Chapter 56: Can I Trust Him?
Gianna’s POV
Dante’s grip loosened, slow and reluctant, his palms dragging down my body like he did
“Go,” he said finally, the word low and rough, like it cost him to say it.
I didn’t wait. I turned and ran, pushing past stunned faces, not daring to look back.
- 20.
The music faded behind me as I tore through the hall, desperate for somewhere to hide. The corridor felt endless, stretching on and on, until I found a door, grabbed the handle, and shoved it open.
Relief flooded me when I saw the row of sinks and mirrors.
A restroom. Thank God.
I stumbled inside and slammed the door shut, leaning against it as if I could keep the world out. My chest heaved, and for a moment, I thought I might collapse.
My legs trembled beneath me, every inch of my body still alive with the memory of his touch. I reached the sink, gripping the edge tightly.
His scent clung to my skin. His voice still echoed in my head. I could still feel the rough drag of his fingers along my thigh… and worse, the ache of wanting more.
“Get it together,” I whispered to my reflection. My cheeks were flushed, lips swollen, eyes wild. I looked like someone who’d just been devoured.
I turned on the tap and splashed cold water on my face, not caring that it ruined my makeup. I just needed something… anything… to cool the fire burning inside me. The chill made me gasp, but it did nothing. The heat stayed, pulsing deep, right where his hands had been.
“Stop it,” I hissed, shaking my head. “You can’t want him. Not after everything.”
He shouldn’t have this kind of hold on me. Not now. Not when I was supposed to be the one in control.
“Damn it,” I muttered under my breath, knowing I was screwed. “Why did I dance with Niccolò? Why did I even let him touch me?”
Now Dante was furious… and Dante furious was unpredictable. And deep down, I was terrified of what he might do
next.
I exhaled, long and shaky, trying to calm my pulse when the door suddenly creaked ope
I spun around.
“Niccolò?”
He stood in the doorway, the top buttons of his shirt undone, eyes filled with concern.
“You shouldn’t be alone right now. I just… needed to make sure you’re okay.”
I tilted my head back, stunned. “You can’t be here. Do you have any idea what he’ll do if he finds you?”
“I don’t care,” he cut in, stepping closer. “After what I just saw… how he treated you, in front of everyone… he was practically…” Niccolò’s jaw clenched. “Touching you inappropriately. You had no choice but to play along, right?” My mouth opened, but nothing came out. God, how could I tell him that a part of me had wanted it? That every brush of Dante’s hand had left me aching for more? That I hated myself for craving the man who terrified me?
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“Right,” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I didn’t have a choice. If I fight back… I get punished.”
Niccolo’s eyes darkened. “He’s such a monster.” His teeth ground together. “So you’re telling me he hits you?”
Before I could answer, he reached out, his hands brushing my arms, then my sides, as though bruises. I flinched and pulled back slowly.
“He doesn’t hit me,” I said, my voice low and guarded. “At least… not in the way you thi
Niccolò stared at me, confusion and anger swirling in his eyes. “What other way is there? Hu worse.‘
Ming for
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“Niccolò,” I warned, glancing toward the door. My voice dropped to a whisper. “You shouldn’t be here. If he finds you…”
“I know the risks,” he interrupted, desperation clear in his tone. “But when my father told me about the gathering tonight, I had to come. We’ve been talking, he and I. We can help you. We can get you out before he drags you in deeper. Before it’s too late.”
My heart lurched. The words ‘get you out‘ sent a rush of hope through me… hope I didn’t dare trust. It had been years since I’d seen him, years since either of them had ever tried to protect me. And Augusto… he always had his own motives. I didn’t want to escape one prison only to end up in another.
That’s why I couldn’t tell him about the escape plan I’d been mapping out… not yet. Not until I was certain of their true intentions. The more people involved, the greater the risk. If Dante even suspected…
“There’s no escaping Dante De Luca,” I said, shaking my head. “Look around. The entire estate is surrounded. Guards at every exit. So whatever plan you think you have…” I forced a broken laugh. “…it won’t work.”
He reached for me again, voice pleading. “Then let me help you. We’ll find a way, together.”
“I don’t need help,” I lied, forcing a shaky smile. “I’ve accepted my fate.”
Niccolò’s hands came up, cupping my face gently. “Gigi… I know it’s been years since we’ve seen each other, but I’m asking you to trust me. Please. Let me help you get out of this hell.”
His eyes searched mine, pleading for a chance to save me. Why was he risking everything to help me? He looked so sincere it made my chest ache. And for a fleeting moment, I believed him… and I was about to say yes.
“Niccolò… I…”
The door burst open, the slam echoing off the tiles, loud enough to rattle the mirror.
Dante filled the doorway, his frame blocking out the light from the hall. His eyes were bl heaving like he was seconds from losing control.
his chest
“What the fuck is going on here?”
Panic shot through me. “Dante…” I stammered, my voice barely there.
His gaze
shifted between us, between Niccolò’s hands still hovering near my face and the space we shared. Niccolò dropped his hands instantly, stepping in front of me, his arm out like a shield.
“Listen, Don, I can explain…”
Dante didn’t want explanations. In two long strides, he was there. His hand clamped around my wrist, yanking me away from Niccolò. My back slammed against his chest, the heat of him swallowing me whole. His arm wrapped tight around my waist, his voice a growl against my ear.
“Mine.‘
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Then his eyes snapped to Niccolo, blazing. “You filthy little swine… just like your father. You think you can walk into my house, put your hands on my woman?”
D
