The hours passed slowly as Isla tried to make sense of everything Dante had said. His words lingered in her mind, each one a mixture of promise and threat, hope and warning. She was drawn to him, undeniably so, but the darkness surrounding him-and the life he led-kept her from fully trusting him.
That evening, she wandered through the mansion, taking in the opulence of her new surroundings. Every detail seemed designed to remind her of how much power Dante wielded. She felt small in comparison, like she was being swallowed by this world she barely understood.
Eventually, she found herself in one of the mansion’s sitting rooms. She sank onto a velvet couch, her mind replaying Dante’s intense gaze, his cryptic words. Lost in thought, she didn’t hear him enter until he was already standing behind her.
“Isla,” his voice rumbled, causing her to startle. She turned, finding him watching her with that unreadable expression.
“Dante,” she managed, trying to hide her surprise. “I didn’t expect you here.”
“I could say the same,” he replied, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “It’s not often I find you wandering around the mansion on your own.”
She felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks. “I just needed some time to think.”
He raised an eyebrow, moving closer. “And what’s on your mind?”
She hesitated, unsure if she should say it aloud. But finally, she steeled herself, meeting his gaze directly. “You. Us. This… strange arrangement you’re offering me. I don’t know if I can be what you want me to be, Dante.”
Dante’s expression softened, and he sat down beside her, his hand resting on the couch between them. “I’m not asking you to change, Isla. I want you as you are.”
“Even if I don’t fit into this world of yours?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
His gaze grew intense, and he leaned in closer. “You fit in ways you don’t even realize yet,” he murmured, his tone laced with a possessiveness that made her heart race. “And in time, you’ll see that.”
Isla felt her breath hitch. There was something intoxicating about the way he looked at her, as if she were the only thing that mattered. But before she could gather her thoughts, Dante stood, extending a hand toward her.
“Come with me,” he said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.
She hesitated but placed her hand in his. His grip was firm and warm, and she felt an undeniable pull as he led her through the mansion’s hallways. They walked in silence, the tension between them thick and unspoken.
He led her into a lavish room filled with soft lighting and elegant decor. But what caught her attention were the racks of clothing arranged around the room. Dresses, all new, some more revealing than others, were displayed as if waiting for her.
Isla stared, her eyes widening. “What is all this?”
Dante’s mouth curved into a slight smirk. “Consider it a gift. I want you to have options, to feel at home here.” His gaze flickered over her, lingering for a moment. “Choose whichever you like. They’re all for you.”
She felt a mix of awe and hesitation. “Dante… I don’t need all this.”
He stepped closer, his fingers brushing lightly against her arm. “I want you to have it,” he insisted, his voice low. “To look every bit as stunning as you are. To feel that you belong here.”
There was a possessiveness in his words that sent a thrill through her, though she couldn’t ignore the unease gnawing at her as well. She turned back to the dresses, touching the fabric of one of them-a black, silky gown that looked like it was made to fit her perfectly.
“Try it on,” Dante said, his tone more of a command than a suggestion.
She glanced at him, a mix of defiance and curiosity flashing in her eyes. But something about his gaze left her no choice. Nodding, she took the dress and walked into the adjoining room to change.
As she slipped into the gown, it hugged her curves in a way that felt both beautiful and revealing. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. When she finally stepped out, Dante’s reaction was immediate. His eyes darkened, and he took a step toward her, his gaze drinking her in.
“You’re… breathtaking,” he said, his voice rougher than usual.
Her cheeks flushed under his intense gaze. “It’s… a bit much,” she murmured, shifting nervously.
Dante’s hand reached out, tracing a finger along her arm, sending shivers down her spine. “It’s perfect,” he murmured, his voice laced with approval. “You’re exactly as I envisioned.”
The way he looked at her made her pulse race, and she felt her heart pounding in her chest. But there was a wariness too-a sense that he wanted more than she could give.
“Dante…” she began, trying to find her footing. “This isn’t just about the dress, is it?”
His gaze softened, but he didn’t step back. “No, it’s not. It’s about you, Isla. It’s about what I want from you.” He lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes. “And I think you know exactly what that is.”
A shiver ran through her, and she felt herself drawn toward him, the magnetic pull between them undeniable. But before she could respond, a loud knock echoed from the door, breaking the moment.
Dante’s jaw tightened, frustration flashing in his eyes as he stepped back. He turned toward the door, his face hardening into the cold, ruthless expression he wore around others.
“Come in,” he called, his tone sharp.
A guard stepped in, bowing his head slightly. “Sir, there’s been… an incident in the city. We need you to address it immediately.”
Dante clenched his fists, a flicker of irritation crossing his face before he nodded. “Very well. I’ll be there shortly.”
The guard left, and Dante turned back to Isla, his gaze softening slightly. “We’ll continue this later,” he murmured, his voice filled with a dark promise.
Isla felt a surge of mixed emotions as she watched him leave, the lingering intensity of their encounter leaving her shaken. She knew this wasn’t over-not by a long shot. And as much as she wanted to hold onto her resolve, part of her feared that she was already too deeply entangled in Dante’s world to ever escape.