- 3 hours ago
Mafia Prince Little Liar EnglishSub
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The night it started, I was wearing someone else's name.
00:00:08The gown was borrowed, the mask was porcelain, and it carried a stranger's perfume.
00:00:23The invitation belonged to my stepsister, and the money I was about to spend was never
00:00:29meant for me.
00:00:31None of it was mine, not the dress, not the identity, not the confidence required to walk
00:00:38into a room full of people who had been born knowing how to be in rooms like this.
00:00:46I told myself it was one night, in and out.
00:00:50No one would look closely enough to see through the mask.
00:00:55I was wrong.
00:00:58He looked, and he saw everything.
00:01:07His name was Dante Romano.
00:01:10Chairman.
00:01:11Crime Lord.
00:01:13The kind of man who fills a room without trying, and empties it just as easily.
00:01:21He caught my invitation when I dropped it at the entrance.
00:01:25Large hand.
00:01:26Unharried grip.
00:01:28Eyes that moved across the plerum of my mask and found my face beneath it.
00:01:33Before I understood what was happening, he already knew who I was.
00:01:44He had known before I arrived.
00:01:46Stay on your mind.
00:01:47Come back every time, baby.
00:01:49I'ma keep you craving.
00:01:50What followed was not what I planned.
00:01:53It was a contract I signed under duress.
00:01:57A name I had to learn to answer to.
00:01:59A war I hadn't asked to be part of.
00:02:03And somewhere inside all of it, somewhere between the gunfire and the gasoline, and a
00:02:10man who poured both over himself to keep me alive, it became something I hadn't planned
00:02:15for either.
00:02:17This is how a woman with nothing becomes someone's everything.
00:02:22This is how a man who controlled everything learned to put the gun down first.
00:02:28I thought signing it would end the war, but it only changed the battlefield.
00:02:33He's not just a monster.
00:02:36He's my monster.
00:02:39This is our story.
00:02:44Aria Sinclair
00:02:45My name is Aria Sinclair.
00:02:47I clean for a living.
00:02:49Just enough to keep a roof over my head.
00:02:51I was wiping down the sink in the hotel powder room when the door flew open.
00:02:56Victoria stormed in and lunged for my collar before I could even turn around.
00:03:00Take this off.
00:03:01You're going to the bachelor auction tonight.
00:03:04In my place.
00:03:06I tried to push her off.
00:03:08Buttons popped from my shirt and clattered across the tile.
00:03:13What?
00:03:14I'm not playing your twisted games.
00:03:16She yanked me inches from her face, her grip ironed tight on the ruined fabric.
00:03:22You are.
00:03:23Do this and I'll cover your rent.
00:03:25Or you're out on the street.
00:03:26My phone lit up in my pocket.
00:03:28I didn't need to look.
00:03:30I already knew what the notification said.
00:03:32Final notice.
00:03:33The number that had been waking me at three in the morning for the past two weeks.
00:03:37She shoved a gown against my chest.
00:03:40Silk.
00:03:41Expensive.
00:03:41Not mine.
00:03:42You're bidding on Dante Romano.
00:03:44He owns the biggest restaurant empire in North America.
00:03:46I need his investment, but I'm too busy to go myself.
00:03:49Use my name.
00:03:50Use my card.
00:03:51Don't blow your cover.
00:03:52I looked down at the dress in my arms and felt the weight of having absolutely no other
00:03:57options.
00:03:59Fine.
00:04:00You promise you'll pay my rent?
00:04:02I promise.
00:04:03Hurry up and change.
00:04:06She left.
00:04:07I stepped into the stall and pulled the gown on in the dark.
00:04:10Already composing the version of this night I'd tell myself afterwards.
00:04:14It was just one evening.
00:04:16Just one bid.
00:04:18Just one name that wasn't mine.
00:04:20I'd be home before midnight.
00:04:23No one would ever know.
00:04:24What I didn't know then.
00:04:27What I couldn't have known.
00:04:29Was that Victoria had done me one final cruelty before I'd even left the room.
00:04:34Dante is actually a mafia prince from the most dangerous family in the city.
00:04:39I'm not stupid enough to mess with a monster like him.
00:04:44Try not to get yourself killed tonight, stepsister.
00:04:48She never said it to my face.
00:04:51Just thought it.
00:04:52I stepped out in the gown, mask in hand, and walked into the hotel ballroom with $50 in
00:04:58my own bank account and $1 million on her card.
00:05:04The ballroom blazed with chandelier light and old money.
00:05:09I found the seat labeled Victoria Sinclair and lowered myself into it.
00:05:14Trying not to look like someone who had never sat anywhere this expensive.
00:05:19There was a plate of prime rib eye on the side table.
00:05:22Untouched.
00:05:23Like everything else within reach of these women.
00:05:26I picked up the fork without thinking.
00:05:29The steak was perfect.
00:05:31Nobody around me moved.
00:05:33A spotlight hit center stage.
00:05:35The host raised a microphone.
00:05:37Ladies, welcome to the bachelor auction.
00:05:39Let the bidding begin.
00:05:40Our premier bachelor tonight.
00:05:42The prince of the Italian restaurant syndicate, Dante Romano.
00:05:47He walked out like the room had been arranged around him.
00:05:52Jacket over one shoulder.
00:05:54Silk shirt open at the collar.
00:05:56Completely comfortable under 200 pairs of eyes.
00:06:00I stopped chewing.
00:06:02I recognized him instantly.
00:06:04The man from the entrance.
00:06:07The bidding started fast.
00:06:0950,000.
00:06:10100.
00:06:11300.
00:06:12Paddles rising across the room.
00:06:15With the easy confidence of women who spent this kind of money weekly.
00:06:19I gripped mine.
00:06:20Without raising it.
00:06:21Running the numbers in my head.
00:06:23Victoria's card had a limit.
00:06:25One million.
00:06:27A fail safe, she'd said.
00:06:28No one would actually bid that high.
00:06:30For a date.
00:06:32The room was slowing.
00:06:33Two paddles left.
00:06:34Then one.
00:06:35A woman in the front row.
00:06:36Cold eyed.
00:06:37Perfectly still.
00:06:38I raised mine.
00:06:39One million dollars.
00:06:41Silence crashed over the ballroom.
00:06:43Every head turned.
00:06:44My cheeks went crimson.
00:06:46Sold!
00:06:47To Miss Victoria Sinclair.
00:06:51I exhaled.
00:06:52On stage, Dante Romano was looking straight at me.
00:06:55Not at the crowd.
00:06:56Not at the host.
00:06:57At me.
00:06:58With the dark, amused expression of someone who had just gotten exactly what he came for.
00:07:03Rent covered.
00:07:04I told myself.
00:07:05That's all this was.
00:07:07He stepped off the stage and started walking in my direction.
00:07:12A staff member guided me backstage with a bright, practiced smile.
00:07:17The winner's suite, she called it.
00:07:19Private.
00:07:20Champagne.
00:07:21A chance to meet your bachelor.
00:07:24The suite was dim.
00:07:26Dante was already inside.
00:07:28He leaned against the desk with a dead cigar crushed in the ashtray beside him, watching
00:07:32me cross the threshold.
00:07:33The way someone watches a door they've been waiting to open.
00:07:37He pushed off and started toward me, slow, deliberate, step by step.
00:07:43Impressive, Mrs. Victoria.
00:07:45A million dollars just to date me?
00:07:47I kept backing up.
00:07:49Until my shoulder blades hit the cold wall.
00:07:52He kept coming.
00:07:53Until his arms slammed against the wall beside my head, trapping me in his shadow.
00:07:58I had no idea you were so eager to have me.
00:08:02Well, you're very attractive.
00:08:04That was the only truth I told for tonight.
00:08:07He reached for my mask.
00:08:09I clamped both hands over it.
00:08:11Don't touch it!
00:08:12You dropped a million dollars to own me.
00:08:15Don't I get to see my buyer?
00:08:17He seized both my wrists in one hand and pinned them above my head.
00:08:22The mask hit the floor.
00:08:23He looked down at my face.
00:08:25And I looked up at his.
00:08:27And neither of us moved.
00:08:29I braced for recognition.
00:08:31For something in his expression to shift into understanding that I was not who the invitation
00:08:36said I was.
00:08:37Nothing shifted.
00:08:39Don't hide yourself.
00:08:42Unless you have something else to hide, Mrs. Victoria.
00:08:45The relief hit me so hard my knees went weak.
00:08:47He didn't know what Victoria looked like.
00:08:50I could keep pretending.
00:08:51His eyes narrowed.
00:08:53Calculating.
00:08:54Amused.
00:08:55Cat got your tongue?
00:08:57Or are you lying to me?
00:08:58No.
00:09:01That sounded like a question.
00:09:03He noticed.
00:09:08He drove his knee between mine and pressed my back flat against the wall.
00:09:13Don't you want a little taste of your investment first?
00:09:18Before I could answer, he grabbed my hands and flattened my palms against his bare chest.
00:09:25He'd pulled his shirt open while I wasn't paying attention, buttons scattered somewhere.
00:09:29His skin was warm and hard, and I couldn't make my hands move.
00:09:33Touch what you bought.
00:09:38He guided my hands down slowly, over the ridged lines of his abs, past his V-line, stopping
00:09:45at the cold metal of his belt buckle.
00:09:47Like your investment so far?
00:09:49Go ahead.
00:09:51Unwrap the rest.
00:09:53I was reaching for it.
00:09:54I couldn't explain why, when the door burst open.
00:09:57Sir.
00:09:58The car is ready.
00:09:59I ripped my hands back.
00:10:01Dante shot Sam a lethal look.
00:10:03Sam's mouth snapped shut.
00:10:05I have somewhere to be.
00:10:06I have to go.
00:10:08I grabbed my gown and bolted.
00:10:11He didn't stop me.
00:10:13That was what I kept turning over on the way home.
00:10:15That he'd let me walk straight out of that suite.
00:10:18Without a word.
00:10:19Not because he'd lost interest.
00:10:22Because he didn't need to hold me there.
00:10:24He already had what he came for.
00:10:26I just didn't know what that was yet.
00:10:29The thought sat cold on the back of my neck the whole way to my apartment.
00:10:33I told myself I was being paranoid.
00:10:34I told myself that all the way to my door.
00:10:37My pulse still high.
00:10:38The name on the auction receipt.
00:10:40Victoria Stinclair.
00:10:41Starting to feel like something I'd tied around my own neck.
00:10:46Victoria called the next morning.
00:10:48Did you win the bid for Dante?
00:10:49How was he?
00:10:50I pressed a hand to my cheek.
00:10:52My skin still felt warm where he'd touched it.
00:10:54I did what you asked.
00:10:55Now pay my rent.
00:10:57Not yet.
00:10:57You still have to go on the actual date and report back.
00:11:00No date.
00:11:00No rent.
00:11:01She hung up.
00:11:01I stared at the dead phone on the sidewalk.
00:11:04Furious.
00:11:04And then a Rolls Royce Phantom glided to a stop six inches from my sneakers.
00:11:08The back.
00:11:08Dante stepped out and across the distance in two long strides.
00:11:11And stopped directly in front of me.
00:11:12I'm taking you on our million dollar date.
00:11:14Sign this.
00:11:15He handed me a folder.
00:11:16I opened it.
00:11:17A marriage contract.
00:11:18A marriage contract?
00:11:19Are you insane?
00:11:20I'm not marrying you.
00:11:22We just met.
00:11:22You don't even know me.
00:11:23He yanked me by the waist.
00:11:24Slamming my back against the Rolls Royce door.
00:11:27His hand closed around both my wrists and pinned them against the hood.
00:11:30He leaned in until his lips were at my ear.
00:11:33I know everything about you.
00:11:35No you don't.
00:11:36I know you want me so fucking bad.
00:11:38I bet you rub yourself alone at night wishing it was my fingers inside you.
00:11:43The slap cracked out before I had a conscious thought.
00:11:46His head snapped to the side.
00:11:48I felt the sting across my entire palm.
00:11:51I stared at him.
00:11:52He turned back slowly.
00:11:53Touched his cheek with the back of one finger.
00:11:57And looked at me with something that was almost appreciation.
00:12:00I will never marry a man who humiliates me like this.
00:12:03I bolted down the sidewalk and didn't look back.
00:12:06Behind me, I heard Sam's voice.
00:12:08Then Dante's.
00:12:10Quiet and unhurried.
00:12:11Destroy her home.
00:12:12Make sure she has nowhere to go.
00:12:14Except to me.
00:12:17I turned the corner to my street and stopped.
00:12:20Where my building had stood there was nothing but a mountain of dust and broken concrete.
00:12:24Rebar jutted out at angles.
00:12:26Insulation spilled into the gutter.
00:12:28One of my neighbors sat on the curb holding a plastic bag with everything she'd saved.
00:12:32My landlord stepped out from behind the rubble.
00:12:35Two men flanked him.
00:12:36The kind with faces that had stopped caring about outcomes a long time ago.
00:12:40Late on rent, Arya.
00:12:42The building is gone!
00:12:43How can you still-
00:12:44Least still stands.
00:12:45Pay up.
00:12:46Or I'll sell you to cover the debt.
00:12:48One of the men grabbed my chin and looked me over.
00:12:50Pretty little thing.
00:12:52She'll fetch a high price.
00:12:53I twisted away and ran.
00:12:55They caught me in three steps.
00:12:57Arms clamped around mine.
00:12:59A hand over my mouth.
00:13:00I kicked and screamed into his palm.
00:13:03Rorul's Royce Phantom hit the corner of the street hard enough to send the landlord scrambling backward.
00:13:08The door flew open.
00:13:09Dante stepped out in a long dark coat, drew a handgun from inside it, and leveled it at the three
00:13:14men without breaking stride.
00:13:16No one touches my wife.
00:13:18The goons dropped to their knees.
00:13:20The landlord followed.
00:13:21Mr. Dante Romano, the mafia prince, we didn't know she was yours.
00:13:24I looked at Dante across the rubble in my work uniform covered in concrete dust and understood with horrible clarity
00:13:30that this was where he had been leading me all along.
00:13:31Every door he had quietly closed.
00:13:34This exact street corner.
00:13:35This exact moment.
00:13:36Nowhere left to go.
00:13:37He had engineered every inch of it.
00:13:40Dante stepped forward and stomped down on one of the goons' legs.
00:13:43The man screamed.
00:13:44The other went rigid.
00:13:46The landlord pressed his forehead to the broken pavement, shaking.
00:13:49Please, Mr. Romano.
00:13:51Have mercy.
00:13:52I'll never touch her again.
00:13:53I swear.
00:13:54Dante kicked him hard in the chest, sent him sprawling, and raised the gun.
00:13:58You touched my wife.
00:14:00You're already dead.
00:14:02Then he turned and held the gun out to me.
00:14:05I'm not…
00:14:06I don't…
00:14:08He yanked me flush against his chest.
00:14:10His free hand slid up and covered my eyes.
00:14:13The world went black.
00:14:15His lips were at my hair.
00:14:17Ever touched a gun?
00:14:19No.
00:14:20No.
00:14:20He pressed the metal into my hands and closed my fingers around it.
00:14:25Warm hand over my cold ones.
00:14:27His body solid behind mine.
00:14:28Hold it tight.
00:14:30Feel how hard it is.
00:14:31And squeeze.
00:14:32His finger pressed down over mine.
00:14:34The trigger pulled.
00:14:35The shot cracked through the street and tore through my whole body.
00:14:37He uncovered my eyes.
00:14:39The three men were still there.
00:14:41Kneeling, clutching their heads, gasping, unharmed.
00:14:44The landlord let out a broken, relieved laugh.
00:14:46Blanks.
00:14:47I stood in the street with the gun in both hands, shaking so hard I could feel it in my
00:14:50jaw,
00:14:51and Dante leaned close to my ear.
00:14:53How did you feel when you pulled the trigger?
00:14:56I was scared.
00:14:57You can't be scared.
00:14:59You are a mafia wife.
00:15:01Watch and learn.
00:15:02He took the gun back, spun the calendar, and fired three times.
00:15:06The men dropped and didn't get up.
00:15:08I clamped both hands over my mouth.
00:15:10Dante holstered the weapon and turned to me like the bodies behind him were furniture.
00:15:15He tipped my chin up with two fingers and looked at my face.
00:15:18These are the consequences of messing with the mafia.
00:15:20He was watching my expression with the same dark amusement he'd worn at the auction.
00:15:24I understood then, in the worst possible way, that he found me entertaining.
00:15:28If he ever found out I had lied to him, if he ever found out I was not Victoria, that
00:15:32I was just area, just a cleaner, this was what he would do.
00:15:35Sam appeared at his shoulder and held out a marriage contract.
00:15:38The corner was spladdished with something dark.
00:15:40Dante took it and offered it to me without blinking.
00:15:42Since you're homeless now, sign the contract and marry me.
00:15:45My protection is your only option.
00:15:46What if I don't want to?
00:15:47Dozens of armed men closed in from every direction, materialized from the edges of the street, from alleyways, from behind
00:15:54the rubble.
00:15:55Every weapon leveled at the space around me.
00:15:58I don't think you have a choice.
00:16:00I looked at the contract in my trembling hands.
00:16:03The ink blurred.
00:16:04I looked up at his face, the absolute absence of doubt in it, and picked up the pen.
00:16:08My name appeared on the line in small, shaking letters.
00:16:11He watched it happen.
00:16:12Something in his expression shifted.
00:16:14Not softened, but settled.
00:16:15The patience of a man whose plan had finally reached its last step.
00:16:19All around us, the armed men lowered their weapons in unison.
00:16:22The bridal dressing room was all mirrors and ivory light.
00:16:24Two maids stood behind me, pulling the corset laces tight.
00:16:27The gown was stunning, the kind of dress that existed to be photographed and not to actually be worn by
00:16:32anyone.
00:16:32Not so tight! I can barely breathe!
00:16:34They looked at each other and tug again.
00:16:37Then, the door opened.
00:16:39The maids left without a word.
00:16:41In the mirror, Dante appeared behind me.
00:16:43Too tight?
00:16:44He took the laces from where the maids had dropped them, slipped his fingers underneath, and pulled back.
00:16:49The corset came apart in one clean motion.
00:16:52The bodice slacked and dropped, and I grabbed for it with both hands, spinning halfway around.
00:16:56He was already there, arms circling my waist from behind, his chest plush against my bare back, lips at my
00:17:02ear.
00:17:02I'll be your husband.
00:17:04Call me Dante.
00:17:05He began relining it, slowly.
00:17:07Each downward loop deliberate, his knuckles tracing my spine as he worked.
00:17:11My skin responded before I could stop it.
00:17:13He felt it.
00:17:14So responsive.
00:17:15Your body already knows who it belongs to.
00:17:18He reached the base of my spine and yanked the final lace tight.
00:17:21The force jerked me back against him.
00:17:23I gasped his name before I could think not to.
00:17:25His hand found my jaw and tilted my face toward our reflection.
00:17:29I can feel how much you want this.
00:17:32Dante, the wedding is about to start.
00:17:34He smirked, tied a perfect bow, and stepped back.
00:17:37Fine, little lamb.
00:17:38I can wait.
00:17:39See you at the altar.
00:17:40I stood alone in front of the mirror for a long moment, pressing one hand to my chest,
00:17:44trying to understand why I'd reacted to his touch the way I had.
00:17:47I didn't find an answer before the music started.
00:17:49Dante led me down the aisle.
00:17:51The church was full.
00:17:52Hundreds of faces I didn't know watched us walk toward the priest,
00:17:55who stood with the patient expression of a man who had performed this ceremony in front of dangerous people before
00:18:00and knew better than to show nerves.
00:18:02Dante stopped beside me at the altar.
00:18:03He turned.
00:18:04I turned.
00:18:05Our eyes met, and neither of us looked away.
00:18:07Do you, Victoria, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?
00:18:12Dante watched me.
00:18:13The trace of a smile at the corner of his mouth.
00:18:15Knowing, private, pointed directly at me and no one else.
00:18:17I opened my mouth.
00:18:18I was never Victoria, and I was about to vow and marry a dangerous mafia prince.
00:18:22I didn't have any other choices.
00:18:24I... I do.
00:18:25The doors blew open.
00:18:26Blair stormed in from the back of the church, flanked by two massive bodyguards pointing straight at me.
00:18:31Stop the wedding!
00:18:31She's not who you think she is!
00:18:33The music cut off.
00:18:34The guests froze in place.
00:18:35Every secret I had hidden since the hotel powder room.
00:18:38Since Victoria shoved the gown into my arms.
00:18:40Since I raised that poil.
00:18:41Since his thumb brushed my cheekbone and his eyes looked as if they had known all along rose in my
00:18:45chest at once.
00:18:46Dante didn't move.
00:18:47He stood beside me in perfect stillness.
00:18:50Facing forward as always.
00:18:52And I couldn't read his face at all.
00:18:54The cathedral doors burst open.
00:18:55Blair Vance entered like a verdict.
00:18:57Stilettos striking the marble.
00:18:59Armed men flanking her.
00:19:00Chin lifted with the certainty of someone who had never been denied.
00:19:03She stopped directly in front of us.
00:19:05Stop this wedding!
00:19:06Our families have an ironclat pact!
00:19:08I am your rightful bride!
00:19:09Dante stepped in front of me.
00:19:11Not sideways.
00:19:12In front.
00:19:12Fully.
00:19:13His back to me.
00:19:14His body a wall between Blair and everything behind it.
00:19:17You're a day early, Blair.
00:19:19The Vance family pact isn't in effect yet.
00:19:20Blair's face twisted.
00:19:22She looked past him at me.
00:19:24Her voice going raw with humiliation.
00:19:26So you dragged some random gutter crap off the street to humiliate my family like this?
00:19:31Watch how you speak about my wife.
00:19:34He reached back and found my hand.
00:19:35Then he raised it.
00:19:37Raised both our hands together high.
00:19:39For every guest in that cathedral to see.
00:19:41Something cracked open in my chest.
00:19:43He was defending me.
00:19:44Not because he had to.
00:19:45Because he chose to.
00:19:46In front of everyone.
00:19:47I squeezed back.
00:19:48Then I stepped forward.
00:19:50Closer to his side.
00:19:51And wrapped my arm around his.
00:19:52My voice came out steadier than I felt.
00:19:55You're the uninvited one.
00:19:56Please leave.
00:19:57You're ruining our wedding.
00:19:59Dante glanced down at me.
00:20:00Something flickered across his face.
00:20:02Surprise.
00:20:02Quickly gone.
00:20:03Blair's hand set toward my cheek.
00:20:05I flinched.
00:20:06Dante's hand caught her wrist in mid-air.
00:20:08Don't you dare touch my wife.
00:20:10The cathedral went absolutely still.
00:20:13Dante shoved Blair backward.
00:20:15She stumbled.
00:20:16Staring at him like she couldn't process what had just happened.
00:20:19Are you insane?
00:20:20You'd start a mafia war for this cheap gutter trash?
00:20:24She is my wife.
00:20:25I'll burn your entire family to ashes for her.
00:20:28Try me.
00:20:29I looked up at his profile.
00:20:30Something in me went dangerously soft.
00:20:32She's not Victoria!
00:20:34You married a fake!
00:20:35The words hit like a bucket of ice.
00:20:37I felt the blood drain from my face.
00:20:39Murmurs erupted through the pews.
00:20:41Dante's expression didn't change.
00:20:43Calm, contemptuous, immovable.
00:20:45He knows.
00:20:46Now he knows.
00:20:47What is he going to do to me?
00:20:49Security.
00:20:51Get her out.
00:20:52His men raised their weapons.
00:20:54Blair's two bodyguards drew theirs.
00:20:56A standoff crackled through the cathedral.
00:20:58Blair pointed straight at me.
00:21:00You need to get out!
00:21:02You lying bitch!
00:21:05You really thought you could just pretend to be your stepsister?
00:21:09And marry into the mafia?
00:21:11I-I don't know what you're talking about-
00:21:13Liar!
00:21:15You lied to a mafia prince this whole time!
00:21:19You're dead!
00:21:20I was shaking.
00:21:22Dante grabbed my arm and pulled me firmly behind his back again, shielding me completely.
00:21:27Then he looked at his men and said it with total calm.
00:21:30Throw them out.
00:21:31If she makes another sound, cut out her tongue.
00:21:33His guards lunged for Blair's men.
00:21:36Blair struggled wildly, twisting in their grip.
00:21:39No, I have proof!
00:21:40Bring in the real Victoria, now!
00:21:42The doors at the back of the cathedral opened again.
00:21:44And there she was.
00:21:45My stepsister.
00:21:47Victoria.
00:21:48Walking down the aisle in a black dress.
00:21:50Her expression caught between horror and calculation.
00:21:53Victoria was dragged to the center of the aisle.
00:21:56I bit my lips so hard I tasted blood.
00:21:58That's the real Victoria.
00:21:59He's gonna kill me now.
00:22:01He's actually gonna kill me.
00:22:02Dante watched me struggle to keep my face together.
00:22:04His expression didn't show anger.
00:22:06It showed something worse.
00:22:08Amusement.
00:22:08Blair yanked free from the guards and shushed Victoria forward.
00:22:12Tell him!
00:22:13Tell Dante who this bitch really is!
00:22:15Victoria looked at me.
00:22:17Something crossed her face.
00:22:18Guilt, maybe?
00:22:19Or just the calculation of self-preservation?
00:22:21That's my stepsister, Aria.
00:22:23She's just a cleaner.
00:22:25She stole my invitation to the bachelor auction and pretended to be me.
00:22:29Gasps erupted through the room.
00:22:31Dante turned to me slowly.
00:22:33Is that true?
00:22:34Did you lie to me?
00:22:36I didn't steal it.
00:22:37She forced me to go.
00:22:39She threatened me with the rent.
00:22:41How could I force you?
00:22:43You wanted to crawl into the mafia prince's bed?
00:22:46Who knows what her real motive is.
00:22:48She's probably a spy bought by your enemies.
00:22:52Tears spilled down my face before I could stop them.
00:22:54My grip on Dante's sleeve tightened.
00:22:57Please believe me.
00:22:59I didn't even know you were a mafia prince.
00:23:03I didn't mean to lie to you.
00:23:04Too late to beg.
00:23:05The only way you're leaving here is in a body bag.
00:23:07Dante tilted my chin up with two fingers.
00:23:10Forced me to look at him.
00:23:11I know they're telling the truth.
00:23:13My lips trembled.
00:23:14My vision blurred.
00:23:16Then the trace of a smile moved across his mouth.
00:23:18I've known you were a fake since the auction, little liar.
00:23:21What am I gonna do with you?
00:23:23Blair's smile spread wide.
00:23:24She thought she'd won.
00:23:26Are you going to kill me?
00:23:28Blair was already gloating to Victoria.
00:23:31Victoria exhaled in obvious relief.
00:23:33Thank God I made her take my place.
00:23:34Otherwise it would be me paying with my life.
00:23:36Dante, I know how you handle traitors.
00:23:38Don't make it quick.
00:23:39Make her suffer.
00:23:40Please.
00:23:41I swear I didn't mean to.
00:23:43Dante snapped his fingers.
00:23:45Armed guards flooded the room from every entrance.
00:23:48Blair's smile widened.
00:23:50Victoria shrunk back.
00:23:51Then Dante pointed.
00:23:52Not at me.
00:23:53Grab them.
00:23:54The guards lunged for Blair and Victoria.
00:23:56Blair's composure shattered instantly.
00:23:58Dante, are you crazy?
00:24:00Grab the liar.
00:24:01Not me.
00:24:01Dante pulled me against his chest.
00:24:04One arm around my waist.
00:24:05Shielding me from the chaos entirely.
00:24:07He looked at the room.
00:24:08I know she's lying to me.
00:24:09I don't give a fuck.
00:24:11He paused.
00:24:12She'll be the one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:24:15My tears stopped.
00:24:16I stared up at him, stunned.
00:24:18She played you for a fool and you're still protecting her?
00:24:20Yes.
00:24:21I've known who she was from the very beginning.
00:24:23He lifted my hand.
00:24:25He pressed his lips to my knuckles, slow, deliberate.
00:24:28His eyes on mine the entire time.
00:24:30I'm not mad.
00:24:30I don't care who you are.
00:24:31You are the only woman I'm making my wife.
00:24:34The room erupted.
00:24:35Applause from the guests.
00:24:36Screaming from Blair.
00:24:37Dante turned to the guards, with a flat finality of someone closing a door.
00:24:42The only reason they're leaving here breathing is because my wife showed them mercy.
00:24:46Throw them out.
00:24:47Blair and Victoria were dragged through the grand doors.
00:24:50Screaming, he turned back to me and touched my cheek.
00:24:55Now, let's finish the wedding.
00:24:57The priest smiled as Dante slid a massive diamond ring onto my finger.
00:25:01I now pronounce you husband and wife.
00:25:04Applause.
00:25:06Before I could process it, Dante bent and swept me up into a bridal carry.
00:25:10One arm under my knees, one around my back, the world tilting sideways.
00:25:14Dante, what are you doing?
00:25:16Taking you to our honeymoon.
00:25:17Vegas.
00:25:18He carried me straight out of the cathedral.
00:25:20The private jet sat on the termac.
00:25:23Black.
00:25:24Sleek.
00:25:24The size of something that belonged to someone who never waited for anything.
00:25:28I stared at it.
00:25:29This is yours?
00:25:31You're my wife now.
00:25:33Everything I have is yours.
00:25:34Inside, the cabin was soft leather and low light.
00:25:37A flight attendant.
00:25:38Chloe, twenty-nothing.
00:25:40In a uniform she seemed to be wearing as a weapon.
00:25:43Leaned forward to hand Dante a scotch.
00:25:45The neckline of her jacket doing work it wasn't designed to do.
00:25:48Dante didn't look at her.
00:25:49I need to take a call.
00:25:51Make yourself comfortable.
00:25:54He disappeared into the private office.
00:25:57Chloe's smile evaporated the moment he was gone.
00:25:59She turned to me with a glass of water and eyes like a closed door.
00:26:04Need anything?
00:26:05Before I could answer, she tilted the pitcher and poured ice water directly onto my wedding dress.
00:26:11I gasped and lurched to my feet.
00:26:13What are you doing?
00:26:17Did you do that on purpose?
00:26:20Chloe crossed her arms.
00:26:23So what?
00:26:24No one is going to care what happens to a tacky little country bumper.
00:26:29Like you.
00:26:30I've seen dozens of his wives on this jet.
00:26:32None of them last.
00:26:34What makes you so special?
00:26:36The words landed somewhere they weren't supposed to reach.
00:26:39She's right.
00:26:40Why would a mafia prince love someone like me?
00:26:43I was just convenient.
00:26:44A contract bride.
00:26:46Nothing special.
00:26:47The cabin door opened.
00:26:48Dante stepped back in and stopped.
00:26:51He took in the soaked dress.
00:26:53The ice water pooling on the cabin floor.
00:26:55My red eyes.
00:26:56His gaze moved to Chloe with the specific stillness that permeated something final.
00:27:01What the hell did you just do to my wife?
00:27:03Mr. Romano.
00:27:04It wasn't my fault.
00:27:06I was just teaching her the rules.
00:27:07You're fired.
00:27:09Please.
00:27:10I've been your exclusive attendant for five years.
00:27:12Before I throw you off this plane.
00:27:16Get out of my sight.
00:27:18Chloe fled to the back of the cabin.
00:27:20Dante crossed to me.
00:27:21He reached for the straps of my soaked dress.
00:27:25You'll freeze.
00:27:26Let's get this off.
00:27:27I flinched back.
00:27:28Don't!
00:27:29He stopped.
00:27:30Frowned.
00:27:30The show is over, Dante.
00:27:33You don't have to play the doting husband when no one's watching.
00:27:38He grabbed my chin and turned my face toward his.
00:27:40You think I just fired my staff of five years for a show?
00:27:43I held his gaze.
00:27:45I think your staff was right.
00:27:46I'm just a contract wife to you.
00:27:48Let's keep it professional.
00:27:49Something shifted in his expression.
00:27:51He released my chin.
00:27:53His voice went cold.
00:27:54Fine.
00:27:55As you wish.
00:27:56We landed.
00:27:57Dante pulled his American Express card from his wallet and dropped it into my lap without
00:28:01looking at me.
00:28:02Spend my money.
00:28:03Start acting like a mafia wife.
00:28:04He stood and walked to the exit without another word.
00:28:07I sat alone in the cabin.
00:28:08The soap dress cold against my skin.
00:28:10The card in my hands.
00:28:11Fine.
00:28:12I'll be your perfect contract wife.
00:28:14And nothing more.
00:28:15The hotel lobby was marble and crystal and people who moved like they belonged there.
00:28:19I didn't belong there.
00:28:21I sat at the bar a dry I'd found in the suite's wardrobe staring at the black card on the
00:28:25counter
00:28:25in front of me turning it over and over.
00:28:27Dante had gone straight back to work.
00:28:29Honeymoon.
00:28:30First night.
00:28:30Back to work.
00:28:31Contract wife.
00:28:32Dumped at the hotel on her honeymoon.
00:28:34A wave of noise broke over me.
00:28:36A group of girls.
00:28:37Glittery and laughing and moving at the speed of people who had decided tonight was going
00:28:41to be a good one.
00:28:42The one in front.
00:28:43Blonde.
00:28:44Wide grin.
00:28:44Moving too fast for the crowd.
00:28:45Clipped my shoulder.
00:28:47Oh my god.
00:28:47I'm so sorry.
00:28:48Wait.
00:28:49Why is a girl as hot as you sitting here alone?
00:28:51My husband had to work so I'm just-
00:28:53In Vegas?!
00:28:53Screw that!
00:28:54It's my birthday.
00:28:55I'm officially kidnapping you.
00:28:56We're going to Magic Mike Live.
00:28:58I thought about the suite upstairs.
00:28:59About sitting in it alone until Dante got back.
00:29:02Or performed nothing for nobody.
00:29:03Dante doesn't care about me anymore.
00:29:04I deserve to have some fun.
00:29:05Yes.
00:29:07Let's go.
00:29:08At the club, bass thumbed through the floor and neon turned everything red.
00:29:12Women screamed around me.
00:29:13I sat ridgely in the front row.
00:29:15Hands in my lap.
00:29:16Until Miller nodded at the waiter and looked at me.
00:29:19It's your birthday too now.
00:29:21I looked at the cheap prozoco on the tray.
00:29:22Then, I took the black card out of my clutch and slapped it down.
00:29:25Bring us the most expensive champagne you have.
00:29:28It's on me.
00:29:28The girl screamed.
00:29:31Across the city, in a Romano group boardroom, Dante's phone lit up.
00:29:38He arrived the way he always arrived.
00:29:40Without warning.
00:29:41Without rushing.
00:29:42I didn't see him at first.
00:29:43I was outstair.
00:29:44The strip worker had spotted me from the stage and grinned.
00:29:47The crowd had screamed.
00:29:48I'd shaken my head frantically.
00:29:50He grabbed my wrist and hauled me up before I finished the sentence.
00:29:52He planted me in a leather chair at center stage, straddled my lap and grounded his hips to the music
00:29:56with his bare chest six inches from my face.
00:29:59The crowd lost their minds.
00:30:01He grabbed my hand and dragged it toward his abs.
00:30:04I tried to pull back.
00:30:05He held my palm flat against his skin.
00:30:07Then the entrance doors crashed open.
00:30:09Dante stood in the doorway in a black suit completely still, looking across the club directly at me.
00:30:13He walked through the crowd like it wasn't there.
00:30:15The stripper stepped into his path.
00:30:17Hey, can't be up here.
00:30:18One punch.
00:30:19Clean.
00:30:20The man went down.
00:30:22Dante stepped over him and pinned my hands to the armrests of the chair, leaning in close.
00:30:28Having fun, wifey?
00:30:30I shrunk back into the seat, my heart hammering.
00:30:32You left me alone on our honeymoon for work.
00:30:35I was just...
00:30:36Put me down!
00:30:37Everyone is watching!
00:30:37His hand landed square on my backside.
00:30:39I gasped frozen.
00:30:41I have every right to take my wife out of here.
00:30:42Then he pressed his lips directly against my exposed thigh.
00:30:45He carried me straight through the crowd and out into the Vegas night without setting me down.
00:30:48He tossed me onto the hotel bed.
00:30:50I scrambled backward on my hands, heart pounding, watching him.
00:30:54He was breathing hard, not from the walk, not from the crowd.
00:30:57From something else.
00:30:58You have one minute to explain, before I decide how you'll be punished.
00:31:01Wh-what do you mean?
00:31:04He unbuckled his leather belt and yanked it free.
00:31:06My eyes went wide.
00:31:07My wife misbehaved, so she needs to learn the consequences.
00:31:11He lunged.
00:31:12The belt looped around my wrists.
00:31:13Once, twice, and I was bound.
00:31:15I pushed at his chest with both hands bound to their now, trying to create distance.
00:31:18I didn't do anything wrong.
00:31:19You left me alone on our honeymoon for work, so I found my own fun.
00:31:23Dante grabbed the tail of me forward, Yank.
00:31:25The force jerked me forward until we were face to face.
00:31:27Fun, half-naked strippers are your idea of fun?
00:31:29Those men actually looked at me?
00:31:31I hadn't meant to say it, but I couldn't take it back.
00:31:35To you, I'm just a signature on a contract.
00:31:37You don't have to pretend to care.
00:31:38You think a stupid contract makes me want to kill any guy who looks at you?
00:31:41I didn't know I could lose my mind over someone like this.
00:31:43You're jealous.
00:31:44You're actually jealous over me?
00:31:46He held my graze.
00:31:47Something in his expression dropped all its armor.
00:31:49I am losing my mind over you.
00:31:51Insanely.
00:31:52He kissed me.
00:31:53Not carefully.
00:31:54Not the way he'd kissed my hand at the altar, controlled and public and safe.
00:31:58This was everything he'd been holding back.
00:32:00All day, all week, maybe longer than that, and I felt it in my knees and my chest and somewhere
00:32:05further down.
00:32:05I yielded before I decided to.
00:32:07My bound hands found his face.
00:32:09I cupped his jaw and pulled him deeper and tasted the champagne on him and didn't think about contracts or
00:32:15Chloe or what any of this was supposed to mean.
00:32:18Tell me to stop.
00:32:20I didn't tell him to stop.
00:32:22What happened after that?
00:32:24I wasn't going to think about clearly for a long time.
00:32:27Morning came through the curtains of the presidential suite, warm and disorienting.
00:32:32I woke clutching the duvy, blinking at the light.
00:32:34Dante stood at the mirror, already dressed, adjusting his tie.
00:32:37Good morning, wife.
00:32:38There was a line of stylists waiting against the wall.
00:32:41Racks of Haue Couture gowns.
00:32:42Velvet trays of diamonds.
00:32:44I stared at all of it.
00:32:45What is all this?
00:32:47He crossed the room and scooped me up from the bed.
00:32:50Dante.
00:32:50He carried me to the stylists and set me in front of them.
00:32:53Pick whatever you like.
00:32:55This is too much.
00:32:57You're my wife.
00:32:58You can have anything you want.
00:33:00He stepped behind me and lifted a diamond necklace from the velvet tray.
00:33:04His fingers were careful at my neck.
00:33:06Cold clasp, warm skin, and I watched him in the mirror as he worked.
00:33:10He met my eyes in the reflection and held them.
00:33:12And you'll attend the Black Orid Gala.
00:33:13On my arm.
00:33:14As my wife.
00:33:15I touched the stones at my throat.
00:33:17They were heavier than they looked.
00:33:19Make my wife unforgettable.
00:33:20The stylists swept me toward the dressing room.
00:33:23I glanced back over my shoulder.
00:33:25Flushed.
00:33:25Unsteady.
00:33:26And caught him leaning against the window watching the door close with something warm in his face.
00:33:30Then his phone buzzed.
00:33:32He answered it.
00:33:33The warmth vanished.
00:33:35Father.
00:33:36Victor's voice came through cold and furious.
00:33:38I heard what you did at the wedding.
00:33:40Risking a war with Blair Vance family for a goddamn cleaner?
00:33:43You've lost your mind.
00:33:45The dressing room doors opened.
00:33:46I stepped out in the finished gown.
00:33:48Transformed.
00:33:49Glittering.
00:33:49Not quite recognizing myself until they turned in and looked at me.
00:33:52Our eyes locked across the room.
00:33:53She's the last Falcone they kept hidden.
00:33:55And that name still carries weight.
00:33:57I know what I'm doing.
00:33:58He ended the call without another word.
00:34:01I didn't ask about it.
00:34:02He extended his arm and I took it.
00:34:04And we walked out together into whatever came next.
00:34:07The Black Orid Gala was chandeliers and old money and people who had never once doubted they belonged anywhere.
00:34:12I doubted it with every step.
00:34:14Dante kept me close.
00:34:15His hand over mine where I gripped his arm.
00:34:17His body angled slightly in front of mine whenever someone stepped too near.
00:34:20I've never been to a place like this before.
00:34:22He covered my hand.
00:34:24His thumb moved in a slow stroke across my wrist.
00:34:26Relax.
00:34:27You look perfect.
00:34:28Just follow my lead.
00:34:29I almost believed him.
00:34:30He steered us toward a tall man standing apart from the crowd.
00:34:33Leon Falcone, 50, still and watchful and utterly in command of his corner of the room.
00:34:37His associates scrambled away the once that Dante approached.
00:34:39Mr. Leon Falcone.
00:34:40Meet my wife, Aria Sinclair.
00:34:42Leon went completely still.
00:34:44His eyes snapped wide, something raw and stud moving through his face before he could lock it down.
00:34:48I had never met this man in my life, but something about him made my chest ache with an unnamed
00:34:51familiarity.
00:34:52I forced a polite smile and extended my hand.
00:34:54An honor to meet you, Mr. Falcone.
00:34:56Leon grasped my fingertips gently.
00:34:58His eyes glistered red.
00:34:59The honor is mine.
00:35:00I pulled my hand back, unsettled by the intensity of his expression.
00:35:04We've never met.
00:35:06So why does he feel like someone I've always known?
00:35:09Dante pressed a champagne flask into my hand.
00:35:13Go mingle, Aria.
00:35:14I need a private word with Mr. Falcone.
00:35:20I nodded and walked away.
00:35:22Behind me, I heard Leon's voice drop to something low and lethal.
00:35:26You dragged my daughter back into the mafia world.
00:35:28What do you want?
00:35:29An alliance.
00:35:30It's mutually beneficial for both our families.
00:35:34You cold-blooded bastard.
00:35:36You're using my daughter as leverage.
00:35:39I'm using my name to protect her.
00:35:41Something you failed to do while she was suffering on the streets.
00:35:47I didn't understand any of it.
00:35:49I stood alone by a massive crystal champagne tower.
00:35:54Tugging at the hem of my gown.
00:35:57Watching people who had spent their whole lives in rooms like this.
00:36:01Will I ever stop feeling like I'm wearing someone else's life?
00:36:04Blair stepped into my path.
00:36:06She came in from my left, materializing out of the crowd with a glass in her hand.
00:36:10And a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
00:36:13She looked me up and down.
00:36:15Slow.
00:36:15Deliberate.
00:36:16The way someone looks at a stain they're considering removing.
00:36:20Who let the cleaner in?
00:36:23I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face at an exclusive gala like this.
00:36:29I kept my face still.
00:36:31Don't make a scene.
00:36:32Do not make a scene.
00:36:36Excuse me.
00:36:38I'm leaving.
00:36:39I turned.
00:36:40Her stiletto came down on the trailing hem of my gown.
00:36:44The fabric tore wide open.
00:36:47I nearly went down.
00:36:52I didn't say you could leave.
00:36:59Across the room, Dante and Leon heard the crack of shattering cloth over the music.
00:37:06Both of them turned.
00:37:08Blair grabbed a fistful of my hair.
00:37:10The pain was immediate and sharp.
00:37:12I gasped.
00:37:13Couldn't stop it.
00:37:14And my hand flew up instinctively.
00:37:16Stop it!
00:37:17What do you want?
00:37:18I want you out of my world.
00:37:20I want you out of my world.
00:37:21I want my place back as Mrs. Romano.
00:37:23She shoved me backward.
00:37:25Hard.
00:37:26I crashed into the champagne tower.
00:37:29And the whole pyramid went with me.
00:37:35Hundreds of crystal glasses shattered.
00:37:37Blair yanked me by the arm and slammed me onto the soaking floor.
00:37:43I laid there in the wreckage.
00:37:46With every eye in the hall locked onto me.
00:37:49Blair turned to the crowd, performing horror.
00:37:52How terribly clumsy!
00:37:55Look what she did!
00:38:00We need to teach this cheap wrap a lesson for ruining the vintage champagne.
00:38:08I didn't mean to!
00:38:10It was her!
00:38:11She pushed me!
00:38:13Shut up!
00:38:16How dare you talk back to me!
00:38:22She snapped her fingers.
00:38:24Two goons stepped forward.
00:38:26And hauled me to my knees.
00:38:28Blair picked up a jagged spirit of broken glass.
00:38:31And walked toward me with the unharried confidence.
00:38:34Of someone who had never been stopped.
00:38:37Let's see if Dante still wants you when your face is carved to pieces.
00:38:41She gripped my chin.
00:38:43Pressed the sharp edge against my cheek.
00:38:47No!
00:38:48Don't!
00:38:48Don't!
00:38:50The bullet grazed her arm, blood blooming instantly through her sleeve.
00:38:55Blair screamed, and she dropped the glass.
00:39:02Through the chaos, the crowd parted.
00:39:05Dante walked toward me with a smoking gun in his hand.
00:39:09And absolute murder in his eyes.
00:39:16nobody touches my wife he stripped his jacket off and wrapped it around my shoulders
00:39:20he pulled me against his chest blair stared at the blood on her arm pale and shaking you shot me
00:39:27i'll call my father he will destroy the romano family for this this is war then your family
00:39:32is at war with the falcones too leon shot blair's two goons dead blair's legs gave out
00:39:40she collapsed to the floor trembling i stared at leon stunned why is he defending me dante looked
00:39:49down at blair with ice-cold contempt tell your father i'm cutting all ties the vances are finished
00:39:55and listen up anyone who backs them is at war with the romano no you can't dante he gestured
00:40:04his guards grabbed her they dragged her out screaming
00:40:10then his hand found my draw tipping my face up are you hurt i shook my head
00:40:18i just need a minute to clean myself up i pulled away i slipped down the corridor alone
00:40:24his jacket was too big i pulled it tighter around my shoulders and tried to breathe
00:40:30aria had a glass shard against her face she's not safe with you i handled it i always will
00:40:37she is under my protection i need more than your word
00:40:41i didn't hear dante's answer
00:40:47a hand clamped hard over my mouth he wrenched me backward toward the exit a pretty thing at a gala
00:40:54like this you're gonna fetch me a massive ransom i thrashed with everything i had i bit down on his
00:41:00hand as hard as i could
00:41:04dante help
00:41:17the world went dark
00:41:20help
00:41:20back in the hall dante and leon heard my scream at the same moment dante's face went to stone
00:41:27shut up and move my snipers have had eyes on her all night we are getting her back right now
00:41:33he drew his gun he drew his gun and sprinted leon followed
00:41:45outside the robber was dragging me toward a black van the side entrance burst open dante and leon came
00:41:51through at a run the robber saw them and hauled me upright he pressed his gun to my temple and
00:41:55used
00:41:56my limp body as a shield back off give me a safe passage out or i blow her brains out
00:42:00a sniper's
00:42:01laser dot swept across the robber's chest and couldn't hold too close too much risk your sniper
00:42:09doesn't have a shot what do we do
00:42:15dante slowly lowered his gun and raised both hands his voice came out completely stead easy you want
00:42:22money the robber nodded sweating dante took a step forward the gun shifted pointing at dante now
00:42:27instead dante kept walking step by step unhurried
00:42:31let's make a trade her for me
00:42:34why the hell would you do that
00:42:39because she matters more
00:42:43he lunged the gun went off the bullet grazed his cheek blood immediately but he didn't even flinch
00:42:51he snapped the robber's wrist backward his arm came around my waist pulling me hard against his chest
00:42:59got you
00:43:00i woke up in his arms dante's face hovered above mine blood traced a line down his jaw from the
00:43:10scene before he looked at me like he'd been waiting for me to open my eyes and couldn't quite believe
00:43:14i had got you his guards swarmed the scene behind him the robber was on his knees begging i'll never
00:43:20do it again please let me go leon shot the robber dead before dante could respond dante looked up
00:43:27surprised leon holstered his gun calmly i prefer to handle threats to my daughter myself
00:43:35he padded dante's shoulder thank you dante for getting to arian time every time
00:43:43she's my wife i will do whatever it takes to keep her safe
00:43:48now we can discuss a business alliance but you swear to keep her true identity a secret
00:43:58i won't have her life complicated by our world you have my word inside the gala's quiet lounge dante
00:44:05carried me in dante laid me down on a plough sofa i opened my eyes slowly dante he gripped my
00:44:13hand
00:44:14immediately i'm right here the doctor is on the way leon exhaled in relief he turned toward the door
00:44:24something made me call after him wait mr falcone he stopped
00:44:33we've never met before but why do you care so much about me
00:44:42why do you feel so familiar
00:44:48who are you to me exactly
00:44:58both of them went very still
00:45:03leon forced a gentle smile he stepped forward he tucked the blanket around me
00:45:09i just feel a kinship with you aria you've been through enough tonight just rest the answer felt
00:45:16wrong but i was too tired to push leon turned toward the door as he passed dante their eyes met
00:45:23something heavy and unspoken passed between them don't forget our agreement dante
00:45:29dante nodded leon left the door closed
00:45:34dante dropped to one knee beside my he gently brushed the hair from my face his thumb traced my
00:45:40jawline did he hurt you does anything hurt i shook my head
00:45:48then my eyes found his cheek the grays the blood still drying on his jaw my hand moved toward it
00:45:54instinctively hovering just inches from his skin dante your face you're bleeding you took a bullet for me
00:46:02you could have died he caught my trembling hand slowly deliberately he pressed my palm flat against
00:46:09his wounded cheek hey it's just a scratch i barely feel it he leaned into my touch his eyes never
00:46:17leaving
00:46:18mine i will always protect you aria nothing matters more to me than your safety i looked down at him
00:46:26kneeling there with blood on his face and my hand against his jaw
00:46:29something cracked open in the center of my chest that i didn't have a name for yet
00:46:34he turned his head he pressed a soft kiss into the center of my palm
00:46:40my breath caught he stood he slid his arms under me he lifted me without asking where are you taking
00:46:50me
00:46:51to the hotel so you can finally rest
00:46:55tomorrow we're going home he carried me out and i didn't ask him to put me down
00:47:05the new flight attendant greeted us at the jet door with a silver tray welcome back mr romano
00:47:18i sat stiffly in my seat hands tight in my lap the memory was already playing behind my eyes chloe
00:47:25tilting the pitcher ice water flooding my dress what makes you so special
00:47:34dante noticed he reached over and interlaced his fingers with mine
00:47:43this is my wife the one and only mrs romano
00:47:48i blinked anyone who disrespects her disrespects me
00:47:55understood lily bowed immediately my deepest apologies mrs romano
00:48:02dante released my hand dante gestured openly leaving the response to me lily lowered her
00:48:08posture and spoke softly mrs romano would you like a warm towel or some fresh fruit
00:48:13i am entirely at your service um just a glass of warm water please
00:48:23lily brought it with both hands my shoulders dropped
00:48:28i smiled before i could stop myself dante leaned in close
00:48:33his voice was low and amused feel better mrs romano
00:48:39heat hit my face immediately i stood up to escape him i need to use the restroom
00:48:46the turbulence hit before i finished the sentence i grabbed the nearest thing dante's collar
00:48:52the buttons ripped we went down together i landed straddling his lap with my hands flat on his bare
00:48:58chest the air between us went very still i pushed against his chest trying to slide off his lap
00:49:04his hands locked on my waist and held i didn't realize you were in such a rush
00:49:09tearing my clothes off already i didn't mean to it was the turbulence
00:49:14then why are your hands still right on my chest i tried to snatch them back he caught both my
00:49:19wrists
00:49:19with one hand and held them against him i bit my lip and looked anywhere but his face
00:49:23we are beginning our descent please secure for landing dante let out an amused sigh
00:49:27he guided me off his lap and into the seat beside him then he leaned over and buckled my seatbelt
00:49:31himself his lips brushed my ear you're lucky saved by the captain
00:49:45we landed the ramono estate swallowed us whole iron gates a rolls royce up the drive a mansion that looked
00:49:53like it had existed forever and would continue to do so regardless of what happened to the people inside
00:49:58it dante helped me out of the car he stood beside me while i stared welcome to the romano estate
00:50:06our home our home i turned the words over and couldn't quite fit them to reality
00:50:17sam appeared at the top of the steps looking tense sir your father demands to see you he's waiting in
00:50:24the
00:50:24study dante touched my cheek the maids will show you to our room go rest i'll be right back he
00:50:33walked inside
00:50:37i noticed his wallet sitting on the car seat he forgot it i grabbed it and followed him into the
00:50:46mansion
00:50:49the study door was slightly ocher i raised my hand to knock and victor's voice stopped me she is the
00:50:58perfect leverage leon falcone's only daughter you should use her to tighten around the wallet leon
00:51:05facon's only daughter who is his only daughter the door yanked open dante came out fast jaw set fury
00:51:11barely contained the kind of controlled anger that was somehow worse than shouting he nearly walked
00:51:17straight into me he stopped dead his eyes dropped to me then to the wallet in my outstretched hand
00:51:22how long have you been standing there
00:51:26what did you hear nothing i i just got here his grip closed around my shoulders firm interrogating
00:51:36what did you hear i felt the sting of it the suspicion the coldness the way he looked at me
00:51:43like i was a
00:51:44problem that needed to be managed i just wanted to bring you your wallet i held it up he looked
00:51:52at it his
00:51:53grip loosened he took it but his posture didn't change rigid distant a wall going up in real time
00:52:03you don't need to do this have the maids bring things next time are you hiding something from me
00:52:14nothing
00:52:18don't listen in on us again
00:52:23the study door opened behind him victor stepped out he looked at me with naked disdain
00:52:30the look of a man who had never once considered me a real person then turned to dante remember who
00:52:39you
00:52:39are you are the romano heir
00:52:44the family comes first
00:52:49his eyes cut to me everything and everyone else comes second he pushed past us and walked away
00:52:57dante's hand curled into a fist at his side i'm sorry aria i gave your father my word i can't
00:53:05let
00:53:05you know you're the falcone harris not yet he grabbed my wrist not gently urgent tight the grip
00:53:14of someone making a decision we're leaving right now you said this was our home why are you taking me
00:53:22away he wrapped his arm around my waist and started moving pinning me against his side half dragging
00:53:28me toward the exit i stumbled trying to keep up somewhere no one can hurt you what am i to
00:53:36you a dirty
00:53:37secret a pet you can lock away wherever it's convenient i shoved his chest with both hands he didn't even
00:53:45move stop overthinking i'm doing this to protect i don't need your protection i don't want a marriage
00:53:52built on secrets and lies i yanked my wrists free and turned to walk away he caught me in two
00:53:58strides
00:53:58his arm hooked around my waist from behind hard pulling me back against his chest i struggled he held
00:54:05his lips brushed my ear did you really think i'd ever let you leave
00:54:10the car was waiting i had nowhere to go the drive took us out of the city and along a
00:54:16winding
00:54:16coastal road cliffs ocean sky i stared out the window and didn't speak dante drove like a man
00:54:23who'd made up his mind about something and wasn't interested in relitigating it
00:54:29the villa appeared below us glass walls stone terraces isolated above the water line like the world
00:54:34couldn't find you here if it tried where are we my private safe house no one knows about it he
00:54:42got
00:54:43out and walked to my door and opened it i didn't move he looked at me something in his expression
00:54:53shifted
00:54:56please don't go everything i've done everything i do it's to keep you safe memories came back to me
00:55:03without warning his body in front of mine in the cathedral his hand raised with mine don't you
00:55:08dare touch my wife i know she's lying to me i don't give a fuck she'll be the one and
00:55:13only
00:55:14my rigid posture softened before i could stop it then promise me no more secrets in this house there
00:55:21are no secrets between us except one you can never know you're the falcone heiress he led me inside
00:55:27the space was breathtaking light everywhere the ocean filling every window clean and still
00:55:33and completely cut off from everything we'd left behind go wait in the kitchen i have a surprise for
00:55:38you i sat at the marble island and looked around at the room and tried to figure out what to
00:55:42do with
00:55:42my hands then dante walked in he was shirtless dark canvas apron tied at his waist sculpted and casual
00:55:50about it in a way that suggested he had absolutely no idea what it was doing to me why why
00:55:55aren't you
00:55:56wearing a shirt he leaned across the counter until his face was inches from mine it was my only clean
00:56:01shirt didn't want to get it dirty what are you doing he cupped my face and lifted my gaze cooking
00:56:08for my wife he pulled out a ribeye massive top lead the kind you see behind glass in restaurants where
00:56:13you don't ask the price what are you making your favorite he turned to the stove i sat with my
00:56:18chin in
00:56:19my hands and watched him work heat from the flame lit up the lines of his back his arms moved
00:56:23with the
00:56:23same effortless control he brought to everything seasoning heat timing and the smell of butter and
00:56:28herbs filled the room dante set the plated steak in front of me how did you know this is my
00:56:33favorite
00:56:34he leaned back against the counter with a faint smile at the bachelor auction every woman in the
00:56:39room was staring at me except you you were busy devouring that rib rye with your eyes my face went
00:56:45hot
00:56:45he noticed me even way back then he picked up the knife and fork and cut a piece for me
00:56:53then held it out eat there are no rules here it's just you and me i took it warm perfect
00:56:59just seared
00:57:00enough i couldn't keep the sound of happiness out of my voice you're a master chef this is so good
00:57:04his
00:57:04gaze darkened his thumb moved to the corner of my lip slowly catching a mirror of sauce he didn't pull
00:57:09back he held my gaze and traced my lower lip deliberate unhurried and leaned in close enough that i
00:57:14forgot how to breathe then his phone erupted on the counter
00:57:20he pulled back his jaw tightened when he saw the screen
00:57:30caller id father he straightened the softness in his face locked back into place sorry aria i have to
00:57:37handle this right now be careful i'll be here waiting for you he untied the apron and threw on his
00:57:44shirt
00:57:44moving fast then he stopped at the door and turned back he reached into his jacket and pressed
00:57:48a small device into my palm if anything happens press this i will drop everything and come back to you
00:57:53i looked down at it a panic button small and solid and serious no one knows you're here so unless
00:57:59it's me no matter who knocks do not open that door i know stop worrying and go he gave me
00:58:04one last
00:58:05look something between worry and reluctance and walked out i sat at the island alone and turned
00:58:10the panic button over in my hand outside a battered black van rolled to a stop at the end of
00:58:16the drive
00:58:16blair stepped out she was dragging a chainsaw dante destroyed my entire family so i'm going to tear his
00:58:24precious little wife into bloody pieces she yanked the starter cord the engine roared
00:58:35did dante forget something i walked toward the front door and reached for the handle
00:58:41the doorbell rang again frantically now
00:58:47i stopped wait no one knows this address i yanked my hand back from the handle then the ramping
00:58:55started heavy rhythmic impacts against the door i stumbled backward the chainsaw blade ripped through
00:59:01the wood from the other side sawdust flying the scream of the engine filling the room thought you
00:59:06could hide and play princess forever you're dead i pressed the panic button and ran 40 minutes away
00:59:16in the romano maschen study victor had his revolver aimed at dante's chest dante had his handgun leveled
00:59:21back leon stood beside dante hands in his pockets watching victor with calm contempt my wife is not a pawn
00:59:29for the falcone syndicate looks like your son stands with me victor drop the gun or i'll have your
00:59:37little wife killed right now you dare touch my daughter dante's phone erupted he looked down sos alert
00:59:46aria talks are off aria's in danger we move now he was running before anyone could respond leon was right
00:59:54behind him the ruined door crashed to the floor blair walked in flanked by two thugs chainsaw idle at her
01:00:01side grab her they were faster than me the thugs launched and grabbed both arms wortching me backward
01:00:09i fought kicked twisted threw my weight around it made no difference they forced me to my knees blair
01:00:17wrapped her hand around my throat not choking just enough to feel it dante destroyed my life
01:00:23so i'm going to take the only thing he cares about let him suffer they bound my wrists and ankles
01:00:29with
01:00:29thick rope while blair watched i kept my breathing controlled i kept my face as still as i could dante
01:00:35is on his way leave while you still can blair let out a laugh sharp unhinged delighted i'm counting
01:00:41on it i want him to watch you die she gestured a thug stepped forward with a jerry can and
01:00:47poured a ring
01:00:47of galler lean around me in a wide circle i could smell it coating everything the floor the air the
01:00:54back of my throat blair clicked open a lighter the flame caught no don't if he wants to save you
01:01:01he's
01:01:01going to have to burn with you she began to lower the flame toward the gasoline the ruined doorway
01:01:09exploded with men dante and leon came through with guns drawn and armed men spreading out behind them
01:01:15get away from my wife blair's hand froze midair she turned to face him leon grabbed dante's arm
01:01:21don't shoot a spark will ignite the room she'll burn dante's jaw was locked tight he looked at me
01:01:27at the rope at the gasoline ring at blair's lighter and his voice came out completely flat your vendetta
01:01:33is with me let her go and take me instead blair kicked a second gear can across the floor it
01:01:40stopped
01:01:40at dante's feet you want to save her douse yourself you burn she lives no dante don't
01:01:47aponte picked up the can he popped the cap and poured it over his own head gasoline soaked through
01:01:52his hair his jacket his shirt he set the empty can down and looked at blair without blinking
01:01:57done my life for hers let her go blair's smile twisted into something purely evil oh i changed
01:02:05my mind how about you both just die together she flicked the lighter straight into the gasoline at
01:02:11my feet the fire erupted a wall of orange heat and dante was already moving he threw himself over me
01:02:17both arms wrapping around me his body absorbing the first wave of flame the fire caught his back
01:02:22instantly a burning bame clacked from the ceiling and came down across his shoulders i heard the sound
01:02:27he made a harsh gundril sound and he didn't move didn't lift up stayed over me
01:02:35dante
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