kennedydaphne900

Giulietta Moretti has spent her life in devotion, to her faith, her family, and the quiet sanctity of her small Italian town. Pure, untouched, and waiting for the man God has chosen for her. But when Davil Vitale walks into her church, sin itself takes human form.

A man of darkness. A man of violence. A man who looks at her as if he wants to ruin her. A man born into one of the most powerful and dangerous Mafia families in Italy, with the power to destroy lives and bend people to his will.

He doesn’t belong in the house of God, yet he sits there, watching her, his gaze a promise of wicked things. He speaks in whispers that set her skin aflame, moves with a power that makes her weak, and when he touches her, the heavens themselves hold their breath.

She should resist. She should run. But the devil doesn’t chase, he lures.

And Giulietta is falling.

In the shadows of candlelight confessions and forbidden midnight encounters, she finds herself caught between two worlds, one of salvation, one of sin. One where she is safe. The other where she is his.

But when she finally surrenders, she learns a truth far more dangerous than his touch.

Davil didn’t come to her church to pray.

He came to claim her.

MAKING LOVE TO HER SOUL

Choir practice was Giulietta's favorite part of the week. She stood among her brothers and sisters in Christ, their voices weaving together in perfect harmony—alto, soprano, bass, and tenor blending seamlessly.

The circle they formed seemed almost sacred, a vessel for their shared worship. Giulietta stood at its heart, her voice rising in the highest key, soaring like a bird set free.

Her song was more than a melody; it was a prayer, a reverence for the heavens.

If angels danced, surely it was to her voice. The others often fell silent, breathless, as her notes carried them higher.

The golden light of the setting sun filtered through the stained-glass windows, and her hazel eyes glimmered, reflecting its warmth.

When the song ended, a round of applause filled the room. Among the clapping hands was Matteo, his dark eyes fixed on her.

The sisters exchanged words of faith and encouragement, and Letty and Rose ran up to her, their excitement bubbling over.

"But Lord, how do you have such a blessed voice?" Letty gushed, her eyes wide with admiration. Rose nodded eagerly.

Giulietta smiled modestly. "My mother was a great singer, if you remember." Her tone was casual, but her heart swelled with pride at the memory.

Her gaze shifted, catching sight of Mateo making his way toward her. The room seemed to shrink, and her heart quickened.

He was everything she'd ever dreamed of, tall, composed, with a dress shirt tucked into plaid trousers.

His dark curls framed his face perfectly, but it was his eyes that undid her: deep, mysterious, and kind.

"Hello, Giulietta," he said, his voice like honey.

She smiled, feeling as though no one had ever greeted her so warmly. "Hi, Matteo," she replied, her voice almost dreamy.

"You sounded wonderful today. I really like your singing," he said sincerely.

Her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and Letty and Rose giggled behind her, their delight barely contained.

"Thank you," she managed, her smile lighting up her face.

"I'll see you on Sunday," Mateo said, his dark eyes gleaming with something she couldn't quite name.

"You too," she whispered, her heart soaring.

As he walked away with one of the other brothers, Giulietta barely managed to hold back a squeal. When he was out of sight, she and her friends erupted in girlish delight.

Letty grinned but sighed regretfully. "I'd love to walk you home, Giulietta, but I have to help my mother, or she'll scold me."

Rose chimed in, her sundress billowing in the breeze. "And I need to get home too! My brother's locked out, and I've got the house keys. He's going to kill me!"

Giulietta laughed, picturing Lucio's frustration. Rose kissed her cheek before dashing off.

As Giulietta approached her small house, the joy in her heart froze, replaced by fear.

There, standing in the shadows by her door, was a figure clad in black.

Her breath hitched. His back was to her, but there was no mistaking him.

He turned, as though sensing her presence, his dark eyes locking onto hers.

They were black as night, as impenetrable as the void. The aura around him was chilling, suffocating, and yet, she exhaled.