Xahari_Aria 

After the death of his first  wife, Matteo Marino, a wealthy CEO and powerful mafia boss behind the scenes,  he was forced to remarry the daughter of one of his father's most trusted friend. Aria Barone, a young girl who witnessed her beloved mother murdered and burned alive by one of her father's rivals during her childhood and has been horrified since then. Forced to marry the man her father wanted, will she uncover Matteo’s darkest secret, or  will she fall in love with him?

Forced Vows, Hidden Shadows

 Taking his bottom lip between my teeth, a low groan rumbled from his chest as he pulled me tighter, the scent of cigarettes and musky cologne filling my senses. It was a surprising mix, a hint of rebellion laced with something undeniably intriguing. Despite the confusion - I knew he didn't smoke - I surrendered to the moment, every breath, every touch, fueling the fire that roared to life within me. His eyes met mine, a dark storm brewing beneath the surface. I cupped his face, my touch meant to deepen the connection, but he surprised me by pulling away. 


32. Storm Within