Alessia Mancini
I turned back to the mirror, my fingers tracing the edge of the bruise on my collarbone. The yellow dress I'd chosen hung nearby, its cheerful hue a stark contrast to the mottled purple of my skin. I frowned, a mixture of frustration and determination coursing through me.
"Damn," I muttered, more to myself than to Giovanni. "I didn't realise this one was still so visible."
I felt Giovanni's presence behind me, his warmth radiating against my back. His dark eyes met mine in the mirror, concern etched in the slight furrow of his brow.
"We can choose another dress if you'd prefer, mia leonessa," he offered, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine.
I shook my head, squaring my shoulders. "No, this is the one. We need to make a statement, remember?"
My mind
