Book excerpt: Picture of Innocence Lucy Steadman refuses to be intimidated by brooding Italian Lorenzo Zanelli. He may hold the fate of her family's business in his iron fist, but she will not submit to his more personal demands. As a talented artist, Lucy can see the truth in beauty; Lorenzo may be devastatingly handsome, but he has a soul blackened by his desire for revenge. And to give in to such a man, even for a single kiss, would be to lose her head -- and her heart -- forever... Untamed Italian, Blackmailed Innocent No woman has ever shunned wicked Italian tycoon Zac Delucca! But sweet, studious Sally is in a world of her own, looking after her sick mother. Little does she realize her unfocused disinterest is driving Zac's fury! Especially as her father is responsible for embezzling millions from his company. There's a debt to be paid. Zac will offer Sally an ultimatum — become his mistress on demand or risk ruin! He's confident she'll make the right choice... The Italian's Blackmailed Mistress Italian magnate Max Quintano knew exactly how to get his way...by blackmailing Sophie into becoming his mistress. Sophie will do anything to prevent her family's ruin — even if it means living in Max's luxurious Venetian palazzo — and being beholden to him...and will be until she discovers exactly why he hates her so much.