Chapter 32 A Hopelessly Jealous Man

Night settled over Palermo's largest private club, and the building shimmered with lights and glamour. Tonight's jewelry auction was Alessandro's way of bringing Lucia into Montefina's social circle for the first time. It was her official debut as his wife. In the dressing room, a black velvet gown outlined Lucia's slim figure. The collar had been tailored a little higher on purpose, hiding the faint, suggestive marks on her collarbone. The long sleeves covered the bruising on her wrists. She looked like a black swan that had just been patched back together, elegant and breakable. Just then, the door opened. Alessandro walked in with long strides. The deep gray three-piece suit made him look even taller and more imposing. He stopped behind her, and his warm hand settled at her lower back. Even through velvet, the heat of his palm felt scorching. "You're beautiful," he said in a low voice. His fingers slid down the line of her spine, the way someone might do if they were to stro