Chapter 43: Provoking Him
Gia’s POV
Bruno walked into the dining room mid–bite, and honestly, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear he looked like a big, scary man suddenly made harmless. He wore an almost dorky smile, eyes bouncing between Dante and me as though he had stepped into forbidden territory.
He leaned down and whispered something into Dante’s ear. Dante gave a single nod, and Bruno straightened before turning to me.
“Good morning, Miss Gianna.”
I set my fork down with exaggerated grace and arched a brow. “It’s Gia. Honestly, what’s with everyone around here and titles?”
His lips twitched as he fought back a grin. “It’s a sign of respect. Everyone here respects you, because you’re the boss’s woman. Kind of like the lady of the house.”
I gasped dramatically. “Oh, how sweet.” Then I tilted my head, voice laced with playful sarcasm. “Respect is nice. But let’s stick with Gia. And just to be crystal clear, it’s with a G, not a J. Gia.”
Bruno nodded, lips curving. “Alright then, Gia.”
He started to back away, clearly eager to escape this verbal minefield, but I wasn’t done yet. I leaned forward, flashing my brightest smile. “Won’t you join us for breakfast?”
That froze him in his tracks. His hand hovered awkwardly near the side tray until he grabbed an apple. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“Oh no, I insist.” I tilted my head, letting my hair fall to one side, my tone sugary sweet. “The first day we met, we had a bit of a clash. But today, I’m on my best behavior.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Dante watching me, confusion flashing in his dark eyes. That alone made me want to push further.
Bruno’s gaze darted toward Dante, silently begging for a lifeline. Dante leaned back, expression amused, and waved his hand lazily. “Sit, Bruno.”
So he did, lowering himself into the chair with the kind of heaviness that screamed he wasn’t used to sitting at this table. He didn’t stand a chance.
I pushed to my feet with a bright smile. “I’ll just fix you a plate…”
But the second I reached for the spoon, a large, firm hand covered mine. Heat shot through my skin, a shiver racing up my spine. I froze, turning my head slowly, my eyes locking on his. Dante held my gaze, possessive, and when he spoke, it was with that voice of command I hated to admit made me weak.
“Mira will fix him a plate,” he said, low and threaded with authority. “Sit. Eat.”
There was no room for argument. My lips parted, then pressed shut again. I gave a small hmm and slipped back into my seat, his hand lingering a second too long before he finally let go.
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Chapter 43. Provoking Him
+25 Bonus
He called Mira in, she appeared quickly and set a plate in front of Bruno. I didn’t miss the little glance she sneaked his way, or the one he shot back. Soft, fleeting, guilty.
I almost smirked. Mira had already confessed to me that Dante didn’t know about their relationship. From the way they looked at each other, they clearly intended to keep it that way. What surprised me was how Dante hadn’t noticed, or maybe he had, and simply didn’t care. My eyes shifted to him as he resumed devouring his meal. Maybe he was too self–absorbed to notice who his right hand was slipping into bed with. That sounded like him.
When she finally stepped away, leaving the three of us alone, I turned my focus back to Bruno, then I pounced.
“So, Bruno,” I began, voice sweet as sugar, “how long have you been with Dante?”
He paused mid–chew, set his fork down neatly, and wiped his mouth. “Since we were kids. My father was his father’s most trusted guard. We grew up in the same world. Different houses, same walls.”
“Oh wow.” I widened my eyes, leaning forward like an eager audience. “So you basically grew up together.”
“Yes,” he admitted with a nod.
“Did you choose to follow in your father’s footsteps,” I pressed, “or was it chosen for you?”
“At first, I didn’t want it,” he said, surprising me with his honesty. “I wanted other things. But my father told me this was the life every man in our family carried. So I followed. At the beginning, it felt like I was living someone else’s choice.” His mouth curved faintly. “But after a while, I started to see the honor in it. The power. And truth be told, I learned to enjoy it.”
He leaned back slightly. “People think this life is only about blood and money. But despite how it looks, we do good things too.”
I let my brows rise. “Good things? That’s subjective. From the outside, one might assume murder and other crimes come with the package.”
That was when Dante let out a deep, throaty cough, pointed and deliberate. When I turned, he was already giving me that look that said back off. But I only flashed a bright smile and swiveled back to Bruno, tilting my head with a question–mark expression.
Bruno shifted in his seat, clearing his throat before answering. “We only go after enemies, never the innocents. And besides,” he lifted a hand as if to stop assumptions, “that line is never crossed. Our job is to protect the boss, his family, and the empire. That’s what I stand by.”
“Family,” I echoed softly, tilting my head, my fork dancing idly between my fingers. “And what about yours?”
He blinked. “Mine?”
“Yes.” I gave him my sweetest smile. “Wife? Kids?”
Bruno shook his head quickly. “None.”
I hummed, tapping the fork against my plate as if in deep thought. “Is that something you want? I mean, you’ve been with Dante for years. You must’ve earned yourself enough to buy a house, maybe even start your own legacy.”
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Chapter 43 Provoking Him
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-one would think you’d want
I gestured toward him with my fork, playful and teasing. “A man like you someone waiting at home. Because in your line of work, anything can happen.”
From the corner of my eye, I caught Dante’s jaw tighten, irritation radiating off him like heat. Oh, this was delicious.
Bruno shifted in his chair, uncomfortable. “You’re right. This life can get lonely. And yes, I’ve thought about having a family. Maybe someday. Just not now.”
I leaned closer, lowering my voice as though whispering a secret, watching him squirm. “Okay then. How about a girlfriend?”
That hit perfectly. I already knew about Mira, and she was only a few feet away. Bruno’s eyes darted to Dante, then back to me; his hand fumbled for his water glass. He took a quick sip but ended up choking, coughing so violently Dante finally lifted his gaze, brow raised, suspicion on his face.
I decided to push the knife a little deeper. “You’re handsome,” I murmured, letting my eyes sweep his arms and chest. “I mean, look at those arms. That body. Surely women line up for you. You could have any woman you wanted.”
Dante’s chair screeched loudly as he shoved it back and rose to his full height. “Gianna. That’s enough.”
I gasped softly, pressing a hand over my chest, eyes wide in mock innocence. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…” “Oh, you meant to,” he cut in, anger evident. “It’s obvious Bruno feels uncomfortable, can’t even touch his food. You won’t let the man eat with your endless rambling.”
I turned to Bruno with exaggerated contrition. “Apologies, Bruno. I truly hate to keep you from your meal.” Then I shifted my gaze back to Dante, mischief glimmering in my eyes. “But honestly, do you think a woman as small as me could possibly make a man as large and terrifying as Bruno feel uneasy?”
I laughed, light and playful, and Bruno actually chuckled with me. “Well, Gia,” he said, shaking his head, “you might look small, but your mouth is another story. Quite intimidating, actually.”
I leaned back, grinning. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
He smiled faintly. “Women with fire have always been something I admired.”
That was the final straw. “I’m done,” Dante said, tossing his napkin onto the table with sheer disdain, then looking at Bruno. “We’re leaving.”
In an instant, he closed the distance between us, so close I could feel the heat radiating off his glare. Lowering his voice so it was meant only for me, he added, “Go to your room. Wait for me. Don’t leave until I say so.”
I blinked up at him sweetly, then let my lips curl into a playful smile. “Yes, sir.” The playful, obedient lilt in my voice was intentional, and I knew by the way his eyes darkened that it only provoked him more.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
