Chapter 51: Taking Back Full Control
Dante’s POV
The sult was black. Not the glossy kind worn at funerals, but a matte, tailored black with gold cuff links that caught the faint light. The kind of suit men wore when they weren’t just attending a meeting, but claiming at throne. I buttoned the jacket slowly, watching myself in the mirror.
The black silk shirt underneath was open at the throat, showing the crucifix against my skin, the last p father. Wearing it now meant everything.
My fingers smoothed down the jacket. My reflection stared back, all grey eyes and controlled rage. “This is the moment you’ve waited for five years….” I muttered under my breath. “Your revenge is almost complete….
Behind me, Bruno’s voice cut through my thoughts, “They’re all out there, boss. Every Clan head, every soldier, every hanger–on in this city. Waiting to see their king take the head of the table again.”
I watched him through the mirror, eyes narrowing. There was a hint of reluctance in his gaze, as if he wanted to say something but was holding it back.
I reached for my watch, fastening the heavy gold around my wrist. “What is it, Bruno?”
He hesitated before speaking. “And Augusto…. he’s out there too.” Bruno’s jaw tightened as he adjusted his tie.” He’ll poke, he’ll test you. But, Don…. you can’t let him make you lose control.”
My mouth curved into a grim line. “I’ll try my best…. but I won’t make promises.”
I drew in a deep breath and turned from the mirror. My steps carried me through the hallway, dark wood lining the walls, portraits of my father and grandfather watching over me, as if passing down the strength I needed in
that moment.
My eyes darted around, expecting to see Gianna waiting, but she wasn’t there.
I glanced at Bruno. “Where’s Gianna?”
“She’s coming down,” he answered, but his eyes flashed toward the top of the stairs as if he wasn’t sure.
A moment later, Mira, the housekeeper who’d been told to prep her, appeared, her small frame dwarfed by the staircase. “She’s ready, Don.”
And then Gianna emerged.
The hallway faded as she stepped down slowly. Her hair was pinned up, showing the slender curve of her neck. The gown framed her breasts, lifting them in a creamy swell, the neckline dipping just enough to tempt me. Fuck. I was already imagining my fingers brushing her nipples, already certain I knew how she’d taste…. sweet, perfect. her legs My eyes trailed lower. The dress clung to her waist and hips then loosened at the knees, spilling as she moved.
She looked breathtaking. Exactly as I wanted. When they looked at her, they would know she belonged to me.
I took a step forward, forcing my expression to stay neutral “Gianna….”
I extended my hand toward her. She placed her smaller hand in mine, her palm cool, her fingers trembling. I could feel her pulse against my skin as she descended the last few steps.
Her eyes met mine, dark, wide, searching, and for a second it felt like the world narrowed to just her.
I pulled her close to my chest, inhaling the scent of her hair faint, warm, something like jasmine and lavender. My fingers betrayed me, catching on a stubborn flyaway and brushing the side of her face. My chest gave a hard,
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traitorous kick. Which was fucked up. This wasn’t love. This was revenge. So why the hell were these feelings awakening inside me.
I shoved them down and let her go.
Without looking away from her, I extended my hand to Bruno. He placed a small velvet box in my palm. I flippedit open. Inside, a diamond choker glittered coldly, a small inscription on the clasp, DeLuca,
Gianna’s brows drew together. “What’s that?” But when she saw the glitter, her eyes lit up despite he
I stepped close, lifting it from the box, the weight of it heavy between my fingers. “If you’re going
of my mistress tonight….” I reached around her neck, fastening the clasp with a soft click against then you have to look the part.”
Gianna’s breath hitched. Her fingers brushed the diamonds, eyes soft with awe. “It’s…. it’s beautiful. She froze, her gaze landing on the inscription. Her lips parted. “DeLuca?” She let out a short scoff, eyes flashing “So you’re basically…. collaring me?”
I brushed her fingers aside and lifted the pendant with its inscription, holding it up so it caught the light between us. The scent of her hair filled my head.
“Think of it as a mark….” I let the piece go. “When you walk in there, everyone would know you belong to me.”
She rolled her eyes and turned her head. My hand shot up, fingers closing around her waist and dragging her deeper against my frame.
“Don’t even think about rolling your eyes at me in that room,” I warned. “Or else…”
She tilted her head slightly, defiant even now.
“Or else what? You’ll punish me in front of the entire Mafia? Just to prove you’re in control?”
For a heartbeat, I almost snapped. My grip on the small curve of her back tightened, darkness pressing hard against my ribs.
“You have no idea just how far I can go when pushed.”
Fear flickered in her eyes, then resignation.
“Fine…. I’ll not roll my eyes at you…. all night,” she murmured.
My hand slid lower, cupping her ass and pressing her harder against my core. My lips brushed the edge of her ear, and I felt the tremor run through her.
She exhaled, voice breathy.
“I will not show any trace of defiance.”
I smirked and let her go. “Good girl.”
Taking her hand, I led her down the hallway toward the door at the far end, the one that would open onto the staircase leading down into the hall where every clan, soldier, and vulture waited.
Her fingers trembled slightly in mine. I could feel her nerves now, the fear flowing through her. I leaned down until my lips brushed her ear.
“Breathe,” I told her. “You’re going to stand at my side and play your part as my dutiful mistress. You look….. breathtaking.”
Her eyes flicked up at mine, surprised at the compliment. I said it to calm her, so she knew I saw her. “All you have to do is follow my lead. Smile. Play the part of my beautiful mistress.”
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Her lips parted but no sound came. For a second, her eyes softened, then she gave a small nod. The guard stepped forward, pushing open the heavy double doors. A slice of light spilled across the marble floor.
I straightened, fingers tightening just slightly at her waist.
“It’s time,” I murmured more to myself than to her. “Time to walk in there and take back full control.”
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