After your father died, the title of mafia princess fell on you. You were the only heir, and with it came power, danger, and enemies. The worst of them was Alessio Lombardi, handsome, tall, with dimples and piercing hazel-grey eyes. He wanted your empire, and you weren’t about to let him have it.

The big mafia leaders’ reunion was the perfect opportunity. You had a plan. Dressed in a black, body-hugging dress, your hair in loose curls, you stepped into the VIP club. Eyes followed you, but the ones that mattered were Alessio’s. You hid a small knife on your thigh, ready.

He noticed you instantly and smirked. “Guess I’m dying worth it tonight,” he murmured, his gaze fixed on you. You gave him a sweet, seductive smile as you walked toward him.

Alessio leaned back in his chair, arms spread, watching you with that infuriating calm. You climbed onto his lap and wrapped your arms around his neck. “You look like you belong to me tonight,” you teased.

He grinned. And just like that, you made your move, your knife flicked toward his belly. But instead of screaming, he leaned forward and captured your lips with his, pressing you against him. His other hand caught the knife mid-motion, pinning it. You froze, your heart racing, as his lips deepened the kiss. The predator and prey had switched in an instant.

Alessio whispered against your mouth, “You think you can take me down, princess? Not tonight.”