Chapter 12 - THE WOMAN WHO CHOSE HIM
Their relationship developed slowly.
Privately.
Without announcements.
Gemma insisted on keeping her independence.
Dante respected it.
They argued sometimes.
About security.
About schedules.
About his tendency to solve problems before asking whether she wanted help.
But they learned.
One evening, Gemma stood on the balcony of Dante's penthouse.
The harbor glittered below.
Dante joined her.
“Cold?”
She shook her head.
He stood beside her.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Gemma said:
“I used to think you didn't see me.”
Dante looked at her.
She smiled sadly.
“I was always there. Organizing your life. Making everything easier.”
He swallowed.
“And you never asked what I wanted.”
Dante closed his eyes.
“I know.”
She turned toward him.
“But you're asking now.”
He nodded.
“What do you want, Gemma?”
She looked at the harbor.
Then back at him.
“You.”
Dante's breath caught.
She smiled.
“Not the empire.”
He nodded.
“Not the name.”
He stepped closer.
“Just you.”
Dante took her hands.
“Then that's what you have.”
May you like
And when he kissed her, it was not a promise of power.
It was a promise of presence.
