Page 55 of His Bride

Without a word, he opens his arms.

I collapse against his chest, a sob tearing from my throat. His arms wrap around me, strong and secure, as I cry for my father’s betrayal and for Valentina.

Dante’s hand strokes my hair, his touch surprisingly gentle. “Shh, cara mia,” he says, his voice low and rough. “I’ve got you.”

I cling to him, my tears soaking his bare chest. His heartbeat thrums steady against my cheek, very unlike my own erratic pulse.

“How could he?” I say, my voice raw. “My own father…”

Dante’s muscles tense beneath my fingers. “Your father is a fool,” he growls. “But Lorenzo… he will pay for this betrayal.”

Chapter Nineteen

Dante

The scent of lavender oil and eucalyptus hangs heavy in the air. I blend into the shadows, my eyes locked on Lorenzo De Luca’s prone form on the massage table. His eyes are closed, face relaxed. Fool.

I can just put a bullet to his head right now and be done with it but I want him to see who ends his his life.

The masseuse’s eyes widen when she spots me. I press a finger to my lips, shaking my head slightly. She swallows hard and gives an almost imperceptible nod, her hands trembling as she continues kneading Lorenzo’s shoulders.

I move silently across the dim room, my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. Lorenzo remains oblivious, letting out a contented sigh. The corner of my mouth twitches. Not for long.

In one fluid motion, I’m at his side. “Comfortable, Lorenzo?” I growl.

His eyes fly open. He jerks upright, nearly knocking the masseuse off her feet. She scrambles away, the door slamming behind her.

“Dante,” Lorenzo spits, scrambling to cover himself with a towel. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

I lean in close, my voice low and dangerous. “Paying an old friend a visit. Did you really think you could hide from me?”

My pulse quickens, adrenaline flooding my veins. This is what I live for - the thrill of the hunt, cornering my prey. And Lorenzo, this arrogant bastard who dared to threaten what’s mine, he’s been at the top of my list for far too long.

Lorenzo’s eyes dart around, searching for an escape. There is none.

“You’re making a mistake,” he hisses. “My men will-”

“Your men?” I laugh, the sound devoid of humor. “Look around, Lorenzo. It’s just you and me now.”

Fear flashes in his eyes, quickly replaced by defiance. Good. I want him to fight. It’ll make breaking him that much sweeter.

“What do you want, Dante?” Lorenzo demands, his jaw clenched.

I smile, cold and sharp as a blade. “Oh, we’re going to have a long chat about respect, family, and knowing your place in this city. And trust me…” I crack my knuckles, savoring the moment. “You’re going to wish you’d never crossed me.”

Lorenzo’s lip curls into a sneer. “Respect? Family? That’s rich coming from you, Dante. How’s your precious Adriana? Still playing house with daddy’s little debt payment?”

My vision flashes red. I clench my fists, fighting the urge to crush his windpipe right here.

“Careful, De Luca,” I snarl.

He laughs a harsh bark that grates on my nerves. “Hit a nerve, did I? Face it, Rossi. You’re nothing but a glorified thug playing at being a boss. Your father must be rolling in his grave.”

I step closer, looming over him. “And you’re a pathetic excuse for a rival. Tell me, how does it feel knowing you’ll never measure up to your old man’s legacy?”

Lorenzo’s face twists with rage. “You son of a-”

“Ah ah,” I interrupt, wagging a finger. “Let’s keep our mothers out of this, shall we? Though I hear yours was quite… popular among the dockworkers.”

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