LOGINCamila’s POV
Dante locked the door after Knox left.
For a moment, he remained there with his forehead against the wood, his shoulders tense.
“Are you all right?” I asked carefully.
He didn’t answer.
Then he turned and crossed the kitchen in a few quick strides. His hands settled around my waist, pulling me against him until I could feel the heat of his body.
“I’m returning the favor,” he murmured
Camila’s POVI woke with a violent jolt.My breathing came fast, and sweat dampened my forehead. My heart pounded against my ribs as I stared into the darkness, waiting for my eyes to adjust.I couldn’t remember the nightmare.Maybe that was a blessing.After a few deep breaths, I climbed out of bed and checked the alarm.2:32 a.m.I wiped my forehead with the sleeve of Dante’s sweatshirt and left my room.The estate was silent.Lucia and Vittorio still hadn’t returned from the ball, but I wasn’t worried. The Moretti family owned properties across the country. They could be anywhere.I went to the kitchen and filled a glass with water.“You’re awake.”I jumped so hard that water spilled over my fingers.“Jesus, Dante.”He stood near the window, staring into the dark grounds.“Why are you awake?” he asked.
Camila’s POVA few days passed, and I was beginning to feel trapped inside the estate.Dante was usually away handling business, which meant I couldn’t even bother him when I was bored.I grabbed the house phone and dialed his number.He answered after several attempts.“What?”His deep voice came through the line, mixed with muffled voices and the sound of movement in the background.“Hi,” I said, biting my lip. “I’m bored.”“That sounds like a personal problem.”“I want to go out and get something to eat.”A frustrated sigh reached me through the phone.“Take Mason with you.”I nearly jumped. “Really?”“Don’t make me change my mind.”“Thank you!”I cheered so loudly that I forgot he was still on the phone.“Camila, be careful.”
Camila’s POVDante locked the door after Knox left.For a moment, he remained there with his forehead against the wood, his shoulders tense.“Are you all right?” I asked carefully.He didn’t answer.Then he turned and crossed the kitchen in a few quick strides. His hands settled around my waist, pulling me against him until I could feel the heat of his body.“I’m returning the favor,” he murmured.His mouth touched my neck.My knees weakened as his kisses moved over my skin. I gripped his shoulders, caught between wanting him closer and not knowing what to do with the feelings he awakened in me.“Dante…”He made a low sound against my throat.I pulled back slightly. “Should we stop?”His breathing was uneven. “Do you want to?”I didn’t.The answer frightened me, but I nodded anyway.
Camila’s POVWe reached Dante’s estate just before midnight.The moment we stepped inside, I changed out of my dress and heels. My neck still stung where the knife had touched me, but the pain was nothing compared to the memory of that room.Dante had refused to kill me.He had destroyed the reputation that had made an entire Syndicate fear him.I found him downstairs in the kitchen.He stood near the counter with one hand pressed to his forehead, his expression impossible to read.“I need to clean that cut.”I followed him without speaking.The silence between us felt different now. He had chosen me over his father, his reputation, and everything the Moretti Syndicate believed in.“Sit on the counter.”Dante collected the first-aid kit and placed it beside me. Then he stood between my knees and examined the wound on my neck.“Why didn’t you kill me?&rd
Camila’s POV“Do I have everyone’s attention?”Vittorio’s voice carried across the ballroom.The conversations slowly died down until every person turned toward him.I looked around the room and spotted Elias, Knox, and Luca standing with the women they had brought as their guests.Elias was beside his girlfriend. I remembered him saying that he loved her, and despite everything happening around us, I felt happy for them.Vittorio stepped into the center of the room.“Every person here is connected to the Moretti Syndicate,” he announced. “Some of you belong to the main branch. Others are affiliated with us through business, blood, or loyalty.”His smile widened.“Now, remind me of our most important rules.”The room answered as one.“Mafia before love.”“Mafia before life.”“The only way out is dea
Dante moved through the ballroom, greeting people while I followed close behind like a lost duckling.Elegant music drifted through the room, and nearly everyone held a glass of wine. It was strange knowing Vittorio had planned all of this.Dante stopped in front of a man standing beside his wife.“Dante,” the man greeted, extending his hand.“Mr. Calder,” Dante replied, his voice carrying a trace of annoyance.The two men began discussing business while I turned toward the woman beside him. A diamond ring glittered on her finger.“I’m Lydia,” she said with a polite smile.“Camila.”She glanced toward Dante. “So, how is he?”“He’s fine. He complains a lot.”Lydia laughed.“You’re brave,” she said. “I like you.”“Thanks, but I’m not that brave.”I reached for a glass of water from a passing server.“Wouldn’t you rather have wine?” Lydia asked.“No, thank you.”She tilted he







