Deceptive Hearts

25

The sun was beginning to set as Alora stood by the balcony of the grand Italian villa, watching the soft orange hues blend into the purple twilight. The air was filled with the subtle scent of the garden's flowers, carried by a gentle breeze that rustled her hair.

She felt Dante approach before she saw him. His presence was a comforting warmth behind her, like the sun itself, grounding her. Slowly, his arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her close to his chest. His chin rested on her shoulder, and she could feel his breath against her neck.

“Enjoying the view, my love?” His deep, husky voice sent a shiver down her spine.

She nodded, leaning back into his embrace. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” Dante murmured, turning her in his arms to face him. His eyes, dark and intense, roamed her face as though memorizing every detail. “I have something for you.”

Alora raised her brows in surprise. “Another surprise?”

He smirked. “Always.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small, velvet box. Her heart skipped a beat as he opened it, revealing a delicate, diamond-studded necklace. The way the stones caught the last rays of sunlight made them shimmer like stars.

“Dante, it’s stunning,” she breathed, her fingers lightly touching the necklace.

“Not as stunning as it’ll look on you,” he whispered, gently taking it out of the box. Turning her around, he moved her hair to the side, his fingers brushing against her neck as he clasped the necklace around her. The intimate touch made her pulse quicken.

When she turned back to him, his gaze was locked on hers, dark and possessive. His thumb brushed over the ring on her finger, the one he’d proposed to her with. The simple action held a weight she couldn’t ignore.

“You belong to me, Alora,” Dante said softly, his voice deepening with emotion. “This ring is a reminder of that. I don’t intend to ever let you forget it.”

Her breath hitched, the intensity in his words wrapping around her like a cocoon. He stepped closer, his lips hovering just inches from hers, as if testing her resolve. His eyes softened, filled with a tender possessiveness that sent her heart racing.

Alora hesitated for a moment, her thoughts scattered. She knew deep down she was falling for him in ways she couldn’t control, but her mission lingered in the back of her mind, a constant reminder of the truth she couldn’t reveal. Still, in this moment, it was hard to think of anything else except him.

“Dante,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

He didn’t say a word, but his thumb continued to rub over her ring, his other hand sliding up to cup her cheek. His touch was gentle yet firm, as if he were afraid she’d disappear. “You are mine,” he murmured again, his lips brushing hers.

This time, she didn’t pull away.

The kiss started soft, a delicate press of lips, but it quickly deepened as Dante's possessive side took over. He pulled her closer, his hand moving to her lower back, holding her against him as though she could slip away at any moment. Her hands found their way into his hair, and she lost herself in the moment, in the warmth of his embrace.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Dante's forehead rested against hers. His hand slid back down to her ring, and he smirked slightly. “You’re never getting away from me, baby. Never.”

Alora smiled faintly, her heart a swirl of emotions. She knew that despite the danger of her mission, being with Dante made her feel safe—wanted. But deep inside, a whisper of uncertainty remained. Would he still look at her this way if he knew the truth?

For now, though, she let herself be lost in the moment, in the warmth of his possessive love. "I’m right here," she whispered back, knowing it was both a promise and a lie.

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With the night closing in, the villa’s garden lit up with soft lanterns, and they stood together, wrapped in each other's arms, as the world around them seemed to disappear. Dante continued to hold her close, his fingers tracing the necklace he'd given her.

She was his in every way, and Dante would make sure that never changed.

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I hope you enjoyed this short and sweet chapter. Sorry for the late update, exams are coming up so I need to focus on that, but I will make sure to post at least twice a week if possible.
Did you like this sweet moment between them? And look at that, they shared their first kiss, how wonderful and romantic 😉

Thank you!
Love y'all 💗

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