THE MAFIA’S ORPHAN WIFE

HIS RULES

I woke up in a room that wasn’t mine.

White sheets. White walls. White everything.

It looked like a hotel. Except hotels didn’t have armed guards at the door.

Last night came rushing back.

James. Sarah. The bar. The marriage certificate.

Adrian Moretti.

Mrs. Moretti.

I sat up fast and regretted it. My head was pounding from the alcohol.

The door opened before I could move.

And there he was.

Adrian.

In a black suit. No tie. Sleeves rolled up. Like he owned the world and didn’t have to try.

"Good morning, wife," he said. His voice was calm. Too calm.

I pulled the blanket up. "Where am I?"

"My house," he said simply. "You’re safe here."

Safe. The word felt foreign.

When was the last time I felt safe?

He walked to the window and looked out. "We need to talk. About the rules."

My stomach dropped. "What rules?"

He turned to face me. Those black eyes pinned me in place.

"Rule 1: This marriage is on paper only. No touching. No dating. No love."

I nodded quickly. Good. I didn’t want that either.

"Rule 2: You will attend all events with me. As my wife. You will smile. You will look perfect. You will not embarrass me."

"Okay..."

"Rule 3: You do not ask questions about my business. You do not go places I don’t allow. You do not talk to the press."

That one stung. "So I’m your prisoner?"

"You’re my protection," he corrected. "From James. From debt collectors. From anyone who thinks they can hurt an orphan girl."

The word orphan again. How did he know everything?

"Rule 4: This lasts for one year. After that, I pay you 5 million dollars and we divorce. Clean break."

Five million.

I almost choked. "Why would you do that?"

"Business," he said. "I need a wife for a merger. You need money and safety. It’s a transaction."

Transaction. Right.

So why did it hurt to hear that?

"Rule 5," he said, and his voice dropped lower. "You don’t fall for me, Lanny."

I laughed. It sounded broken. "Don’t worry. I’m done falling for men."

He studied me for a long second. Like he didn’t believe me.

"Breakfast is downstairs. My assistant will get you clothes. Be ready in one hour. We have a gala tonight."

He turned to leave, then stopped at the door.

"And Lanny?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. For signing."

Then he was gone.

I sat there for a long time. Staring at the ring on my finger.

A simple black band. It felt like a cage.

But for the first time in 3 years, no one was yelling.

No one was lying to me.

No one was making me feel small.

Maybe this wrong decision... wasn’t so wrong after all.

Until my phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

Text: `You think you’re safe with him? He’s worse than James. Run while you can. - S`

Sarah.

I dropped the phone like it burned me.

The devil might be protecting me.

But he also made enemies.

And now, I was one of them.