Nicolette Vanni spends her days mending vestments in her aunt's religious goods shop and her nights praying for a quiet life. Her aunt and uncle spend money they do not have, then promise her to a crime lord to cover the debt.
Dario Malvagi is older, dangerous, and used to taking what he wants. He does not want the shop. He wants Nicolette. He says he has watched her long enough to know she belongs to him, and he offers her guardians a wedding contract in exchange for their lives.
Nicolette is devout, afraid, and not meek. She will not give Dario her faith, but her body reacts when he stands too close. Dario will not admit he needs more than her obedience, but he cannot let her go.
Can a woman who belongs to no one survive being owned by the most feared man in the city?
