Chapter 64
Tracy door shutting behind him. The scent of aged leather and cigars lingered in the air, the wally lined
cary he was born into. Alexanden stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, watching
When be heard the door, he turned around and stood behind his desk, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. Without looking up, he poured a second
ward the compry chair across from Jian.
Dante walked over, sinking into the chair. He reached for the glass of whiskey, but before he could lift it. Alessandro placed his hand over it.
“It’s for you” Alessanden sand, his voice calm yet firm. “Hut you can’t drink. So just wat
watch.”
ched for a second glass and pored milk into it before slåling it toward Dante.
Dante stared at the glass of milk. Then at his father, Then, back to the milk.
salec sharply, paking his tongue into his cheek in irritation, his expression flat. “You’re kidding”
Alessandro took another sip of his whiskey, completely unfazed. “You’re injured. No alcohol”
Dante tilted his head, looking at his father with a deadpan expression. “Milk? Seriously?”
Alessandro met his stare, completely serioas. “It’s good for the bones. You need calcium after getting shot”
Dar dragged a hand down his face. “Thate it liere,”
Alessandro smirked. “Then heal faster
Dante exhaled through Iris nose, shaking his head. “You enjoy this, don’t you?”
His father ignored his question,
“How are you feeling? He asked, his voice softer than usual. Not as the Don, but as a father.
Dante exhaled, rolling his shoulders. “T’m fine.”
Alessandro gave him a look that told him he wasn’t buying it.
“You took a buller, lost a deal, and nearly got killed in the process,” Alessandro said. “Fine isn’t what I expected to hear”
Dante smirked slightly. “Tve had worse?
Alessandro scoffed, shaking his head. “Of course, you have. You’re my son. He leaned forkand, resting his
is forearms on the desk. “But this wasn’t just
Dante’s grip tightened arouad the glass. He knew where this was going “And I don’t blame you for it “Alessandro stated.
Dante’s head snapped up slightly. That was unexpected.
Alessandro exhaled. “If Isabella was in danger, I’d laun this world to the ground.” He took a slow sip of whiskey. “So, I understand that our enemies
Dante nodded Tve already taken
e of it. Richanderss won’t be a problem for
for long” His voice was steady, unwavering. “I’ve had eyes on him since
Alessandro studied him for a moment, then gave a satisfied nod. “Good. Make sure he learns his place before I have to step in
mirk was lethal. “He won’t be around long enough to learn”
clickled, shaking his head. “That’s what I expect from you” His gaze darkened slightly. “But there’s something else. I want to know.”
brow, waiting
ra teady to be queen?” Alessandro asked. “Do you trust her completely!”
Chapter 61
There wasn’t a flicker of doubt in Dante’s expression. “With my life,” he answered. “She’s strong. She’s ready
Alessandro leaned back, drumming his fingers on the desk. “It won’t be easy for her. She won’t just be your wife, Dante. She’ll be a target.
** I won’t let that happen”, Bante said firmly. “Even if I have in make her sit on the throne of thousand of dead bodies”
Alessandro studied his son for a long moment, then nodded. “Then it’s time.
Dante knew what that meant. His father’s approval. His acceptance of Elara as not just his wife but the next queen of the Romano empire.
“Go meet your grandparents,” Alessandro said.
Dante smirked. “I figured that was coming”
Alessandro lifted his glass. “Tradition is tradition.
Dante stood, lifting his untouched glass of milk, just as he reached the door, Alessandro’s voice stopped him.
Dante stopped mid–step, turning slightly.
His father leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing at his lips. “Your mother specially prepared this milk with Chinese herbs. So drink it before you
go unless you want her to whoop you ass, married or not. Alessandro winked
Dante exhaled sharply through his nose. poking his tongue angrily in his cheek before turning back with a scowl. He grabbed the glass, downing the
milk in one go
The taste was worse than he expected.
He set the empty glass down with a loud thud and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Happy now?”
Alessandro chuckled, shaking his head. “You haven’t changed a bit”
Dante frowned.
“You had the exact same expression when you were five,” Alessandro mused, swirling his whiskey. “Your mother used to chase you around the house just to make you drink your milk. Back then, you’d pout, cross your arms, and glare at her like she was ruining your life”
Dante narrowed his eyes. She was ruining my life.”
Alessandro barked out a laugh. “And yet, here we are. Some things never change.
Danie let out a slow breath, shaking his head. “I hate it here.”
Alessandro smirked. “I know you love it-
They suddenly heard the sharp blare of the fire alarm. Dante and Alessandro froze for a split second, their eyes locking. Then, without a word, they bolted ou
out of the office.
The hallway was clustic smoke alarms screeching, staff running in panic. The smell of something burning curled in the air,
“Nero!” Alessandro barked.
“Thi on it!” Nero’s voice cul through the noise as he rushed just them, dragging Bell and Isabella toward the exit. He ushered them outside before turning back, his gaze scanning for missing people.
Dante’s pulse pounded. Elara.
“I’ll search the first floor,” Nero said quickly.
Dante didn’t hesitate. “I’ll check our room”
His feet barely touched the at
stairs as he too
as he took them two at a time, ignoring the frantic house staff shouting. He stormed through the hallway, shoving
iliç door open-
And then he saw her
Alara stood in the middle of the room, her back facing him. Her posture was rigid, her eyes locked on the small fire consuming something inside the metal duubin near the window. The flames crackled, licking at the air, casting flickering shadows against the walls.
11:47 AM c
Chapter 61
Dante’s heart nearly stopped, “Elara!“
She didn’t move.
In two quick strides, he grabbed her wrist, yanking her into his arms, his hands running over her body, checking for burns, injuries–anything. His grip was firm, his breathing heavy
“Are you hurt!” he demanded, voice sharp,
Elara glares at him.
His hands cupped her face, tilting it left, then right, searching for any sign of smoke inhalation. When he was sure she was unharmed, he exhaled harshly. His jaw was clenched, “What the fuck are you doing?!”
Dame stalked toward the bathroom, grabbed the bucket near the tub, filled it with water, and stomped back. Without a moment’s hesitation, he poured the water over the fire, extinguishing it in a hiss of steam and smoke.
The air still smelled of something burned.
Dance threw the bucket to the floor with a loud thud. The sound echoed through the room. His dark gaze snapped back to Elara.
The door swung open again.
Nero stepped in, eyes flicking between the scene, the drenched, blackened dustbin, Dante’s heaving shoulders, and Elara standing in his t–shirt and his shorts, which were comically oversized on her.
Dante didn’t even look at him. His voice was sharp, cutting. “Get out, Nero. Tell Mom and Dad it’s nothing to worry about”
Nero took one look at his brother’s expression and didn’t argue. He backed out immediately, dosing the door behind him.
Now, only silence stretched between them.
Elara’s hands clenched at her sides, her furious eyes meeting his.
What the fuck is wrong with your” Dante thundered, his voice low and lethal. Are you fucking out of your mind!!“
AD
