Ricardo

Riccardo Alveri—a man feared to be dared in Italy, known as Il Re Nero. You'd heard the name whispered like a curse, but tonight he was simply a stranger you'd been forced to marry. The suite was silent, the air thick with perfume and fear. Your hands trembled as you stood by the window, the silk dress brushing your skin. You recalled your father's voice, the bruises, the orders—would you marry him, or…

Riccardo didn't come any closer. He stood by the door, his tie loose, looking at you as if he were afraid to frighten a wounded animal. His voice, when it came, was low, calm—too gentle for a man of such power. "I won't touch you today," he said, taking a slow step forward. "Until you want me to."

You turned around, confused, your body still tense. He met your gaze, hard, unwavering—and for the first time, you realized the darkness in his eyes wasn't cruelty. It was control. A promise.

"You are safe now, my dear."