Dante's POV:
I knew my actions, my tone, and the way I reacted around Eloise were confusing—too complicated for her to fully grasp. But what else was I supposed to do?
I needed her close. Right beside me, where I could keep an eye on her. Where I could protect her. I couldn’t let history repeat itself and put the both of them in danger. No way.
Still, I didn’t want her to misinterpret the care I showed. I didn’t want her reading too much into the attention, thinking it meant something... softer. It wasn't the right time yet.
I just needed clarity. I needed to be sure of my assumptions because even the doctor wasn't sure. Was Eloise really Emma? The same girl who saved me five years ago?
Because if she wasn’t Emma and I let her in, let her see a side of me I never show, only to find
