The first time Dante Rossi touched his wife, she begged him not to hurt her.

The ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was a glittering sea of Boston’s elite. Corrupt politicians rubbed shoulders with ruthless businessmen, all hiding their sins behind tailored tuxedos and designer gowns.

Aria was the undeniable center of attention. She wore a backless crimson dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. At her throat, resting just above the fading yellow bruises, was a necklace of flawless Rossi diamonds.

She felt Dante’s hand resting firmly on the small of her back. His touch wasn't possessive; it was grounding. An anchor in a room full of sharks.

"Keep breathing," Dante murmured in her ear as they navigated the crowd. "You are the most powerful woman in this room."

Before Aria could respond, a shadow fell over them.

"Little sister," Julian Sterling sneered, stepping into their path with a crystal tumbler of scotch in his hand. His eyes darted to her exposed neck, and a flash of anger crossed his face. "You’re looking... bold."

"Julian," Aria said, keeping her voice remarkably steady.

Julian stepped closer, attempting to assert his dominance. "Father is very displeased with your little wardrobe rebellion. You’re embarrassing the family." He reached out, his fingers curling as if to grab her arm.

Before Julian could even make contact, Dante’s hand snapped out like a viper. He caught Julian’s wrist mid-air.

To the rest of the ballroom, it looked like a friendly, masculine handshake. But Aria saw the veins bulging in Dante’s neck, and she heard the sickening, subtle pop of cartilage shifting under extreme pressure.

Julian’s face drained of color. He gasped, dropping his scotch glass to the carpeted floor.

"It seems you’ve had too much to drink, Julian," Dante smiled, though his eyes were completely dead. He leaned in, twisting the wrist just a fraction of an inch more. Julian whimpered. "Let me be very clear. If you ever reach for my wife again, I will cut this hand off and mail it to your father. If you look at her with disrespect, I will take your eyes. Do you understand?"

Julian, sweating profusely, managed a frantic nod.

Dante released him. Julian stumbled backward and practically sprinted toward the exit.