Settling Father's Debt

She was promised like property. He signed the contract without blinking.

Isabella has spent her life obeying the rules-silent, careful, invisible beneath the weight of her father's control. When she's forced into a marriage alliance with the cold and powerful Orlando Lombardi, she doesn't protest. She knows better.

Orlando isn't interested in soft things. He doesn't need affection. What he needs is loyalty-and the girl he's been given is a means to an end.

But behind quiet eyes, Isabella carries secrets. And beneath Orlando's steel exterior is a man who sees more than he should.

As power shifts and hidden loyalties threaten to surface, the house she's leaving-and the man she's bound to-may both be more dangerous than she imagined.

One home made her silent.
The other wants to hear her scream.

~

"Tell me to stop and I'll stop," he says, his voice rough with restraint. "If you don't tell me right now, I may not be able to hold myself back."

My body is vibrating with need, and I don't answer for a beat.

When I finally find my voice, the shock of my own words surprises me. "I need you, Orlando. Please."

Without another word, Orlando stands and scoops me up.

I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me up the stairs, our lips never parting.