A Dangerous Waltz

Virello Estate – The Gala

The ballroom shimmered with golden light, the crystal chandeliers casting reflections over the sea of crime lords, assassins, and high-ranking mafia families.

It was a beautiful, deadly world. And tonight, Belle was walking straight into it.

She moved carefully, her every step controlled. The black gown clung to her like a second skin, the sapphire necklace resting coldly against her collarbone—a silent reminder that she belonged to Dante Castellano tonight.

Not as a maid.

But as something else entirely.

At the center of the room, Dante Castellano stood like a king surveying his empire. He was dressed in an all-black suit, his sharp jaw set, his dark eyes scanning the crowd.

Then, he looked at her.

And just like that—she was caught in his gravity.

He didn't smile. He didn't need to. With a simple tilt of his head, he summoned her.

Belle exhaled slowly, ignoring the murmurs as she crossed the room. Every eye was on her.

But only one gaze mattered.

Dante took her hand, pulling her into an effortless waltz. The orchestra played something slow, something meant for lovers.

"You look the part," he murmured, his voice a quiet threat against her ear.

Belle kept her expression unreadable. "I don't recall being given a choice."

His smirk was slow, predatory. "No, you didn't."

They moved in perfect sync, though Belle could feel the weight of whispers around them. Why was Dante Castellano dancing with a maid?

That was the point.

He was marking her.

Tying her to him in a way she couldn't shake off.

Belle's pulse thrummed. She needed a way out.

"Tell me, Elena," Dante's grip tightened slightly at her waist, "are you afraid of me?"

She met his gaze. Held it.

"No."

Dante's smirk deepened.

"Liar."

A sharp click echoed near her ear.

Belle froze.

He had just pinned a small tracking device onto the back of her necklace.

A silent warning.

No running. No hiding.

Before she could react, the music stopped. Dante released her, his fingers lingering for just a second too long.

"Stay close, little maid." His voice was silk and steel. "The night is just beginning."

And as Belle stepped away, she realized—

She wasn't just being watched anymore.

She was being hunted.