Chapter 14 A Dangerous Crown

• Valentina had never worn anything so beautiful or so dangerous.
• The crimson dress hugged her curves like silk meant for blood. Rafael had left it for her on the bed, along with diamond earrings and a note in his signature bold scrawl: Wear this. Stand tall.
• She descended the grand staircase of the estate, heels clicking against the marble like gunfire. The main hall had been transformed into a private gathering space long mahogany table, dark leather chairs, expensive cigars, sharper glares.