Lina’s POV
Marcio’s smile lingered, it was slow, knowing, predatory like he had planned it all. It made my stomach twist, my blood run cold. But I refused to let them see it.
I didn’t want to be here. Didn’t want to be part of their traditions, their bloodlines, their power games dressed up as “structure.” I wanted air. Space. A life that didn’t feel like a cage lined with velvet and gold. I want freedom.
I turned slightly toward Carlino.
If anyone could stop this… it was him. And I hated that I needed him to. I hated that I was depending on him. I hated the fact only he could take me out of this.
But his face—
It was carved from stillness. He looked composed. Like a man who had nothing to worry about. A man who's life was void of chaos. When infact it was the exact opposite.
He s
