Page 11 of Ruined in Vows

He relaxes some, leaning back in his chair. A look of triumph, like he just won a big prize, flickers in his eyes. I hate it. Hate that I never gave Dante what is rightfully his and what this man will forcefully take. I feel sick at the thought. But still, it's not enough to make me back out.

“Good. I hear you are going to Miami for your bachelorette party?”

Relaxing at the change in conversation, I nod. “Yes. With my mamma, Ocean, and best friend Athena.”

“Very good. I can trust you to stay away from any men.” Though it sounds like a question, it is very much a demand.

“Of course,” I smile like the perfect docile little doll.

He grins, looking devilish. “You will be the perfect little wife to train, Allegra. I can't wait to break you in, in all ways. Now let's eat up. I have somewhere else I need to be.” He pauses, smirking. “Or let's say,someoneelse that needs my attention.”

My nose wrinkles at the insinuation. Without really saying it, he just told me that he is going off to fuck another woman. That’s fine by me. I don’t care if he has one hundred mistresses. While he is keeping busy with them, he is staying away from me.

Smiling, I roll some noodles around my fork and bring them to my mouth without giving him an answer.

He doesn't need one.

And quite frankly, I have had enough of his voice.

So, I do what I do best.

Retreat into happier times.

Pulling myself out of the pool, I make my way to the loungers to grab my towel so that I can dry off. It’s a sunny, hot day in The Hamptons, and I’m making the most of it.

A whistle sounds, making me stop in my tracks. Glancing over my shoulder, I spot one of my papà’s guards – who is clearly stupid or has a death wish - licking his lips as his gaze trails all over my body. It makes my skin crawl. There is only one man I want to look at me like that and it's certainly not him.

Turning to face him, I open my mouth, ready to give him a piece of my mind. Honestly, it’s better I tell him off rather than my papà ever witnessing this. He would take his eyeballs if he ever saw him looking at me like he currently is. But before I canshout my disgust, an angry, deep and possessive voice booms across the backyard.

“You have exactly one second to take your fucking eyes off her before I put a bullet in your head,” Dante growls, striding toward him with his gun aimed directly at his skull.

The guard pales, his body trembling. My breath hitches in my throat. As much as the guard deserves to be punished, I don’t want him to die. Without thinking, I run after Dante. Grabbing at his shirt, my panicked words rush out of me, “Please don’t kill him. I’m sure he meant no harm.” He most likely did, but I’m not about to fuel Dante’s fire.

Coming to a stop, he spins around to face me, his eyes widening when he sees my state of undress. His jaw clenches, teeth grinding together. “Go and get some fucking clothes on,” he orders.

I roll my eyes. “I was just in the process of doing that.” My hands land on my hips. “And anyway, I was taking care of it. I don’t need you to be my hero.”

He glares down at me. “I will always fucking protect you, principessa. Now go and get dressed before I murder that fucker.” His tone leaves no room for argument, but still, I have the urge to push his buttons.

“It’s a hot day. I was swimming. And you know what? I might swim some more. You are not my papà.”

His gaze narrows. My breath hitches when he leans into me, his hot breath tickling my ear. “No, I’m not. But you will listen to me, if you don’t want his blood on your hands. Now go and get dressed.”

My mouth opens with my retort, but I clamp it shut when my papà’s voice rings out. “Allegra.”

Dante stiffens, taking a step back from me. I hate it but understand why. Papà will kill any man that gets too close. And even though I want Dante with my whole being, I know howthis world works. A fiancé of my papà’s choosing is my future. Nonetheless, I am going to fight for this man in front of me and hopefully make Papà see that Dante is perfect for me.

But until then, we have to be careful.

Spinning around, I take a step toward the house, stopping when Dante speaks.

“I don’t like other men’s eyes on you.”

My breath hitches in my throat.

What does that mean?

Before I can ask him, he strides past me, snatching up the towel and throwing it at me.

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