Page 53 of His Bride

“Promise me,” I plead, gripping his wrists. “Promise me it will be okay.”

Dante’s lips touch my forehead. “I promise, tesoro. Whatever comes, we face it together.”

I burrow into his chest, inhaling his familiar scent. I close my eyes, focusing on the steady thrum of Dante’s heartbeat. For now, at least, I’m safe in his arms. But as sleep finally claims me, I can’t shake the feeling that this is just the calm before the storm.

The ring of my phone jolts me awake.Dante’s arms tighten around me protectively as I reach for the device. My mother’s name flashes on the screen, sending a pang of guilt in my chest. I had been so caught up, I did not check on her.

“It’s my mother,” I look at Dante.

Dante nods, his eyes dark with concern. “Answer it. She needs to know you’re safe.”

I take a deep breath and swipe to accept the call. “Mamma?”

“Adriana! Oh, thank God!” My mother’s voice is frantic, laced with worry. “Where are you? Are you hurt? We’ve been so worried!”

I swallow hard, trying to steady my voice. “I’m okay, Mamma. I’m with Dante. I’m sorry I left without saying anything, I just… I couldn’t…”

The words catch in my throat, memories of gunshots and screams flooding back. I feel Dante’s hand on my back, grounding me.

“It’s alright, darling,” my mother soothes, but I can hear the strain in her voice. “We understand. We’re just relieved you’re safe.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “How’s… how’s Valentina?” I ask, dreading the answer. “Is she…?”

“She’s stable,” my mother assures me. “The doctors say she’ll recover.”

Relief floods through me, but it’s quickly followed by a wave of guilt. “Can you check on her for me? I should be there, but…”

“Of course, cara mia. I’ll go first thing in the morning.”

I clutch the phone tighter, picturing Valentina’s vibrant smile, her infectious laugh. The way she’s always been there for me. The thought of losing her is unbearable. “Tell her I love her, okay? And that I’ll visit as soon as I can.”

“Of course, dear,” my mother assures me. “I’ll go to the hospital right away and call you with any news.”

“Thank you,” I respond, tears slipping down my cheeks. “I love you, Mamma.”

“I love you too, Adriana. Stay safe.”

Just as I’m about to end the call, a familiar voice in the background makes me freeze.

“Is that Adriana? Let me speak to her.” My father’s voice, gruff and insistent.

I hesitate, my finger hovering over the end call button. Dante’s hand finds mine, a silent question in his touch.

“Adriana?” My mother’s voice returns, tentative. “Your father wants to talk to you. Should I…?”

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. Part of me wants to hang up, to shield myself from whatever my father has to say. But I can’t run forever.

“Okay,” I agree reluctantly, “Put him on.”

The seconds stretch as I wait, each heartbeat thundering in my ears. Then, his voice fills the line.

“Adriana? Are you there?”

“Yes, dad,” I manage, my words clipped.

“Are you hurt? Tell me you’re not hurt,” he sounds worried.

I close my eyes, fighting back a surge of emotions. “I’m fine.”

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