Aria Costa

The first time I saw Gabriele Vitale, some dark yearning deep inside me called to him and no matter what I did, I couldn't stop wanting him.

He's made it clear that he wants nothing to do with me. But sometimes there's a flicker of interest in his eye, and it's enough to make me know he's lying.

When a stupid decision on my part throws us together, I get a first-hand view of the darkness he alludes to. One part of me is drawn to it. Another part of me is frightened by it. But not enough to stop from getting to know him better.

He's like a black hole, slowly sucking me in. As the darkness consumes me, I don't care if it destroys me.

Gabriele Vitale

Aria Costa is off-limits for many reasons, the least of which is that she's Marcello Costa's younger sister. She's also too young and way too inexperienced to be with someone like me who enjoys dabbling in the darker side of sensuality.

My father and her brother have made it clear that I am to steer clear. And I try. But it proves impossible to erase her from my mind. Whenever she's near, my protective instincts roar, "Mine" and I'd do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

Which is why after a foolish decision one night I'm forced to help her figure out who's threatening her and what they want.

I'd give my life for hers, and it might very well come to that.