Page 23 of Arianna

I guess money does not always buy manners.

The Viking man who came with Sebastian motions for me. I flip him off, causing him to stifle a laugh as if he finds me amusing. Idiot.

I hold onto the railing and glance at the city I am leaving behind.

“Hold your head up high, kid,” Viking whispers at my back, waiting for me to climb the last step. “The only way you’ll survive him is if he respects you. If not, then you’re fucked.”

His words play like a loop through my head until I snap out of it and climb the last step that leads me inside the plane.

And when I do, it all sinks in.

This is my new reality.

Sebastian Kenton.

Current Senator of Chicago, Illinois.

A wolf hiding behind a charming smile and good looks.

A predator.

As of today… my keeper.

* * *

BASTIAN

I lay back in my seat and stare at the Parisi princess sitting cross-legged with her arms protectively folded over her chest as if that would keep her safe from me. She is much smaller in height and overall size than she looked in the photos her sick father sent me weeks ago when he offered his firstborn on a silver platter to his worst enemy.

She was not what I was expecting.

I must admit the photos don’t do the girl justice.

Not at all.

She has long, shapely legs, and her neck looks delicate, easily breakable if that was my intention.

It might be, after that sass, she threw my way earlier.

She is a spoiled princess who was betrayed by her flesh and blood. Understandably, she will bite back if she senses danger.

All wild creatures do.

There is something dark lurking behind those icy emerald eyes that resembles wildness. Behind all those perfectly laid layers, a predator is waiting to attack.

Oh, yes.

And it’s sick that I am looking forward to her fight.

For that first bite.

Taking a sip of my drink, my eyes remain glued to her profile as she sits perfectly still, as if she is not breathing, clutching the seat belt around her waist.

So much anger hidden underneath that uncaring facade of hers.

I wonder what could have possibly put those vicious demons in her eyes. What troubles could she have faced as the first-born, beautiful, mafia princess of the Consigliere of one of the most notorious crime families in the country?

Huh.

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