Broke Waitress Grasps the Mafia King’s Wrist in Front of a Crowded Room—His Retaliation Leaves Her Begging Behind Closed Doors

Bella pulled back from his touch, her eyes flashing fire. "Are you insane? I'm a waitress from Queens! I don't know your world. I don't know your rules. If those people find out I'm an imposter, they'll slaughter me."

"They won't find out," Aleandro said coolly, turning back toward the fire. "Because by tomorrow night, you won't be an imposter. You will belong to me. Publicly. Legally. Undeniably."

"And if I say no?"

"Then I withdraw the grant," he replied, without an ounce of cruelty in his tone, merely stating a mathematical fact. "The clinic closes on Friday. Your brother returns home to a twin mattress in a drafty apartment. And you can watch him fade while you polish water glasses for Henderson."

Tears of pure, white-hot fury stung Bella's eyes. "You are a monster."

"I am an investor, Bella. And right now, you are the highest-risk asset in my portfolio." He walked to his desk, picked up a heavy black velvet box, and opened it. Inside rested an enormous emerald-cut diamond, flanked by tapered baguettes, catching the firelight with blinding brilliance. "Put it on."

"I hate you," she hissed.

"Good. Hate will keep you sharp. Love makes people stupid." He took her left hand. His fingers were surprisingly warm, their grip gentle yet unbreakable. He slid the heavy ring onto her fourth finger. It was a perfect fit.

"Tomorrow morning, a car will bring you to an atelier on Fifth Avenue. You will be measured, styled, and briefed on my family history. You will learn the names of my enemies, their wives, and the debts they owe. When we walk into the Bellagio Club, you will not look at the floor. You will hold my arm as if you own the blood running through my veins."

"And what happens when the six months are over?" she demanded, staring at the ring that felt heavier than an iron chain.

Aleandro leaned down until his breath stirred the hair against her temple. "If we survive New Jersey... you walk away with Marco, five million dollars in clean bearer bonds, and a life where nobody can ever threaten you again."