The next morning, Aria trained harder than ever in the penthouse gym. Sweat soaked her clothes as Dante corrected her stance for the tenth time.
“Again,” he commanded, voice firm. “Elbow higher. Use your hips.”
Aria swung at the padded dummy, frustration building. “I’m too weak. My arms feel like jelly.” She collapsed against the mat, breathing hard.
Dante knelt beside her and pulled her up. “Weak today. Stronger tomorrow. That’s how this works.” His gray eyes held hers. “I won’t let Victor use you. But you have to fight for yourself too.”
She nodded, tears mixing with sweat. “For Luca. For… us?”
Dante’s expression softened. He cupped her face and kissed her deeply, possessively. Aria melted into it, her hands fisting his shirt. When he pulled back, both were breathing harde
