Page 41 of The Wrong Fiancée

"Dean cannot make me do shit," Dante growled. "I'm doing this because I want you taken care of. You're an employee. Whatever relationship you have with Dean is your business and has nothing to do with me. Did he make me aware of what's going on in your life? Yes. Should I have known and done something? Yes. Did I? No. That makes me an asshole. I'm fine with that. But if I can make your life easier and it benefits the resort, then I'd be a fool not to do it. I don't mind being an asshole, but I do mind being a fool."

He sounded sincere enough, and I couldn't imagine anyone pulling one over on Dante Giordano.

"Thank you," I whispered.

I was so fucking grateful. Maybe I could sign up for online classes and get some credits out of the way with the raise and time off.

"I've also been made aware that you're interested in art," Dante continued as if what he'd already given me wouldn't totally change my life for the better.

I smiled. "Yes. I was studying art history and…someday, I hope I can work in an art gallery or museum."

"Well, someday is now, Elika. We're opening an art gallery in the resort—as a way to sell local artists through exhibitions. I have hired a director of art. I'd like for you to work for her."

Tears filled my eyes. Sticks and stones wouldn't break my bones, but kindness…oh yeah, that would absolutely do the job.

"Hell no,niente. No tears.Capito?"

I sniffled.

"Dean will have my ass if he finds out I made you cry. I like my ass just the way it is," he groaned as I wiped the tears that I couldn't stop from rolling down my cheeks.

"Why are you being nice to me?" I asked, trying to control my emotions.

Dante put a hand on mine, which lay on my lap. "Hell, Elika, I'm being decent. That's all. We all must help each other,si? This is me doing what I can for you. Just like you're doing what you can for your sister."

I clasped his hand in both of mine then. "You won't regret this."

"I know," he said confidently. "You're a treasure, Elika, and no one gets to treat you like you're not. Don't let them. If Ginny or Felicityevergive you trouble here at the resort in your capacity as my employee, I want to know asap."

"You'll really kick them out?"

He grinned. "I can't stand the bitches. I'll be happy to have the excuse."

I laughed through my tears. I hadn't been this happy or positive about my future in a very long time.

Chapter Fifteen

DEAN

"You made her cry?" I asked for clarification when Dante told me that Elika had shed tears.

"No, asshole. She cried all on her own. Apparently, she thinks I'm nice."

"She obviously has shitty instincts when it comes to people," I stated. "I mean, she hooked up with me."

"She's got grit." Dante raised his glass as he watched her serve drinks. "Since you're engaged, do you mind if I ask her out?"

"Yes, I fucking mind," I snapped.

"But why? I think she's a better option than the Italian virgin my grandfather wants me to hook up with."

I stared at Dante. "You want to marry Elika?"

He shrugged. "Well, I'd like to date her first. Get to know her."

"No fucking way," I growled.

You have no right, Dean. You're marrying Felicity, remember? Do you actually remember that?

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