"She thought the mafia boss would fire her for crying outside his office—until he heard the threat against her dying brother and quietly reached for his g.u.n. "

Clara’s breath hitched as Adrian’s lips found hers.

The kiss was soft at first, tentative and sweet, a gentle question asked in the warm firelight. But as Clara reached up, her hands sliding up his broad chest to wrap around his neck, the kiss deepened into something wild, passionate, and fierce—a promise forged in the midst of rain, blood, and danger.

Adrian pulled her close against his body, his strong arms wrapping around her waist, holding her as if she were the most precious, fragile thing in the world. Clara melted into his embrace, her fingers tangling in his dark, damp hair, completely surrendering to the overwhelming wave of heat and desire rushing through her veins.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless.

Adrian rested his forehead against hers, his eyes dark with passion, his hands remaining firmly planted on her hips.

"You're not going back to cleaning kitchens, Clara," Adrian whispered, his chest heaving. "Not in this house. Not in any house."

Clara gave a small, breathless laugh, her cheeks flushing red. "And what am I supposed to do instead?"

"Whatever you want," Adrian said, his voice entirely serious. "If you want to go back to university, I will pay for it. If you want to travel the world with your brother, I will buy the plane. If you want to stay here..."

He paused, looking deep into her eyes.

"...then you stay here as the mistress of this estate."

Clara stared at him, her heart overflowing with a warmth she had never known existed. "Adrian... you're a Marchetti. I’m just—"

"Don't say it," Adrian commanded gently, pressing his thumb against her lips. "Don't ever say 'just' again. You walked into a room full of dangerous men tonight and looked a traitor in the eye without blinking. You have more courage than half the captains sitting at my table."

He kissed her forehead softly.

"You belong here, Clara. With me."