Deceptive Hearts

17

The warmth of the Italian sun brushed gently over Alora’s skin as Dante led her down the narrow, winding path toward the beach. She could hear the distant sound of the waves and smell the salty air, a peaceful contrast to the nervous flutter in her chest.

“Do you like it here?” Dante asked, his voice warm and confident, his hand resting protectively on the small of her back.

Alora smiled, her thoughts swirling. “It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like this,” she replied, her gaze wandering over the cliffs and the sparkling blue water below.

They walked in comfortable silence, with Dante occasionally pointing out small hidden spots—an old fishing pier, a cave where he used to play as a child, and a tiny café where his parents met for the first time. His possessive nature was present, though he showed it through gentle gestures, making sure she was always close, his protective hand never leaving her.

As they reached the beach, Dante set down a blanket, his demeanor softening. “I used to come here all the time,” he said, watching her with an intensity that made her heart race. “It’s my favorite place in the world.”

Alora smiled, sinking into the sand beside him. “It must have been peaceful growing up here.”

He nodded, his gaze locked on her. “It was. But now, I think I prefer places with you in them.”

Alora’s breath hitched. She was supposed to keep her distance, stay focused on her mission, but moments like this made it hard. It wasn’t just the setting, it was the way Dante looked at her, like she was the only person who mattered.

She couldn’t think about her mission now—not with him so close, his dark eyes scanning her face as if trying to memorize every feature. The thought of leaving him after their wedding tightened in her chest.

"I’ll show you something else when we get back," Dante said, his tone lighter. He grabbed her hand, pulling her up. “But for now, let’s enjoy the sea.”

They spent the afternoon strolling along the shore, Dante’s hand in hers, his quiet possessiveness making her feel both protected and confused. How could someone so commanding and intense make her feel so at ease? How could she be falling for him when she had a mission to complete?

By the time they returned to the Santoro estate, the family had gathered in the grand hall for Sylvester’s birthday celebration. Alora felt the shift in the air as they walked inside—Lucia, Matteo, and the rest of Dante’s relatives greeted them with excitement, welcoming Alora into their fold as if she had always been part of it. The warmth from his family was overwhelming.

“You’ve captured his heart, haven’t you?” Lucia teased with a knowing smile, making Alora’s cheeks burn.

Dante wrapped an arm around Alora’s waist, his grip firm, making it clear to everyone that she belonged to him.

Sylvester, already knowing who she was, approached them with a broad smile. “Alora, I’m glad to see you here,” he said, pulling her into a gentle hug. “It means a lot to me that you’ve chosen Dante. He’s a lucky man.”

Mrs. Santoro nodded in agreement, her eyes full of approval. Alora tried to smile, but the reminder of her mission lingered. She had been sent to marry Dante, to get access to his bank accounts. Could she really do it?

Later, as they toasted to Sylvester’s birthday, Dante leaned in close, his voice low in her ear. “I don’t want you to leave my side tonight, Alora.”

She shivered at his words, feeling the weight of his possessiveness settle over her. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to pull away or lean further into it. All she knew was that her plan was becoming harder to follow with each passing moment.

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Pretty short chapter but the next one will make up for that. I hope you liked it .

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

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