25. Dante
Chapter 25
Dante
I ’m anxiously sitting on the side of the bed as I wait for my pregnant bride to exit the bathroom. I’ve been on a high all evening. After learning the news, we ditched our fishing expedition and headed to one of the local wineries for dinner to celebrate. All five of us.
It felt like everything in my life just clicked into place at that moment, and it was a lot to take in. I’m going to be a dad. I’ve been trying to wrap my head around that knowledge all night, and I don’t think I’ve quite succeeded yet.
I’ve been dying to get Arabella alone ever since I got the news, but when my brother forced the truth out of Chloe the second we left the bathroom, he was waiting to pounce as soon as we exited our room. He was happy for me, for us both, so I couldn’t fault him for that.
This revelation changes everything. It adds an extra layer of concern that I hadn’t anticipated. The risks and power of this life I’ve built for us all take on a different weight when I think about the future of my wife and child … their health and well-being. It sets off a wave of uncertainty inside me.
When I took on the role of Don, I never imagined that I’d have to worry about how I’m going to protect my wife and child from all the darkness I’ve created. My enemies are now theirs.
Standing, I take a step towards the bathroom. What is taking her so long? I need to see her, hold her … lose myself in her so I don’t let my mind get away with me.
Are we even allowed to have sex?
Will it hurt the baby if we do?
I turn and reach for my phone to look for the answers, but I decide to pull up my brother’s number instead. He’s going through the same thing.
Me: I’m still able to have sex with my wife while she’s pregnant, right?
Alexander: No! You have to abstain for the entire duration of the pregnancy.
Me: Abstain … bullshit.
Alexander: True story, little brother.
Me: Fuck!
Me: Is that why I haven’t heard that creepy Leo the Lion roar of yours since I’ve been here?
Alexander: Fuck off. Stop being a dick.
Me: If I have to abstain for the next nine months, I won’t even have a dick by the end. It’s going to shrivel up and fall off. Chloe’s been pregnant for months. I bet your balls are blue … or are they already dead?
Alexander: Stop talking about my balls. It’s creepy and weird. GO TO BED!
I’m about to put my phone down, feeling completely deflated, when my phone dings again. I glance down at the screen and see a message from Chloe.
Little Sis: Your brother is lying. You DO NOT have to abstain. Just take it easy on her; I know what you Mancini men are like.
Me: I doubt your husband even compares, Chlo. You had your chance to upgrade before you married him, but alas, you chose the inferior of the two. You snooze, you lose, pretty girl.
Alexander: If you don’t stop flirting with my wife, you won’t even be around to see the birth of your child.
My shoulders bob with laughter. Revving my brother up is still one of my favourite things to do.
I reply to Alexander’s message first before asking Chloe another question. At least I’ll get a sensible reply from her.
Me: Oooo, I’m shaking in my boots.
Me: One more question, Chlo. When you say take it easy, what do you mean? Is it possible I could harm the baby?
Little Sis: This is Alex. I’ve commandeered Chloe’s phone. I warned you.
Me: I wasn’t flirting. That was a serious question.
Little Sis: Unfortunately, I’m forced to take it easy with my wife. I don’t want to risk my child being born with dents in his or her head … if you get my drift. You won’t have that issue, so don’t fret, little brother.
Me: Fuck you!
I should’ve just asked Google.
Last night, when my wife finally exited the bathroom, I made her come with my mouth. Despite her wanting to take things further, I relented and just held her tightly as she fell into a deep sleep.
Unfortunately, rest didn’t come easily for me. I lay there thinking about everything I have to do when we return to Griffith, like double, triple, or maybe even quadruple her security detail.
I can’t begin to fathom how I’d cope if she were taken from me like Mamma was taken from Papa. It gives me a whole new understanding of what he must’ve gone through.
I’m currently lying on my back, staring up at the ceiling as Arabella sleeps peacefully in my arms. I pull her a little closer as I lift my head off the pillow and plant a soft kiss on the top of her head.
“Morning,” she murmurs into my chest.
“Morning, Bellezza ,” I reply, softly stroking my hand over her hair. “How are you feeling?”
She lifts her head off my chest to make eye contact. “Good. Are you okay?”
I adore her sleepy morning look. I love everything about her. And she knows it now because I finally got my shit together and told her how I feel. It didn’t go unnoticed that she didn’t say it back. Hopefully, one day, she will.
“Yes and no,” I answer.
“It’s a lot to take in.”
“It is,” I reply as that knot of worry tightens in my stomach and a sense of dread creeps back to the surface. It feels like something bad is coming, and there’s nothing I can do to stop the inevitable.
I clench my eyes closed as Arabella’s fingers skate down my abs until her delicate fingers wrap around the base of my flaccid cock. Despite my inner turmoil, it starts to swell the moment she strokes it.
She pushes up onto one elbow and leans in to place her mouth on mine. “I need you, Dante,” she whispers against my lips, and although I still have concerns after my conversation with Alex and Chloe, I need her too.
I slide my hand around her waist, dragging her body on top of mine. “Straddle me,” I order, deepening the kiss.
If we do this and she’s okay by the end, maybe I will stop freaking out so much.
I’ve never really worried about myself. I accepted my fate a long time ago, but now I have these two to take care of, which is an entirely different ballgame.
“Dante,” Arabella whimpers as she starts grinding back and forth over my growing cock. She’s slick for me already.
“Lift up,” I instruct as I reach between us, grasping my dick and lining it up so I can carefully sink into her heaven. “Fuck,” I grate out as the crown of my dick disappears inside her tight pussy.
Her stance widens as her knees continue to move outwards, causing her to sink down further. Like always, she feels incredible. I grasp hold of her hips before she can take all of me inside her.
“Don’t go down too far.”
“Why?” she asks, frowning.
“I don’t want to harm the baby.”
A smile curves at the corners of her lips. “Aww, that’s sweet, but you won’t. I’m only a few weeks along, so the foetus is currently the size of a grain of sand.”
My eyebrows jump in surprise. “A grain of sand?”
“Yes.”
Fuck that’s tiny. “How do you know that?”
“I Googled it.”
“When?”
“Last night when I was in the bathroom. ”
“What else did you find out?”
“Plenty.”
“Like?”
“That sex during pregnancy is safe, even when I’m further along. The amniotic sac and uterine muscles protect the developing baby.”
“Hmm,” I hum.
Fucking, Alexander.
He’s a dead set arsehole for feeding me that stupid advice. I bet he got a great laugh out of it. My concerns were genuine, and he knowingly took advantage of my vulnerability. I’ll be sure to tell him that when I see him at breakfast.
With this new knowledge, I flip us over until I’m on top. I still plan on taking it somewhat easy on her, but at least in this position, I have more control.
I nuzzle my face into the crook of her neck, my voice warm and smooth as I say, “I need to fuck you, Arabella.”
“Please,” she pants in reply.
We both moan in unison as I bury myself balls deep. I move my mouth to her ear. “You’re so snug and warm,” I grate out through gritted teeth. “Inside you is my favourite place to be.”
When I begin to move, her nails dig into my biceps, and every thrust seems to ignite a flame that only the next can sate. “Fuck, I love your pussy, Bellezza … I love you.”
I draw back slightly to see her face, but when I still get no response, I reach for her hands, dragging them above her head and lacing my fingers through hers.
As much as I want to, I’m not going to kiss her. Instead, I’m going to force her to watch me make love to her. Deep and slow, with such intensity that by the end, she’ll feel fully exposed and vulnerable, as if every part of her has been rubbed bare.
My life’s mission now revolves around two things: keeping her and our baby safe, and making sure she falls in love with me so deeply that she’ll never want to leave.
I pull out Arabella’s chair before taking the seat beside her. Breakfast is served, and after the workout I just had, I’m starved, so I immediately begin to pile up my plate with all the deliciousness.
“How are you feeling this morning, Arabella?” Chloe asks as she reaches for one of the pastries my wife whipped up.
“My wife is great,” I answer before she gets the chance. “Totally satisfied, no thanks to the two of you.” My eyes narrow as they lock with my brother’s. “It’s pretty impossible to dent something that’s currently the size of a grain of sand.”
When he chuckles, and Chloe’s shoulders bob with silent laughter, my lips thin in annoyance. Is this my payback for the years I busted his balls? It’s no fun being on the other side of the fence.
“Am I missing something?” Arabella asks as her confused gaze moves around the table.
“I’ll fill you in later,” I grumble, placing my hand on her knee and giving it a light, comforting squeeze.
I pick up my fork and start tucking into my food. When I hear a ping in the distance, I ignore it, but a few seconds later, it’s followed by another, then another.
“Somebody’s phone is blowing up,” Chloe says.
“I think it’s mine,” Arabella replies, placing down her cutlery and pushing back her chair. “I left it in the kitchen.”
“I’ll get it,” I say, halting her. “Eat.”
She smiles up at me when I stand. “I think it’s on the breakfast bar.”
I find it exactly where she said it would be, but the moment I pick it up, turn it over and see the texts are from Lucia, my stomach drops.
Lucia: Help!!!!
Lucia: It’s happening.
Lucia: Please, please, please call me back. I’m freaking out.
I immediately dial her number. I need to find out what is going on before Arabella does so I can assess the situation. The last thing I need is her getting upset in her delicate condition.
“Lucia,” I say the moment she answers.
“Dante,” she cries down the line.
“What’s going on?”
“Papa has chosen my husband.”
“Oh,” I reply, immediately relaxing. We all knew this was coming sooner rather than later.
“You’ll never guess who he’s chosen.”
Her words give me concern. “Who?”
“Giuseppe Salvatori.”
“Fuck.” This is worse than I thought. Giuseppe Salvatori is a madman. An absolute psychopath.
“I can’t marry him, Dante. I just can’t. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours of what happened to his other wives.”
I’ve heard a lot more than rumours. It’s not just his wives that need to fear him. Anyone who crosses that psycho is in for a fate worse than death. He once skinned a man alive. Edoardo got off lightly compared to what he would’ve faced at the hands of that man.
“Has a date been set?” I ask.
“Yes.”
“When?”
She breaks down into sobs before getting out, “Forty-eight hours. ”
I pinch the bridge of my nose as I try to think of a plan. I’m going to have to go over there. I don’t have a choice. I’m not sure what I can do, but there’s no way I will let this wedding go ahead.
“Is there somewhere you can go until I get there?”
“No, nowhere.”
“If I send a car to pick you up and take you to my family’s estate in Italy, do you think you could get out of the house?”
“I could try.”
I whip my head towards the doorway as I hear Arabella’s voice. “What’s going on? Who are you talking to? Has something happened?”
Shit. There’s no way I can keep this from her. I gesture for her to come closer, pulling her body against mine the moment she’s within reach. “It’s your sister. I need to go to Italy.”
“Why?”
“Your father has organised for Lucia to marry.”
“Who?”
I wince. “You don’t want to know.”
“Who?” she repeats, this time, more forcefully.
“Giuseppe Salvatori.”
Her pretty green eyes widen to the size of saucers. “Oh my God, no! That man is pure evil.”
“Don’t worry, Bellezza ,” I say, pulling her closer and rubbing my hand along her spine. “I’ll sort it out when I get there.”
“How?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll think of something.”
“I’m coming with you.”
“No, you are not!”
“You can’t stop me, Dante.”
“Wanna bet?”
I lost the bet.
Right now, I’m at the airport, not just with my wife, but the whole damn family.
Things escalated when Arabella’s fiery side took over after I told her she wasn’t coming with me. She completely lost it in front of everyone. There were tears and a lot of screaming as those Italian hands of hers were flying all over the place. I would’ve found it as cute as hell if it wasn’t for her condition.
That’s when Chloe stepped in, offering for the three of them to come along and watch Arabella while I dealt with this mess. This would also allow them to visit her parents, who are currently on an extended holiday in Italy.
It’s the closest Arabella and I have come to a fight since things between us shifted for the better. I get why she’s upset. She’s worried about her sister, and rightfully so. She’s petrified Lucia could face the same fate as their mother at the hands of that monster, but I won’t let that happen.
Arabella is currently sitting beside me, wringing her hands nervously in her lap, but I’m sure I haven’t heard the last from her on this matter.
I can practically guarantee she will throw another tantrum when I try to stop her from coming with me to the Rossi estate, but there’s no way she’s getting anywhere near that place.
I have no idea what is going to happen when I arrive, but I’ll tell you this: I’m not leaving Italy without Lucia. She’s not marrying that lunatic now or ever.
I organised for a car to be waiting for her down the street from the Rossi estate. All she needs to do is get to it. The caretaker will be at my place to let her in when she arrives. That’s if she can manage to get out of the house without raising her father’s suspicions.
When my jet touches down on the private runway, I alight from the vehicle, reach for my wife’s hand and cross the tarmac. I leave the bags for the guards .
As the stairs are lowered, I expect to see the air hostess emerge, but what I don’t anticipate is Romeo descending right behind her.
My brow furrows. “I told you to arrange the jet, not board it.”
“I thought you might need me, boss.”
He’s probably right, but it still pisses me off that he made the call without checking with me first. “If I needed you, I would’ve asked.”
“If Stefano Rossi is as ruthless as I’ve heard—or as you say he is—I’m not taking any chances with you going there alone.”
I narrow my eyes. “One, I can handle myself, and two, are you coming for me or Lucia?” He lost his shit on the phone when I told him why I needed to go to Italy.
He turns his face away, staring off into the distance. “My loyalties will always be with you.”
I don’t doubt that. This man is loyal to a fault, but I still can’t shake this niggling feeling that there’s something between him and Lucia, even though he assures me there isn’t.
“Hmm,” I hum, which has his attention snapping back to me.
“It’s the truth. I admire Lucia’s free spirit, and it would be a shame to see anyone dull her sparkle.”
I nod my head once. “I agree.”
“So I can come?”
I cock an eyebrow. It’s a little late for that now. “Yes, you can come,” I grumble.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to hold it together as my wife quietly cries beside me.
The moment we landed in Italy, I knew something was wrong. Lucia never made it to the house, so now we’re on our way to the Rossi estate.
I tried convincing Arabella to go with Alexander, Chloe, and Giovanni, but she climbed into the back seat of this car and refused to budge.
She even went so far as to threaten to find her own way there if I didn’t let her come, and I knew she wasn’t bluffing. She’d be much safer with me. Besides, she reminded me she’s carrying the heir her father’s always wanted, and he wouldn’t risk anything happening to her while she’s pregnant. I hope she’s right because if he dares lay one finger on her, he’s a dead man.
“It’s going to be okay, Bellezza ,” I say, placing my hand on her leg and giving it a comforting squeeze. I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince her or myself.
I have no idea what we’ll face when we get there, but that sinking feeling in my gut tells me things are about to escalate. I don’t need this right now, but I can’t turn my back on Lucia, not when she’s in danger.
This could ignite an all-out war between the Mancinis, Rossis, and Salvatoris, but I’ll take that risk if it comes down to it. My wife’s peace of mind and happiness will always come first.
“Please promise me we won’t leave without her.”
“If she’s there, she’s coming with us. If she’s not, we’ll search until we find her.”
She places her hand over mine, lacing our fingers together. “Thank you.”
“I just want to be clear: I’m not happy that you’re coming along, so you need to promise me you won’t do anything reckless. You’ll follow my lead no matter what happens.”
“Okay.”
I lift our conjoined hands towards my face, placing a chaste kiss on her knuckles. “Promise me, Arabella. If I’m going to keep you and the baby safe, you need to listen to me.”
“I promise.”
I can only hope when push comes to shove, she means what she says.