MAVERICK: THE EMPERORS OBSESSION

CHAPTER 3: THE FIRST ACT

The marble floor of the penthouse felt cold beneath Lexy’s bare feet as she was ushered into the dressing room.

It looked less like a bedroom and more like a luxury boutique in Milan. Three people dressed in black were already waiting, makeup brushes in hand, a row of shimmering gowns glowing beneath crystal lights.

“Her name is Lexy. Make sure she looks like a woman who just won the lottery of love, not a k********g victim,” Dante ordered coolly from the doorway.

“Yes, Mr. Maverick,” replied a middle aged woman with a thick French accent.

Lexy shot him a sharp look.

“You don’t need to command them like I’m a mannequin, Dante!”

He merely glanced at his watch.

“One hour and forty five minutes, Lexy. Don’t waste time protesting things that won’t change.”

The sliding door shut automatically, sealing her away from the arrogant man.

For the next hour, Lexy felt like dough being kneaded.

Her hair was washed and styled. Her face was carefully sculpted with makeup. Her body was wrapped in a blood-red silk gown that hugged her curves, provocative yet undeniably elegant.

“Perfect,” the stylist murmured.

The door opened.

Dante had changed into a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. He leaned against the wall, finishing his whiskey. His eyes traveled slowly from her heels to the top of her head.

Something flickered in his gaze, but his voice remained icy.

“Perfect. At least you don’t look like a street photographer anymore.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Dictator,” Lexy replied dryly, wobbling slightly on her four-inch heels.

“So, what’s the script tonight?”

Dante stepped closer. The scent of sandalwood and musk wrapped around her again. He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair from her shoulder. His touch was cool, yet it sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

“The story is simple. We fell in love at first sight at an art gallery last month. You’re my inspiration, and I’m your protector. Don’t talk too much in front of them, I’ll handle the press.”

“And how if they ask why everything happened so fast?”

“Tell them I’m not a man who waits for what he wants.”

He took her hand and looped it through his arm.

“Let’s go. The car’s downstairs.”

***

The theater hosting the charity gala was already swarming with journalists.

The moment the limousine door opened, flashes exploded like a lightning storm. Lexy flinched, but Dante’s grip tightened around her waist—a warning and a support at once.

“Smile, Lexy. Remember the hundred million dollars,” he whispered against her ear, making it look like he was murmuring something romantic for the cameras.

“I’m trying not to throw up, Dante,” she whispered back through a stiff smile.

“Mr. Maverick! Who is this woman?” a reporter shouted.

“Dante, is this your secret fiancee?”

Dante paused at the top of the grand staircase, turning to face the crowd. He pulled Lexy closer, his palm resting possessively at her waist.

“Allow me to introduce Alexandra. My fiancee,” he announced in his deep, commanding voice.

“We wanted privacy at first, but tonight is about charity and Alexandra insisted on supporting the foundation.”

“Alexandra? Which family does she come from?” someone called out.

“A very fortunate one to have her,” Dante replied smoothly, before guiding Lexy inside the ballroom.

Once they were through the massive double doors and out of the reporters’ earshot, Lexy immediately shrugged off his hand.

“Alexandra? My name is Lexy!”

“Lexy sounds like a Vegas stage name. As long as you’re mine, you’re Alexandra.”

“You’re unbelievable, Dante.”

“Watch your tone. We’re being observed.”

He grabbed two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed one to her.

“Control your emotions. Look at two o’clock. That’s Julian Vane. My business rival and a board member who’d love to push me out. He’ll try to provoke you. Don’t take the bait.”

A middle aged man with a slick smile approached.

“Dante! So this is why you’ve disappeared from the nightclub?” Julian’s gaze swept over Lexy in an appraising way that made her skin crawl.

“She’s stunning. Where did you find him, sweetheart?”

Rage simmered in Lexy's chest but she remembered her brother’s face in the hospital ward.

She took a calm sip of champagne and offered the sweetest smile she could manage.

“Actually, we found each other, Mr. Vane. In a city this loud, it’s hard to miss a man like Dante, isn’t it?”

She leaned her head lightly against Dante’s shoulder, feeling him stiffen.

“But I prefer to keep the details between us. Secrets are the best seasoning in any relationship.”

Julian laughed, though his eyes remained sharp.

“Impressive. She’s got claws, Dante. I like that.”

When Julian walked away, Dante lowered his gaze to her.

“Nice one. You almost made me believe it.”

“Don’t flatter yourself. I did it for my brother. Not for a man like you.”

“Stay in character all night, and maybe I’ll add a bonus for your brother’s recovery.”

“I don’t need your bonus. I just need this contract to end quickly.”

Dante leaned in until their noses were nearly touching. To onlookers, they appeared like lovers sharing an intimate moment. But his words were knives.

“Two years, Alexandra. It’s only been one hour and you’re already impatient? We have a very long journey ahead.”

He then guided her toward the main table, where the city’s most powerful figures were seated.

Lexy knew one thing for certain.

Tonight was only the beginning of the gilded prison she had just stepped into.