Page 38 of Impure Vows

The rest of the night is a blur of faces and conversations. Dante never lets me stray far, his presence both comforting and terrifying. The conflicting attraction I feel for him is overwhelming. The way he smells, the darkness that swirls around him, the way he keeps me physically tucked against his side—it’s all so dizzying.

Dante’s hand rests possessively on my waist as we move through the party. I feel like a human accessory, prettied up for people to notice, but not acknowledge. The crowd is a mix of opulence and danger, their eyes following us with thinly veiled curiosity. Every now and then, Dante introduces me with a smug smile, his eyes narrowing and his grip tightening whenever anyone looks too long.

I overhear snippets of conversations that make my blood run cold.

“... shipment from Colombia. We’ll need extra security at the docks.”

“... double-crossed us. Make sure he doesn’t see another sunrise.”

The words swirl around me, painting a vivid picture of the world I’ve been dragged into. Dante’s power extends far beyond what I could’ve imagined, and it’s terrifying.

“Aliyah,” Dante’s voice breaks through my thoughts. “This is Lorenzo. He handles our international dealings.”

I force a smile, extending my hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Lorenzo’s eyes flick over me, a calculating glint in them. “Charmed, I’m sure. Dante, you’ve outdone yourself.”

“Always do,” Dante replies smoothly, his thumb stroking my hip. “She’s quite something, isn’t she?”

I want to recoil, but I can’t. Not here. Not in front of these people. I’m trapped, playing the part of Dante’s prized possession.

As the night wears on, I feel increasingly out of place. The men discuss business deals that could topple governments, while the women exchange thinly veiled barbs, each one trying to outdo the other in displays of wealth and power. I catch glimpses of admiration and envy directed at me, but it feels hollow, meaningless.

The ride back to Dante’s mansion is silent, tension crackling between us like static. As soon as we step inside, I can’t hold it in any longer.

“You barely spoke to me all night!” I snap, my voice echoing in the grand foyer. “I felt like a ghost.”

Dante arches an eyebrow, slowly unbuttoning his jacket. “You’re mad because I didn’t baby you?”

“Baby me?” I echo, disbelief coloring my voice. “You ignored me, Dante. Why even bring me if you’re going to treat me like a mere ornament?”

I can’t believe the words coming out of my mouth. It sounds insane, like I’m some petulant girlfriend, instead of an overdressed prisoner. But the truth is, his treatment has been gnawing at me, driving me crazy.

He moves nearer, his gaze growing more intense. “You wanted attention? From me?”

“Yes!” I shout, the frustration boiling over. “I don’t want to be treated like an object. Like I’m just another one of your possessions.”

His gaze narrows, and a dangerous edge creeps into his voice. “You are my possession, Aliyah. Everything about you belongs to me. Your presence tonight wasn’t for your enjoyment; it was to show everyone that you’re mine.”

“That’s not—” I stop, swallowing hard. “That’s not how this works. You can’t just... own me.”

“Watch me,” he growls, his voice low and menacing, sending a shiver down my spine.

Dante’s hand shoots out, gripping my waist and pulling me roughly against him. His other hand tangles in my curls, yanking my head back. His lips crash onto mine, the kiss possessive and demanding. I gasp, the sound muffled by his mouth, and he growls, a primal sound that sends a shiver through me.

Chapter 20—Rodeo

20

ALIYAH

Dante deepens the kiss, his hand gripping my hair tightly, pulling at my scalp. My breath catches, my fists tightening in his shirt. He lets out a dangerous groan that makes my body arch against him. His hand presses into my lower back, pulling me flush against his body.

I want to pull away, but I can’t. I want him, even though I know I shouldn’t.

“You drive me fucking insane, you know that?” His voice is a low growl against my lips.

“Let me go, Dante,” I whisper, even as my body betrays me, pressing closer to him.

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