Page 33 of His Bride

Lorenzo chuckles, the sound grating on my nerves. “Always so protective, Dante. But remember, in our world, no one is truly safe.”

I turn back, unable to resist. Lorenzo is backing away, hands raised in mock surrender. But his eyes… they linger on me, a promise of future confrontations.

“Until we meet again,” he says, tipping an invisible hat. Then he’s gone, leaving only a chill in his wake.

Dante is at my side in an instant, his arm wrapping around my waist. “Are you alright, cara mia?”

I lean into him, seeking comfort in his warmth. “Can we leave? Please? I… I’ve lost my appetite.”

He nods, pressing a kiss to my temple. Outside, the cool night air hits my face, and I gulp it down greedily. Dante guides me to the car, his hand never leaving the small of my back. As we slide into the backseat, I catch a glimpse of Enzo in the rearview mirror, his eyes alert and scanning our surroundings.

“Take us home,” Dante orders, his voice low and tight.

As we ride back home, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the beginning of something much bigger, much more dangerous.

Chapter Twelve

Dante

The sun glints off the pool’s surface, casting shimmering reflections across Adriana’s bronzed skin. She lounges on a chaise, laughing at something Lucia has said. The sound of her laughter carries across the patio, light and carefree.

I watch them from behind my sunglasses, sipping an Old Fashioned. The ice clinks against the crystal tumbler as I take another sip, the burn of whiskey bellying the heat of the afternoon.

Carmine stretches out in the chair beside me. “They seem to be getting along well,” he remarks.

I grunt in acknowledgment, my eyes never leaving Adriana. She’s different here, more relaxed than I’ve seen her since our wedding day. The tightness around her eyes has eased, replaced by a genuine smile as she chats animatedly with Lucia.

“It’s good for her,” I say finally. “To have a friend in the family.”

Lucia leans in close, whispering something that makes Adriana’s eyes go wide. They both burst into giggles, drawing curious glances from the bodyguards stationed around the perimeter of the property.

I can’t help the way my jaw clenches, a flash of possessiveness coursing through me. Adriana is mine, but seeing her bond with others in the famiglia eases a knot in my chest that I hadn’t realized was there.

“Carmine,” Lucia calls, waving us over. “Dante, come join us.”

We rise, making our way to where the women lounge by the pool’s edge. Adriana’s eyes flick to me, a hint of wariness in their depths before she smiles.

“We were just discussing plans for a spa day,” Lucia explains as we approach. “What do you think about us girls having a little outing?”

I exchange a glance with Carmine, weighing the risks. Lorenzo’s threat from the other night flashes through my mind, making my fists clench involuntarily.

“That sounds lovely,” Adriana says softly, her gaze hopeful as it meets mine.

I nod slowly. “As long as Enzo and Giorgio accompany you.”

Relief and excitement flash across Adriana’s face, quickly masked but not before I catch it. My chest tightens at the realization of how much this means to her.

“Of course,” Lucia agrees easily. “We’ll make a day of it - massages, facials, the works.”

While the women chatter about their plans, I catch Carmine’s knowing look. He raises an eyebrow, silently questioning my protectiveness. I shrug it off, unwilling to examine my motivations too closely.

For now, I’ll focus on keeping Adriana safe. The rest can wait.

As the women leave, their excited voices fading, Carmine and I retreat to the shade of the poolside cabana. The air feels heavier now, thick with unspoken tension.

Carmine breaks the silence. “So, how’s married life treating you, cugino?”

I grunt, reaching for a glass of whiskey. “It’s… fine.”

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