A Dance with Danger

Chapter Eight

**Ilaria's POV**

As the McLaren glided through the quiet streets on our way back from the birthday dinner, the night air was thick with unspoken tension.

The car hugged the curves of the road, but the atmosphere inside felt heavy, charged with emotions that neither of us had addressed during the evening.

I stole glances at Tiberius as he focused on the road ahead, his jaw set in that familiar way that told me he was lost in thought.

The evening had been filled with laughter and warmth, but the lingering gaze of the waiter had cast a shadow over my enjoyment.

Tiberius’s protective touch on my thigh had both thrilled and unsettled me. I wasn’t just any guest; I was his fake fiancée, and the possessive gesture felt at odds with the facade we had constructed.

When we finally arrived at his mansion, the grandeur of the entrance loomed before us, Tiberius stepped out of the car.

The night air was cool against my skin as Tiberius and I stepped back inside the mansion, the faint echo of laughter and music still lingering in my ears.

The evening with the Inkwells had been delightful—filled with stories, laughter, and delicious food—but one moment had cast a shadow over the night: Tiberius’s unmistakable displeasure toward the waiter who had lingered just a bit too long beside me.

I hung my coat on the elegant rack near the door, glancing back at Tiberius as he closed the door behind us as I took and stilettos off, stepping into the livingroom. Tiberius was leaning against the bar, pouring himself a drink.

“Tiberius,” I began, my voice firm but measured. I stepped away from the coat rack, crossing my arms as I faced him. “We need to talk about what happened tonight.”

He arched an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly. “What do you mean?”

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my tone even. “I’m talking about the waiter who couldn’t seem to keep his eyes to himself. You know the one I mean. You practically radiated irritation when he was at our table.”

Tiberius leaned against the wall, his expression shifting from mild curiosity to something more serious. “He was being unprofessional, Ilaria. It was inappropriate.”

I shook my head, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity. “And you thought putting your hand on my thigh in front of everyone was the right response?” I stepped closer, narrowing the distance between us.

“It felt like you were marking your territory, like I was some possession that needed protecting.”

His eyes darkened for a moment, and I could see the conflict in his expression. “You are not a possession,” he said, his voice low and firm.

“But you’re also not someone to be leered at by some random waiter who thinks he can get away with it.”

Ilaria,” he said, his voice low, carrying that mix of charm and danger that both attracted and intimidated her. “You shouldn’t have let him get so close.”

“Let him get close?” Ilaria shot back, her voice sharp. “He was doing his job, Tiberius! I’m just your fake fiancée. I’m not yours to control, and I’m definitely not yours to defend.”

Tiberius straightened, the casual confidence he usually wore like armor faltering for a moment.

“It’s not just about control. You need to understand how people perceive you when you’re with me.”

I scoffed, my frustration bubbling over. “Perception? This isn’t about perception! It’s about jealousy, and you know it. I’m not one of your possessions. I’m not some trophy you can display.”

His jaw clenched, and for a brief moment, I  saw the flicker of something deeper in his eyes—a vulnerability, perhaps.

“You don’t understand how dangerous this world is, Ilaria. People watch every move we make. You’re safer if you—”

“Safer if I what? Act like I’m yours?” she interrupted, feeling her own anger rise. “I signed up to be your pretend fiancée, not your puppet.

I’m here to help you navigate this, not to serve your ego. I deserve respect, Tiberius. You can’t just claim me like some prize.”

The air between us grew thick with tension, each word echoing with the weight of unspoken emotions.

Tiberius stepped closer, and I held my ground, my  heart pounding as I fought the instinct to back away from his intensity.

“You think I’m being possessive for no reason?” he said, his voice dropping to a low growl. “I care about your safety. I care about you.”

I shook my head, my resolve hardening. “Caring doesn’t mean trying to control me. If you can’t separate the two, then maybe you don’t really know what caring looks like. This isn’t love, Tiberius; it’s ownership, and I won’t be a part of it.”

I inhaled sharply, surprised by the intensity in his voice. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but there’s a way to handle things. I’m not a damsel in distress, Tiberius. I can take care of myself.”

He ran a hand through his hair, the tension in his shoulders easing just a fraction. “I know you can, but I also don’t like the idea of someone disrespecting you.

It bothers me more than I’d like to admit.” His gaze softened, and for a moment, I could see the struggle in his eyes—the protective instinct clashing with the desire to respect my independence.

I stepped back, allowing his words to settle. “I get that, but I want to know that you trust me. I want to feel like we’re a team, not just two people navigating the world separately.”

Tiberius moved closer, his expression serious. “I do trust you. But the world we live in is different—complicated.

There are people who won’t think twice about overstepping boundaries, and I don’t want you to be one of their targets.”

I felt the warmth of his words seep into me, the sincerity in his eyes softening my frustration. “I understand where you’re coming from. It’s just that I don’t want to feel suffocated by your protection. I want to stand strong beside you, not behind you.”

“Goodnight, Tiberius,” I said finally, her voice softer now, tinged with exhaustion. I turned to leave but paused at the threshold, glancing back over her shoulder.

“I’m going to bed. If you want to talk, you know where to find me. Just remember—I’m not yours to protect like some fragile thing. I’m stronger than you think.” I said my final words as I climbed the stairs leaving a furious Tiberius.