Isla woke up to the soft glow of morning light streaming through the luxurious, sheer curtains of her room. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the gentle sunlight, and took in the grandeur around her. Every inch of this place felt like a reminder of who Dante was and, in a way, of what he expected from her. Despite the opulence, though, there was a sense of quiet, personal warmth that she’d felt since arriving. Almost as if it was Dante’s way of showing he cared-without actually saying it.
A light knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and before she could respond, Dante entered the room. He looked well-rested and was carrying a breakfast tray. Isla’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him approach.
“I thought I’d bring breakfast up,” he said, his tone casual, but she could tell there was more to it. There was always more when it came to Dante.
“Thank you,” she said softly, sitting up and running a hand through her hair, hoping she looked somewhat presentable. She could feel her cheeks flush, which only made her more self-conscious.
He set the tray down on the bedside table and took a seat at the edge of her bed, his intense gaze softening for just a moment. “Did you sleep well?”
Isla nodded, feeling the warmth of his presence. “Yes… better than I thought I would, honestly.”
A small smile tugged at his lips. “Good. Because I want you to feel comfortable here.” He reached over, picking up a slice of toast and handing it to her, a faint hint of mischief in his eyes. “You know, I don’t usually serve breakfast to anyone.”
She arched an eyebrow. “Oh, am I special, then?”
Dante chuckled, leaning closer. “You’re here. I don’t bring just anyone here.”
His words sent a warm, unexpected thrill through her, and Isla found herself laughing softly, trying to cover her nerves. She hadn’t realized how much his attention affected her until now, but it was clear he could sense it. He reached out, his fingers gently brushing her cheek, and for a brief moment, she felt as though she could fall into his gaze completely.
“You’re blushing, Isla,” he teased, his voice just above a whisper.
“Am not,” she replied, quickly taking a sip of the orange juice on the tray to distract herself.
Dante’s laugh was deep and genuine. “You’re cute when you’re trying to act tough.”
She set down the glass, feeling bolder, and looked him straight in the eye. “I am tough, Dante. You just don’t know it yet.”
His grin widened, impressed by her spirit. “I’d like to see more of that, then.” He leaned in even closer, his voice dropping. “Show me what you’re made of, Isla.”
For a moment, Isla’s breath caught. She felt that electric pull between them, the tension that seemed to grow with every look, every word. She had the strange feeling that Dante saw right through her, that he knew exactly how he affected her. But she wasn’t ready to admit that-at least, not yet.
Instead, she smirked, breaking the intensity. “Only if you’re ready for it.”
He laughed, clearly enjoying their banter. “Oh, I’m more than ready.”
The two of them shared breakfast, and Dante even coaxed a laugh or two from her with his surprising humor. He was different from the guarded, powerful man she’d come to expect; here, he was thoughtful, almost playful. By the time they finished, Isla felt lighter, more at ease.
After breakfast, Dante stood up, holding out his hand. “Come with me. I have a surprise for you.”
Intrigued, Isla took his hand, feeling the warmth of his strong grip around hers as he led her down the hallway to another room. He opened the door, revealing racks of clothes-dozens of outfits, from casual wear to elegant gowns, all in her size.
“What… what is all this?” she asked, her eyes wide as she looked around, overwhelmed.
“I thought you might like some new options,” he replied smoothly. “You deserve to feel comfortable-and beautiful.”
Her heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. “Thank you, Dante. This is… it’s a lot,” she said, a bit flustered.
Dante watched her reaction, his gaze softening. “I want you to feel at home here, Isla. You should have whatever you need.” He stepped closer, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “And if that means a wardrobe full of things that make you feel good, then so be it.”
Isla smiled, glancing down, unable to hide her gratitude. “You didn’t have to do all this, though. It’s… thoughtful.”
His hand found hers again, his thumb tracing gentle circles against her skin. “Maybe I wanted to,” he said quietly, his eyes never leaving hers. For a moment, it felt like the world around them faded, leaving only the two of them.
After a beat, Dante cleared his throat, as if catching himself. “Try something on,” he encouraged. “I’d like to see how you look in it.”
Feeling her pulse race, Isla scanned the outfits and finally chose a simple dress-a soft shade of blue that felt like her. She walked into the nearby dressing room, her heart hammering with every step, and when she finally stepped out, she could feel Dante’s gaze on her.
She felt vulnerable yet beautiful in a way she hadn’t felt before. Dante’s intense look only heightened that feeling, making her blush.
“You look…” His voice trailed off, his gaze appreciative, lingering. “Stunning.”
Isla smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
He took a step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing the fabric of her dress. “You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?”
The intensity of his words, the way he said them, made Isla’s heart race. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, she looked away, feeling the weight of his attention.
Dante lifted her chin, guiding her gaze back to his. “Never doubt it, Isla. You’re unforgettable.” His thumb brushed along her jaw, and for a moment, she thought he might kiss her.
But instead, he simply held her gaze, allowing the unspoken tension between them to deepen. “There’s something about you, Isla. You’re different. Special.”
She felt herself getting lost in his eyes, her resolve melting with each second. “And there’s something about you, Dante,” she replied softly, her voice barely a whisper. “I just don’t know what it is yet.”
He smiled faintly, his thumb lingering on her cheek. “Maybe you’ll find out… if you stay.”
The words hung in the air between them, full of promise and something more-a hint of vulnerability that neither of them could fully acknowledge yet.
“I don’t know,” Isla said, a small smile playing on her lips. “You seem like a challenge.”
Dante chuckled, his gaze warm. “Then I guess I’ll have to make it worth your while.”
He gently pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her in a way that felt protective, yet tender. Isla let herself relax, leaning into him, letting herself savor the warmth and safety of his embrace. For once, she wasn’t thinking about what tomorrow might bring, or what dangers might lie ahead. In that moment, all that mattered was being there with him, wrapped in his arms.
As he pulled back slightly, he looked down at her, his gaze intense. “Stay close to me, Isla,” he murmured, his fingers brushing along her shoulder. “No matter what happens.”
She nodded, her heart pounding. “I will.”
But as their moment stretched on, Isla couldn’t shake the feeling that there was so much more between them-more that they weren’t saying, more that would eventually come to light. For now, though, she was content to savor the connection between them, letting herself believe, if only for a moment, that everything seems beautiful.