"You're making a huge mistake, Alessandro." Mark remarks as they settle into his limo parked across the street. His eyes move toward the open window of her shady apartment building facing the road. She isn’t there but he knows even if she were, he wouldn’t have been looking at her for moments longer than his sanity would allow.

He chews on the inside of his cheek, reconsidering. Too late. He should’ve recalculated his moves before seeking her out. The more he gets involved in her dark world, she seems to be a misfit and he knows the world he is asking her to join with him is darker.

“And you’re making it difficult for me. I need her.”

“No, you need a bride. It can be anyone. I’m sure we can check on that model I told you about. She is more reliable than a stripper.”

“She doesn’t need the money. She wants it.” He presses on the window control, the dark tinted glass smoothly blocking the visual of her open apartment window. “Let’s arrange a handler. I need Eve to be ready before meeting my father. He can’t know she is not one of his precious debutantes. He needs to buy our mixup.”

“Mr. Wayland will find out about her past one way or the other. You know I’m on your side but everyone else still sees him over you.”

“You’re the best among his men. I have no doubt in your loyalty.” He gives Mark a playful smile and the man returns it with a grin of his own. “I’m sure you can arrange a way to run over my father’s plans. Just make sure he knows what he should. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Again, you’re risking too much for her.” Mark hands him the folder.

Alessandra has heard that warning many times before in his father's deep voice. He didn't give a shit about them before. But now as he flips open the folder in his hands and looks down at her image staring right into his soul, he thinks this time he might have made a huge mistake. Because she isn’t what he had thought of her.

Ever Hill. Chestnut hair and haunting gray eyes that have lost their shine among the flashing bright lights of the strip club. She is much more than just a girl desperately in need of an escape. She is fierce and wild, and so very enchanting.

He runs his index finger on the corner of her picture and can’t seem to take his eyes away from her. If his heart hadn’t been broken before and he still carried it on his sleeves, Ever would’ve easily reigned it over. His jaw tightens with the realization and he closes the file rather abruptly, the need to save her gripping him unexpectedly.

A stripper. How the hell did he get himself into this questionable situation?

***

A/N: Please don't forget to hit the star if you like the story. Any suggestions are much appreciated.