LOGINDANTE'S POV"And then Grandma let me go shopping at the mall," Ariel's eyes lit up as she bounced in her chair across from my desk. "Like, an actual mall, Dad. With stores and people and everything."I leaned back in my chair, my fingers drumming against the armrest. "A mall.""Yes." She clasped her hands together, leaning forward. "And it was incredible. I got to pick out my own clothes, try things on without someone hovering over me. Grandpa even let me get my nails done." She wiggled her fingers at me, showing off the pale pink polish.A frown tugged at my lips. "Your grandparents let you go to a public mall.""Don't start, Dad." Ariel's smile dimmed slightly, but she pressed on. "It was fine. Actually, it was more than fine. It was normal. I felt like a normal teenager for once.""Normal." I repeated the word, imagining all the ways it could have gone wrong."Yes, normal." She sat up straighter, her chin lifting in that defiant way that reminded me so much of her mother. "I had fr
GIANNA'S POVI choked on my juice, coughing as Dante's hand came up to pat my back. My eyes watered as I struggled to catch my breath."Ariel," Dante said firmly. "These are matters between couples. It's inappropriate to intrude on a woman's reproductive decisions. That's private, and it's entirely her choice when and if she wants to have children."I blinked at him, shocked by how quickly he'd stepped in and how firmly he'd defended my autonomy.Ariel's face fell, her cheeks flushing. "Oh. I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you, Gianna. I was just excited, you know? I've always wanted a sibling, and I thought maybe..."I reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "It's okay, sweetheart. I'm not offended at all. I understand where you're coming from. And when we're both ready, when the time is right, we'll think about it. But there's no rush. I'm still in school, still figuring out my own path."Ariel nodded slowly. "That makes sense. I shouldn't have pushed. It was insens
GIANNA'S POVFinally, everyone was seated and ready to eat. Dante sat at the head of the table, me by his side, Ariel on the other. Selene was absent.Grace was already setting out plates, the table laden with food. Scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh pastries, fruit, coffee. She'd gone all out."Grace, this looks wonderful," I said warmly. "Thank you."She smiled, that kind, motherly smile I'd come to appreciate. "It's my pleasure, Mrs. DeLuca."I glanced around the room, then back at Grace. "Where's Mira? Isn't she joining us?"Grace's smile faltered slightly. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. DeLuca. She left early this morning. She didn't say where she was going."I nodded slowly, understanding settling over me. Mira was still avoiding Bruno. All my efforts to reunite them had proved futile, but I'd keep trying.My eyes swept over the dining room again, taking in all those empty chairs at the long table. That's when I noticed Bruno wasn't present either.It had always struck me as odd, this table that
DANTE'S POVAs we descended the stairs, I heard Ariel's voice drifting up from the kitchen, animated and excited."...and the view was gorgeous. Grandpa said it was the best fishing spot in the whole area..."Then another familiar voice responded."I bet it was beautiful. I've missed so much..."My entire body went rigid. My hand shot out, gripping the banister.No fucking way.I took the remaining stairs fast, anger already burning through my veins. When I rounded into the kitchen, I saw exactly what I'd feared.Selene.Sitting at my kitchen table like she had any right to be in my home."What the hell is Selene doing in my house?"Ariel jumped up from her seat, her eyes wide. "Dad...""Get out." I looked directly at Selene. "Now.""Dante, please, I..." Selene started to stand, her hands trembling."I wasn't talking to you." My gaze cut back to Ariel. "Why did you bring her here? Why did you allow her into my home?""Dad, I know you're mad, but...""I made it clear that she's not wel
DANTE'S POVI woke to soft lips against mine, Gianna's fingers trailing along my jaw as she kissed me slowly. Her body was warm against mine, our legs tangled together under the sheets.My hand slid up into her messy curls, fingers threading through the silky strands as I deepened the kiss.She made a soft sound against my mouth, her body arching into mine."Good morning," she murmured when we broke apart, her eyes heavy-lidded and dark with desire."Very good morning," I drawled, my voice rough as my hands traced down her spine, pulling her closer.She laughed breathlessly. "I thought after last night you'd be burnt out."I rolled us, positioning myself above her, my mouth finding the sensitive spot just below her ear. "That's your fault," I murmured against her skin, feeling her shiver beneath me. "Getting me all riled up."Her hands slid up my back, nails grazing lightly. "Dante...""Besides," I continued, trailing kisses down her throat, lower, my lips finding her collarbone, "You
Gianna's POV His head snapped toward me, his eyes widening. "Gianna, don't you dare..." But I was already stepping inside, slamming the door behind me and wedging it shut. "Gianna!" He was at the door instantly, pounding on it. "Open this door. Now. You can't touch yourself. Gianna, I'm warning you, I'll break it down..." I bit back a smile, leaning against the door, my body still throbbing with need. I wasn't actually going to touch myself, but he didn't need to know that. I let out a loud, exaggerated moan, high-pitched and breathy. "Oh... yes... oh that feels so good... my fingers feel so good..." "Gianna..." His voice was strained, desperate. "Open the door. Right now." I moaned louder, dragging it out. "Oh... yes... right there... I'm rubbing my clit... thinking about your cock... I'm so close..." "Damn it!" He pounded on the door again, harder this time. "Gianna, stop. I'm not joking. Open this door or I'll..." "Oh... oh yes... I'm sliding my fingers inside... p
Gianna's POV Dante grabbed my wrist, yanking my hand away from his face. "Don't," his voice was rough. "Don't say forgive." A bitter, broken laugh slipped out. He stepped back, running both hands through his hair. "In this world, there’s no forgiveness. It’s blood for blood. Your father knew th
Dante's POV"Everything's about possession with you." Gianna tried to shake her head, but my grip held firm."Always, amore mio. Always."Her glare didn’t hide it, the faint glint of want flashing in her eyes.I released her chin and reached for a plate, beginning to fill it. "What would you like?"
Gianna's POV There was so much more. Emotions I couldn't name, couldn't voice, couldn't even fully acknowledge to myself yet. But I forced out what I could, what I knew was true. “That's how I know, I wouldn’t hurt you like that, Dante. Not that way.” His eyes flashed with a series of emotions, s
Dante's POVI climbed onto the bed slowly, my eyes locked on hers. The mattress dipped beneath my weight as I hovered over her, close enough to feel her breath against my skin. Her body trembled beneath me, her bare skin flushed, glowing softly in the dim light.Her breasts rose and fell with every







