The Ultimate Betrayal

Chapter 34: The Ultimate Betrayal

The weight of her decision pressed heavily on Isla's chest as she paced inside the grand bedroom Dante had confined her to. The events of the previous night still clung to her skin—Dante's possessive grip, his whispered threats, his refusal to let her go. He knew she had met with Nico. And yet, he hadn't punished her the way she had expected.

No, Dante had claimed her instead.

The thought made her stomach twist. She wasn't supposed to feel anything for him. He was the enemy—the son of the man who had stolen everything from her.

And yet, when he touched her, when he looked at her like she was the only thing in his world, a dangerous part of her wanted to believe it.

But she couldn't afford to be weak.

Not now.

---

Meeting with Nico

The next night, Isla moved cautiously through the darkened alley behind La Rosa, an upscale club owned by the Bianchi family. It was risky to meet Nico so soon after her encounter with Dante, but she had no choice.

Nico was already waiting, leaning against his sleek black car, cigarette in hand. His piercing blue eyes met hers with amusement as she approached.

"You came." His voice was smooth, knowing.

Isla exhaled, folding her arms across her chest. "I'm in."

A slow smirk curled on his lips. "Just like that?"

She clenched her jaw. "I want Antonio DeLuca dead. Dante will never let me near him. But you can."

Nico studied her for a long moment. "And what about Dante?"

Isla forced her expression to remain neutral. "What about him?"

Nico took a drag from his cigarette before exhaling slowly. "You care for him."

She flinched, but quickly masked it. "I care about my revenge."

Nico hummed, unconvinced. "We'll see about that."

She stepped closer. "If you're wasting my time—"

He chuckled. "Relax, bella." His fingers brushed her chin, tilting her face slightly. "You're playing a dangerous game. Are you sure you can handle it?"

Isla swallowed down the unease crawling up her spine. She had no choice.

"I've already made my decision."

Nico grinned. "Then let's get to work."

---

Back at the DeLuca Mansion

By the time Isla returned, it was late, and she moved carefully through the halls of the DeLuca estate. Every step felt heavier, weighed down by the betrayal she had just committed.

But this was for her father. For her family.

She had to remember that.

She was nearly at her room when a deep voice cut through the silence.

"You're late."

Her breath caught. She turned slowly to find Dante standing in the shadows, his dark eyes locked onto her like a predator stalking its prey.

She forced a smirk. "I didn't know I had a curfew."

Dante didn't smile. "Where were you?"

Her pulse quickened. "Out."

He took a slow step forward. "Try again."

Isla squared her shoulders. "I needed air. You can't keep me locked up all the time, Dante."

His jaw tensed. "You met with him again, didn't you?"

Her stomach tightened. He knew.

She lifted her chin. "And if I did?"

The air shifted between them, thick with unspoken words.

Then, in a swift movement, Dante was on her, caging her against the wall. His hand curled around her throat—not to hurt, but to remind her of his dominance. His control.

His voice was a dark whisper. "Tell me you didn't betray me, bella."

She should lie. She needed to lie.

But instead, she whispered, "What if I did?"

Dante's entire body stiffened. His grip didn't tighten, but she felt the tremor of his fury.

"Don't test me, Isla." His voice was dangerously soft. "I don't handle betrayal well."

She swallowed hard, but she didn't look away. "And I don't handle being caged well."

Dante's lips curled into something dark, something lethal. "You belong to me."

Her heart pounded. "I don't belong to anyone."

His grip released her, only for his hand to slide around her waist, pulling her flush against him.

"Then why do you come back to me every night?"

A shiver ran down her spine. "Because you won't let me leave."

Dante smirked, but there was no humor in it. "Exactly."

He tilted her chin up, his gaze locking onto hers. "Whatever you're planning, Isla… it won't end well for you."

She exhaled shakily. "Maybe not."

Dante's lips ghosted over hers, his breath hot against her skin. "I won't be so forgiving next time."

And then, just like that, he was gone.

Leaving her standing there, her heart hammering, knowing that she had just crossed a line she could never come back from.