Chapter 3

Emily's POV

“What!” I shrieked. He already knew too much. If I took him out now, everything I'd worked so hard to hide could come crashing down. “Enough! First, you manipulate me into signing a contract, and now you're asking me to move in with you. That's the height of it, Dante!” I slammed my palm against the desk.

Dante burst into laughter, as though my anger amused him. “The spirit of a Moretti. It's something you can't escape,” he muttered.

I bit my lip, fighting the urge to snap his neck.

“You know what? To hell with your contract.” I glared at him.

He pulled out his phone and waved it in my face like some trump card. I took a deep breath, turned, and stormed out.

I returned to work, but my mind was already searching for an escape. Every exit caught my attention. Every camera reminded me that Dante was watching. Just as I was calculating my options, two men in black appeared at the entrance, standing guard. Around me, workers stole glances and whispered.

The moment work ended, I grabbed my bag and rushed outside, the men following close behind.

A black car stopped directly in my path.

I stepped around it, but the rear window rolled down. Dante sat in the back, waving me over. Of course, I got in reluctantly.

The drive to his mansion was silent. When we arrived, Dante stepped out and opened my door. Guards and servants stood waiting. I stopped in my tracks, as my gaze swept across, then I realized he planned everything 

If I'd known someone had been watching me from the beginning, I would've made my move sooner. Dante slipped both hands into his pockets as we entered the mansion.

“Welcome to your new home. Feed your eyes. The butler will show you around.”

I scoffed as he walked upstairs.

I'd known Dante since we were young. I'd hated his guts for just as long. And of all people, he was the one who had discovered I was still alive. I had no idea how.

I walked through the mansion, memorizing every corner, every hallway, every possible escape route. I only needed the right opportunity. The butler eventually stopped before a door.

“This is your room, Madam.” I reached for the handle and pushed it open. I froze.

“Oh, goodness, Dante!” I spun around.

He was naked.

“You shouldn't blame me, Emily. You walked into my room.”

“Put some clothes on!” I shrieked. I waited for a few minutes Slowly, I turned back, Dante stood inches from my face, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

“Tell me you like what you see.” I shoved him aside and stepped back.

“I hope you know this is a contract and nothing more.” He picked up his shirt and slipped it on.

Before I could say another word, he grabbed my hand and pulled me toward him. I collided with his chest, A gasp escaped me.

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. His hand rose toward my face. I turned away, but he brushed a strand of hair aside before I shoved him back. I stumbled away, breathing hard.

“Why me?” His smirk vanished.

“Why did you choose me?” I demanded. “You had plenty of other women around you. And when you discovered I was Emily, why didn't you pretend you didn't know me? Why drag me into this?”

I didn't trust him. Whatever he was planning, I needed to know. He straightened and walked toward me.

“Come with me.” He caught my wrist before I could protest, he led me to the corner of the room and pressed his palm against the wall.

A blue light flashed, a hidden door opened.

My lips parted, I followed him inside. The lights came on. I froze, pictures covered every wall.

Me.

At five years old. As a teenager.Before I disappeared, Pictures from three years ago.

My eyes widened. He had been taking pictures of me. Keeping them, I turned toward him slowly.

“How do you have these?”I pointed at the walls. A chuckle escaped him as he leaned against the desk.

“I've known you for a long time, Emily. I know you better than you think. I can predict your next move.” I pressed a palm over my mouth, A stalker and A psychopath.

I couldn't decide which one he was. But I wouldn't let him see me afraid, I lowered my hand and forced a smirk.

“This doesn't make sense. All I see is a psychopath who's been obsessed with me for far too long. And if this is why you chose me for this contract, then it's not enough.” Dante laughed, clasping his hands together.

“You're smart. That's why I chose you.” I raised a brow, He lifted his hands in surrender.

“Okay. You win.” His gaze remained fixed on me. “We have a common enemy.” He walked past me, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and turned back.

“So?”

“In order to take that enemy down...” He paused, his eyes locked on mine. “I'll protect you, Emily.”He took a sip. “However, you'll be my eyes.”