Chapter 242: Losing You Would Destroy Me

Gianna'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

Chapter 243: Transfer Story Was Too Convenient

Dante's POV"Gianna?" He smiled, that same charming smile I remembered, as he handed me one of my books. "What a coincidence."I stood slowly, clutching my bag. "Niccolò. What are you doing here? When did you transfer?""Just this semester." He straightened, looking completely at ease. "I needed a change of scenery."I didn't believe him for a second."You look well," he continued. "How have you been?""Great, actually." I forced a smile."I'm glad to hear it." His eyes were friendly, but something about his presence set me on edge. "It's so good to see you. I had no idea we'd be attending the same school. This is going to be fun.""Yeah. Fun." I glanced toward the rows of seats. "I should... I'm late for class.""Of course."I moved past him, choosing a seat near the middle of the room. To my dismay, Niccolò followed and slid into the seat right next to mine."Looks like we're in the same class," he gestured around pleasantly.My eyes widened in shock. "Wait... are you majoring in Bu

Chapter 244: If Something Happens to Her

Dante's POV"The campus is secure," Bruno stood at ease in front of my desk. "I've mapped out the environment... entrances, exits, blind spots. The security detail has clear sightlines at all times. Everything feels safe."I nodded slowly, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. "That's good, for now.""However..." Bruno hesitated, and that single word made every muscle in my body tense again. "There is one complication.""What complication?""Augusto's son, Niccolò, is enrolled at the college."I sat up straighter, my hands flattening against the desk. "Since when?""He transferred this semester. Same program as Gianna. Same classes.""That can't be good." I pushed back from my desk, rising to my feet. "He wants to get close to Gianna.""I figured the same," Bruno confirmed.My jaw clenched. "Lorenzo must have reached out to Augusto by now. They must be working together. And Niccolò..." I began pacing, the anxiety coursing through my veins like fire. "Is the way to get to Giann

Chapter 245: Learn to Protect Myself

Dante's POVThe suggestion hit me like a cold splash of water. The thought of her working somewhere else, under someone else's authority, surrounded by men I didn't know, didn't trust..."No." The word came out meaner than I intended. "Absolutely not.""So which is it?" She challenged, tilting her head. "You don't want me working for you, but you don't want me working anywhere else either?""That's not what I said." I pulled her closer, my hands tightening on her waist. "I would more than love having you work with me. The thought of you being involved in that part of my life, of sharing that space with you." I paused, trying to find the right words. "It appeals to me more than you know.""Then why the hesitation?""Because I want you safe. And my world isn't always safe.""Your world is my world now," she used my words against me. "I could take a look at some of the files, familiarize myself with the operations. Start small, see how it goes."I studied her face, seeing the determinat

Chapter 246: You Fought Dirty

Dante's POVShe tried again, and this time, when I blocked, I pulled her forward, spinning her around and pinning her arms to her sides, her back against my chest. "See? Weak.""That's because you're cheating," she protested, but she was pressing back into me, her head tilting to give me access to her neck."This isn't cheating. This is showing you what a real attacker would do." I spoke directly into her ear, feeling her shiver. "You need to be prepared for anything.""Anything?" She turned her head slightly, her lips almost brushing my jaw.I released her abruptly, putting distance between us again. "Yes. Anything. Now, let's work on blocks."We continued, but the lesson quickly devolved into something else entirely. Every time I demonstrated a move, she found a way to turn it into an opportunity to press against me, to run her hands along my arms, my chest, my shoulders under the guise of "learning the motion.""You need to keep your core tight," I instructed, placing my hand on he

Chapter 247: One Night Where We're Normal

Gianna's POVI sat across from Mira, watching her stir her latte with unnecessary vigor, the spoon clinking against the cup in an anxious rhythm.Through the window, I could see Bruno leaning against the black SUV, his arms crossed, his eyes scanning the street with that perpetual vigilance that never seemed to switch off."I've been invited to this party." Mira still wouldn't meet my eyes. "But I'm not sure I should go."I set down my cup. "What kind of party?""Just... a college party. You know, the kind normal students go to." Her laugh came out nervous, brittle. "Music, dancing, probably terrible beer. Nothing fancy. But I don't know if I'll fit in, you know?""Mira." I reached across the table to hold her hand. "I think you should go."Her head snapped up, surprise written across her features."Yes, really. You should absolutely go. It would help you get your mind off everything that's been happening." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Especially with you and Bruno."She fr