Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT DANTE LOST CONTROL
The first time I saw Dante truly angry, it wasn't because someone insulted him.
It was because someone frightened Elena.
She called him late one evening.
I was at his apartment, helping him prepare dinner.
Or rather, watching him attempt to prepare dinner.
He had somehow burned pasta.
I hadn't known that was possible.
His phone rang.
He answered.
Then his expression changed.
“What happened?”
A pause.
“Where are you?”
Another pause.
“Stay there.”
He ended the call.
I stared.
“Dante?”
He was already reaching for his jacket.
“Elena's been followed.”
My stomach tightened.
“By whom?”
“I don't know.”
He looked at me.
“Stay here.”
I stood.
“Wait.”
He stopped.
I looked at his face.
The man from the diner had returned.
Cold.
Controlled.
Dangerous.
“Dante.”
He looked at me.
“Don't do something you can't undo.”
His jaw tightened.
“They threatened my sister.”
“I know.”
He looked away.
I stepped closer.
“But if you hurt someone tonight, what happens tomorrow?”
He said nothing.
“What happens to Elena?”
His expression shifted.
I continued.
“What happens to you?”
He closed his eyes.
For a long moment, he stood motionless.
Then he took out his phone.
And called the police liaison his attorney had recommended.
I watched him.
It wasn't easy.
I could see that.
But he did it.
When he finished, he looked at me.
“That was harder than you think.”
I smiled sadly.
“I know.”
He stepped closer.
“Clare.”
“Yes?”
“You make me want to be better.”
My heart tightened.
“Then be better for yourself too.”
He nodded.
And kissed me.
May you like
Gently.
For the first time.
