Chapter 5

Judging by his reaction, he was nothing like the crippled man of the rumors.

I was utterly bewildered, not daring to move an inch in his embrace. I could only manage a muffled question.

"Have we... met before?"

Dante let out another low chuckle. The deep rumble vibrated through his broad chest, leaving me mesmerized, but he didn't answer my question directly.

He simply swept me into his arms, tossed me onto the soft, large bed, and loomed over me.

Dante's fingers traced my collarbone, traveling downward until they rested over my heart. “Your heart is racing, baby,” he rasped, his voice tinged with a hint of teasing. “Are you scared, or are you excited?”

He didn't touch me, only stripped me bare inch by inch with those deep, penetrating eyes.

The day had been exhausting, and I didn't have the energy to dwell on it, so I soon fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Dante was propped up on his elbow, a smile gracing his face as he gazed at me adoringly.