Page 45 of Impure Vows

A voice breaks through my reverie, sharp and insistent. “Dante’s losing his edge,” someone mutters. My ears perk up, and I subtly angle myself closer to the conversation.

“Yeah, heard he’s getting soft.” another voice chimes in.

Anger surges through me, hot and undeniable. How dare they question Dante? I hang onto every word, my fists clenching at my sides.

“I give it six months before someone takes him out,” the first voice says, dripping with contempt.

My vision narrows, focusing on the two men. I don’t recognize them, but their smug faces are seared into my memory now. I store this information away, feeling an unexpected surge of loyalty to Dante.

“Aliyah,” Dante’s voice pulls me back. His hand on my lower back, guiding me away from the conversation. “What’s got you so worked up?”

“Nothing,” I say, forcing a smile. “Just… absorbing everything.”

He gives me a look that says he doesn’t believe me, but he lets it go. For now.

When we finally get home, the mansion feels eerily quiet after the party's chaos. Dante loosens his tie, his eyes on me.

“You’ve been distracted all night. What’s going on?” he demands.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “I overheard something. Two men were talking about you. They said you’re losing your edge.”

His eyes darken, a dangerous glint flashing through them. “Who?”

“I don’t know their names, but I can describe them. One had a scar above his left eyebrow, and the other had a tattoo on his neck.”

Dante’s jaw tightens, but there’s a flicker of something else—approval, maybe? “Good. You did well.”

I swallow, feeling a strange mix of pride and fear. “I just… I thought you should know.”

He steps closer, his hand cupping my chin. “You’re more than just a pretty accessory on my arm, Aliyah. Don’t you fucking forget that.”

I nod, feeling a strange sense of accomplishment. As I head to our bedroom, I realize something profound. I’m not just surviving in Dante’s world. I’m becoming a part of it. And that’s a terrifying, exhilarating thought.

23

DANTE

Sitting in my office, I let my thoughts drift to Aliyah. She's more than I anticipated. At first, I figured she'd submit seeing as she had no other choice left. But now, she’s helping me, integrating herself into my life in ways I never imagined. The thought stirs something unfamiliar inside me, an emotion I can't quite name.

I lean back in my leather chair, staring at the ceiling. She’s not just submitting; she’s showing strength, intelligence, even loyalty. I never thought a woman like her would fit so seamlessly into my world. It makes me want to reward her.

I bring up the camera feed from our bedroom, eyes fixed on Aliyah as she paces the floor. Her every move, even in solitude, is mesmerizing. With a click, I summon Marco through the intercom.

"Bring her to my office," I instruct, voice low but firm. He nods, understanding the unspoken urgency.

Switching back to the feed, I watch as Marco enters the room. Aliyah looks up, a mix of apprehension and compliance in her eyes.

"Boss wants you," Marco says, and she doesn't hesitate. My blood stirs, watching her immediate compliance. She leaves the room, heading straight for my office.

Moments later, she stands in the doorway. Her eyes lock onto mine, a blend of fear and defiance. I lean back, savoring the power I hold over her.

"Come here," I order, voice steady and commanding.

She steps forward, her movements graceful yet hesitant. The air between us thickens with tension. She stops a few feet away, waiting for my next command.

"Closer," I growl, not breaking eye contact.

She obeys, closing the gap until she stands right in front of me. Her scent, sweet and clean fills my senses.

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