Chapter 77: Betraying Them
Gianna’s POV
Alfonso shot to his feet the second he saw me, guilt written all over his face. “Miss Gianna, I… I thought you’d be asleep. Otherwise, I’d never have left.”
Mira cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Al, relax. I invited her.”
A few faces fell, disappointment flashing before they quickly looked away. They weren’t just surprised to see me, they were worried, and that’s exactly what I needed to change.
“You all don’t have to look so nervous,” I kept my tone light, teasing. “If anyone’s worried I’ll run to Dante and tell him about this…” I gestured at the table overflowing with food, the bottles, the laughter they were trying to suppress, “…don’t be. My lips are sealed.”
A few skeptical glances darted my way. I grinned. “Besides, he captured me too, remember?”
That earned a few chuckles, small but real. I grabbed a half–full glass from the table and lifted it slightly. “So, how about this, cheers to one night of fun.”
A few curious glances darted my way, curiosity more than suspicion. I took a long swallow, the alcohol burning down my throat as I shook my head, trying to take it all in. Then I set the glass down with a soft thud. “There, now I’m guilty too. If he wants to punish someone, he’ll have to punish me.”
That broke the tension. A few men laughed outright. One muttered something about the lady having guts. Another raised his glass in return. Shoulders relaxed.
Mira grinned, pleased. “See? I told you she’s not the enemy. Now stop worrying and drink!”
The room came alive. Someone turned the music back up, the low bass filling the corners again. Laughter grew louder. Even Alfonso, still looking torn between duty and relief, managed a faint smile before sinking back into his seat.
A few of the guards started talking over each other, boasting about past jobs. Others, the newer ones, still darted wary glances toward the door, half–expecting Dante to appear and end it all with one glare.
I hid my smile behind the rim of another drink. Let them relax. The more they trusted me, the easier it would be when the time came to slip away.
I leaned against the wall and watched them. A few men were already red–faced from too much drink, some women I didn’t recognize danced close to the men, laughing too loud in dresses that left little to the imagination. They moved together like they’d done this a thousand times, almost like hired entertainment, only not, because they mingled too freely.
“Come with me.” Mira grabbed my wrist and tugged me toward the long table piled with food and bottles. She started dishing plates with that smirk that meant she’d thought this through.
“This is like a real party,” I teased. “Better than I imagined”
“I told you.” She handed me a plate. “I need the men worn out so I can make my move,”
I raised a brow. “Your move?”
“Running into the night with Bruno. Remember?”
Oh. Right. I nodded like I hadn’t been thinking about it every other minute.
“What better way than food, drink, and women to make even the strongest men drop their guard?” she added, grinning.
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Chapter 77 Babying Them
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I chuckled. “Smart. Feed the beasts before you tame them.
She winked, then turned and shouted, “More expensive bottles! Shots! Cognac! Let’s go all out tonight!”
Glasses banged. Men cheered. Mira laughed, pouring refills teasing anyone who complained about their tolerance.
When she came back, her face softened for a second. “Gia, I want you to feel at home around us. Here, we look out for each other.”
My heart lurched. No one had ever said that to me before. Guilt washed over me as the cold truth settled in. I was about to use her to escape. If Dante found out I’d vanished during the party, he wouldn’t just tear the place apart, he’d make life hell for everyone who helped me. Mira would be ruined for disclosing the secret passage to me; she’d pay the price. She might never forgive me.
“That’s… good to know,” I managed.
She started scooping more food onto our plates and I asked casually, “How’s your mom?”
Mira rolled her eyes. “Mom? She’s sleeping.” She giggled. I made her tea earlier. Let’s just say she won’t be waking up until tomorrow afternoon.”
I blinked, surprised. “You didn’t…?”
“No.” Mira laughed. “If that’s what you’re thinking, I didn’t drug her. It’s a relaxing herbal blend, secret recipe.”
I held up my hands. “I didn’t say that.” Then, softer, “When she wakes and looks for you, what then?”
Mira’s smile turned mischievous. “By then it’ll be too late to stop me. If I tried to leave through the main gate, the guards would tip her off. They respect her, she has them eating out of her palm. They’re more loyal to her than they are to me. That’s why I’ll slip out through the secret passage, unseen.”
She rubbed my shoulder to ease me. “Don’t worry. I left her a note. She can scold me when I get back.”
“That’s great. You’ve got it all covered, then.”
“Oh, I do.” Mira’s mouth curled. “Not my first rodeo.”
I hesitated before saying lightly, “If you want, I can escort you when you leave, make sure no one catches you.”
Mira chuckled and shook her head, her golden hoops glinting under the light. “That’s sweet, Gia. But trust me, I’ve got this.”
I wanted to push it. It would have been the perfect opening o learn her exact escape route. But I forced myself to smile instead, keeping my tone casual, even playful. “Alright, I believe you. Just don’t get caught before the adventure begins.”
Mira grinned, then took my hand and spun me around with a little flair. “Lesson one, Gia,” she teased. “If you’re going to live among wolves, you need to earn their loyalty. know they’re all loyal to Don Dante first, but winning them over could make your stay a lot easier.”
I met her gaze, studying her expression for a moment, so open, so trusting. The guilt I felt earlier intensified. “ Thank you, Mira. You’ve been a real friend to me, even in ts short time.”
She waved it off with a laugh. “Oh, come on, it’s nothing. We women have to look out for each other.” She gave my hand a tug and nodded toward the others. “Come on. Le me introduce you to the guys properly before they all pass out drunk.”
We walked back toward the table where the noise had swelled again. Mira picked up a glass and tapped it with a spoon until it rang out, her voice cutting through the chatter. “Attention, everyone! We need to give the lady of the house a proper welcome into our circle!”
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Chgan peitung hers
The men cheered, pounding the table, some already tipsy.
“Welcome, Lady Gianna!” one of them shouted. “We hope’s the start of a great relationship!” He paused, smirking, “A family relationship, of course, I don’t want the boss to have my head.”
The room erupted in laughter.
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I raised my glass and smiled, playing along. “Thank you all for trusting me. I promise not to let you down, and there’ll be no chopping of heads tonight.”
More laughter followed, but inside I could feel my stomach tighten. Shit, Gia. You’re lying through your teeth. I was about to betray every single person in this room, and they didn’t even know it.
Trying to keep my voice light, I started, “If you don’t mind, I’d love to know everyone’s names. I probably won’t remember it all at once, but I’ll try. I want to feel like part of this chaotic family.” I added with a grin, “Not that I really have a choice, right?”
The men laughed again, one of them spilling his drink on the table.
They began introducing themselves one by one.
Franco, the one who’d welcomed me earlier, stepped forward with an easy smile. “Franco. Head of security. Been with Don Dante for over eight years.”
Mira leaned close to whisper, “He’s the guy to stay close to Controls everyone’s movements.
I nodded and turned back to Franco. “Eight years, that’s impressive. You must have some wild stories.”
He chuckled. “Too many. But no girlfriend to tell them to.”
“Why?” I teased, raising a brow. “You don’t believe in love?”
He gave a dry laugh. “After my last heartbreak, I swore it off. This life… it’s not built for love. Too many risks.”
I smiled softly. “Maybe. But I think love’s worth the risk. Maybe your soulmate’s still out there, waiting for the right moment.”
Franco’s eyes softened, and he nodded. “Maybe you’re right, Lady Gianna.”
Soon, the others joined in, telling stories about Dante, their loyalty evident in every word. They talked about how he treated them like brothers, how he’d risked his life to save theirs, how they owed everything to him.
I listened, smiling when expected, laughing when I should, but my heart twisted tighter with each word. They loved him, trusted him, and I was setting them up for Dante’s wrath.
P
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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.
