Chapter Six
Adriana
I open my eyes to an empty bed, the sheets cold beside me. Dante’s gone. My body aches, a dull throb between my thighs reminding me of last night. Heat floods my cheeks as memories surface - his rough hands, his hungry mouth, the way he made me cry out…
I shake my head, trying to clear it. The bedroom feels cavernous without him. Shadows cling to the corners despite the sunlight streaming through the windows.
Wincing, I sit up. “Dante?” My voice sounds small in the vast room. No answer.
I swing my legs over the side of the bed, muscles protesting. The hardwood floor is cool under my bare feet as I pad to the adjoining bathroom.
The shower beckons. I turn the knob, letting steaming water cascade over me. It eases some of the soreness, but does little for the ache in my chest. What am I doing here? How did I end up married to a man I hardly know? Why didn’t I run away when I had the chance?
“Get it together, Adriana,” I mutter, scrubbing shampoo into my hair. “This is your life now. Deal with it.”
But doubt gnaws at me. The soap stings a scratch on my hip - a reminder of Dante’s passion. Or possessiveness? I’m not sure there’s a difference for him.
I rinse off and step out, wrapping myself in a plush towel. The mirror shows a woman I hardly recognize - eyes too wide, skin flushed. Is this what a mafia wife looks like?
“Mrs. Rossi,” I try the name out loud but the title makes me feel weird.
Back in the bedroom, I dress quickly in a simple blouse and skirt. No sign of Dante. Did he leave without saying goodbye? The thought shouldn’t bother me, but it does.
I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. Time to face this new world I’ve married into. Whatever it holds, I’ll find a way through. I have to.
I venture out of the bedroom. The hallway stretches before me, a maze of closed doors and shadowy corners. Where is Dante?
“Hello?” I call out softly, my voice echoing. No response.
I round a corner and nearly collide with a woman in a crisp black uniform. She steps back, her face an expressionless mask.
“Mrs. Rossi,” she says, her tone clipped. “I’m Sofia, the housekeeper. Signor Rossi has left for business.”
My heart sinks. “Oh. I see.” I try to keep my voice neutral, but disappointment creeps in. Not because I miss him, I tell myself. It’s just… I’m alone here, surrounded by strangers.
Sofia’s eyes flick over me, assessing. “Would you care for breakfast, signora?”
I nod, following her down a grand staircase. The house feels and appears bigger than last night. Guards lurk in doorways, their eyes following me. I suppress a shiver.
In a sun-drenched dining room, Sofia serves me eggs and toast. The china is delicate, probably worth more than my old apartment when I was in college. I pick at the food, appetite gone.
“When you’re finished,” Sofia says, “The Capo instructed me to show you the house.”
I look up, startled by her formal tone. “Capo? You mean Dante?”
A flicker of emotion – surprise? – crosses Sofia’s face. “Yes, signora. Capo Dante Rossi.”
As I chew mechanically, my mind races. What kind of dimension have I stepped into, where even the housekeeper speaks of my husband with such reverence? What kind of man inspires that level of formality in his own home?
I swallow hard, pushing away my plate. “I’m ready for the tour.”
Sofia leads me through winding corridors, pointing out rooms with a detached efficiency. My eyes dart everywhere, trying to absorb the unfamiliar surroundings. We pass a heavy oak door, and I hesitate.
“Is that… Dante’s study?” I ask.
Sofia nods curtly. “Yes, signora. Don Rossi’s private office.”
I reach for the handle, curiosity warring with uncertainty. Sofia clears her throat, and I jerk my hand back, cheeks burning.
“This way, please,” she says, gesturing down the hall.
We stop at another door, less imposing but still elegant. Sofia opens it, revealing a bright room with a sleek desk and state-of-the-art computer setup.
“Don Rossi has designated this as your personal office,” Sofia explains. “He mentioned your… digital artwork?”
My heart leaps. “My webtoon? He knows about it?”
For the first time, a genuine smile tugs at my lips. I step inside, running my fingers over the smooth desktop.
Sofia nods. “If you need anything else, please let me know. I have other duties to attend to now.”
As she turns to leave, panic flutters in my chest. “Wait!” I blurt out. “I mean… thank you, Sofia.”
She pauses, her expression unreadable. “Of course, signora. Enjoy your day.”
The door closes softly behind her, leaving me alone in the unfamiliar space. I sink into the ergonomic chair.
“What now?” I speak to the empty room.
The day stretches endlessly. I unpack, eat alone, and wander the vast house like a ghost. Night falls, bringing a chill that seeps into my bones. I curl up in the massive bed, pulling the blanket tight around me. Sleep eludes me, my mind racing with thoughts of Dante, of my new life.
Finally, exhaustion pulls me under. I drift in darkness, until…
A presence. Warm, solid. My eyes snap open, heart pounding. Dante’s naked body presses against my back, his arousal unmistakable. I freeze, breath catching in my throat.
“Adriana,” he calls, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, feigning sleep. Maybe if I don’t respond, he’ll—
“I know you’re awake,” His lips touch my ear, causing goosebumps on my skin.
I swallow hard. “I… I was just…”
“Pretending?” Dante chuckles, the sound dark and rich. His hand slides over my hip, pulling me closer. “You can’t hide from me, cara mia. I see right through you.”
My cheeks burn. I want to sink into the mattress, to disappear. But a part of me—a traitorous, curious part—wants to lean into his touch.
“Look at me,” Dante commands softly.
I hesitate, then slowly turn to face him. His eyes glitter in the darkness, intense and hungry.
I bite my lip, then say, “Dante, I… I’m still sore from last night. I don’t think I can—”
He presses a finger to my lips, silencing me. “Shh, I know, tesoro. I’m not here for that.”
Relief washes over me, followed quickly by confusion. “Then why…?”
Dante’s hand trails down my neck, along my collarbone. “It is our bed. I also want to make you feel good, Adriana. To ease your soreness.” His voice drops lower, rougher. “Let me taste you. I’ll use my mouth, nothing more.”
My eyes widen, heat flooding my face. “I… I don’t…”
“You’re blushing,” he says, a smirk playing on his lips. “So innocent, so shy. It drives me wild.”
I shake my head, unable to form words. The offer is tempting, but overwhelming. I’m not ready, not yet.
Dante chuckles, the sound sending vibrations through my body. “Alright, cara. Another time, then.”
He leans in, pressing a kiss to my neck that makes me gasp. His lips linger there for a moment before he pulls back, settling beside me.
“Sleep, Adriana,” he murmurs, arm draped possessively over my waist.
I lay there, heart pounding, acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch. I listen closely until Dante’s breathing evens out.
Just breathe . I tell myself silently. Take it one day at a time.
I close my eyes and allow myself to sleep.