The Trap

Virello Estate – Belle's Quarters

Belle sat on the edge of her bed, her mind a battlefield.

She had taken a risk by stepping closer to Dante. By playing the role of the obedient, uncertain maid.

And yet—he hadn't pushed her away.

But that was the problem, wasn't it?

Dante wasn't pushing. He was pulling.

He wanted her closer. Wanted to test her.

And that made him even more dangerous.

A knock at her door snapped her from her thoughts.

Belle tensed.

Too sharp. Too precise.

Not a maid. Not a servant.

"Who is it?"

"Luca."

Belle let out a slow breath before unlocking the door.

Luca stepped in, his expression unreadable. He shut the door behind him, then turned to her.

"You're still here," he said. Not a question. A statement.

Belle crossed her arms. "I know what I'm doing."

Luca exhaled sharply. "No, you don't. You think you're playing him? Bella, he's playing you."

Belle's stomach twisted, but she didn't let it show. "You don't know that."

Luca's jaw tightened. "Yes, I do. Because he came to me today. Asked me what I know about you."

Ice flooded her veins.

"What did you tell him?"

Luca gave her a pointed look. "Nothing. But do you really think he's going to stop there?"

Belle swallowed hard. Dante was digging.

And if he found something—anything—he wouldn't let her walk away.

Luca lowered his voice. "I told you to run. Now I'm telling you—he's setting a trap."

Belle's mind raced. If Dante suspected her, then that meant…

"What kind of trap?"

Luca hesitated. "Tomorrow, he's taking you to one of his underground clubs. He wants to see how you react to his world."

Belle's pulse spiked.

A test.

If she hesitated—if she showed any sign that she didn't belong—he would know.

And if he knew—

She wouldn't make it out alive.

---

Virello Estate – Dante's Office

Dante Castellano leaned back in his leather chair, staring at the city skyline beyond his office window.

Elena.

She was a mystery.

One he intended to solve.

He tapped his fingers against the desk, a slow rhythm of calculation.

Tomorrow, he'd take her into his world.

And if she didn't belong—

He would know exactly what to do with her.