Page 12 of Bound By Honor

I slip inside just as he opens the study door. Through the crack, I watch Alessandro saunter in, all calculated grace and deadly charm.

“Burning the midnight oil?” Alessandro picks up a crystal tumbler, examining it in the lamplight. “Or perhaps... entertaining?”

“What do you want?”

“Want? Can’t a brother simply wish to talk?” Alessandro’s smile turns sharp. “About old photographs, perhaps? About Maria?”

My heart pounds so hard I’m certain they can hear it. Luciano moves to his desk, putting space between himself and his brother.

“You should have told me that you were meeting her.” Luciano’s voice carries a warning.

“Would you have believed me?” Alessandro pours himself a drink. “The devoted wife, secretly meeting your black sheep brother? It does sound rather... suspicious.”

“Why now?” Luciano’s control cracks slightly. “Why come back after all this time?”

“Perhaps I missed my family.” Alessandro’s eyes glitter with malice. “Or perhaps... I have a debt to settle.”

The air grows thick with unspoken threats. I press closer to the crack, straining to hear.

“Whatever game you’re playing,” Luciano says softly, “leave Aurora out of it.”

“Ah, but she’s already playing,fratello.” Alessandro sets down his glass. “She just doesn’t know the rules yet.”

He moves to the door, pausing with his hand on the knob.

“Oh, and Aurora?” He calls out, making my blood freeze. “Next time you hide,piccola, remember—expensive perfume leaves traces in the air.”

The door closes behind him with a soft click, leaving us in charged silence. I step out, my legs shaking.

The silence feels heavy after Alessandro’s exit. I can’t help but compare the brothers—both dangerous, both powerful, butwhile Luciano’s strength makes me feel safe, Alessandro’s charm carries an undercurrent of violence that makes my skin crawl. Yet they share the same blood, the same deadly capability. The thought sends a chill down my spine: how well do I really know either of them?

“He knew I was here the whole time.” The realization hits like ice water.

Luciano crosses to me in two strides, his hands gripping my shoulders.

“Listen to me. Whatever Alessandro’s planning, whatever he knows about Maria—you stay away from him. Promise me.”

I look up into his dark eyes, seeing the fear and fury warring there. “I can’t promise that. Not until I know the truth.”

His grip tightens. “Aurora?—”

“No.” I cut him off, stepping closer instead of away. “I’m tired of being protected. I want to help.”

Something shifts in his expression—resignation mixed with admiration. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.” I manage a small smile. “But you’re stuck with me now.”

His thumb traces my collarbone, the touch sending shivers down my spine. “God help me, I am.”

We stand there, too close for propriety, the weight of secrets and unspoken desires hanging between us. Outside, thunder rumbles—a storm approaching, both literal and metaphorical.

Alessandro’s words echo in my mind:She’s already playing. Looking up at Luciano, seeing the protective fury in his eyes, I realize something crucial.

The photograph burns in my pocket, a reminder of everything at stake. This isn’t just about uncovering family secrets anymore—it’s about survival. Alessandro’s return threatens more than just my safety; it threatens the fragile peacewe’ve built, the tentative trust growing between Luciano and me, maybe even the future I’m finally daring to imagine for myself.

If this is a game, I’m done being a pawn. It’s time to become a player.

And I’m playing to win.

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