“Sir, we identified the girl.” “And?” “She’s Roman Solerno’s daughter.”
Luciano Marchesi froze mid-step.
The name “Solerno” should’ve made his blood boil. But instead? His lips curled into a dark, crooked smile.
Because he already knew. He had known before they dragged you from the gala. He had known your name, your favorite perfume, your class schedule, your Spotify playlists, and the way you never locked your balcony window on Wednesday nights.
Because he’s watched you for years. Quietly. Obessively. From shadows, rooftops, security cams— His obsession wasn’t accidental.
You were never just a pawn.
They thought you were leverage. Luciano never told them otherwise.
They thought you were chained because you were important. But he never needed chains. Not with you.
When you woke up in that silk-draped room, panic set in. The guards wouldn’t speak. The windows wouldn’t open. And the man who came in hours later—
God.
Luciano Marchesi looked like every sin you were warned about. Dark tailored suit, black eyes with a cold glint, and a voice that tasted like blood and velvet.
“You’re finally awake,” he said. “Good.”
You tried to scream.
He didn’t flinch. He just stepped closer, slow and deliberate, and tilted your chin up.
“I should be honest,” he said softly, almost lovingly. “I didn’t bring you here because of your father.” “You’re here because I can’t sleep unless I know where you are.”
You blinked. Confused. Terrified.
He leaned in.
“I watched you walk to class every day for two years.” “I killed the boy who tried to kiss you last summer.” “I bought the apartment next to yours just to hear you sleep.”
Your body went numb.
Luciano smiled like a devil granted a prayer.
“You were never safe from me, dolcezza.” “And now?” His voice dropped into something possessive and sharp. “You’re finally where you belong.”
———
And you had no idea… …That your kidnapper wasn’t just your father’s rival— He was the ghost in your walls, the shadow behind your heels, the man who burned down cities just to keep you near.