Eva Morelli is the oldest daughter. The responsible one. The caring one. The one who doesn’t have time for her own interests.

Especially not her interest in the charismatic, mysterious Finn Hughes.

A fake relationship is the answer to both their problems.

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O Come All Ye Faithful

Amelia Wilde

Chapter One

Haley

The gown is too much.

Don’t get me wrong: I look so good. Maybe better than I’ve ever looked. I actually have no idea how Leo pulls this off time and again. Every dress he’s ever bought for me tops the last one. This one—floor length, the color of red wine, so expensive he wouldn’t tell me how much it cost—was made for me by a designer he flew in from France last week.

That’s a scenario that would make anyone lightheaded. A fancy French designer. A private jet. A small marathon of consultations and a finished product within two days.

For me. Haley Constantine. I was a Constantine who wasn’t really a Constantine until I made a deal with Leo Morelli, the Beast of Bishop’s Landing, a man known for his volatile temper and an affinity for violence.

And my own personal prince. My own personal fallen angel.

I twirl my engagement ring around my finger and try to look haughty in the mirror. Haughtiness probably isn’t the way to go for this event. I won’t be able to pull it off for very long with my heart in my throat.

Leo gave me everything I need to play the part. As a girl, I dreamed of the things the other Constantines had. Hair stylists and couture gowns and confidence. Leo hired the same woman he got for my birthday party to do my hair and makeup earlier this afternoon, and of course there’s the gown, but the confidence—

I’ll have to borrow some of his.

He sweeps into the closet like my thoughts have summoned him. I’m a wine-red jewel against the backdrop of all his black clothes, but he makes my breath catch. Leo wears a black-on-black tux. There’s not a single white shirt in this entire space. He has both hands at his neck, finishing his tie, but at the sight of me his gold-shot eyes widen and he puts both hands over his heart.

“It’s too much,” I say to his reflection. He prowls closer and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Leo’s nothing like he’s rumored to be. He keeps a tight leash on his temper. His anger only uses him under rare circumstances—most times, it’s the other way around. He uses the illusion of barely constrained rage to protect the people he loves.