Chapter 9 - THE KISS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Dante didn't speak for hours.
We returned to New York in silence.
Orion lay between us in the back seat.
That evening, Dante stood on the balcony of his penthouse.
I found him staring at the skyline.
“Dante.”
He didn't turn.
“My father trusted him.”
I stepped closer.
“He was family.”
Dante laughed bitterly.
“He taught me everything.”
I looked down.
“He taught you what he wanted you to believe.”
Dante turned.
His eyes were red.
I had never seen him like that.
Vulnerable.
Broken.
Human.
He swallowed.
“I don't know who I am without him.”
I stepped closer.
“You're the man who came when I was in danger.”
He looked at me.
“The man who cares about his dog.”
His mouth twitched.
“The man who listens.”
I smiled faintly.
“And the man who needs to stop pretending he doesn't have a heart.”
Dante stared.
Then whispered, “Olivia.”
I reached for his hand.
He looked down.
Then back at me.
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then he leaned closer.
Stopped.
Waiting.
I smiled.
And kissed him.
It was gentle.
Unexpected.
And somehow, inevitable.
When we pulled apart, Dante rested his forehead against mine.
“I don't know how to do this.”
I smiled.
“Neither do I.”
May you like
He laughed softly.
“Then we'll learn.”
