Chapter Eleven_ He had come to me

Valentina.

"Planning a party isn't the hardest thing in the world," Caterina's voice was the only sound I could hear in this library. It was steady, almost clinical, as she rattled off the list of responsibilities that now fell on my shoulders. "I'm pretty sure you watched your mom do it."

It had been two weeks. Two weeks since I almost left the estate for good.

Two weeks since I saw someone who had something to say about my sister.

Two weeks since Matteo came after me in the pouring rain, stopping me from walking away. Two weeks since that kiss.

I still couldn't stop thinking about it. How his lips had been soft yet commanding, claiming me with a force that left me breathless.

It was the first real sign of emotion he'd shown toward me since I had been dragged into his world. His cold, dominating exterior had cracked for just a moment, and I had seen something raw underneath. Desire, yes - but something more.

Something darker. Unresolved.

"....and the guest list will have to be finali