I clutched my small suitcase as Dante's Rolls-Royce glided through iron gates. The mansion ahead made Marcus's house look like a shack.
"Welcome to Villa Romano," Dante said, his eyes meeting mine in the rearview mirror. "Your new home."
"Until you get bored of me?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.
He turned in his seat, those dark eyes intense. "I'm not Marcus, bella. You're not a toy to be used and discarded."
"Then what am I?"
"Safe." The single word carried more weight than all of Marcus's empty promises.
A woman in a maid's uniform opened my door. "Welcome, Miss Sienna. I'm Maria. Let me show you to your room."
I followed her through marble halls, past priceless artwork and crystal chandeliers. The room she led me to was bigger than my entire first apartment.
"Mr. Romano had this prepared when he learned about you," Maria said, setting down my suitcase.
"Learned about me?"
She pressed her lips together. "Perhaps that's a conversation for him to have."
"Maria," I caught her arm. "Please. I need to understand what I've walked into."
She sighed. "Mr. Romano has been watching Mr. Harrison for months. The debt was just an excuse." Her eyes softened. "He saw how that monster treated you. Had people following you, protecting you when they could."
My knees felt weak. "Why?"
"Because Dante Romano might be feared in our world, but he has one weakness." She smiled. "He can't stand seeing women abused."
A knock interrupted us. Dante stood in the doorway, jacket off and sleeves rolled up.
"Maria, give us a moment?"
She nodded and slipped out, leaving me alone with him.
"Why didn't you help sooner?" I asked. "If you knew what he was doing-"
"I needed legal grounds to intervene." His jaw clenched. "The debt gave me that. But believe me, bella, watching him hurt you..." He ran a hand through his dark hair. "It took everything I had not to kill him months ago."
"And now? What happens to me?"
He stepped closer, and I forced myself not to flinch. "Now you heal. Find yourself again." His fingers ghosted over my bruised cheek. "And if you'll let me, I'll show you what it means to be truly cherished."
"I don't need another man to-"
"I'm not asking to own you, Sienna." The way he said my name made my heart skip. "I'm asking for a chance to prove not all men are monsters."
A crash from downstairs made us both jump.
"Dante!" A female voice screeched. "Where is this woman you've brought into my house?"
His expression darkened. "Stay here. I'll handle my sister."
"Sister?"
"Valentina." He grimaced. "She can be... protective."
As he left, I caught my reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back looked terrified, but something else flickered in her eyes.
A spark that Marcus hadn't quite managed to extinguish.
And somehow, I knew Dante Romano was about to fan it into a flame.
I crept to the top of the grand staircase, unable to resist listening to the argument below.
"Are you insane?" Valentina's voice dripped with venom. "Bringing Harrison's wife here? She could be a spy!"
"Enough." Dante's tone held warning. "You haven't seen what I've seen. What that bastard did to her-"
"Oh, spare me the white knight routine!" Something shattered - probably another vase. "She's damaged goods, brother. And you're risking everything because, what? You feel sorry for her?"
My chest tightened at her words. Damaged goods. Maybe she was right.
"Watch your mouth, Val." Dante's voice dropped dangerously low. "She's under my protection now."
"Protection?" Valentina laughed coldly. "More like your newest obsession. Does she even know why you've been watching her? About the-"
"Not another word."
"Fine. Play your games. But when she betrays you, don't come crying to me."
Heels clicked across marble, followed by a slamming door. I sank to the floor, my head spinning. What wasn't Dante telling me?
"You can come down now, bella." His voice carried up the stairs. "I know you're listening."
Heat crept into my cheeks as I descended. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have-"
"Never apologize for wanting information." He offered a slight smile. "Especially in this house."
"Your sister hates me."
"Valentina hates everyone at first." He reached for my hand, then stopped himself. "She'll come around."
"Will she?" I hugged myself. "Or is she right? Am I just damaged-"
His finger pressed against my lips, silencing me. The touch sent electricity through my body.
"Don't ever say that again." His eyes blazed with intensity. "You're not damaged. You're a survivor."
"Then tell me the truth." I stepped back from his touch. "Why were you really watching me?"
Dante's jaw clenched. "Not tonight, bella. You've been through enough."
"More secrets?" I laughed bitterly. "I've had enough of those to last a lifetime."
"Sienna." The way he said my name made my knees weak. "I promise you'll know everything. But right now, you need rest. Food. Time to process."
As if on cue, Maria appeared with a tray. "Dinner is served, Miss Sienna."
"Join me?" I asked Dante before I could stop myself.
Something flickered in his eyes - surprise? Hope? "If you're sure."
Over pasta that put every Italian restaurant to shame, I studied him. The feared mafia boss who'd saved me from one hell - but for what purpose?
"Ask." He set down his wine glass. "I can hear you thinking."
"What do you want from me?"
"Nothing you're not willing to give." His answer was immediate. "Your trust has to be earned, bella. I understand that."
"And if I never trust you?"
A sad smile crossed his face. "Then I'll still make sure you're safe. Protected. Free to live however you choose."
"Why?"
Before he could answer, Valentina burst in. "Because my dear brother has been in love with you since-"
"Val!" Dante's voice cracked like a whip.
But the damage was done. I stared at him, my heart pounding. "What is she talking about?"
"Well," Valentina smirked. "This just got interesting."
