Partnership
Dante’s POV
Morning light streamed through the tall windows of my home office.
My hands were buried deep in my pockets as I stared out at the trees swaying in the breeze.
The memory of Gianna’s lips wrapped around my cock haunted me, the way she swallowed every inch of me until I was buried in the back of her throat. The innocent look on her face mixed with the filthy way she used her tongue, the wetness dripping from her mouth. It was a sight I couldn’t erase, no matter how hard I tried.
And every time I thought of it, guilt ate at my chest. A part of me felt like I was betraying my beloved wife, Esmeralda. God rest her soul. She was the only woman I’d ever opened my heart to, the only one I’d ever truly loved. We were meant to grow old together, but Lorenzo stole her from me, leaving behind a cold, hollow void no woman had ever come close to filling. (1)
Since she passed, I’d rarely touched any woman. And when did, it was never about emotion, just a way to clear my head, to forget. It was always sex, nothing more.
But everything changed the moment I brought Gianna Giovanni into my home, the daughter of my enemy. The irony of it all wasn’t lost on me.
I wasn’t supposed to feel anything for her. She was meant to be a weapon, a means to an end, my revenge made flesh. But every time she touched me, every time her eyes met mine, something inside me shifted. And that something… it terrified me.
Esmeralda and Gianna couldn’t have been more different, yet somehow they reminded me of each other. Esmeralda had been soft and kind, gentle in ways I never deserved. Gianna was the opposite, innocent yet defiant, sweet yet wild enough to challenge me in ways no one ever had. She pushed me past my limits and made me feel things I’d buried long ago.
Now, all I could think about was her… the sound of her voice, the warmth of her skin, the way she looked at me as if she saw through every wall I’d built. I wanted to see her surrender completely, not out of fear… but because she
wanted to.
I wanted to please her, teach her.
Watch her fall apart in my hands, hearing her moan my name until my own control shattered.
Fuck.
This wasn’t the plan.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
It was infuriating, the way she got under my skin, into my head, into every dark corner I’d kept locked away.
I didn’t turn when I heard the door open behind me. I didn‘ have to.
I knew that scent. That heavy gait. Bruno.
I could feel him staring at the back of my head, waiting for he to acknowledge him.
“Out with it, Bruno,” I said flatly, still staring out the window. “You’ve been pacing like a damn rookie.”
A low grumble came from behind me.
“I wasn’t pacing,” Bruno muttered. “Just thinking you might wanna know that word’s spread. You almost beat Augusto’s son to death last night, in your own damn gathering.”
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Chapter 62 Sealing The Partnership
+25 Bonus
I turned slowly, jaw tight. “Augusto’s son is lucky he walked out alive.”
Bruno stepped closer, his tone cautious but edged with concern.
“Yeah, well, maybe. But last night, Don… you lost control. I haven’t seen that in years. You knew what killing that boy would mean for all of us.”
I squared my shoulders. “Don’t put that on me. I didn’t start this.” My voice hardened. “That bastard followed Gianna into the bathroom, tried to convince her to run off with him. He’s the one who broke the code. He went after her right after I made it clear she was under my protection.”
Bruno’s brows furrowed as it sank in. “Now I see why you lost it.”
“You should know better,” I snapped. “Any other time, I’d have kept my temper. But I won’t stand there and let some spoiled brat fill her head with plans of escaping.”
Bruno cursed under his breath. “Damn… I’m certain that foolish Augusto sent his son. He wants Gianna Giovanni to sway back the men who were once loyal to her father.”
I nodded grimly. “Certainly. But that’s never going to happen. Gianna Giovanni is mine. I’ll never let anyone take her from me.”
Bruno’s eyes narrowed slightly, studying me. I caught the look, the suspicion behind it, and groaned.
“What now?”
“It’s just…” Bruno said slowly. “You’re so protective of Gia I haven’t seen this side of you since…” “Don’t say it.” My voice sliced through the room. “Gianna Giovanni is nothing compared to my Esmeralda.”
I started pacing, my hands fisted at my sides.
“I feel absolutely nothing for her. This is still about revenge. That’s all. We need her to draw Lorenzo out of whatever hole he’s hiding in, don’t forget that.”
But even as I said it, my chest burned with the lie. I was lasing out at Bruno because I knew I was guilty. Because part of me, damn it, knew he was right.
Bruno smirked faintly, raising his hands in mock surrender
“I never said you had feelings for her, Don. But all this explaining…” He tilted his head. “Makes it hard not to think there’s more to it.”
“There’s no more.”
He let the silence stretch before he spoke again, tone more Serious.
“Listen, Don… after last night, I’ve been thinking about what Augusto said.”
I raised a brow. “What did that fool say that has you thinking?”
Bruno leaned back, arms crossed. “I have to say… Augusto i right. To seal the deal with Gianna Giovanni, you might need to consider getting married to her.”
My blood boiled. My hand slammed against the desk hard.
“That’s never going to happen!” I roared. “I won’t defile Esmeralda’s memory by marrying the daughter of the man who killed her.”
Silence filled the room. Bruno didn’t say another word, but could feel the weight of what he’d said.
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Chapter 62 Sealing The Partnership
+25 Bonus
Marry her? Just the thought alone felt like betrayal.
“Don…” Bruno raised both hands, his tone calmer now. “I know how it sounds. But think about it, marrying Gianna would permanently bind both families before the Clan heads. No one would dare touch her once she becomes your wife. But right now, everyone knows she’s just under your roof as your captive. They’ll keep trying to get to her. Especially now that Augusto’s lied, said you attacked him unprovoked. He’s calling for war.”
My face hardened. “If Augusto wants war, then so be it.”
“No, Don.” Bruno leaned against the desk. “We have to avoid war. You’ve fought too hard to reclaim your seat as Mafia King. What we need now is peace, alliances, and strength. We can’t start spilling blood again, not now.” I let out a breath, slow, controlled, then sank into the chair. “You’re right… so what do you suggest we do?”
He pointed a warning finger. “And don’t say marry Gianna.
Bruno smirked. “I… uh… got to think about that since the obvious isn’t going to happen.”
I rubbed the bridge of my nose, thinking. “Try to set up a meeting with Augusto. Let’s see how we can settle this. But make sure the Clan heads are there.”
“Aye,” Bruno nodded.
Just then, three soft knocks.
Then the door opened.
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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.
