LOGINGianna's POVThe sound of engines interrupted us. Two black SUVs drove up the circular driveway and parked in front of us. Four guards I didn't recognize got out. Bruno stood by the first vehicle, but three other men were positioned around the second, all wearing suits that barely concealed their weapons.My stomach dropped."What the hell is this?" I gestured at the convoy. "Are we transporting nuclear codes?""It's your security detail for school.""My what?" My voice climbed several octaves. "Dante, no. Absolutely not.""It's not negotiable.""The hell it isn't!" I spun to face him fully. "We talked about this during the honeymoon and you agreed to be reasonable!""This is reasonable.""Sending in a small army is not reasonable!""Call it whatever you like. This is it.""Bruno is fine," I argued. "More than fine. He's practically a one-man army.""Bruno is excellent. But he's one person, and you're going to be on a university campus with thousands of potential threats.""They're c
Gianna's POVIt had been over a week since we'd returned from the honeymoon, and I'd settled back into the house. This time as a wife and it was home.Dante had encouraged me to make changes, interior adjustments that reflected both of us rather than just his stark, masculine tastes. Warmer colors in the sitting room. Fresh flowers in the hallways. Small touches that made the estate feel less like a fortress and more like a place where we actually lived.Everything felt perfect. Every time I closed my eyes, I could still feel the breeze from the island, still picture the nights under the stars. The intimate moments we shared underneath the stars.I hummed softly, eyes closed, lost in the memory."More pancakes, Mrs. DeLuca?"Heat crept up my cheeks as I looked up from my plate to find Grace hovering with a fresh stack, with that familiar motherly smile I'd missed.Around the massive dining table, the entire household had gathered for breakfast on my request.Dante at the head looked l
Dante's POVI kissed down her neck, finding her pulse point and sucking hard enough to leave a mark. She arched beneath me, her body bowing off the bed. My hands found her breasts through the wet dress, squeezing roughly, teasing her nipples until she was moaning my name like a prayer."Gianna, I need a moment," I tried to pull back, knowing if I didn't stop now, I wouldn't be able to. "To slow down or I'll...""No," she protested, and before I could react, she'd used her momentum to maneuver us, pushing me onto my back and straddling me in one smooth motion.Her hands pressed against my chest, caressing, exploring, her touch leaving fire in its wake. "Dante, you make me so crazy. I want you so much I can't think straight."I gripped her hips hard enough to leave fingerprints, pulling her down for a bruising kiss. "I want you right back. But you said... the doctor said we had to wait..."She kissed my neck, her teeth grazing my skin, her fingers working at the buttons of my shirt with
Gianna chuckled, and fury flashed through me."What?" I demanded. "You're mocking my feelings?""No!" She waved her hand, still smiling, seemingly oblivious to the danger she was in. "No, I'm not. It's just... I never thought I'd see the great Dante DeLuca worry about another man.""I'm not too proud to acknowledge my shortcomings.""Being older isn't a shortcoming." She stood, moving around the table with that graceful sway of her hips, sliding into my lap like she belonged there. Her arms wrapped around my neck, fingers threading through my hair. "On the contrary, I appreciate your experience. Everything you've taught me.""You say that now, but..."She pressed a finger to my lips, silencing me. "I know we met under unconventional circumstances. You bought me, caged me, broke my soul and body until I was completely yours." Her smile turned wicked, dangerous. "And somehow, through all of that, I fell for you. You have my heart, Dante. You have nothing to worry about."Warning bells
Dante's POV Everything had to be perfect. The table had already been set by the beach. Candles were lit inside glass holders, a bottle of wine sat waiting in a silver bucket, and strings of lights hung between the palm trees, lighting up the sand. I'd left Gianna about an hour ago, claiming I needed to handle some business calls. The truth was, I needed time alone to set this up and make sure every detail was exactly right. The honeymoon would be over soon. We would return to the real world, to my responsibilities, to the chaos that came with being who I was. But tonight was ours. A moment life had offered us, and I wanted to treasure every second of it. I was so glad we had come here, that I had planned this, that she was mine. Even if the waiting was killing me. My cock stirred at the thought, already half hard despite the cold shower I had taken earlier. Six more goddamn days before I could bury myself inside her again, feel her tight heat wrapped around me with nothing betw
Gianna's POVLucia's shock melted into a warm and amused expression, her eyes twinkling despite the blush coloring her cheeks. "Ah, go easy on her, Master," she said, playful amusement in her Italian accent, filled with affection. "She's still young.""She should have thought about that before she ran." His hand came down even harder, making me gasp as he began walking away with long, determined strides."Lucia, help!" I called out, burying my face in my hands, mortified and laughing at the same time."No one can save you now," Dante drawled, his voice dark with promise. "You're completely at my mercy.""I can't believe you just did that in front of her," I groaned, my face still burning."I can't believe you ran from me." His hand squeezed my ass again, possessive and firm, making me squirm. "Did you really think you'd get away?""I had to try," I muttered against his back. "You left me aching and desperate for over an hour.""And now you're going to ache and beg for even longer." H
Gianna’s POV I walked the length of the room for what felt like the hundredth time, fury rolling through me. Dante DeLuca, with all his arrogance, had actually ordered me to my room at breakfast, like he was the principal and I was the disobedient student. What angered me most was that I had to ag
Gia’s POV Mira’s hand trembled on the herb bunch. “I shouldn’t, we’re not supposed to talk about it. Please, Gia. Can we not?” Before I could answer, Grace’s voice snapped from the doorway. “Enough, Mira.” We both turned. Grace stood with her basket of herbs, eyes fixed on her daughter with a wa
Gia’s POVGia’s hands trembled as she lifted them defensively, and I started forward slowly, each step intentionally threatening.She began backing away, step by step, fear creeping in.“And to correct the trash you just spewed, I don’t need you, or your father’s rotting blood, to seal my throne. T
Dante’s POV Gia was already waiting in the car. As I moved to enter, Luta caught my hand again, his eyes searching mine. “Please,” his tone was fatherly. “I know they’ve hurt you and they’ve stolen too much from you. But don’t lose your soul.” My face hardened as I pulled my hand away, avoiding







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