Deceptive Hearts

16

As the sleek black car pulled up to the sprawling Santoro estate, Alora's heart raced. It wasn't the first time she had been introduced to wealthy families for her job, but this time felt different. This time, she had to meet Dante's family, and the reality of her mission loomed over her like a shadow.

She glanced over at Dante, who was sitting calmly beside her, his hand resting on hers. His touch was comforting, and the familiar possessive glint in his eyes was back. He was hers—for now—and the thought sent a pang of guilt through her. She knew she had to stay focused, but the lines were blurring fast.

“You okay?” Dante asked, his voice soft, yet laced with that protective edge she was growing used to.

Alora nodded, pushing her thoughts aside. “Yeah, just… nervous, I guess.”

He smirked, pulling her hand up to his lips. “Don’t be. They’re going to love you.”

As they stepped out of the car, Alora’s eyes widened. The entire family was waiting for them outside, just like she had heard Italian families do. Rosetta, Dante’s grandmother, stood at the front, a warm smile on her wrinkled face. Behind her were Matteo, Dante’s uncle, a stocky man with a serious expression, and Lucia, his aunt, a petite woman with a playful glint in her eye. And finally, there was Dante's cousin, a tall, handsome guy whose name escaped her for a second.

Lucia was the first to step forward, her smile wide and welcoming. “So this is the famous Alora, huh? I can see why Dante’s been keeping you all to himself.”

Alora blushed as Lucia pulled her into a warm hug. “I—uh, thank you,” she stammered, feeling a little out of place amidst their obvious warmth.

Matteo shook her hand firmly but didn’t say much, simply offering a polite nod. But it was Dante’s cousin who gave her the hardest time. He leaned in with a teasing grin.

“So, Alora, how does it feel to be dating The Dante Santoro?” he asked, winking.

Alora laughed nervously, unsure how to respond. “It’s… definitely an experience,” she replied, earning a hearty laugh from everyone around.

Dante, ever the protective one, slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “Watch it, Luca,” he warned his cousin, but his tone was playful.

“You know how we do in this family,” Luca said with a smirk, backing off but not before adding, “Gotta make sure she’s tough enough to handle you.”

Lucia nodded, her eyes sparkling. “I like her already.”

As they entered the grand villa, Alora’s mind raced. These people were nothing like she expected. They were close-knit, warm, and welcoming. Yet she couldn’t shake the creeping guilt. She wasn’t here for a family. She was here on a mission, and that mission was to betray them.

Once they settled into the living room, Rosetta signaled Alora to follow her. “Come, dear. Let’s have a little chat,” she said, motioning toward the quiet, sunlit corner of the room.

Dante shot her a reassuring look before turning back to his family. Alora followed Rosetta, trying to keep her nerves in check. She was here for Dante, and more importantly, she was here for the money. But as she sat down across from Rosetta, she realized how much this was starting to mess with her mind.

Rosetta smiled warmly at her, folding her hands in her lap. “You know, Alora, I’ve seen many women come and go in this family, but I can tell Dante truly cares about you.”

Alora shifted, unsure how to respond to that. “I care about him too,” she said, and for a moment, she wasn’t sure if it was part of her act or if it was the truth.

Rosetta’s expression softened. “It’s not always easy, being part of this family,” she said quietly, her eyes scanning Alora’s face. “But I’m thankful you’ve accepted him despite the danger.”

Alora’s heart skipped a beat. “Danger?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly. “What do you mean?”

Before Rosetta could answer, Mrs. Santoro appeared in the doorway, her eyes sharp as always. “You haven’t told her yet, have you?” she asked, her tone half accusing, half amused.

Alora looked between the two women, her confusion growing. “Told me what?” she pressed, her pulse quickening. This wasn’t part of the plan. Mina hadn’t mentioned any of this.

But Rosetta shook her head, her smile returning. “It’s nothing, dear. You just focus on Dante, hmm?”

Alora wanted to argue, to push for more answers, but Rosetta stood up, patting her hand gently as she led her back to the main room. Her mind was spinning, but she knew better than to ask too many questions. Not yet. Not when she was this close to Dante. Not when her mission was so far from over.

Dante caught her eye as she returned, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You alright?” he asked.

Alora nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

But inside, she wasn’t fine. She was falling deeper into a world she didn’t understand. And worse, she was falling for the man she was supposed to betray.

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Again a pretty short chapter, but I hope you still loved it.
What do you think of Dante's family huh?
You'll probably meet Victoria and Marco in the next chapter.

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

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