Page 35 of A Hunter for Luna

Stepping closer, I closed the distance between us. Placing his hand that still gripped mine against his chest, I felt the rapid thud of his heartbeat through the dark leather and velvet he wore.

"You didn't know me then, Benedetto," I whispered. "And you don't know me now. But you will."

His fingers tightened, the pressure bruising, but I didn't flinch. "What are you playing at, Lunetta?" he demanded, his voice rough. "Why this charade?"

I gave him a slow, self-assured smile, one I’d learned from his mother. "It wasn't a charade, Benedetto. It was a lesson. One you clearly needed. Now, ask me why I've done this."

He snorted derisively. "Why are you here?"

Taking a deep breath, I met his eyes. "I want stability for my sister and Sofia. I'll help you with your quest, but I need you to step up and take responsibility. Acknowledge me as your wife, with all the rights that entails. Lie with me. Get me with an heir,so your family continues. I’ll learn to run the household when your father dies, but I need a child to cement my position."

Benedetto stared at me for a long moment, then finally released his vise-like grip on my hand. "You're good with a knife."

A fan, actually. I shrugged nonchalantly, confused by the non sequitur. "I've had a lot of practice."

He frowned, clearly grappling with something. "I have a brother," he said abruptly. "Francesco. I'm trying to find a way to undo what was done to him. He and his children should inherit, not me."

My brow furrowed in confusion. "But... Lady Vala told me he died years ago."

Benedetto's expression turned stony. "She lied. And she’s been training you, molding you in her image."

"Perhaps, but that doesn’t change the fact that I need a child to ensure your family's protection. My sister depends on me." I persisted. “I’ve been told your father might cast us out if you die without an heir.”

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Have youmetmy father?"

I couldn't help but laugh softly. His father was a kindly man, but weak. "Yes. He'd do it if Lady Vala told him to. Her price for my family's safety is a child from you."

Benedetto stepped closer, his fierce gaze boring into me. "Then we make an agreement. So long as you want nothing else from me, I'll fuck you. But you mean nothing to me and never will."

I curved my lips in something that could be called a smile, if the viewer were generous. "Those are my feelings as well, husband."

His brow raised, and he tilted my chin up. I stepped away from him, glancing down at my elaborate ball gown, hem torn and stained with blood spots.

Sighing, I brushed the skirt. "I need a change of clothes. We can enter through an upper window at the d'Alvarez house. The guards never watch it closely. And then we can each meet the other’s terms."

A flicker of respect glinted in his eyes as he nodded. "Lead the way.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

LUNA

We strolled to the wall,avoiding the main street. Leaving by alleyway seemed a good idea, especially with the book tucked into Benedetto’s tunic. With a practiced movement, I twisted my skirts and prepared to scrabble over the wall.

“Allow me.” Benedetto grabbed my waist and hoisted me up. I twisted, grabbed the wall and jumped over. He followed a moment later.

He was very strong. His lean build was deceptive, and I frowned at the tiny thrill at how easily he lifted me.

The stones set in the corners of the cobbles flickered, giving a dim light. We kept a good pace for several streets as the sounds of the party faded behind us and quiet fell, the only sound the distant cries of seabirds from the harbor.

I walked beside Benedetto, my senses alert. Something felt off. It was too quiet for this early in the evening. A prickling instinct made me glance over my shoulder. Three men trailed behind us, trying to blend into the shadows but moving with purpose. Their eyes were fixed intently on Benedetto and me.

I leaned close to Benedetto and murmured urgently, "We're being followed. I think a lot of different people must want that book."

Benedetto brushed his lips on my fingertips. "I noticed. Let's see if they can keep up."

He abruptly veered left into another alley. I hurried after him, gathering my skirts. Benedetto sprinted to a rusted grate in the stone wall and wrenched it open with a grunt.

The storm sewers. We were going to escape through the storm sewers. While it wasn’t the rainy season, my shoes would never be the same.

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