Page 38 of His Bride

A thrill of excitement courses through me at the promise in his voice. What have I gotten myself into?

With a final smoldering look, Dante releases me and turns back to the stove. I watch, mesmerized, as his hands move with practiced efficiency. The sizzle of oil in the pan and the rich aroma of garlic and herbs fill the air.

Minutes later, Dante presents the first course with a flourish. “Seared scallops with a lemon beurre blanc,” he announces, his accent caressing each syllable.

I stare in awe at the perfectly golden scallops nestled on a bed of vibrant greens. “This looks incredible,” I breathe, truly impressed.

Dante’s eyes gleam with satisfaction as he pours us each a glass of crisp white wine. “Try it,” he urges.

I take a delicate bite, closing my eyes as flavors explode across my tongue. “Oh my god,” I moan, forgetting my usual reserve. “This is amazing.”

His lips quirk in a pleased smile. “I’m glad you approve.”

While we savour the dish, the conversation flows easily between us. It’s strange how comfortable I feel, given our tumultuous beginning.

“So,” he says, setting down his fork, “tell me about your day. Any breakthroughs with your latest webtoon?”

I can’t help but smile. It still surprises me that he takes an interest in my work. “Actually, yes. I finally figured out how to resolve the conflict between the dragon princess and the knight. It involves a magical pearl and—” I catch myself, cheeks flushing. “Sorry, I’m probably boring you.”

Dante leans forward, his gaze intent. “Never. I love seeing you passionate about something. Keep going.”

As I describe my plotline, gesturing with my hands, I notice the way his eyes follow my movements. There’s hunger there, but not just physical. He seems to genuinely drink in my words, my enthusiasm.

“What about you?” I ask, suddenly eager to know more about his world, despite the danger it represents. “Any… interesting business today?”

His expression shutters slightly, reminding me of the boundaries between us. “Nothing you need to worry about, cara. Just the usual meetings.”

I nod, a familiar unease settling in my stomach. Part of me wants to press further, but I know better. Instead, I focus on savoring the last bites of the exquisite meal he’s prepared.

When we finish, I stand, gathering plates. “Let me help clean up,” I offer, craving some semblance of normalcy.

Dante’s hand catches mine, his touch electric. “You don’t have to,” he says.

“I want to,” I insist, meeting his gaze. For a moment, we’re just a couple, sharing a simple domestic task.

While I load the last dish into the dishwasher, I feel Dante’s presence behind me, his body heat radiating against my back. My pulse quickens.

“You know,” he says, his voice low and honeyed, “I think I deserve another reward for all this cooking.”

I turn, finding myself trapped between his arms as he leans against the counter. “Oh? And what did you have in mind?” I ask, aiming for playful but hearing the slight tremor in my voice.

Dante’s eyes darken. “A real kiss,” he says, leaning in. “Not one of those chaste pecks you’ve been teasing me with.”

The air between us crackles with tension. I lick my lips, my pulse quickening. “Okay,” I respond, surprising myself. “Show me what a real kiss is.”

Dante’s eyes flash with hunger, but as he leans in, a sudden burst of playfulness overtakes me. I duck under his arm, giggling as I dart away.

“You’ll have to catch me first,” I challenge, surprising myself with my boldness.

A predatory grin spreads across Dante’s face. “Oh, cara,” he says, “You should know better than to run from me.”

I dart out of the kitchen, and weave through the house, my laughter bubbling up uncontrollably. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this light, this free. For a moment, I can pretend we’re just a normal couple, chasing each other like lovestruck teenagers.

I round a corner, nearly slipping on the floor. Dante’s footsteps echo behind me, deliberate and measured. He’s toying with me, I realize. My heart races as I climb the stairs, taking them two at a time.

“Adriana,” he calls out, his voice a blend of amusement and hunger that sets my heart pounding. “You can’t run or hide from me forever.”

I sprint up the stairs, pulse thundering in my ears. “Watch me try!”

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