Alessia Mancini
I felt Giovanni's hand on my lower back, a subtle gesture of support that sent warmth blooming through me. It was a reminder of how much had changed, how deeply entangled I'd become in this dangerous, seductive world.
I glanced at Giovanni, my stomach twisting. "I'm not even sure where to start at this point."
His fingers traced a soothing pattern on my back. "Perhaps the crux of the problem, mia leonessa. We can fill in the gaps later."
Riley's eyebrows shot up. "Okay, Alex, it is kind of sweet when he calls you his lioness."
I couldn't help but laugh, the sound tinged with a hint of hysteria. I reached for Riley's hand, grounding myself in the familiar warmth of her friendship.
"You know when we went for lunch, Signora Vitale wanted to talk to me?" I began, my voice
