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Destiny De Luca has spent her entire life preparing to inherit her family’s criminal empire. At twenty-four, she is elegant, intelligent, fiercely protective, and every bit as dangerous as the parents who raised her. Yet beneath her carefully controlled exterior, Destiny guards one secret that could disrupt the delicate balance of power among Italy’s most feared mafia families. For almost two years, she has been secretly in love with Sebastian Michaelis—her family’s consigliere, deadliest enforcer, and the man known throughout the underworld as Il Diavolo. Their relationship is passionate, possessive, and completely devoted. Although Layla and Ricardo remain unaware, nearly everyone in their circle knows the truth. Ciel, Lizzy, and Alois have witnessed the stolen kisses, private touches, and murderous looks Sebastian gives anyone who stands too close to Destiny. During the De Luca alliance gala, their secret becomes increasingly difficult to hide when Claude Faustus arrives with the Trancy family. Cold, calculating, and ambitious, Claude has decided that Destiny would be the perfect woman to stand beside him—and eventually help him control the De Luca empire. Claude approaches Destiny in full view of the ballroom and offers her an expensive diamond bracelet. “A gift,” Claude explains, fastening his eyes upon her. “For the most remarkable woman in Sicily.” Destiny does not reach for it. “I don’t accept gifts that come with expectations.” “Then accept it as a promise.” From his position beside Ricardo, Sebastian watches the exchange with a pleasant smile that conceals something murderous. Later, Claude formally asks Layla and Ricardo for permission to court their daughter. Ricardo considers the match strategically valuable, while Layla believes Claude’s controlled temperament might balance Destiny’s fiery nature. Neither realizes that Destiny has already chosen the man she intends to marry. When Ricardo informs Destiny that Claude will be joining the family