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Prologue
The sun hangs high in the sky as I stand next to my father near the docks in Miami. My heart races, and for the first time in a long time, I feel excited about this meeting. As the oldest, it's something I've always wanted – to be included in the family business, to prove to my father that just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I can't run the Manuel Syndicate as well as any man.
A salty breeze blows through my curly hair, carrying with it the scent of seaweed and diesel fumes from the fishing boats swaying gently in their berths. The squawking of seagulls mixes with the distant hum of traffic as they search for scraps of food among the detritus littering the dockside, creating a cacophony of life.
"Lucia, pay attention," my father chides, snapping me back to reality.
"Sorry, Papi," I reply, trying to focus on the task at hand.
A man approaches us, his dark hair slicked back and his darker features giving away a lifetime of experience. I eye him up and down, taking in every detail, before he introduces himself as Axe. My father waves off his introduction with a dismissive gesture.
"I know who you are," my father says gruffly. "Where's Primo?"
"Coming," Axe replies, his tone guarded. My father might not know, but I've studied the workings and relationships of our family for years. I know exactly who Primo Maldonado is – the heir to the Maldonado empire. Now that his father is in prison, his position should be secure.
Except it's not. Apparently, there's been some infighting between the brothers, and his position is somewhat in question.
"Shouldn't be too long now," Axe adds, glancing around anxiously.
Footsteps echo across the dock, drawing my attention away from Axe. My heart leaps as I see a man approaching us. My father's eyes light up with excitement, but when I glance at Axe, his expression is riddled with confusion. As the man draws nearer, I can't help but admire his lean frame which supports a generous amount of muscle. High cheekbones and dark hair frame a face that could easily become a distraction to a weaker woman.
"Primo, so nice for you to come," my father says excitedly, reaching out his hand. I furrow my brow, knowing this isn't Primo.
The man doesn't accept my father's handshake and he doesn't introduce himself. He remains quiet, studying us in return.
"Lucia, my daughter," my father continues, gesturing towards me. "I know that now as the head of the family, you feel the pressure of producing an heir. Don't worry because my daughter is pure, never been touched by a man, not even kissed – I made sure of it. She will be a good wife to you and produce an heir quickly."
Rage fills my body as I stare at my father. Betrayal courses through me like venom, poisoning any trust between us. He didn't bring me here to help me learn to lead the family; he brought me here to sell me off. I open my mouth to tell them both where they can go, but something interrupts me.
The deafening sound of gunfire shatters the uneasy silence, followed by the wailing sirens of police cars in the distance. Shock and fear grip my body as I instinctively duck for cover. Axe's eyes widen as he looks up at a nearby roof, and I follow his gaze. There, perched like a predator stalking its prey, is a man whose features are hard to make out but something in me just knows - it has to be Primo.
Another volley of shots rings out, and the world around me seems to explode into stars. An agonizing pain rips through my shoulder, and I crumple to the ground, clutching the wound. My breath comes in ragged gasps, each one more painful than the last. Through tear-filled eyes, I see my father sprinting away, the police hot on his heels. The mystery man hesitates for only a moment before running in the opposite direction.
"Wait!" I cry out, desperation clawing at my throat. "Don't leave me!"
As my vision starts to blur and darkness encroaches at the edges, I feel strong arms lifting me from the cold ground. In and out of consciousness, I strain to make out the face that swims above me. It's him - the mystery man. He holds me tightly, shielding me from the chaos unfolding around us as he runs, carrying both our lives in his hands.
As my world darkens, I wonder if this stranger is an ally or just another enemy in the treacherous landscape of my family's empire. And yet, in this moment, he's all I have.
ChapterOne
The rhythmic click of my dress shoes echoes through the marbled halls of the Maldonado mansion, a grand symphony of opulence and history. Golden chandeliers cast soft light on the intricate frescoes that adorn the walls, their timeless stories woven into every stroke of paint. I can't help but feel a tinge of annoyance as I make my way to her room - this girl, who's turned out to be more of a princess than I can handle, has me playing warden when there are far more pressing matters at hand.
Pushing open the heavy mahogany door, I step into the well-appointed room. Lush fabrics drape the windows, their rich hues complemented by the polished wooden furniture scattered artfully throughout the space. My eyes are immediately drawn to the massive four-poster bed dominating the center, atop which she lays, flipping idly through her phone as if she hasn't a care in the world.
Lucia, or Lulu as she prefers, is a stunning vision with her curly raven locks cascading over her shoulders and down her back, framing the delicate features of her face. Her caramel skin glows in the sunlight filtering through the curtains, and her full lips curve into a pout as she scrolls through whatever nonsense holds her attention. It would be all too easy to find her incredibly attractive if it weren't for the fact that she's such a brat.
I clear my throat as I lean against the door frame, arms crossed over my chest.
"What do you want?" she snaps without looking up from her screen.
"Just checking on you before I head off to work."
"Ugh, don't bother," she rolls her eyes, finally gracing me with her gaze. "I don't need a babysitter."
"Unfortunately, I have to," I say, my irritation seeping through. "You've had more than one escape attempt, princess."
"Maybe if you didn't keep me locked up in this gilded cage, I wouldn't have to escape," she retorts, her fiery spirit on full display.
