrogant face.

"Ah, ah," he croons, grabbing my hand before it connects. The bastard smiles. He actually smiles at me. "I'm not one of Tommaso's littlecoglioni.You hit me, and you'll be wearing my handprint on your gorgeous ass to remind you who makes the rules here,principessa."

"You wouldn't," I hiss, yanking my hand from his grip.

"Try me,bella," he growls.

"If you touch me, I'll never give you what you want, Luca Valentino. Never!"

He smiles again, his eyes dark with promise. "Oh, but you will, Callandria. You're going to give meexactlywhat I want because we both know the only thing you want more than you want out of this room is out of this life. And I'm the only one willing to give you the freedom you crave,principessa."

He's lying. I know he's lying. And yet…and yet the look in his eyes says he's dead serious. He's offering me an out. A chance at the future my own family denied me.

"Why? What do you want from me?"