Chapter 3
845 Words
Morning light flooded Aria’s room. She woke up with a start when the door opened. Dante stood there in a perfectly tailored black suit, looking every inch the powerful billionaire he was.
“Get up,” he said. “Breakfast is ready. Then we discuss your role.”
Aria scrambled out of bed, cheeks flushing as she realized she was still in the silk nightgown. “I’m sorry, I overslept,” she stammered, grabbing a robe.
Dante’s eyes swept over her once before he turned away. “Five minutes. Don’t keep me waiting.”
She hurried through a quick shower and chose a simple white blouse and black skirt from the closet. When she entered the dining area, Dante was already seated at the head of the long table, reading a newspaper.
“Sit,” he ordered without looking up.
Aria took the chair to his right. The food smelled incredible—fresh fruit, eggs, coffee—but her stomach was too knotted to eat much.
“Rules again,” Dante began, his voice commanding. “You will accompany me to certain meetings when required. You will smile. You will be graceful. And you will never speak about our arrangement.” He finally met her eyes. “Understood?”
“Yes,” Aria whispered, tears threatening again. “I’ll try to be what you need.”
Dante reached across the table and took her hand. His grip was strong and possessive. “You’re not just trying, Aria. You will become what I need.” His thumb stroked the back of her hand, sending confusing tingles up her arm. “I chose you for a reason.”
After breakfast, he drove her to his downtown office building. The elevator ride to the top floor felt endless. When the doors opened, elegant receptionists and suited executives stared at her curiously.
Dante kept his hand on her lower back as they walked. “This is my wife, Aria,” he announced to a small group waiting in the conference room. “Treat her with respect.”
A sharp-featured man named Marco watched her with calculating eyes. “She looks… soft for this life, boss.”
“She’s learning,” Dante replied coldly, pulling Aria closer to his side. “And she’s off limits.”
Aria forced a small smile even though her knees felt weak. “It’s nice to meet everyone,” she said softly.
Inside the private office, Dante closed the door and turned to her. “You’ll start learning the legitimate side of my businesses today. Quietly. No one needs to know how this marriage started.”
He sat behind his massive desk and motioned for her to sit on the leather couch. For the next hour, he explained contracts, investments, and basic protocols in a firm, patient voice. Aria listened carefully, asking timid questions when she dared.
“You’re smarter than you think,” Dante said at one point, his gray eyes warming slightly. “That will serve you well.”
By afternoon, exhaustion and emotion caught up with her. Aria’s shoulders slumped. “I feel so out of place,” she confessed, voice breaking. “Everyone here is powerful. I’m just… me.”
Dante stood and crossed to her. He pulled her up from the couch and into his arms. “You’re mine. That makes you powerful by default.” His hand cupped the back of her head as she pressed her face against his chest. “Stop doubting yourself in front of others.”
Aria nodded against him, inhaling his scent. The steady beat of his heart calmed her slightly. When she looked up, their faces were very close.
“Dante…” she whispered.
His gaze dropped to her lips for a heartbeat. Then he stepped back, regaining control. “We’re going home. Tonight you’ll attend a small gathering with me. Dress elegantly.”
Back at the penthouse that evening, Aria stood in front of the mirror in a fitted emerald green dress Dante had selected. It hugged her petite figure perfectly. She felt exposed.
Dante entered without knocking. His eyes darkened with approval as he took her in. “Beautiful,” he said, voice low. He stepped behind her and fastened a delicate gold necklace around her neck, his fingers brushing her skin.
Aria shivered. “I’m scared I’ll embarrass you,” she admitted.
“You won’t.” He turned her to face him. “Because I won’t allow it.” His hand tilted her chin up. “And because part of you already wants to please me. Don’t deny it.”
She couldn’t. The confusing pull toward him was growing stronger.
As they prepared to leave, Dante’s phone rang. He answered, expression turning icy. After a short conversation, he looked at Aria.
“Change of plans. Victor Lang’s men are testing boundaries again. We’re staying in tonight.”
Aria’s heart raced with fresh fear. “Is Luca okay?”
“For now.” Dante pulled her close again, his arms strong around her. “But this game is just beginning.”
- Writer
