Page 43 of His Bride

“No,” I retort. “This is the end of everything.”

“Adriana-” he starts, reaching for me.

I step back, out of his reach. “No. Whatever you’re planning, whatever deal you’ve made with Lorenzo - it ends now. Or I swear, I’ll tell Dante everything.”

The threat hangs in the air between us, heavy and dangerous. My father’s eyes widen, a flicker of fear crossing his face. For a moment, I see him not as the powerful man I’ve always known, but as someone trapped, desperate.

But then his expression hardens once more. “You wouldn’t dare,” he says, his voice low and threatening.

We stare at each other, the air crackling with tension. I clench my fists, fighting back tears of frustration and betrayal.

“Watch me,” I reply, turning on my heel and striding out of the room, leaving my father - and my trust in him - behind.

I storm out of my parents’ house, the door slamming behind me with a finality that echoes in my chest. The cool night air hits my face, but it does little to calm the inferno raging inside me.

As Enzo drives me back to Dante’s - our - house, my mind races. How could my father do this? Selling me off to Dante was supposed to solve everything. Now he’s risking it all, for what? Status? Power?

When we pull into the driveway, relief washes over me when I spot Dante’s car missing. I need time to think, to breathe, to figure out what the hell I’m going to do. I get out of the car before Enzo can open the door for me.

Inside, I pace the living room, my father’s words echoing in my head. “The deal with Dante isn’t enough.” Isn’t enough? I was the deal. I was supposed to be enough.

I collapse onto the couch, burying my face in my hands. Tell Dante or keep quiet? The choice tears at me. Loyalty to my family or to my husband? The husband I’m starting to care for more than I ever expected.

“What am I going to do?” I ask the empty room, wishing for an answer that doesn’t come.

The low rumble of Dante’s car pulling into the driveway jolts me from my thoughts. My heart rate spikes as I hear the front door open, his footsteps approaching.

“Adriana?” His deep voice calls out, making me even more nervous than I already am.

I swallow hard, willing my voice to sound normal. “In here.”

Dante appears in the doorway, his piercing gaze immediately locking onto me. He loosens his tie, looking at me with an intensity that makes me feel exposed.

“Everything alright?” he asks, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

I force a smile. “Of course. Just tired.”

He nods slowly, not looking convinced. “Let’s get ready for bed then.”

In our bedroom, I change quickly, hyper-aware of Dante’s presence. My hands shake slightly as I button my nightgown.

“Adriana,” Dante says softly, now standing behind me. “What’s wrong?”

I turn, meeting his gaze. The concern in his eyes makes my chest tighten. “Nothing. I’m fine, really.”

His jaw clenches slightly, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Come to bed,” he says, his voice low and commanding.

I nod, following him to our large bed. Dante pulls me close, his naked body warm against mine. His lips find my neck, placing a soft kiss there.

I take a deep breath, willing my racing thoughts to slow. Dante’s arm tightens around me, and I feel his steady heartbeat against my back. It should be comforting, but tonight it only reminds me of the precarious position I’m in.

My eyes squeeze shut, but sleep eludes me. Images of my father’s clandestine meeting with Lorenzo flash behind my eyelids. The hushed voices, the tense atmosphere - it all comes rushing back.

How can I betray my father? But how can I betray Dante? The weight of my secret presses down on me, threatening to suffocate me in the dark of night.

Chapter Fifteen

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