Page 93 of Theirs to Ruin

The sky was awash in the golden hues of the setting sun. The autumn leaves rustled overhead, their red and orange forms glowing as if set ablaze by the dying light. It was a perfect fall scene, but I could barely take it in, Dante’s presence and that kiss still messing with my head.

Finally, he broke the silence. “You holding up okay?” he asked.

I shrugged, not meeting his eyes. “I’m fine. Keeping busy.”

“And your classes? I heard you’ve had some challenges there.”

“You heard what happened in Defense Studies class?”

He stopped walking, picked up my arm that now bore a red scar, and kissed it. Then he said, “We know who switched the blade. Security cameras picked it up. It was Kellan Howard. He’s already been expelled.”

I nodded, glad they’d found the culprit, but also knowing that Kellan’s expulsion would have blow-back. Kellan’s family probably had to forfeit his million-dollar bond. What unseen cost would I have to pay? Suddenly, the threats my father had been trying to protect me from by sending me to live with two men felt more dire than the bullying I’d been experiencing.

“And your new roommates?” Dante’s question broke through my fear. We started walking again, our boots crunching loudly on the gravel.

I hesitated, contemplating how much to divulge. “Too soon to tell, but it’s already been an adjustment.” I glanced sideways at him. “They’re both complicated.”

“Just like your life, unfortunately. I heard your father contacted theconciliantis.”

“You mean when I was in the hospital?” I shook my head. “I put an end to that already.”

He hesitated. “No. Earlier today.”

My mouth suddenly went dry though I shouldn’t have been surprised. Despite letting me return to my classes at CU and arranging for this move, my father still wanted to push an arranged marriage on me.

It was as if Dante had taken a hammer to a dam and all the stored water came crashing out. I couldn’t contain the deluge of feelings and fears that I had been suppressing. I abruptly turned away.

Dante gently touched my arm. “Come on,” he said softly, guiding me to a nearby bench located off the path under a large fir tree.

As soon as I sat down, I broke, sobs wracking through me like a torrential storm. Dante moved closer and wrapped his arms around me, his warmth comforting as I let myself unravel.

Chapter 40

Camille

Dante held me while I cried, his presence a steadying anchor to my emotional chaos. The weight of everything—the accusations, the scrutinizing eyes, the haunting loss of Ava, the overbearing pressure from my father, the confusion surrounding Kage and Ty and him—had finally reached its tipping point. Overhead, the wind whispered in the trees, the rustle of leaves, branches, and needles creating a gentle symphony.

“I’m sorry,” I gasped, finally pulling away, clumsily wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. “I shouldn’t have…”

“Don’t apologize,” Dante said. “You’re under an enormous amount of stress, Camille. Anybody would feel overwhelmed.”

I looked down, my fingers fidgeting in my lap. “I don’t know how much more I can take,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. “It feels like I’m being pulled in a million directions, and I don’t know which way to turn.”

He sighed, his arm still around my shoulders as if to shield me from my own turmoil. “Sometimes, life puts us through these grueling tests not to show our weaknesses, but to discover ourstrengths. And I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think you were strong enough to deal with it.”

I frowned. His words reminded me of what Kage had said about strength, which was a stark contrast to what I’d believed growing up--that strength was a display of uncompromising power and control, not the capacity to navigate emotional vulnerabilities.

Several long moments passed, then Dante gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze and slowly released me. When he pulled back, I clung to him. His hands on me felt good, and I couldn’t help but remember how wonderful he’d tasted just moment before.

My gaze shifted to his mouth, and I swallowed.

“You want my mouth again, Peaches? You’re going to have to take it.”

I’d kissed him before. This time he was even urging me to do it. Slowly, I brought my mouth to his. I gave him a soft kiss that was the exact opposite of how he’d kissed me when we’d stepped outside. It was gentler, more comforting, like a soothing balm over an open wound. Dante’s lips moved in sync with mine, slow and deliberate. The fiery urgency from before had simmered to a warm glow, but it was still there, underlining every touch, every shared breath.

Dante's hands began to roam, his fingers trailing the curve of my spine, pulling me into him. My skin tingled wherever he touched. Sliding up, his fingers teased the side of my neck before he cupped my breast, pressing into the soft flesh. His thumb traced over the fabric of Kage’s sweatshirt that covered my nipple, making it tighten in response.

I arched into him, seeking more. Seeking everything. He rolled my nipple between his fingers, drawing out a series of soft gasps from me. I was so needy for him that I didn’t even realize I’d pulled up my sweatshirt and pulled down my bra toexpose my other nipple until Dante broke our kiss and stared at my breast. “It’s like a lotus peeking through the snow,” he said before he lowered his head and sucked gently on my nipple. When I cried out, he pulled back, sprinkled kisses over my breast, then gently tugged up my bra and lowered the sweatshirt until I was covered.

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