Page 10 of Mafia Doctor

That is until Enzo had entrusted her to him on his death bed. “Take care of her,” he’d said. “She may not let you at first, but she’ll come around.”

After she’d fallen asleep on the table an hour or so ago, he’d untied her, covered her with a robe, and gently carried her out to the waiting limo before removing her blindfold and resting her head in his lap. Now, as he peered down at Aurora and smoothed her hair back from her face, her eyes fluttered open.

She shifted slightly, stretching her arms over her head with an adorable squeak before seeming to realize where she was… and who she was with. The second she noticed him gazing down at her, Aurora bolted up so fast it made Dante jump, then scooted to the opposite corner of the seat, shrinking as far away from him as possible.

“Hey. Shh. You’re safe, babygirl,” he told her gently, and she glared at him.

“Where are you taking me?”

“We’re going to your family’s villa, not far from here.”

She investigated the view out the window as if she didn’t believe him at all before crossing her arms over her chest. “Are you going to tie me up and torture me there, too?”

Dante couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m not sure I would consider that torture, and your little pussy certainly didn’t seem to, either.”

Aurora huffed, but he could see her cheeks pinken at his words.

“But no, I won’t tie you up again… if you behave. We’re going there for our honeymoon.”

She stared at him blankly for a long moment. “Our what?”

“Our honeymoon, babygirl.”

She glared at him, a mix of skepticism and irritation obvious in her expression. “Did you have someone ‘marry us’ while I was blacked out or something? Because that’s messed up, even for you.”

“No, we’re not married yet. But we’re going to be soon. Consider this a pre-honeymoon, where we can get to know each other a bit more.”

Aurora snorted. “I have no interest in getting to know you.”

Such a sassy girl. Dante was going to enjoy that.

“Well, sometimes, we have to do things we don’t want to do. Like fly to another country to track down a naughty girl who ghosted you. Now relax and enjoy the drive. We’ll be there soon and then I’ll take you to dinner.”

She didn’t say anything or even look at him this time, but Dante saw her shift the tiniest bit closer to him as she settled back in her seat.

He returned his attention to the view as well, and soon they were pulling up to the Moretti family’s villa. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Milan’s outskirts, the large estate looked timelessly elegant and modernly sophisticated at the same time. It had a stately exterior, adorned with intricate architectural details and surrounded by manicured gardens.

Dante’s eyes widened as they pulled through the gate and onto the brick driveway. There was that feeling again. The out-of-his-element feeling. Sure, he was used to some luxury and opulence, having been around the wealthy mafioso colleagues of his father growing up, but his own childhood and young adulthood had been very middle class. He’d have to get used to this without letting his intimidation show, especially to Aurora who was already overwhelmed. Glancing over, he saw her big brown eyes widen in wonderment at the sight of their accommodations, and he cleared his throat.

“Not exactly a prison cell, is it?” He winked at her and opened his door, walking around to the other side to open hers for her, too. She pulled her robe tightly around her as she followed him inside, leaving the driver to unload their bags.

The interior of the villa was even more stunning than the outside. The spacious rooms were bathed in natural light, showcasing luxurious furnishings and tasteful décor. From the marble floored foyer to the sun-drenched terrace overlooking the picturesque countryside, every corner of the villa exuded refinement and tranquility. And privacy. That would be nice for later.

Aurora, obviously trying not to act too impressed but completely failing, wandered from room to room before beginning to venture up the staircase.

“There will be clothes in the closet of the master bedroom for you,” Dante called to her. “Why don’t you clean yourself up and then we’ll go to dinner.”

Aurora looked stunning in the red gown she’d chosen, though her beautiful face seemed to be permanently set into a sour expression as they ordered their food. Impressively, she was even able to keep the scowl on her face as she sipped at her glass of merlot. After downing half of it, she set the glass down a little too firmly and looked Dante in the eye.

“I just finished college, you know.”

“You finished college a year ago,” Dante corrected her, a small smile playing on the edge of his lips.

“Well, it’s normal to go on a senior trip after graduating! I worked really hard, I just wanted to have a little fun.” Her scowl softened into a sad look. “Maybe a little freedom before I’m forced to settle down.”

Dante reached to take her hand. It pained him to see the sadness on her face. Her sassy, stubborn side was far easier to deal with.

“You can still have your freedom, babygirl. As fun as it was, I’m not going to keep you tied to our bed for the rest of your life.” He ran his finger over the back of her hand. “Occasionally I’ll let you in the kitchen, too… as long as you stay barefoot.”

---