Chapter 1
Four weeks later
I stand before the mirror in a wedding dress. The moment has arrived. For the wedding venue, Zayden and I chose the estate outside the city. My estate. His people and mine are stationed outside—a dense cordon of suits and weapons. No one will ruin this day.
— Rose, you are so beautiful! I never imagined I’d see you in a wedding dress — Ava exclaims while adjusting my veil.
— White covers many sins, doesn’t it? — I remark, checking the holster hidden beneath the ethereal satin on my thigh.
Ava hugs me tightly from behind, resting her chin on my shoulder. Her eyes sparkle in the mirror.
— Just try not to pull the gun before you say "I do." And get ready—after all this, Zayden is definitely going to be under your thumb. Billionaire or not, he has no chance against you.
— I’ll let him believe he’s in charge — I reply, pulling on the lace gloves. — At least until tonight.
— Poor man. He doesn’t know what he’s getting into yet.
— He knows very well — I interrupt her and turn toward the door. — Marco, is everyone in position?
— Yes, Donna. Zayden is waiting at the altar. He looks impatient.
I take a deep breath and grab the bouquet. My pulse is calm. Now, I hold the trigger of the entire city.
— Let’s go then. I don’t want to keep him waiting any longer.
We enter the hall. My mother sits at the very front, dressed in light silk, and Luke has taken his place right next to his father. Now, as I step forward slowly, it occurs to me that I will officially be his stepmother. It’s strange. Until recently, we were in the same bed, and now we will share a family tree.
My gaze, however, immediately shifts to Zayden. He stands by the altar, motionless and imposing. He has chosen a black shirt that fits tightly across his broad shoulders and perfectly tailored trousers. His tie is slightly loosened, exactly the way I like it—as if his control is beginning to crack even before I’ve reached him. His sleeves are rolled up to the elbows, revealing his strong forearms. The sight makes it hard for me to swallow; my body reacts instantly to that raw, dangerous charm.
I reach him and stop. Zayden measures me from head to toe, and his gray eyes darken.
— You look lethal, Rose — he whispers as he takes my hand.
— You too, champion. I can barely restrain myself from skipping the ceremony.
He tightens his grip around my fingers.
— There’s no turning back now. Are you ready?
— Always.
We turn toward the priest, while Luke watches us with a peculiar, quiet sadness in his eyes. Marco stands guard by the door. The wedding begins.
— Ladies and gentlemen. We are gathered here today to marry these two lovers — the priest begins. — Zayden Ferrari, say your vow.
Zayden steps closer. His fingers burn my skin as he holds my palms. His voice is thick, low, and vibrates in my chest.
— Rose, I entered your life as a target, and you entered mine as a punishment. I don't promise you peace. I promise you loyalty until the last bullet. I promise to be the wall against which your enemies will break. Your name will be the last one I utter if the world decides to end tomorrow. You are my chaos and my order.
As he speaks, his eyes do not leave mine. I watch the muscles of his jaw move. My pulse pounds in my temples, and heat spreads through my body, concentrating low in my abdomen. The way he pronounces my name makes my skin crawl. My breath becomes short. His tie, still loosened, draws my gaze—I want to pull it and press him against me immediately.
He squeezes my hands even harder, sensing my trembling. One corner of his lips lifts in that dangerous, knowing smile.
— From today — he finishes — everything mine is yours.
— It is your turn, Rose Lincoln — the priest prompts me.
I take a breath, trying to steady my breathing. I look him straight in his gray eyes.
— Zayden, I didn't believe in salvation until I tried to kill you.
I pause for a moment to catch my breath. It’s gotten hot in here. Zayden doesn’t take his eyes off me, and his palm, placed over mine, is burning.
— Now you will become my husband — I state, my voice strengthening. — I swear to protect you and be by your side in good and evil. In blood and in gold. As long as I breathe.
The priest adjusts his glasses and looks at Zayden.
— Zayden Ferrari, do you take Rose Lincoln to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love and protect her until death do you part?
— Yes — he cuts in immediately. — I take her.
— And you, Rose Lincoln, do you take Zayden Ferrari to be your lawful wedded husband? Will you be his support in joy and in sorrow?
— I take him — I answer without blinking.
— Then, by the power vested in me by the law, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Zayden steps forward sharply, closing the last remaining distance between us. One of his hands slides into my hair, while the other presses against my waist.
— Finally — he whispers against my lips.
— Fewer words, Ferrari.
He leans in and kisses me with hunger. His kiss is salty and insistent. I hear the hall erupt in applause.
— You are my Donna now — he says when he pulls back a millimeter.
— And you are mine. Let’s not forget it.
I pull back slightly and rest my forehead against his. My breathing is still rapid.
— If you ever betray me, I’ll shoot you myself. Without warning.
Zayden smirks, and a dangerous flame flickers in his gray eyes. He presses me harder against his waist and leans into my very ear. I feel his hot breath, which makes me shiver.
— Then I’ll have to make sure you don’t even have the strength to lift a gun tonight — he whispers. — I plan to keep you awake until you forget your own name. I want you on your knees, Rose.
My stomach ties into a knot, and my blood boils. Before I can respond, Mama approaches and wraps us in a warm hug. Her eyes are moist, but her smile is genuine.
— I’m proud of you — she says quietly, then nods toward Zayden. — Protect her well, Ferrari.
Luke appears on our other side and hugs me a bit more awkwardly. He pats his father on the shoulder.
— I’m happy for you. Truly. Though official dinners are going to be quite strange now.
— Get used to it, son — Zayden laughs, without removing his hand from my hip. — We’re family.
— Let’s head to the hall — Mama says. — The people are expecting the Donna and her husband.
Zayden offers me his hand.
— Are you ready for the show?
— You just lead the way.
