SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. The First Move

Celeste knew men like Santino Russo.

Powerful. Calculating. Seductive when it suited them.

But she also knew men like Rafael De Luca—and between the two, Rafael was the greater devil.

So she smiled, playing along. "If you want to keep me, you'll have to work for it."

Santino's eyes glinted with amusement. "I enjoy a challenge."

He extended his hand. "Dance with me."

The band shifted into a slow, sensual melody.

Celeste hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his.

His grip was firm, possessive. A man who always took what he wanted.

As they moved across the floor, she could feel the weight of his gaze on her.

"You're different," he murmured against her ear. "Not like the others."

She smirked. "You say that to all your women?"

"Only the ones who might be dangerous."

Her heart pounded—not from fear, but from the thrill of the game.

Because Santino was watching her closely.

Testing her.

And she couldn't afford to slip.

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2. The Man with Secrets

After the dance, Santino led her to a private lounge.

The room was dimly lit, filled with the scent of expensive whiskey and power.

He poured them both a drink. "Tell me something, Celeste. Why are you here?"

She took the glass, her fingers brushing his. "Because I was invited."

Santino chuckled. "And yet, I get the feeling there's more to you."

She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Maybe I just like dangerous men."

He studied her for a long moment.

Then, he smirked. "Then you'll love me."

Her stomach tightened.

Because that was the problem.

Santino Russo was supposed to be her target. Not her temptation.

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3. A Silent Observer

From across the room, a pair of sharp eyes watched them.

Luca De Luca.

Rafael had sent him to keep an eye on her, but Luca was starting to wonder—was Celeste really on their side?

She was too good at this.

Too convincing.

And for the first time, Luca had a dangerous thought.

What if Celeste wasn't just pretending?

What if Santino wasn't just a target—but something more?

And if Rafael found out?

Celeste wouldn't live to see the morning.

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4. A Deal with a Killer

Santino set down his drink.

"Work for me."

Celeste blinked. "Excuse me?"

He leaned back, watching her with interest. "I could use someone like you. Smart. Beautiful. Fearless."

She let out a soft laugh. "And what exactly would I be doing?"

"Whatever I tell you."

Her pulse quickened.

This was it. The moment she had to make a choice.

Betray Rafael.

Or play Santino until she found out the truth.

She leaned in, her lips inches from his. "I'll think about it."

Santino smiled, as if he already knew her answer.

And maybe he did.

Because the truth was—Celeste wasn't sure whose side she was on anymore.

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5. A Warning from the Past

When Celeste returned home that night, she found Rafael waiting for her.

He was leaning against her kitchen counter, a cigarette between his fingers.

His eyes were unreadable. "You took your time."

She set down her purse. "You told me to get close to him. I did."

He exhaled slowly. "And?"

She hesitated. "He wants me to work for him."

Rafael's jaw tightened.

Then, without warning, he moved.

Fast.

In an instant, Celeste was pinned against the counter, Rafael's hand gripping her chin.

His voice was low, dangerous. "Tell me, Celeste… did you enjoy it?"

Her breath hitched. "Enjoy what?"

His thumb brushed over her lips. "Dancing with him. Letting him touch you."

Her pulse was wild, but she refused to back down. "Are you asking as my boss? Or as something else?"

For a moment, Rafael didn't speak.

Then, he kissed her.

Hard. Possessive.

A warning and a claim all at once.

When he pulled away, his eyes burned into hers. "Remember this, Celeste."

His grip on her tightened. "You belong to me."

She stared at him, her breath uneven.

And she realized something terrifying.

Maybe Rafael wasn't just her employer.

Maybe he was her greatest weakness.

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End of Chapter Five