Vee shoved herself upright, breath ragged, eyes blazing. "I'm glad," she said. "I'm so fucking glad I took my sister's place. Because letting her anywhere near a psychotic person like you?" She laughed once. "That would never happen. Over my dead body. She is safe from you. From your madness."
"Is she?" he asked calmly.
"See, your little sacrifice was a total waste of resources." His gaze dragged over her, assessing. "And by resources, I mean yours." His hands gestured in the direction of her body.
"Your stunt cost me everything tonight," he continued. "It's not too late. There will be another auction. And your sister will be on it."
"No!"
"You merely delayed it and compounded the problem. Your father owes me. His debts didn't evaporate because you played martyr."
"And now," Luca continued softly, "you owe me."
"You will stay away from my sister!" Vee screamed.
