He looks at me like I’m his even though we’re both engaged to other people.
Makes me crave what I shouldn’t want.
And when he finally touches me?
It’s hot enough to set this city on fire.
But once you start an inferno, it’s impossible to control the burn.
When we ignite a war neither of us saw coming, everyone I love is at risk.
And the dangerous Mafia kingpin I can’t have?
He’s the only one who might be able to save me.
Chapter One
Allegra
“I said no lobster,”I remind the party planner as I look at the sheets of broiled, butterflied tails being expertly prepped by the staff. “The bride is allergic to shellfish.”
“I’m aware of that dietary restriction,” Gabby says, looking down at her tablet and frowning. “It’s marked on the preference sheet. But I have a note here that Mr. Bruni requested lobster tails. Two hundred of them.”
Two hundred lobster tails? That’s one for each guest. And the cost…
I shudder to think how much the private club I rented to host Serafina’s engagement party charges for that many cold-water lobster tails. There’s no way we can afford it. But it’s just like my father to want to put on a show.
He’s over the top, larger than life. He’s an old-school Mafia don, and he rules with an iron fist. He’s also broke, but he’s too proud to acknowledge it. A few bad deals, some moneymismanagement from a trusted capo, an investment gone sour, and we’re in desperate straits.
Which is why he’s marrying my twin sister off to Lucky Andriani.
We have something the Andrianis need—territory. And they have something my father needs—money.
Not to mention an understanding from a long time ago between the last Andriani don and my father. With only one Andriani brother left single, Papa decided it was time to call in the practically ancient debt owed him. It was either that or start selling off his prized car collection.
“I didn’t realize my father made additions to the menu.” I force a tight smile for Gabby’s benefit. Appearances are everything in the Bruni family, and I can’t allow her to see how worried I am about the additional cost. “My mistake. Can you please make sure no lobster is served near my sister?”
“Of course.” Gabby is no-nonsense as she checks her list again. “Mr. Bruni also added the Wagyu beef to accompany the lobster. Should one of the filets be served to the bride?”
I swallow down my rising panic. “That would be lovely. Medium rare, please.”
“Should we change the positioning of the raw bar?” Gabby asks next. “It’s currently next to the sweetheart table, but we have time to swap it with the caviar station.”
I wasn’t aware of the caviar or the raw bar. Serafina is going to hate this, but it doesn’t matter. It’s not like she wants to have this engagement party or even this engagement. Like me, she’s doing her duty.
When you’re born a Bruni, obedience is part of your DNA.
“Caviar would be better than the raw bar,” I tell the party planner, making the executive decision.
Seriously. What was Papa thinking? He knows Serafina can’t even bear the smell of seafood after the violent reaction she had to Lobster Newburg as a kid.
“Does the groom have any allergies I should be aware of?”
I blink, focusing on Gabby’s sleek, gray bob which has an uncanny ability to stay completely immobile, even when she moves her head. “I have no idea.”
Because the groom refused to answer any of my texts or calls.
I haven’t met Luca “Lucky” Andriani yet, but I already don’t like him.