Raise Your Heart

Chapter 11

She left. Again. Second time she ran out on him. And she did it in grand style. He couldn't help but laugh at her and Petra's antics. He could have stopped them. Had plenty of time to do so, but it was clear she wanted to leave.

Dante messaged his security team to open the gates and let her go, making sure to tell them to stay out of sight. There was nothing worse than an enemy knowing positions. Not that Trinity was the enemy, it was just that one never knew who was watching. His team took pride in their stealth as they were never seen. For unassuming eyes, the mansion looked like any other. So if anyone was watching, they would never know they were being watched in return. Petra was very wrong, he wasn't so easy to kill. 

As for Trinity, Dante had every intention of paying her a visit in the near future. For now, he'd let her be. There was no way he would ever force a relationship on her.

Last night, however, strides were made. Never before had she ever let him touch her so intimately. It was the best night of his life. Far from being his first time, it certainly felt it. No other woman would ever compare to her.

Funny how things went. He once thought she would be his wife. In fact, he was certain of it. After everything went down, he lost hope. Chalked it up to a good deed done at the price of his heart and sanity. But now? Perhaps there was hope. According to that crazy old woman at the fashion expo, there was. Dante shook his head with a short laugh. Hell, if he had to rely on an old women to assure him, so be it.

After Dante showered and dressed, he slipped on a pair of onyx cufflinks and combed his hair back in frustration. "My fucking hair is getting too damn long at the top," he grumbled rummaging through his toiletries for some pomade.

Rubbing his hands together and smoothing them through his hair, he ran over his day making mental notes of the most important meetings. It was scheduled to be busy for him at the office. There were too many meetings to count.

After Trinity originally left him, he was happy to steal Eugenia away for his own personal assistant. She kept him on schedule most of the time. The fact she could be trusted was the only thing he really cared about.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. It was probably the housekeeper. Dante swung the door open surprised to see his nephew. He turned away to resume combing his hair.

"Gio. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Gio stepped into his uncle's bedroom, clearing his throat. "I, uh, I came to apologize to you. How I acted was inexcusable. I'm sorry."

Dante didn't spare him a glance. "You realize how important it is to keep your head in the game, yeah?"

"I do," Gio said running his hands through his own hair and wiping his damp temples. With his uncle's soft tone, he ventured farther into the room.

"Good. Have a seat. I'll brief you on the first meeting so you're prepared," Dante pointed at a chair situated in the corner and settled his focus on his nervous nephew. It wasn't like Gio to look so unkempt, yet he did. His shirt was wrinkled and his tie wasn't straight. His shoes, normally polished, had a scuff on the toe. Dante pulled in a breath through his nose, letting it out slow as his eyes traveled over his nephew's face. Gio's eyes looked fucking bloodshot. He looked...jittery. Did he really make his nephew that nervous? Maybe. Didn't matter. His gut told him something was very off with this kid, and he didn't like it.

Finally, Gio did as told and sat. Dante continued to stare at him knowing it was setting Gio on edge. That was fine. Gio had to learn who his superiors were. He needed to learn respect. Knowing one's place was important.

Gio ran his hands up and down his pants while Dante watched him take in the unmade bed. A small detail like that would tell the observer housekeeping hadn't yet been to the room. Gio would think it was unusual since he always woke up early. Would he inquire about it? He could see the wheels in Gio's head turning. Don't ask, little boy. Do not ask, Dante mused.