truth about me, and yet I felt like I was able to finally speak freely, without concern.
“Nico and Tor don’t say much,” I said.
“They’re second in commands. They’re meant to watch and protect. To remain vigilant and get their hands dirty when it’s necessary. Angelo and Luca lead.”
“I didn’t quite understand what my mother meant until now.”
“What do you mean?”
“She tried to explain as best she could in the letter about bloodlines and legacies. But meeting Angelo and the rest of them, I finally get it. It’s the way they carry themselves. Like they’ve never been told no…like they’re part of something ancient and sacred. It’s more than just a high opinion of self-worth. It’s like they rule the world…”
He snorted. “They’re modern Romans—and you’re right, they’ve never been told no.”
“If they’ve never been told no, then how will you be able to—”
He placed his lips on mine and silenced my concerns. When he pulled away he said, “I’ll take care of it. They might be modern Romans, but I’m a modern Viking.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
My dress dipped low in the front showing off the swell of my breasts. The back was cut into a “V”, which bared the golden skin of my shoulder blades.
Hadrian stood behind me in an immaculately tailored suit, tracing the curve of my neck with his finger. My hair had been put up to draw attention to my curves.
“How do I look?” I asked his reflection.
His eyes were dark. “Almost perfect.”
“Almost?” I repeated in mock outrage. “Do you know how long it took me to do my hair and makeup?”
He grinned, and from his inner breast pocket, he revealed a long skinny jewelry box. He flipped it open and presented it to me. It was a delicate, diamond leaf tennis bracelet that appeared to resemble leaves on a vine. He quickly fastened it around my left wrist and then kissed my palm while I gaped at him.
“That’s not all,” Hadrian said, heading to his nightstand drawer. He pulled out a fine box and showed me a matching set of earrings and necklace. “The jewelry will be all you’re wearing when I fuck you from behind later tonight.”
I wobbled in my heels as he approached me. “Jesus, Hadrian.”
Grinning, he nipped my shoulder. “Sterling?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you ready?”
Was I? Not even a little bit. I wasn’t prepared to tell my family the truth, but the sooner it was out in the open, the sooner it would be behind us.
“What happens if they don’t believe me?” I asked, my voice low.
“If they don’t believe your words, then you’ll show them your eyes. It’s an undeniable Moretti trait.”
“And then what?”
“Then they leave, and our lives return to normal. Dinners on the terrace, helicopter rides to Lerwick to go exploring, taking Aegir out and sightseeing the other islands. Whatever we want, Sterling.”
I shook my head and pressed my hand to his lapel. “No, I meant, what does this mean for me and my family? You have business dealings with them, but I don’t want them in my life, Hadrian.”
“Then they won’t be.” He took my hand and brought it to his lips. “After tonight, you’ll never have to see them again if you don’t want to.”
Our moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Hadrian called, “Come in,” and Ingrid popped her head inside.
“They’re here,” she announced.
“Thank you. We’ll be right out.”
The door closed, giving us privacy once again. Shivering in trepidation, I quickly put on the earrings and necklace, and then Hadrian escorted me out of the bedroom to the den. Feeling the need to be protected, I appreciated his possessive touch now more than ever.
I forced a megawatt smile for our guests, who were already waiting in the den. Hadrian released me and then Luca took my hand and brought it to his lips in greeting, which made Hadrian take an unmistakable step closer to me.
“Gentlemen,” I welcomed. “Good evening. What can I get everyone to drink?”
I went to the liquor cart after taking their orders, and I wasn’t surprised when Luca sidled up next to me.
“Your boyfriend doesn’t like me very much,” he said.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” I said automatically.
“Oh?” His eyes scanned my ears. “Nice earrings.”
“Thank you.” I handed Luca his Compari and soda.
“If he’s not your boyfriend, what is he?”
“That’s none of your business.”
He took a sip of his drink and then sighed. “Can I give you a word of advice?”
“I’d rather you didn’t.”
Luca blinked and then a crack of laughter escaped his lips. “All right then.”