Endangering the King: The Sovrano Crime Family, #11

By Jessa York

I don't know why I'm surprised.

 

I always knew my past would one day come back to haunt me.

 

And now that it's happened--there's only one thing to do.

 

Leave.

 

But, that's easier said than done.

 

Especially when Carlo & Stefan Sovrano are watching your every move.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jessa York
• Release date: Dec 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223029359

Book preview

1

Giselle

I sabella, why do you look so shocked? Did you think you could hide forever? my father asked with a horrible sneer on his face.

I could hardly breathe.

The red silk in my hands dropped to the ground, billowing out as it landed. I watched the white lace follow suit and land on top.

How, I stammered, where, how, my poor brain suddenly scattered just like the material in my hands.

My father laughed to himself. He stepped closer, and I could smell the sickly sour scent of his breath. The familiar aroma of stale whiskey and unbrushed teeth nearly blew me over.

Hiding out with the Sovrano brothers? He grinned frighteningly at me. Nice touch. Guess you learned a lot from Sergio.

I sucked in a much-needed breath through my nose. I can’t believe you would say that to me. After everything I did for you.

He let out a loud, barking laugh. For me? You mean for you. Living up there on that hill, his eyes narrowed at me, all high and mighty. Pretending like your shit don’t stink. You forgot all about your dear old dad, didn’t you?

My jaw dropped open, and I felt my entire body shake with fear.

And disgust.

You sold me, I stated in no uncertain terms because it was the truth. You sold your own daughter to pay off your gambling debts.

He frowned at me and tilted his head. Well, did you want them to kill me, Isabella? Hmm? His voice was laced with vitriol. His eyes squinted tighter. I bet that’s exactly what you wanted them to do. Right? So, you could marry rich, and never lift a finger again.

Oh.

My.

Gosh.

He really was delusional. I was barely old enough to vote when you sold me. How can you even say that? I worked my ass off to make sure all the bills were paid. While you were out gambling and partying and drinking.

Dad slowly shook his head from side to side. I made us money out there. Money for us to live on. Until I hit a rough patch. And you were so fucking ungrateful. Not wanting to help your father out. I looked after you for years and you were ready to feed me to the wolves.

Feed you to the wolves? I asked in an exasperated voice. You? Are you out of your freaking mind? You’re the one who fed me to the wolves. Or one wolf in particular. I inhaled a short, stuttered breath. And left me there.

The expression on his face changed from anger to—recognition.

Yeah.

He remembered.

And he sure as heck couldn’t deny what he’d done.

Or rather—not done.

You were fine. He moved back a little, and I was glad for the space.

You promised you’d come back for me, I whispered to him. Again, his face changed, and he stepped further away. You didn’t need my help in that huge mansion. You had everything you needed.

His words sliced through me, but they didn’t have the self-righteous conviction from earlier.

He forced himself on me every day. And there was nothing I could do about it.

Dad looked over my head, and his eyes widened. I quickly spun my head around to see Stefan approaching.

Who was that guy? Was he bothering you? he asked, his voice full of concern.

Oh, crap.

I immediately looked back to see my dad running away into the crowd.

My shoulders relaxed. I turned and practically jumped into Stefan’s arms. I hugged the crap out of him and let the feeling of relief flow through my body.

Christ. He held me tight against him. You’re shaking. What’s wrong? Did he say something to you? Stefan kissed my neck.

Gosh.

This man.

He was such a good guy.

No, he just asked for money, and it freaked me out a little, I lied to Stefan, and I felt bad about it. But there was no other way to deal with this situation. I certainly wasn’t going to tell him about the conversation I just had with my father. And I absolutely wasn't going to tell him about my father. Or anything about my former life.

No.

That wasn’t going to happen.

Ever.

Sweetheart, what’s going on? I’ve never seen you like this. Stefan looked down at me. His index finger lifted my chin. You’re terrified. I can see it in your face.

I felt a burning behind my eyes at the look of concern he was giving me. I wished we lived in a different time.

And place.

Anywhere that would allow me to keep this man.

Forever.

I knew I could search the world for decades and never find another man like him.

And it broke my heart that I would have to give him up.

Soon.

Far too soon.

I gave him a sad smile. He just surprised me. That’s all. I was daydreaming about making a special outfit for you. I set my hand on his chest. Out of the white lace.

A huge grin overtook Stefan’s face. I’m not sure I’ll look good in white lace.

That made me giggle. I lifted up on my toes and kissed his lips. You might be right. I guess I’ll make something for myself instead.

His lips took over the kiss, and I felt myself begin to relax in his arms. Stefan always felt like home. I loved that about him.

What were you just thinking? he asked and gave me one more gentle kiss. You had the sweetest smile on your face.

I could tell him the truth about that. So, I did. I was thinking how no matter where we are, you always feel like home.

Stefan’s eyes changed and his stare grew more intense. He slid his fingers along the side of my face, and I leaned into him. That’s some deep shit, Giselle, he said, as his eyes scanned my face. I’m so fuckin’ glad you feel like that, because it’s exactly how I feel about you.

A warm, silky glow slipped around us and everyone else seemed to disappear. I love you, Stefan. I’m so lucky you came into my life.

He shook his head and slid his fingers into my hair. No, Giselle. I’m the lucky one. The moment we met, I knew I wanted you. I knew I had to have you by my side.

He leaned down and kissed me—much harder this time. I opened for him and we stood there—in the middle of the market—making out. Neither of us cared who saw.

Stefan tore his lips from mine. Let’s get that hotel room before I rip this dress off you and fuck you right here, he panted against my lips.

I laughed softly and tried to catch my breath. That’s probably a good plan, honey.

Get this off, now, Stefan ordered, as we kicked off our shoes in the middle of the hotel suite.

Yes, suite.

Stefan didn’t get any regular hotel room.

No, he chose the honeymoon suite.

There were roses and bottles of champagne. Other things, too, but my attention was fully on the hot, sexy man in front of me. He’d nearly undressed me in the elevator on our way up.

I stepped away from him and bent my arms behind me. Luckily, the zipper on my sundress complied.