I came to negotiate an alliance.
Domenico D’Amato wanted a wife.
He already knew which one.
Someone is trying to cripple my family’s businesses. Domenico has the connections to keep trade moving, and as the Ferrantes’ financial director, finding out what he wants in return is my job.
He knows my reputation. He’s watched me challenge men who expect obedience. And when I question whether he understands what marrying me would mean, he seems to enjoy the conversation.
So I give him my terms. My assets stay mine. I keep my position. No one makes commitments in my name.
Then he gives me his: a shared home. He expects us to actually live together.
I tell myself I can manage that.
But Domenico notices every dinner I miss. He wants to hear the opinion I held back at the table. When I come home late, he’s still awake, and staying to talk becomes the part of my day I’m reluctant to end.
I begin telling him things I’ve never needed anyone else to hear. I want his hands on me. His company when the day goes badly.
And he wants more of me than I planned to give.
But my husband commands a family of his own. Sooner or later, our interests will collide. And Domenico expects his wife to trust decisions he never gave her a chance to question.
I negotiated for everything I wanted to keep.
I never thought to protect myself from wanting him.
Perfect for readers who love:
🖤 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Divided Loyalties
🖤 Forced Proximity
🖤 Competence Meets Power
🖤 Possessive Mafia Boss
🖤 Slow-Build Intimacy
🖤 Domestic Tenderness
🖤 Earned Repair
🖤 HEA
For readers who love Michelle Heard, Gabrielle Sands, and J.T. Geissinger.
