Twisted Loyalty

Chapter 32: New Morning, New Reality

Dante

Watching her fall asleep again was a kind of peace I didn't know I needed. The way she trusted me, the way she fit so perfectly against me—it stirs something deep inside me. A sense of calm, but also something fierce, something that tells me I'd do anything, tear down anything, to protect her.

Once her breathing evens out, I carefully slip out of bed, needing a moment to clear my head. Last night... last night was more than I'd expected. More than I'd let myself want for a long time. But now that it's happened, now that I've had her, I know there's no going back. I don't want to go back.

I move to the bathroom, splash some cold water on my face, and glance at my reflection in the mirror. There's something different about the man looking back at me—calmer maybe, but with a fire burning behind his eyes. A fire that comes from knowing I have something worth fighting for. Sienna.

I dry off and grab my phone from the dresser, thinking about checking in with Nico. But even as I scroll through my notifications, my thoughts shift back to her. She's been through so much, and even though Enzo's gone, Luca's not a problem that's going away anytime soon. His anger—his willingness to betray his own daughter—is something that'll stay in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike.

I head downstairs to the kitchen to make some coffee, needing to ground myself before I think about the next move. As much as I want to keep Sienna safe, wrapped in this bubble of protection, we're still in the middle of a dangerous game.

As soon as I pour myself a cup, my phone buzzes. It's Nico.

"You're calling early," I say, already bracing for whatever news he's got.

"Yeah, thought you'd want an update," Nico says, his tone clipped but casual. "Been keeping tabs on Luca's crew. He's been laying low since the whole Enzo situation, but word is, he's not taking it well. Seems like the old man's gearing up for something. We just don't know what yet."

I curse under my breath, tension coiling tighter in my gut. "Keep digging. I want to know what Luca's planning, and I want to know it before he makes his move."

"You got it. I'll keep you posted."

There's a pause, then Nico's tone shifts, becoming more playful. "So... how's the other situation?"

I raise an eyebrow, but I don't bite right away. "What situation?"

"Oh, you know," Nico's voice drips with teasing amusement, "Sienna. The beautiful, mysterious woman who's had you wrapped around her finger lately."

I sigh, knowing exactly where this is going, but I play it cool. "She's fine."

"Fine?" Nico scoffs. "Come on, man. You sound different. More... relaxed." There's a low chuckle on the other end of the line. "Don't tell me you two finally...?"

I roll my eyes, trying not to laugh. "That's none of your business."

"Oh, fuck," Nico bursts out laughing, his voice full of mischief. "You did sleep with her! Dante Costa, falling for a woman! This is gold. I never thought I'd see the day."

"Shut up, Nico," I mutter, though I can't help the smirk tugging at my lips. I expected this, honestly. Nico's always been the type to needle me whenever he gets a whiff of something going on.

"No wonder you're up early, getting all reflective with your coffee," Nico says, clearly enjoying himself. "Needed to get some space after a night like that, huh? She must've blown your fucking mind."

"Keep talking, and you'll be dealing with Luca on your own," I warn, but there's no real bite behind my words.

"Right, right," he says, still laughing softly. "I'll drop it... for now. But damn, it's about time you found someone who could keep up with you. You're not as invincible as you thought, huh?"