Chapter 6
DANTE
T he drive to my home was quiet, filled with the low hum of the engine and the soft rustling of the leather seats. Genesis sat beside me, her fingers clutching her daughter’s tiny hand. I stole glances at her, trying to read the emotions flickering across her face. I could see the nervousness in her eyes, a reflection of my own uncertainty.
As we pulled up to the house, I took a deep breath. It was an old, stately mansion—a place that had once been a symbol of my father’s power and prestige, now a repository of my own conflicted emotions. I had spent so much time building a career and distancing myself from the shadow of my family, only to find myself now entwined in a web of family obligations and a sudden, unexpected marriage.
I glanced at Genesis again. Her wide eyes took in the grandeur of the house, but her apprehension was palpable.
“Welcome home,” I said, trying to infuse my voice with warmth despite the turmoil within me.
As we entered the house, the interior felt both comforting and oppressive. The walls seemed to echo with the past, the weight of old decisions and unspoken regrets. I led Genesis and her daughter through the foyer and into the living room, where I gestured for them to sit.
“Let me show you around,” I offered, though I knew the gesture was more for my own benefit than theirs. I needed to focus on something tangible to push through the swirling thoughts in my mind.
As I guided them through the house, I couldn’t help but think about how this was all playing out. Marrying Genesis had been part of a deal, a way to fulfill an old promise and protect her from her dangerous past. Yet, as I walked through the rooms, I felt a pang of guilt and unease.
Was this truly the life I wanted? Was this what I had worked so hard to achieve? The thought of the future felt daunting, but I'd made my bed. Now it was time to sleep in it. This was what I'd wanted, right? Genesis and her daughter represented a chance for something new, something untainted by my diagnosis.
After the brief tour, I led them to their room for the night. It was a spacious, comfortable suite, far removed from the cramped conditions they had been used to. I could see Genesis’s eyes soften slightly at the sight of the plush bedding and the serene, private space.
“I hope you find this comfortable,” I said, trying to sound reassuring. “If you need anything, just let me know. Tomorrow we can go shopping and get you two whatever you need.”
She nodded, her expression a mix of gratitude and wariness. “Thank you, Dante. For everything.”
I offered a nod and turned to leave, but she called after me, her voice trembling slightly. “Dante, do you think we’ll be safe here?”
I paused, turning back to face her. The weight of her question settled heavily on my shoulders. “Yes,” I said firmly. “I’ve made arrangements to ensure that you’re safe. I know this is all overwhelming, but I’m committed to making sure you and your daughter are protected.”
Her eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of the fear she was trying to mask. “It’s just... it’s been so hard. I’m not used to feeling... safe.”
I nodded, understanding more than she knew. “I can’t promise that everything will be perfect, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to keep you protected.”
As I left the room, I felt a strange mix of relief and anxiety. The house was quiet now, the only sounds being the faint rustle of the wind outside and the distant hum of the city. I settled into my study, trying to focus on the paperwork piled on my desk, but my mind kept drifting back to Genesis and her daughter.
A buzzard on the front door pulled me from my thoughts. It was Beniamino. He entered, his expression serious.
“Dante,” he began, “there’s something important we need to discuss regarding the marriage contract.”
I looked up, sensing the gravity in his tone. “What is it?”
Beniamino’s gaze was steady.
“Where’s Genesis?”
“Upstairs getting ready for bed.”
“She should be here for this.”
I swallowed, already over today's events. I retrieved Genesis and we met Beniamino in the living room.
He smiled, and for a second he seemed nervous. “The contract requires that there be a witness to your wedding night. It’s part of the arrangement to ensure that the marriage is consummated and the deal is sealed.”
I felt a cold knot in my stomach. “A witness?”
Genesis’s eyes widened, and her hand flew to her mouth. “What?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Yes,” Beniamino said, his expression unreadable. “I’ll be the one to fulfill that role.”
I stared at him, trying to process the additional complication. “And how exactly does this work?”
Beniamino’s gaze was unwavering. “I’ll be there to witness the consummation of the marriage, to ensure everything is as it should be according to the agreement.”
“What do you mean witness?” Genesis pulled her bathrobe close. It was mine, I'd given it to her so she would be decent. There was something about her wrapping my scent around her that made me stand taller.
“I can be outside the door. However, there can be no contraceptives either. Not tonight. After this, you can do what you want.”
The reality of the situation sank in. This wasn’t just about a marriage; it was about fulfilling a contractual obligation with a stipulation that felt invasive and personal.
“It’s not negotiable, Dante. It’s part of the agreement. It’s to ensure that the marriage is legitimate in the eyes of those involved.” Beniamino added as if he knew my thoughts of wanting to say fuck off.
I clenched my fists, hating the situation even more. But before I could say anything, Genesis turned to me, her face pale.
“I can’t… I haven’t… It’s been so long,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
I stepped closer, taking her hands in mine. “Genesis, listen to me,” I said softly, trying to keep my voice calm. “I know this isn’t easy, and it’s not fair. But I promise you, we’ll get through this. You’re not alone.”
She shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “The last time… with Chant… it was just to keep him from getting angry. It wasn’t… it wasn’t for me. He never cared about what I wanted, only what he needed.”
Her words cut deep, and I felt a surge of protectiveness. “This isn’t going to be like that,” I told her, my voice firm. “I’m not him. I won’t hurt you.”
Beniamino cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the personal nature of our conversation. “I’ll give you some privacy,” he muttered before stepping out of the room, leaving us alone.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my thoughts. The weight of the contract and the obligations it entailed seemed heavier now.
I turned back to Genesis, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. “We’ll take this one step at a time. We don’t have to rush anything. I’m here to protect you, not to make things harder.”
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and something else—trust. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m just scared.”
“I know,” I said, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “But I’m here with you. We’ll face this together.”
As I prepared for the night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a complex journey—one that would require navigating both personal and legal entanglements. The house, once a symbol of refuge, now felt like a stage for a play with high stakes and uncertain outcomes. I only hoped that through it all, Genesis and her daughter would find the safety and stability they so desperately needed.