Chapter Five
Dante
My fingers tighten around Adriana’s delicate hand as we step out of the reception hall. The night air hits us, cool and bracing.
Adriana’s breath catches. I glance down, drinking in the sight of her. Even in the dim light, her beauty steals my breath. The white lace of her gown glows ethereally. Dark curls frame her pretty face, softening features etched with apprehension.
“Come,” I say, tugging her gently towards the waiting car.
Her steps falter. “Dante, I—”
“Hush, little dove.” I brush my thumb across her knuckles. “There’s nothing to fear.”
We reach the car. Enzo, one of my most trusted soldier, stands at attention beside it. His eyes flick between us, assessing. I give a curt nod.
“All clear, boss,” he says quietly.
I guide Adriana to the passenger door. Her hazel eyes are wide, fathomless pools in the darkness. I’m drowning in them. With effort, I tear my gaze away and open the door.
“After you, wife,” The word feels strange on my tongue. Foreign yet intoxicating.
Adriana hesitates. Her lower lip trembles. God help me, I want to bite it.
Instead, I offer what I hope is a reassuring smile. “It’s alright,” I say softly.
She takes a shaky breath and slides into the leather seat. As I close the door, I catch a whiff of her perfume. Jasmine and vanilla. Intoxicating.
I clench my fists, nails biting into my palms. Control. I must maintain control.
But as I round the car, my resolve wavers. The weight of what’s to come settles heavy in my chest. For the first time in years, I feel a flicker of doubt.
What have I done?
I slide into the driver’s seat, the leather creaking beneath me. The car purrs to life, and we pull away from the curb. Streetlights flicker across Adriana’s face, illuminating her delicate features in bursts.
“Are you cold?” I ask, breaking the tense silence.
She shakes her head. “No, thank you.”
Her voice is soft, tremulous. I want to reach out, to comfort her, but I know my touch would only make her flinch. I’m a monster in her eyes. The big bad wolf who’s devoured her future.
We lapse back into silence as I turn onto the private road leading to my compound. The trees loom over us, casting long shadows.
“We’re almost home,” I tell her.
As we approach the gate, I notice her eyes widen at the sight of the armed guards. They nod respectfully as we pass through.
I park in front of the mansion and turn to face her, “We’re here. ”
Adriana’s breathing quickens. I can almost taste her fear in the air.
I exit the car, rounding it to open her door. Adriana steps out, her wedding dress trailing on the gravel. I offer my hand. After a moment’s hesitation, she takes it.
Her skin is soft, warm. I want to pull her close, to taste her lips again, to—
No. Not yet. Soon.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Rossi,” I say, leading her towards the house.
We walk through the entrance of the house, her tiny hand shaking in mine. The opulence of the foyer doesn’t affect me, but I study her response carefully. Her gaze wanders, absorbing the polished hardwood floors, the art on the walls and sparkling light fixtures.
“This way,” I say, guiding her up the sweeping staircase.
We reach my bedroom door. I pause and look at her face. Fear and anticipation war in her eyes.
“Are you ready?” I ask, my voice low.
She nods a barely perceptible movement. I push open the door.
The bedroom is dimly lit, shadows dancing across the walls. Adriana breathes sharply as she takes in the massive four-poster bed, the plush rugs, the glint of gold accents.
“It’s… overwhelming,” she replies.
I close the door behind us with a soft click. “You’ll get used to it.”
Her eyes snap to mine, wide and apprehensive. I approach slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. She backs up until she hits the edge of the bed.
“Dante, I-” she starts, her voice quavering.
I reach out, cupping her cheek. She flinches, but doesn’t pull away. My touch is gentle, belying the violence these hands are capable of.
“Shh,” I soothe, stroking her soft skin. “I won’t hurt you, Adriana.”
A lie, perhaps. But in this moment, I want to believe it as much as she does.
I gaze at Adriana, torn between conflicting emotions. Her vulnerability is palpable, stirring something unexpected within me. For a brief moment, pity flickers in my eyes. She deserves someone of her choosing, someone close to her age of twenty-four and not a man who is fifteen years older than her.
“We don’t have to-” I start, but catch myself.
No. I’m Dante Rossi. I take what I want.
I push the moment of weakness aside, my dominant nature surging forward. My hands grip her waist firmly, pulling her flush against me.
“You’re mine now,” I growl, my voice deep and possessive.
Before she can respond, I crash my lips to hers. Adriana stiffens, her lips unyielding at first. I feel her hesitation, her inexperience.
I soften the kiss, coaxing her lips apart with gentle pressure. Slowly, she begins to respond, her body melting against mine.
My tongue sweeps into her mouth, tasting, exploring. A small moan escapes her, igniting my desire further.
I tangle one hand in her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss. My other hand roams her back, feeling the curve of her spine through the thin fabric of her dress.
Adriana’s hands tentatively rest on my chest. I can feel her heart racing, matching the thunderous beat of my own.
The kiss grows more fervent, more urgent. I pour my pent-up desire and possessiveness into it. When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing heavily. Adriana’s lips are swollen, her eyes dazed.
“That was…” she mutters, trailing off.
I smirk, satisfaction coursing through me. “Just the beginning, cara mia.”
I can’t hold back any longer. The taste of her, the feel of her body against mine - it’s driving me wild.
“Fuck, Adriana,” I grunt, my voice rough with desire. “You make me so hard. I want to bury myself deep in that tight little pussy of yours.”
Her eyes widen, a bright blush spreading across her cheeks. The sight of her innocence, her embarrassment, only fuels my lust.
“I… I’ve never…” she stammers, averting her gaze.
Realization dawns. “You’re a virgin,” I state, more fact than question.
She nods, biting her lip nervously. “Yes.”
For a moment, hesitation creeps in. She deserves better than me, better than this life. But I’m too selfish to let her go.
“You should have someone good for your first time,” I admit grudgingly. “But I’m a bastard, Adriana. And knowing I’ll be your first…” I trail off, arousal spiking through me at the thought.
Without warning, I capture her lips again. This kiss is different - fiery yet tender. I pour all my conflicting emotions into it, my desire, my possessiveness, my unexpected tenderness.
Adriana responds eagerly, her arms wrapping around my neck. I savor the taste of her, the softness of her lips. For a moment, I let myself forget who I am, who she is. There’s just us, lost in this kiss.
My hands move to her dress, fingers finding the zipper. As I slowly pull it down, I feel her tremble against me.
“Shh,” I murmur, trying to soothe her nerves. “I’ve got you.”
The dress falls away, pooling at her feet. I step back, revelling in the sight of her in delicate white lace. My eyes darken and my nostrils flare.
“Fucking beautiful,” I say, unable to tear my eyes away. She’s a vision - all soft curves and creamy skin. The lingerie is both innocent and sinful, making my cock throb painfully.
I pull her flush against me, my lips finding her neck. As I trail kisses along her pulse point, she lets out a breathy moan that goes straight to my groin.
“That’s it, baby,” I encourage, nipping gently at her skin. “Let me hear you.”
My hands roam her body, savoring every curve. I want to devour her, to claim every inch as mine. But I force myself to slow down, to be gentle.
I unclasp her bra, letting it fall away. My fingers hook into her panties, sliding them down her legs. As the last barrier disappears, Adriana’s hands fly up to cover herself.
“No,” I command firmly, grasping her wrists. “Don’t hide from me. I want to see all of you.”
Her eyes meet mine, vulnerability and trust warring in their depths. Slowly, she lowers her hands, revealing her perky tits and shaved cunt.
I drink in the sight of her, committing every detail to memory.
“Perfect,” I breathe.
I guide Adriana to the bed, laying her down gently. Her dark hair fans out on the pillow. My eyes never leave hers as I begin to undress.
I smirk when her gaze drops to my cock and her eyes widen.
“Like what you see, little wife?” I tease, my voice husky with desire.
She blushes furiously but doesn’t look away. The innocence in her expression, mixed with unmistakable curiosity, nearly undoes me.
I join her on the bed, hovering over her. “I’m going to taste every inch of you,” I promise, my lips lightly skimming hers.
My mouth travels down her body, leaving a trail of heated kisses. When I reach her breasts, I take a nipple between my lips, relishing her gasp of pleasure.
“Dante,” she whimpers, her fingers tangling in my hair.
I continue my journey south, spreading her thighs. The scent of her arousal makes my mouth water. “So wet for me already,” I say approvingly.
Without warning, I lick a long stripe up her slit. Adriana cries out, her hips bucking involuntarily.
“That’s it, tesoro. Let go for me,” I encourage, before diving back in.
I work her with my tongue and lips, savoring her taste. When I slip a finger inside her tight heat, she moans loudly.
“Oh Dante… I… I…” she pants, her body trembling.
“Come for me, Adriana,” I command, curling my finger to hit that spot inside her.
With a cry of ecstasy, she shatters, her walls clenching around my finger. I work her through it, revelling in every tremor and gasp.
As she comes down from her high, I can’t help but think: Mine. All mine.
I position myself between Adriana’s trembling thighs, the head of my cock brushing her entrance. Her eyes widen, a mix of desire and apprehension clouding her gaze.
“This might hurt,” I warn, my voice rougher than intended.
Adriana nods, biting her lip. “I’m ready,” she quietly says.
I push forward slowly, feeling her body resist. She gasps, her nails digging into my shoulders. The sensation of her tight heat enveloping me is exquisite torture.
“Breathe, tesoro,” I say, fighting the urge to thrust deep.
A whimper escapes her lips as I breach her barrier. I pause, giving her time to adjust. Her face contorts in discomfort, but there’s a flicker of curiosity, maybe even pleasure.
“You feel incredible,” I groan, unable to hold back any longer.
I begin to move, setting a steady rhythm. Adriana’s discomfort gradually fades, replaced by soft moans of pleasure. Her hips start to meet mine, our bodies finding a synchronized dance.
The sight of her beneath me, flushed and wanting, stirs something within me. I’ve fucked many women, but this - her - feels different. Dangerous.
As our passion builds, so does the conflict in my chest. I’m a man accustomed to taking what I want, consequences be damned. But Adriana… she deserves more than the darkness I bring.
We reach our climax together, her walls clenching around me and I spill inside her. For a moment, the world narrows to just us.
Reality crashes back as our breathing steadies. I look down at Adriana’s flushed face, her eyes still closed in bliss. A foreign emotion tugs at me - protectiveness, possessiveness, and something I refuse to name.
“You’ll be my undoing,” I say, more to myself than her. “God help us both.”
I rise from the bed, my muscles taut with lingering tension. Grabbing a warm, damp cloth from the ensuite, I return to Adriana. Her eyes flutter open, vulnerability etched in every line of her body.
“Let me,” I say softly, gently cleaning between her thighs. She winces slightly, and I feel a pang of… guilt? Regret? I push the unfamiliar emotions aside.
“Are you alright?” I ask, my voice gruffer than intended.
Adriana nods, her face still rosy. “Yes, I think so.”
I brush a strand of hair from her face, my calloused fingers lingering on her cheek. She trembles beneath my touch, a mix of fear and a hint of desire.
“You did well,” I say, surprising myself with the tenderness in my tone.
We lie side by side, the silence heavy between us. I turn my head, studying her profile in the dim light. She’s beautiful, yes, but it’s her innocence that captivates me. An innocence I’ve just taken.
My mind races. I want to possess her completely, to keep her hidden from the world. But I also want to shield her from the darkness that surrounds me - from myself.
I clench my jaw, conflicting desires battling within me. Adriana turns, her eyes meeting mine, filled with questions I’m not ready to answer.
In this moment, I realize: she may be my greatest weakness, or my ultimate salvation.