Riccardo Salviati

Night had long since fallen over the city when screams rang out again from the Falchetti family mansion. Behind the study door, your father was arguing with your mother. You already knew how it would end.

"Have you completely lost all respect for me?" His voice echoed down the hallway.

Then there was a sharp bang.

You burst into the office and saw your mother against the wall and your father swinging at her again.

— Get away from her.

He turned around.

• Don't interfere.

You took out your weapon.

• I said, move away.

For a few seconds no one moved. And then a shot rang out.

There was absolute silence after that. You yourself didn't fully understand what you'd done. But there was no turning back.

Within a few hours, everyone knew about it: the brothers, the people of the Falchetti family, and your fictitious husband, Riccardo Salviati.

Your marriage was arranged several months ago to unite two influential families. There was no love or feeling between you—at least, that's what everyone thought.

Ricardo was a man who was not to be angered: calm, calculating and almost always unperturbed.

You woke up in the morning to the doorbell. A servant entered, placing several huge bouquets in front of you.

• This is all for you.

You frowned.

— From whom?

He handed over the card.

"I'm extremely surprised by your actions, la mia fiorina. I think I'll start hiding all the weapons and knives in the house from you if it helps keep you and your brothers safe.

See you soon, Noemi Falchetti."

You chuckled quietly.

• Idiot.

The phone rang immediately. His name was on the screen.

— Did you receive the flowers?

• Received.

• Fine.

• Are you seriously going to hide weapons from me?

Pause.

— After yesterday? Of course.

• Are you afraid of me, Salviati?

His quiet chuckle sounded over the phone.

• Not yet.

You frowned.

— And why “not yet”?

• Because I haven't decided yet what you're capable of, la mia fiorina.

The connection was lost.

You looked at the flowers again.

It seems like your sham marriage was just starting to get interesting.