Luciano sat at the head of the long dining table, fingers tapping the glass in front of him. Across from him sat the woman he was now forced to call his wife.

She was calm. Too calm.

“You’re late,” he said, not bothering to hide the irritation in his voice.

“I didn’t think you’d care,” she replied, meeting his gaze without flinching.

He stared at her, jaw tense. “Don’t mistake this for something real. You’re just part of a deal.”

She gave a small, empty smile. “Then stop looking at me like I ruined your life.”

Luciano stood without another word, turning away. He couldn’t stand the way she made him feel—like he was losing control.