Page 46 of His Bride

She nods, leaning into my touch. “Together,” she agrees, her voice stronger now.

I pull her close, feeling her warmth against me. The betrayal still stings, but as I hold her, I know one thing for certain: I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe, even if it means going to war with her own blood.

I breathe in her scent, feeling the tension in my body slowly uncoil. Her fingers clutch at my shirt, desperate and seeking reassurance. I want to give it to her, but the weight of our situation presses down on us both.

“Dante,” Adriana says against my chest, her voice muffled. “What happens now?”

I pull back slightly, cupping her face in my hands. Her eyes are wide, searching mine for answers I’m not sure I have.

“We protect what’s ours,” I say, my thumb brushing her cheekbone. “Your father’s choices have consequences, but you’re not responsible for them.”

She swallows hard. “But I am, aren’t I? By keeping quiet…”

“Stop,” I interrupt, firmer than I intend. I soften my tone. “What’s done is done. We move forward.”

Adriana nods, but I see the doubt lingering in her eyes. It tugs at something deep inside me, a protective instinct I can’t ignore.

“Listen to me,” I say, leaning in close. “You’re my wife. My partner. Whatever comes, we face it together.”

Her lips part, surprise flashing across her face. It’s more vulnerability than I usually show, but with her, the walls come down.

“I never thought…” she starts, then shakes her head. “I was so afraid you’d hate me for this.”

The admission hits me like a punch to the gut. I pull her closer, my forehead resting against hers.

“Never,” I say fiercely. “You’re mine, Adriana. Nothing changes that.”

I feel her relax against me, the tension slowly leaving her body. My fingers thread through her hair, savoring the silky texture.

“I forgive you,” I say, the words hanging heavy in the air between us. “But this is the last time, Adriana. No more secrets.”

She nods, her eyes meeting mine with a newfound resolve. “I understand.”

The clock on her desk ticks loudly in the silence that follows. I inhale deeply, breathing in her sweet scent. It centers me, reminding me of what’s truly important.

“Your loyalty is to me now,” I say, my voice low and intense. “Not your father, not anyone else. Just us.”

Adriana breathes sharply. I see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle between family ties and our bond. But she doesn’t look away.

“I know,” she replies. “I choose you, Dante.”

The words kindle a primal desire within me. I crush my lips to hers, pouring all my possessiveness, my need, my twisted version of love into the kiss. She responds with equal fervor, her fingers digging into my shoulders.

When we break apart, both panting, I rest my forehead against hers again. “Remember this moment,” I tell her. “When things get hard, when you’re tempted to keep things from me – remember.”

She nods, her eyes shining with unshed tears. I’ve given her a lot to process, I know. But we don’t have the luxury of time.

“I need to meet with my brother,” I say, stepping back. “Don’t wait for me.”

As I turn to leave, Adriana’s voice stops me. “Dante?”

I look back, raising an eyebrow.

“Thank you,” she says softly. “For forgiving me.”

I nod once, then slip out of her office.

Chapter Sixteen

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