Isla felt a strange comfort in Dante’s mansion. It had only been a few days, but each passing hour brought a new layer to her understanding of him. There was something unexpected in his gestures, his quiet care for her, and that hidden tenderness behind the fierce facade he wore like armor.
That afternoon, she found herself wandering through the mansion, exploring its grand halls and intricate rooms, taking in every detail. Just as she was examining a large, beautifully crafted painting in the hallway, she felt a presence behind her.
“You seem like you’re snooping around, Miss Isla,” Dante’s voice drawled, though there was a teasing note to it.
She turned around, grinning sheepishly. “I’m just… appreciating the artwork. I didn’t realize you had such an impressive collection.”
Dante chuckled, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the wall. “There’s more to me than you know,” he said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery.
“Is that so?” She smirked, tilting her head to challenge him. “Care to enlighten me, then?”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her boldness. “Perhaps, if you’re good,” he replied, stepping closer until he was just inches away from her. “I might let you in on a few secrets.”
Isla’s cheeks flushed at his nearness, and she quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in the painting again. “I guess I’ll have to behave, then,” she murmured, trying to keep her composure.
Dante chuckled softly, his warm breath brushing her cheek. “I’d be surprised if you did.”
He reached out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. The small, intimate gesture made her heart flutter. She looked up at him, and for a brief moment, their eyes locked, and the air around them felt thick with unspoken words.
Just as she thought he might lean in, Dante cleared his throat, pulling back slightly. “I actually have something for you,” he said, breaking the moment.
Isla blinked, curious. “For me?”
He nodded, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small velvet box. Her eyes widened as he handed it to her, watching her reaction with a smirk.
“What is it?” she asked, feeling both excited and nervous.
“Why don’t you open it and find out?”
She carefully lifted the lid, revealing a delicate bracelet with a single, sparkling charm in the shape of a small star. It was simple yet elegant, and Isla found herself touched by the gesture.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, looking up at him with genuine appreciation. “Thank you, Dante.”
He shrugged, feigning indifference, though she could tell he was pleased by her reaction. “Consider it a welcome gift,” he said, reaching out to take the bracelet from her and fastening it around her wrist.
His fingers brushed her skin as he adjusted the clasp, sending a warm tingle up her arm. She watched him closely, marveling at the careful way he handled the delicate piece of jewelry. It was clear he’d put thought into choosing it, and the realization made her heart swell.
“Now,” he said, stepping back and giving her an appraising look. “It suits you.”
She smiled, feeling a little bolder. “Are you always this generous?”
Dante chuckled, shaking his head. “Only when I feel like it.”
They shared a laugh, and Isla felt the tension between them ease, replaced by a comfortable, almost playful vibe. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this light-hearted around someone.
Later that evening, as they sat in the mansion’s grand living room, Dante surprised her again by pulling out a deck of cards.
“Up for a game?” he asked, arching an eyebrow.
Isla laughed, settling into the plush couch across from him. “I didn’t peg you for a card player, Dante.”
He smirked, shuffling the deck with practiced ease. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Isla. And who knows? Maybe I’ll win myself a few more of those secrets you keep.”
“Oh, is that so?” she challenged, leaning forward with a grin. “What do I get if I win?”
Dante paused, his eyes glinting with amusement. “If you win, I might just let you ask me one question. Anything you want to know.”
Isla’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Deal.”
The game began, and the two of them were soon engrossed, laughing and teasing each other as they played. Isla quickly realized that Dante was surprisingly competitive. His gaze was sharp, focused, and she could tell he wasn’t the type to go easy on anyone, even her. But she held her own, occasionally stealing glances at him, appreciating the rare sight of him so unguarded and relaxed.
After an intense round, Isla managed to win a hand, and she pumped her fist in victory, grinning widely.
“Looks like I get my question,” she teased, enjoying the look of surprise on his face.
Dante sighed, pretending to be put out. “Alright, ask away.”
She thought for a moment, then met his gaze, her expression turning serious. “Why did you bring me here?”
Dante’s smile faded slightly, and he leaned back, his eyes studying her thoughtfully. For a moment, she thought he might dodge the question, but then he sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“Honestly? I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice softer than usual. “There’s just… something about you. Something that draws me in.”
Isla’s heart skipped a beat at his words, and she found herself holding her breath, waiting for him to continue.
“I’m not used to feeling like this, Isla,” he said quietly, his gaze intense. “But with you… it’s different. I can’t explain it.”
She swallowed, her