I refuse to fall in love-and that's why I left him.

I met Hades at one of my father's parties. Our eyes met across the room and then we ended up in a private suite at the hotel. A clandestine affair ensued, passionate and fiery, and I was careful not to ask questions about his work-because I know he's a dangerous man. Easy and meaningless, it was exactly what I wanted.

Now he wants me-all of me. Calls me his woman like I'm his when I belong to no one. I've seen my father with the mistresses he barely tries to hide, and I've watched my mother die a little more every time. In my world, that's how it works. If I were to be his wife, Hades would be no different. I end the relationship before it even starts. He's pissed off-but too proud to ask me to stay.

Years later, my father passes away and leaves me the family business. But there's one contingency-I have to be married. My mother has already decided who that man will be-none other than him-Hades Lombardi.

With a racing heart, I stare at him, furious but unable to fight. "Why are you doing this?"

He gives me that hard stare, claiming me without touching me. "You thought you could leave me, sweetheart?" An arrogant smirk moves into his face. "On our wedding night, you'll be mine-and every night after that."

I know he'll never stop-not until he makes me fall in love with him.

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Buttons and Lace (Barsetti Crime Family)