Beneath His Hidden Love

Cold desire

Moretti's gaze turned ice-cold. "You heard me, Lucian."

"You tricked me?"

"No. I'm trying to safeguard whatever humanity is left in my son." Moretti said. "There's a big difference."

Lucian chuckled darkly. "You think a mere slut could erase your atrocities?"

"No, son. But this slut is different."

"She's nothing like my mother," Lucian murmured

"Just—"

"Just a reflection?" Moretti asked.

"Exactly, Father."

"Deadly or not, let's see if you can hurt your mother's doppelganger."

Lucian glared then walked away. "Let's see about that."

Footsteps approached.

Nathalie hurried into the shower and slipped behind the door. She barely caught her breath before Lucian entered.

His gaze swept across the room before settling on the shower. "Don't make me come get you."

Her stomach tightened.

Slowly she stepped out.

Lucian studied her. His mask hid his face. His stare made her pulse jump.

"Why aren't you ready?"

Nathalie tilted her head. "For what?"

His eyes darted to hers. "We're a couple now, Treasure. Which means I have every right to wreck you tonight."

Nathalie stiffened.

He's absolutely shameless.

He stepped closer, invading her space. His fingers brushed lightly against her lips. "I guess you don't remember me."

"I've never met you before today, sir."

His voice purred. "You were so clumsy today. I bet you'll remember me when the time is right."

"I'm sorry I rejected you. I was scared."

His fingers traced her breast, and Nathalie's breath hitched.

"Rejection left a mark, Treasure."

His touch grew firmer around her breast.

"Please..." she breathed, gripping him close. "You're hurting me."

The tears in her eyes stopped him.

Nathalie stumbled back, hugging herself. Her chest heaved. "You're a monster."

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "I've been called worse."

Neither moved. The silence felt deafening.

Lucian stepped away. "I don't keep maids in my mansion, but Taran insisted you have them."

"What kind of mafia billionaire doesn't have maids?"

"Not a billionaire, Treasure." His brow lifted. "I make trillions."

She scoffed. "Show-off," she muttered.

"If anything arises, inform Taran. Stay out of my library and private offices. And if you interrupt any of my business meeting," his voice dropped. "You won't live to regret it."

Nathalie twisted her dress.

"Nod if you understand."

She nodded.

"Good girl."

He turned toward the door and paused. "Tomorrow, and every other day after, you'll learn what it means to be part of the Romano."

The door clicked shut.

She went still, staring after him. She exhaled sharply.

Why did his presence frightened her—yet somehow felt familiar.

It was two a.m, Nathalie tossed beneath the sheets, unable to sleep. Lucian's voice kept replaying in her head.

Finally she slipped out of her bed and crept to the living room downstairs. She tried the door handle but locked.

"Damn it."

Then voices drifted from the second floor, making her freeze. She followed the voices until she reached a half-opened room.

She peeked inside. A man stood on his knees, blood streaking his face.

"Boss, please. I can explain."

"You had your chance," Lucian said firmly.

The gunshot exploded through the room.

Nathalie gasped.

Her eyes caught his.

"An intruder," one of his men said.

Lucian watched Nathalie without blinking. "My wife."

Before she could run, guards surrounded her.

She backed away, trembling. "Please, I didn't see anything."

Lucian walked toward her. "Lower your weapons."

The men immediately obeyed.

He stopped before her, towering over her trembling frame. "Come closer."

She shook her head.

"Now," he commanded.

Her feet moved before her fear could stop them.

Lucian caught her wrist. "You disobeyed me."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep."

"And your solution was wandering into a room that you don't belong?"

She lowered her gaze.

His grip tightened. "Look at me when I'm talking to you."

She looked up. Tears spilling down her cheeks.

"Are you scared of me?"

She nodded.

"Good. Then next time follow my rules and stay in your f*****g room." He turned toward Taran. "Take care of the body."

"Yes, Boss."

He whipped around. "Downstairs." His expression darkened as he released her. "Now."

She ran without looking back.

"Enzo, make sure she stays in her room tonight. I don't want another surprise."

"Yes, Boss."

He left.

The morning sun hung high, bathing the city in golden heat. Vera strode into Lucian's mansion without permission. She climbed the stairs, but stopped halfway up.

Female laughter drifted from Lucian's room, followed by clinking glasses and muffled kisses.

Her jaw locked.

Cigarette smoke stung her nose as she walked inside. Perfume and alcohol hung thick in the air.

"Lucian!"

He didn't look up. One woman kissed his neck while the other lounge against his chest.

Vera folded her arms, hiding her trembling fingers. "Is this a brothel now? At least have some standards, Lucian."

One of the girls snorted. "Must you always make such an entrance?"

Vera clenched her teeth. "You heard that, didn't you?"

Lucian calmly raised his glass. "They're free to speak, Vera."

"Really?" She glared at them. "I'm impressed. Four whores, yet you look bored."

"Jealous?" Another girl asked.

Vera stepped closer, lips curling. "Poor slut."

The girl frowned.

"Women like you borrow confidence from men's beds. Don't mistake that for dignity," Vera drawled.

Lucian's low laugh cut through the room.

Vera stared at him. "Now you look entertained."

"You do have a talent for making a scene," Lucian said.

"Then get rid of these sluts."

His expression sharpened. "Leave us."

The girls scrambled from the bed. Within seconds, the room fell silent.

Vera sighed. "You're damn wicked."

"Yet you love it."

"I doubt that."

He sipped his wine. "Our engagement is off, so I believe you know what we have now."

She stepped closer. "We're convenient for each other."

Lucian nodded. "Then why keep blowing up my f*****g phone?" He snapped.

Vera grinned. "How could you move on so quickly like what we had wasn't precious? I'm not a machine, Lucian." She averted her gaze. "I want more."

His fist flexed before releasing the glass. It shattered against the floor.

She flinched.

He caught her arm, pulled her close, and kissed her hard. Before she could respond, he pushed her away. Vera fell onto the glass. A sharp sting cut into her skin.

"Ouch!"

"That's a taste of my mercy for coming here unannounced. Your love fantasy doesn't concern me."

She rose slowly, blood trickling down her legs.

"You aren't my type, Vera. Accept it and make peace with it," Lucian seethed.

Her eyes glistened. "What don't you see in me as a woman? I'm loyal, my family is influential, and I understand your line of business. I can be whatever you want."

Lucian lit his cigar and blew the smoke between them. "You're chaos." His voice was low.

"But I love you."

"The only thing you love is the man you've imagined. You don't even know what I look like."

Vera's heart dropped. "What about Nathalie? Does she possessed the qualities of your heart desire?" Her breath trembled. "Does she know the real you? Is she more important than I am?"

He held her gaze. "Maybe."

The word shattered her.

Her lips parted.

"Do you... love Nathalie?"