Page 43 of Impure Vows

She takes a tentative step closer. "And when he does?"

I reach out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "When he does, we’ll be ready. And he’ll pay."

Her breath hitches, and I can see the conflict in her eyes. She’s afraid, but there’s something else there too. Something that mirrors my own obsession.

"Why tell me all this?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Because you belong to me, Aliyah. And in this world, you need to know who your enemies are."

She swallows hard, nodding slowly. "I understand."

"Good." I release her, stepping back. "Now, get some rest. We’ve got another long day tomorrow."

As she moves towards the bedroom, I watch her, my mind racing with plans and strategies. Carlo Vitale may think he’s clever, but he’s got another thing coming. Aliyah’s presence has only sharpened my focus, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone stand in my way.

22

ALIYAH

Ican't pinpoint the exact moment when my resistance began to erode, but here I am, in Dante's world, accepting my place. It's a twisted reality, but somehow, I've grown accustomed to it. Maybe Stockholm syndrome has wrapped its insidious tendrils around me. I glance at the ornate mirror in the bedroom, seeing a woman I barely recognize. My hair is meticulously styled, and the dress I'm wearing—another one of Dante's expensive gifts—clings to my body in all the right places.

"Aliyah," Dante's voice pulls me from my thoughts. He's standing by the door, watching me with those dark, unreadable eyes.

"Yes?" I respond, turning to face him. My voice is steady, despite the flutter in my chest.

"Come here," he commands.

I walk over, my heels clicking softly against the polished floor. As I reach him, he grabs my wrist, pulling me close. His touch sends a jolt through me—fear, yes, but something else too.

"You look... acceptable," he murmurs, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "Tonight, we're attending another meeting. You know the rules."

"Yes," I reply, keeping my gaze down. "Eyes down, no talking unless you say so."

He tilts my chin up, forcing me to look at him. "You're learning."

A part of me hates how his approval makes me feel. Another part is desperate for it.

As he releases me, I step back, trying to steady my breathing. My thoughts drift to Sophia. I haven't spoken to her in weeks, ignoring her calls and texts. The guilt gnaws at me, but what choice do I have? In Dante's world, there's no room for anyone else.

"Let's go," he says, turning on his heel and striding towards the door. I follow, my heart heavy with conflicting emotions.

As we walk through the mansion, I can't help but wonder how I ended up here. Every step feels like a step further from the life I knew, and yet, there's a strange comfort in the certainty of Dante's world.

In Dante's office, I glance around at the opulent decor—the dark wood paneling, the antique books lining the shelves, the subtle scent of leather and expensive cologne. I

Dante sits behind his massive oak desk, reviewing some documents. His presence fills the room, a constant reminder of the power he wields. I watch him, noting the slight furrow in his brow as he reads.

"What's bothering you?" I ask, breaking the silence. It's a bold move, but I've learned that showing a bit of initiative can be useful.

He looks up, surprised. "Nothing that concerns you."

I lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk. "Try me. You might be surprised."

His eyes narrow, but he slides a file across the desk. "It's the deal with the Vitale family. Something doesn't add up."

I flip through the pages, scanning the figures and contracts. "The Vitale family... They're the ones you're suspicious of, right?"

"Correct." He leans back in his chair, studying me.

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