LOVE IN THE SHADOWS

Chapter 4: A Friends warning

Mariah sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the dress draped across the chair. The same dress she had worn the night she met Dante Morales.

It wasn’t even hers, Emilio had arranged for it, just like he arranged everything. But now, the sight of it sent warmth rushing through her. Not because of Emilio, not because of his plan, but because she remembered Dante’s eyes, the way they softened when she spoke, the way he smiled at her as if she was the only person in that crowded room.

Her chest ached with confusion. She was supposed to be strong, focused. She had promised herself she would never forget why she was there. Her mother’s sickness, her sister’s future.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts.

It’s me, Carmen’s voice called.

Mariah sighed, relieved. She quickly shoved the dress into the closet and opened the door.

Carmen stepped inside like she owned the place, her bag slung across her shoulder, her hair tied up in a messy bun. I brought coffee, she announced, holding up two cups.

Thank God, Mariah said with a small laugh. She took the cup and sat beside Carmen at the tiny kitchen table.

Carmen studied her for a moment, sipping slowly. You’ve been glowing lately.”

Mariah nearly choked on her coffee. “Glowing?”

“Yeah. Like you’re in love or something.Carmen squinted at her. Don’t tell me, did you meet someone?”

Mariah froze. Her best friend always had a way of pulling truths out of her. She set the cup down, her hands trembling slightly.

There's someone, she admitted softly.

Carmen’s eyebrows shot up. Well, don’t leave me hanging. Who is he? Some handsome doctor? A businessman? Tell me.

Mariah hesitated. She wanted to keep it to herself, but the memory of Dante’s smile burned too strongly. She whispered, almost guiltily “Dante Morales.”

The name dropped like a stone in water.

Carmen’s eyes widened in shock, then horror. Mariah no. Tell me you’re joking.

Mariah shook her head. I’m not.

Carmen slammed her coffee cup down. Are you out of your mind? Dante Morales? The man runs half the city in blood. Do you even know what people say about him? He’s dangerous. More dangerous than fire.”

I know who he is, Mariah whispered.

Then why? Carmen demanded, her voice sharp. Why would you go near him? You don’t belong in his world.

Mariah looked down at her hands. Because he’s not what I expected.

Carmen stared at her like she was insane. Not what you expected? Mariah, men like him don’t change. They kill, they destroy, they take whatever they want. Maybe he smiled at you, maybe he made you feel special, but that’s what men like him do. It’s a trap.

Mariah’s throat tightened. She wanted to believe Carmen was wrong, but deep down, she knew her friend was right about the danger. Still, she couldn’t erase what she felt.

He listened to me, Mariah said softly. No one ever listens.

The whole time, Mariah never told her about the deal with Emilio

Carmen’s expression softened for a moment, but then she shook her head. That’s how it starts. Sweet words, soft eyes. Then what? You’ll be dragged into his world, into his enemies, into his blood. You’ll get hurt. Or worse.

Mariah swallowed hard, blinking back tears. I don’t want to get hurt. But when I’m with him I don’t feel afraid. Isn’t that strange? The man everyone fears, and I, She broke off, unable to finish.

Carmen reached across the table, grabbing her hand. Mariah, listen to me. You have too much to lose. Your mother, your sister, they need you. Don’t get blinded by a man who can give you nice dresses and pretty words. He’s not salvation. He’s Danger.”

Mariah looked at her friend, torn apart. Carmen was right. She was in danger. She knew it better than anyone after all, Emilio had forced her into this. But Dante’s face kept appearing in her mind, and with it came a warmth she hadn’t felt in years.

I can’t explain it, Mariah whispered. But I don’t think he’s all darkness. There’s something else in him. Something,human. I saw it.

Carmen sighed in frustration, running her hand through her hair. You’re not hearing me. You want to see the good in him because you’re kind. That’s who you are. But men like Dante, they use that kindness. They’ll make you believe you’re special, and by the time you realize the truth, it’s too late.

Mariah shook her head stubbornly. I’m not blind, Carmen. I know the risks. But for once I don’t want to run away from something that feels real.

Her voice cracked, and Carmen’s anger softened into sadness. She squeezed Mariah’s hand tighter.

You’re my best friend. I just don’t want to lose you, Carmen said, her voice trembling. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

Mariah forced a smile. I promise.

But inside, she knew she was already in too deep.

Later that night, after Carmen left, Mariah lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Her mother coughed softly in the next room, a reminder of why she had made her deal with Emilio.

She thought about Carmen’s warning, about her fear, about the reality she couldn’t escape. But she also thought about Dante’s voice on the balcony.

Maybe Carmen was right. Maybe she was walking into fire. But her heart didn’t care. For the first time in her life, she felt something powerful, something dangerous, something impossible to ignore.

And as she drifted into restless sleep, one truth pressed heavy on her chest:

She was already his, whether she admitted it or not.