All Chapters of The Heiress’ Revenge : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

A R I A N A Two days had passed since the dinner at my parents' house, and things have been a little bit too strange, and confusing. Dante had been...different. He showed up at breakfast yesterday morning before leaving for work, he sat there drinking coffee while I ate, not saying much. Then he asked if I needed anything before leaving. This morning, same thing. It was unsettling the Dante I knew didn't do "nice." He didn't check on people, he commanded, he took, he controlled. It felt oddly weird, like he was up to something. Like he wanted me to lose my guard so he’d hurt me just like his nephew. That night at the garden, I touched my lips remembering his kiss, so gentle compared to our other shared ones. His words, “Let me take the pain away” played in my head over and over. My heart wanted to believe him. My mind knew better. Dante wouldn’t just go easy on me without his selfish need. No man does that nowadays, they’re bunch of betraying assholes. A knock a

A R I A N A I stared in my sleep as my eyes sprint open my vision unclear, my body aching in places I didn’t know could ache, the sheets were tangled around my legs, the pillow smelled like him that mix of expensive cologne and something uniquely Dante. This wasn’t my room. This was his room. The bed was empty beside me, but the shower was running in the bathroom, steam curling out from under the door. I sat up too fast, wincing as my muscles protested, memories from last night flooded back Dante’s hands on me, his mouth, the way he whispered my name as he buried himself deep inside of me. My face burned. What had I done? Worse why did it feel so right? Because that was the terrifying part the way Dante moved inside me, the way his body fit against mine it was familiar. Almost like… No. It couldn’t be. Years ago, in college, I’d lost my virginity to a stranger in a club. A man whose face I never remember , whose name I never knew, I was drunk and I made mistake

A R I A N AThe car ride home felt endless, my mind raced with Bella's threats, the deleted blog posts, and one burning question why did Dante really help me? Was it just to protect his reputation? His precious Russo name? Or was there another reason? I needed answers. I closed from work late today… mostly cause I spent my day sulking and lost, I barely got enough work done.As I got home, I see Dante’s Car parked suprisingly he was home earlier than usual, I shrugged his thought off as I walked to my room, tossing my purse on the bed. I needed to confront him and ask why he’d help, my hands shook as I paced, rehearsing what I would say to Dante knowing very well I lose words when I’m around him.My thoughts come to a halt as the door creaked open. I whirled around and there he was, Dante stood in the doorway, his suit jacket gone, sleeves rolled up to reveal those strong forearms I hated noticing. His expression was unreadable. "You're home late," he said calmly. All

A R I A N A Dante smirked, running a hand through his damp hair. "Like what you see, wife?" I nearly dropped the tray. "Does being sick make you cheeky?" I muttered, marching inside before he could see how red my face was. I set the tray on the bedside table with more force than necessary. "Eat, then take your medicine." Dante didn't move from his spot. "Feed me." I gaped at him. "What?" "You heard me." He folded his arms, making his biceps bulge. "I'm sick, weak and can’t possibly hold a spoon." I pointed at his very obviously strong arms. "You're not weak!" Dante coughed dramatically, swaying slightly. "Fever...so dizzy..." "You're impossible!" I threw my hands up but when he wobbled again for real this tim —I sighed. "Fine! But only because I don't want you dying on me!" I grabbed the bowl and sat on the edge of the bed, Dante's smirk widened as he joined me, his bare thigh pressing against mine. The first spoonful of soup nearly ended up on his chest

A R I A N ADante’s hand felt warm and strong around mine as we walked into the house.Inside, the party was already loud and crowded. The Russo family knew how to celebrate Dante was pulled away almost immediately handshakes from important-looking men, Business. Always business. He gave my hand a quick squeeze before letting go. "I won't be long," he murmured. But as he walked away, a familiar loneliness crept in, I didn’t know anyone here not really. This were the Russo’s the most prominent people in New York.It was Dante’s worldAnd maybe I didn’t belong in his world.I found a quiet corner near a large ice sculpture and tried to look busy sipping my champagne, regret clouding my thoughts, I should have stayed back and cooked up some excuse not to go.I felt it a pair of eyes burning into me, I didn’t need to turn to know it was Angelo. His stare felt like a physical touch, heavy and angry, I kept my back to him, my heart pounding. I knew I’d meet him here, of course he’d