Page 37 of His Bride

Adriana turns to face me, her eyes searching mine. “Are you okay?”

The question catches me off guard. “I’m fine,” I grunt, but my voice lacks its usual edge.

She reaches out, tracing the lines of my face with gentle fingers. I close my eyes, allowing myself this moment of vulnerability.

“You don’t have to be strong all the time,” she says.

I open my eyes. “Yes, I do. Weakness gets you killed in this world.”

Adriana frowns. “Feeling isn’t weakness, Dante.”

I pull her closer, burying my face in her hair. The scent of her grounds me. “You don’t understand the things I’ve done, cara. The blood on my hands.”

She stiffens slightly, then relaxes. “Maybe not. But I’m here now. With you.”

The words hang between us, heavy with implications. I stroke her back, marveling at the softness of her skin.

“Why aren’t you afraid of me?” I ask, genuinely curious.

Adriana looks up at me, her gaze steady. “Because I see you, Dante. Not just the cold exterior you show the world.”

My chest tightens. She sees too much. It’s dangerous. But I can’t bring myself to push her away.

Instead, I kiss her forehead. “Get some sleep, cara.”

She nods and settles against my chest. As her breathing evens out, I stare at the ceiling, lost in thought. Something’s changing between us, and I’m not sure I can control it.

The night grows darker. Sleep eludes me as I hold Adriana, acutely aware of the storm brewing on the horizon.

Chapter Thirteen

Adriana

The scent of garlic and herbs hits me as I step into the kitchen. My eyes widen at the sight before me - Dante, sleeves rolled up, muscles flexing as he chops vegetables with practiced precision. His brow furrows in concentration, completely absorbed in his task.

My heart skips a beat. He remembered. He’s actually cooking for me, just like he promised that night at the restaurant.

I clear my throat softly. “This is a nice surprise.”

Dante looks up, his intense gaze softening as it lands on me. A small smirk plays at the corner of his lips. “I always keep my promises, cara mia.”

Heat rises to my cheeks at the endearment. I move closer, peering at the array of ingredients spread across the counter. “It smells amazing already. I had no idea you were such a chef.”

He chuckles, the low sexy sound giving me butterflies. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet.” His eyes darken. “But you will.”

The weight of his words hangs between us. I swallow hard, torn between nervousness and anticipation.

Dante sets down his knife, turning to face me fully. “You know, preparing a meal like this deserves a proper reward.”

My pulse quickens. “Oh? And what did you have in mind?”

He leans in close, his voice velvety smooth as he says, “I’m sure we can think of something… mutually satisfying.”

I can’t help the giggle that escapes me, equal parts giddy and flustered. Before I can overthink it, I stretch up on my toes and press a quick kiss to his stubbled cheek.

Dante freezes for a moment, clearly not expecting such boldness from me. Then his arms snake around my waist, pulling me flush against his solid chest.

“Teasing minx,” he growls playfully. “You’ll pay for that later.”

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