- 2 hours ago
Mafia Prince Little Liar EP
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The night it started, I was wearing someone else's name, the gown was borrowed, the mask was porcelain, and it
00:00:14carried a stranger's perfume.
00:00:23The invitation belonged to my stepsister, and the money I was about to spend was never meant for me.
00:00:31None of it was mine, not the dress, not the identity, not the confidence required to walk into a room
00:00:38full 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, no one would look closely enough to see through the
00:00:52mask.
00:00:55I was wrong.
00:00:58He looked, and he saw everything.
00:01:07His name was Dante Romano, chairman, crime lord, the kind of man who fills a room without trying, and empties
00:01:17it just as easily.
00:01:22He caught my invitation when I dropped it at the entrance, large hand, unharried grip, eyes that moved across the
00:01:30plerum of my mask and found my face beneath it.
00:01:34Before 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, come back every time, baby, I'ma keep you crazy.
00:01:51What followed was not what I planned.
00:01:54It was a contract I signed under duress.
00:01:57A name I had to learn to answer to.
00:02:00A war I hadn't asked to be part of.
00:02:03And somewhere inside all of it,
00:02:05somewhere between the gunfire and the gasoline,
00:02:10and a man who poured both over himself to keep me alive,
00:02:13it became something I hadn't planned for either.
00:02:17This is how a woman with nothing
00:02:19becomes someone's everything.
00:02:22This is how a man who controlled everything
00:02:25learned to put the gun down first.
00:02:29I thought signing it would end the war,
00:02:31but it only changed the battlefield.
00:02:34He's not just a monster.
00:02:36He's my monster.
00:02:39This is our story.
00:02:44My 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
00:02:54when the door flew open.
00:02:56Victoria stormed in and lunged for my collar
00:02:58before I could even turn around.
00:03:00Take this off.
00:03:02You'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
00:03:10and 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,
00:03:19her 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.
00:03:27My phone lit up in my pocket.
00:03:29I 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
00:03:35at three in the morning
00:03:36for the past two weeks.
00:03:37She shoved a gown against my chest.
00:03:40Silk.
00:03:41Expensive.
00:03:41Not mine.
00:03:43You're bidding on Dante Romano.
00:03:44He owns the biggest restaurant empire
00:03:46in North America.
00:03:47I need his investment,
00:03:48but 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
00:03:54and felt the weight
00:03:55of having absolutely no other options.
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
00:04:08and pulled the gown on in the dark.
00:04:10Already composing the version of this night
00:04:13I'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.
00:04:25What I didn't know then.
00:04:27What I couldn't have known.
00:04:29was that Victoria had done me
00:04:31one final cruelty
00:04:32before I'd even left the room.
00:04:34Dante is actually a mafia prince
00:04:36from the most dangerous family in the city.
00:04:39I'm not stupid enough
00:04:40to mess with a monster like him.
00:04:44Try not to get yourself killed tonight,
00:04:47stepsister.
00:04:49She never said it to my face.
00:04:51Just thought it.
00:04:52I stepped out in the gown,
00:04:54mask in hand,
00:04:55and walked into the hotel ballroom
00:04:57with $50 in my own bank account
00:04:59and $1 million on her card.
00:05:04The ballroom blazed
00:05:05with chandelier light
00:05:06and old money.
00:05:10I found the seat labeled
00:05:11Victoria Sinclair
00:05:12and lowered myself into it,
00:05:15trying not to look like someone
00:05:16who had never sat anywhere
00:05:17this expensive.
00:05:19There was a plate of prime ribeye
00:05:20on the side table,
00:05:22untouched,
00:05:23like everything else
00:05:24within reach of these women.
00:05:26I picked up the fork
00:05:28without 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,
00:05:37welcome to the bachelor auction.
00:05:39Let the bidding begin.
00:05:41Our premier bachelor tonight,
00:05:43the prince of the Italian restaurant syndicate,
00:05:45Dante Romano.
00:05:47He walked out like the room
00:05:49had been arranged around him.
00:05:52Jacket over one shoulder,
00:05:54silk shirt open at the collar,
00:05:56completely comfortable
00:05:57under 200 pairs of eyes.
00:05:59I stopped chewing.
00:06:02I recognized him instantly,
00:06:05the 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
00:06:17who spent this kind of money weekly,
00:06:19I gripped mine
00:06:20without raising it,
00:06:22running the numbers in my head.
00:06:23Victoria's card had a limit.
00:06:26One million.
00:06:27A fail safe,
00:06:28she'd said.
00:06:28No one would actually bid that high.
00:06:31For 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,
00:06:37cold eyed,
00:06:37perfectly still.
00:06:38I raised mine.
00:06:40One million dollars.
00:06:41Silence crashed over the ballroom.
00:06:43Every head turned.
00:06:44My cheeks went crimson.
00:06:47Sold to Miss Victoria Sinclair.
00:06:51I exhaled.
00:06:53On stage,
00:06:54Dante Romano was looking straight at me.
00:06:56Not at the crowd,
00:06:57not at the host,
00:06:58at me.
00:06:58With the dark,
00:07:00amused expression of someone
00:07:01who 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
00:07:09and started walking in my direction.
00:07:12A staff member guided me backstage
00:07:15with a bright,
00:07:16practiced smile.
00:07:17The winner's suite,
00:07:18she 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
00:07:29with a dead cigar
00:07:30crushed in the ashtray beside him,
00:07:32watching me cross the threshold.
00:07:34The way someone watches a door
00:07:35they've been waiting to open.
00:07:37He pushed off
00:07:38and started toward me,
00:07:40slow,
00:07:40deliberate,
00:07:41step 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
00:07:50hit the cold wall.
00:07:52He kept coming
00:07:53until his arms slammed
00:07:55against the wall beside my head,
00:07:57trapping me in his shadow.
00:07:58I had no idea
00:08:00you were so eager to have me.
00:08:02Well,
00:08:02you're very attractive.
00:08:04That was the only truth
00:08:06I 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
00:08:13to own me.
00:08:16Don't I get to see my buyer?
00:08:17He seized both my wrists
00:08:19in one hand
00:08:20and 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,
00:08:32for something in his expression
00:08:33to shift into understanding
00:08:35that I was not
00:08:36who the invitation said I was.
00:08:37Nothing shifted.
00:08:39Don't hide yourself.
00:08:42Unless you have something else
00:08:43to hide, Mrs. Victoria.
00:08:45The relief hit me so hard
00:08:46my knees went weak.
00:08:48He didn't know
00:08:49what Victoria looked like.
00:08:50I could keep pretending.
00:08:51His eyes narrowed,
00:08:53calculating, amused.
00:08:56Cat got your tongue?
00:08:57Or are you lying to me?
00:08:59No.
00:09:01That sounded like a question.
00:09:03He noticed.
00:09:08He drove his knee
00:09:10between mine
00:09:11and pressed my back
00:09:12flat against the wall.
00:09:13Don't you want a little taste
00:09:15of your investment first?
00:09:19Before I could answer,
00:09:20he grabbed my hands
00:09:22and flattened my palms
00:09:24against his bare chest.
00:09:25He'd pulled his shirt open
00:09:26while I wasn't paying attention,
00:09:28buttons scattered somewhere.
00:09:29His skin was warm and hard
00:09:31and I couldn't make my hands move.
00:09:34Touch what you bought.
00:09:38He guided my hands down slowly
00:09:40over the ridged lines
00:09:42of his abs,
00:09:43past his V-line,
00:09:45stopping at the cold metal
00:09:46of 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
00:09:55when the door burst open.
00:09:57Sir, the 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.
00:10:09I grabbed my gown
00:10:10and bolted.
00:10:11He didn't stop me.
00:10:13That was what I kept
00:10:14turning over on the way home.
00:10:16That he'd let me walk
00:10:16straight out of that suite.
00:10:18Without a word.
00:10:19Not because he'd lost interest.
00:10:22Because he didn't need
00:10:23to hold me there.
00:10:24He already had
00:10:26what he came for.
00:10:27I just didn't know
00:10:28what that was yet.
00:10:29The thought sat cold
00:10:30on the back of my neck
00:10:31the whole way
00:10:32to my apartment.
00:10:33I told myself
00:10:34I was being paranoid.
00:10:35I told myself
00:10:36that all the way
00:10:36to 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
00:10:42something I'd tied
00:10:43around my own neck.
00:10:46Victoria called
00:10:47the next morning.
00:10:48Did you win the bid
00:10:48for Dante?
00:10:49How was he?
00:10:50I pressed a hand
00:10:51to my cheek.
00:10:52My skin still felt warm
00:10:53where he'd touched it.
00:10:54I did what you asked,
00:10:56now pay my rent.
00:10:57Not yet.
00:10:58You still have to go
00:10:58on the actual date
00:10:59and report back.
00:11:00No date,
00:11:00no rent.
00:11:01She hung up.
00:11:02I stared at the dead phone
00:11:03on the sidewalk,
00:11:04furious,
00:11:04and then a Rolls Royce Phantom
00:11:06glided to a stop
00:11:07six inches from my sneakers.
00:11:08The back Dante stepped out
00:11:09and across the distance
00:11:10in two long strides
00:11:11and stopped directly
00:11:12in front of me.
00:11:12I'm taking you
00:11:13on 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,
00:11:25slamming my back
00:11:25against the Rolls Royce door.
00:11:27His hand closed around
00:11:28both my wrists
00:11:29and pinned them
00:11:29against the hood.
00:11:30He leaned in
00:11:31until his lips
00:11:32were at my ear.
00:11:33I know everything about you.
00:11:35No, you don't.
00:11:36I know you want me
00:11:37so fucking bad.
00:11:39I bet you rub yourself
00:11:40alone at night
00:11:41wishing it was
00:11:42my fingers inside you.
00:11:43The slap cracked out
00:11:44before I had
00:11:45a conscious thought.
00:11:46His head snapped
00:11:47to the side.
00:11:48I felt the sting
00:11:49across my entire palm.
00:11:51I stared at him.
00:11:52He turned back slowly,
00:11:54touched his cheek
00:11:55with the back
00:11:55of one finger
00:11:57and looked at me
00:11:58with something
00:11:58that was almost appreciation.
00:12:00I will never marry a man
00:12:02who humiliates me like this.
00:12:04I bolted down the sidewalk
00:12:05and didn't look back.
00:12:06Behind me,
00:12:07I heard Sam's voice,
00:12:09then Dante's,
00:12:10quiet and unhurried.
00:12:11Destroy her home.
00:12:13Make sure she has
00:12:13nowhere to go
00:12:14except to me.
00:12:17I turned the corner
00:12:18to my street
00:12:19and stopped.
00:12:20Where my building
00:12:21had stood,
00:12:21there was nothing
00:12:22but a mountain
00:12:22of dust
00:12:23and broken concrete.
00:12:24Rebar jutted out
00:12:25at angles.
00:12:27Insulation
00:12:27spilled into the gutter.
00:12:29One of my neighbors
00:12:29sat on the curb
00:12:30holding a plastic bag
00:12:31with everything
00:12:32she'd saved.
00:12:32My landlord
00:12:33stepped out
00:12:34from behind the rubble.
00:12:35Two men flanked him,
00:12:36the kind with faces
00:12:37that had stopped
00:12:38caring about outcomes
00:12:39a long time ago.
00:12:40Laid on rent, Aria.
00:12:42The building is gone!
00:12:43How can you still-
00:12:44Lee still stands.
00:12:45Pay up,
00:12:46or I'll sell you
00:12:47to cover the debt.
00:12:48One of the men
00:12:49grabbed my chin
00:12:49and looked me over.
00:12:51Pretty little thing.
00:12:52She'll fetch a high price.
00:12:54I twisted away
00:12:55and ran.
00:12:56They caught me
00:12:56in three steps,
00:12:57arms clamped around mine,
00:12:59a hand over my mouth.
00:13:00I kicked and screamed
00:13:02into his palm.
00:13:03Rorul's Royce Phantom
00:13:04hit the corner
00:13:05of the street
00:13:06hard enough
00:13:06to send the landlord
00:13:07scrambling backward.
00:13:08The door flew open.
00:13:10Dante stepped out
00:13:10in a long, dark coat,
00:13:12drew a handgun
00:13:13from inside it,
00:13:13and leveled it
00:13:14at the three men
00:13:15without breaking stride.
00:13:16No one touches my wife.
00:13:18The goons dropped
00:13:19to their knees.
00:13:20The landlord followed.
00:13:21Mr. Dante Romano,
00:13:22the mafia prince,
00:13:23we didn't know
00:13:24she was yours.
00:13:24I looked at Dante
00:13:25across the rubble
00:13:26in my work uniform
00:13:27covered in concrete dust
00:13:28and understood
00:13:29with horrible clarity
00:13:30that this was where
00:13:30he had been leading me
00:13:31all along.
00:13:32Every door he had
00:13:33quietly closed.
00:13:34This exact street corner.
00:13:35This exact moment,
00:13:37nowhere left to go.
00:13:38He had engineered
00:13:38every inch of it.
00:13:40Dante stepped forward
00:13:41and stomped down
00:13:42on one of the goons' legs.
00:13:43The man screamed.
00:13:45The other went rigid.
00:13:46The landlord pressed
00:13:47his forehead
00:13:48to the broken pavement,
00:13:49shaking.
00:13:50Please, Mr. Romano,
00:13:51have mercy.
00:13:52I'll never touch her again,
00:13:53I swear.
00:13:54Dante kicked him
00:13:55hard in the chest,
00:13:56sent him sprawling,
00:13:57and raised the gun.
00:13:58You touched my wife.
00:14:00You're already dead.
00:14:02Then he turned
00:14:03and held the gun out to me.
00:14:05I'm not...
00:14:07I don't...
00:14:08He yanked me flush
00:14:09against his chest.
00:14:10His free hand slid up
00:14:12and 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.
00:14:21He pressed the metal
00:14:22into my hands
00:14:23and closed my fingers
00:14:24around it.
00:14:25Warm hand over
00:14:26my cold ones.
00:14:27His body solid behind mine.
00:14:29Hold it tight.
00:14:30Feel how hard it is.
00:14:32And squeeze.
00:14:33His finger pressed
00:14:33down over mine.
00:14:34The trigger pulled.
00:14:35The shot cracked
00:14:36through the street
00:14:36and tore through
00:14:37my whole body.
00:14:38He uncovered my eyes.
00:14:39The three men
00:14:40were still there,
00:14:41kneeling,
00:14:42clutching their heads,
00:14:42gasping, unharmed.
00:14:44The landlord let out
00:14:45a broken, relieved laugh.
00:14:46Blanks.
00:14:47I stood in the street
00:14:48with the gun in both hands,
00:14:49shaking so hard
00:14:50I could feel it in my jaw
00:14:51and Dante leaned
00:14:52close to my ear.
00:14:53How did you feel
00:14:54when you pulled the trigger?
00:14:56I was scared.
00:14:58You can't be scared.
00:14:59You are a mafia wife.
00:15:01Watch and learn.
00:15:02He took the gun back,
00:15:03spun the calendar
00:15:04and fired three times.
00:15:06The men dropped
00:15:07and didn't get up.
00:15:08I clamped both hands
00:15:10over my mouth.
00:15:11Dante holstered the weapon
00:15:12and turned to me
00:15:13like the bodies
00:15:13behind him were furniture.
00:15:15He tipped my chin up
00:15:16with two fingers
00:15:17and looked at my face.
00:15:18These are the consequences
00:15:19of messing with the mafia.
00:15:20He was watching my expression
00:15:21with the same dark amusement
00:15:23he'd worn at the auction.
00:15:24I understood then
00:15:25in the worst possible way
00:15:26that he found me entertaining.
00:15:28If he ever found out
00:15:29I had lied to him,
00:15:30if he ever found out
00:15:31I was not Victoria,
00:15:32that I was just area,
00:15:33just a cleaner,
00:15:34this was what he would do.
00:15:36Sam appeared at his shoulder
00:15:37and held out
00:15:37a marriage contract.
00:15:38The corner was spladdished
00:15:39with something dark.
00:15:40Dante took it
00:15:41and offered it to me
00:15:41without blinking.
00:15:42Since you're homeless now,
00:15:43sign the contract
00:15:44and 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
00:15:49closed in from every direction,
00:15:51materialized from the edges
00:15:52of the street,
00:15:53from alleyways,
00:15:54from behind the rubble.
00:15:56Every weapon leveled
00:15:57at the space around me.
00:15:58I don't think you have a choice.
00:16:00I looked at the contract
00:16:02in my trembling hands.
00:16:03The ink blurred.
00:16:04I looked up at his face,
00:16:05the absolute absence of doubt in it,
00:16:07and picked up the pen.
00:16:08My name appeared on the line
00:16:09in 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
00:16:17whose plan had finally reached
00:16:18its last step.
00:16:19All around us,
00:16:20the armed men lowered
00:16:21their weapons in unison.
00:16:22The bridal dressing room
00:16:23was all mirrors and ivory light.
00:16:25Two maids stood behind me,
00:16:26pulling the corset laces tight.
00:16:28The gown was stunning,
00:16:29the kind of dress
00:16:29that existed to be photographed
00:16:30and not to actually
00:16:31be worn by anyone.
00:16:32Not so tight.
00:16:33I can barely breathe.
00:16:34They looked at each other
00:16:35and tug again.
00:16:37Then, the door opened.
00:16:39The maids left without a word.
00:16:41In the mirror,
00:16:42Dante appeared behind me.
00:16:43Too tight?
00:16:44He took the laces
00:16:45from where the maids
00:16:46had dropped them,
00:16:47slipped his fingers underneath,
00:16:48and pulled back.
00:16:49The corset came apart
00:16:50in one clean motion.
00:16:52The bodice slacked and dropped,
00:16:54and I grabbed for it
00:16:54with both hands,
00:16:55spinning halfway around.
00:16:56He was already there,
00:16:58arms circling my waist
00:16:59from behind,
00:16:59his chest plush
00:17:00against my bare back,
00:17:01lips at my ear.
00:17:02I'll be your husband.
00:17:04Call me Dante.
00:17:05He began relining it,
00:17:07slowly,
00:17:08each downward loop deliberate,
00:17:09his knuckles tracing my spine
00:17:11as he worked.
00:17:11My skin responded
00:17:12before I could stop it.
00:17:13He felt it.
00:17:14So responsive.
00:17:16Your body already knows
00:17:17who it belongs to.
00:17:18He reached the base of my spine
00:17:20and yanked the final lace tight.
00:17:21The force jerked me back against him.
00:17:23I gasped his name
00:17:24before I could think not to.
00:17:25His hand found my jaw
00:17:27and tilted my face
00:17:28toward our reflection.
00:17:29I can feel how much you want this.
00:17:32Dante,
00:17:33the wedding is about to start.
00:17:34He smirked,
00:17:35tied a perfect bow,
00:17:36and 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
00:17:42for a long moment,
00:17:42pressing one hand to my chest,
00:17:44trying to understand
00:17:45why I'd reacted to his touch
00:17:46the way I had.
00:17:47I didn't find an answer
00:17:48before the music started.
00:17:50Dante led me down the aisle.
00:17:51The church was full.
00:17:52Hundreds of faces I didn't know
00:17:53watched us walk toward the priest,
00:17:55who stood with the patient expression
00:17:57of a man who had performed this ceremony
00:17:58in 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,
00:18:06and neither of us looked away.
00:18:07Do you, Victoria,
00:18:09take this man
00:18:10to be your lawfully wedded husband?
00:18:12Dante watched me.
00:18:13The trace of a smile
00:18:14at the corner of his mouth,
00:18:15knowing, private,
00:18:16pointed directly at me
00:18:17and no one else.
00:18:18I opened my mouth.
00:18:18I was never Victoria,
00:18:19and I was about to vow
00:18:21and 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
00:18:27from the back of the church,
00:18:28flanked by two massive bodyguards
00:18:30pointing 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
00:18:36since the hotel powder room,
00:18:38since Victoria shoved the gown
00:18:39into my arms,
00:18:40since I raised that poil,
00:18:41since his thumb brushed
00:18:42my cheekbone
00:18:43and his eyes looked
00:18:44as if they had known
00:18:44all along rose
00:18:45in my chest at once.
00:18:46Dante didn't move.
00:18:47He stood beside me
00:18:48in perfect stillness,
00:18:50facing forward as always,
00:18:52and I couldn't read
00:18:52his face at all.
00:18:54The cathedral doors
00:18:55burst open.
00:18:56Blair Vance entered
00:18:57like a verdict.
00:18:58Stilettos striking the marble,
00:18:59armed men flanking her,
00:19:01chin lifted with the certainty
00:19:02of someone who had
00:19:02never been denied.
00:19:03She stopped directly
00:19:04in front of us.
00:19:05Stop this wedding!
00:19:06Our families have
00:19:07an 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,
00:19:13fully,
00:19:13his back to me,
00:19:14his body a wall
00:19:15between Blair
00:19:16and everything behind it.
00:19:17You're a day early, Blair.
00:19:19The Vanceur family pact
00:19:20isn't in effect yet.
00:19:21Blair's face twisted.
00:19:22She looked past him at me,
00:19:24her voice going raw
00:19:25with humiliation.
00:19:26So you dragged
00:19:27some random gutter crap
00:19:29off the street
00:19:29to humiliate my family
00:19:31like this?
00:19:32Watch how you speak
00:19:33about my wife.
00:19:34He reached back
00:19:34and found my hand.
00:19:35Then he raised it.
00:19:37Raised both our hands together,
00:19:38high,
00:19:39for every guest
00:19:39in that cathedral to see.
00:19:41Something cracked open
00:19:42in 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.
00:19:48I squeezed back.
00:19:49Then I stepped forward,
00:19:50closer to his side,
00:19:51and wrapped my arm
00:19:52around his.
00:19:53My voice came out
00:19:53steadier 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
00:20:01across his face.
00:20:02Surprise,
00:20:03quickly gone.
00:20:03Blair's hand set
00:20:04toward my cheek.
00:20:05I flinched.
00:20:06Dante's hand
00:20:07caught her wrist
00:20:07in midair.
00:20:09Don't you dare
00:20:09touch my wife.
00:20:11The cathedral
00:20:11went absolutely still.
00:20:13Dante shoved Blair backward.
00:20:15She stumbled,
00:20:16staring at him
00:20:16like she couldn't process
00:20:17what had just happened.
00:20:19Are you insane?
00:20:21You'd start a mafia war
00:20:22for this cheap gutter trash?
00:20:24She is my wife.
00:20:25I'll burn your entire family
00:20:27to ashes for her.
00:20:28Try me.
00:20:29I looked up at his profile.
00:20:30Something in me
00:20:31went dangerously soft.
00:20:32She's not Victoria!
00:20:34You married a fake!
00:20:36The words hit
00:20:36like a bucket of ice.
00:20:38I felt the blood
00:20:38drain from my face.
00:20:39Murmurs erupted
00:20:40through the pews.
00:20:41Dante's expression
00:20:42didn't change.
00:20:43Calm,
00:20:44contemptuous,
00:20:44immovable.
00:20:45He knows.
00:20:46Now he knows.
00:20:47What is he going
00:20:48to do to me?
00:20:50Security.
00:20:51Get her out.
00:20:52His men
00:20:53raised their weapons.
00:20:54Lairn's two bodyguards
00:20:55drew theirs.
00:20:56A standoff
00:20:57crackled through
00:20:58the cathedral.
00:20:58Blair pointed
00:20:59straight at me.
00:21:00You need to get out!
00:21:02You lying bitch!
00:21:05You really thought
00:21:06you could just pretend
00:21:07to be your stepsister
00:21:09and marry into the mafia?
00:21:11I don't know
00:21:13what you're talking about.
00:21:14Liar!
00:21:15You lied to a mafia prince
00:21:17this whole time!
00:21:19You're dead!
00:21:20I was shaking.
00:21:22Dante grabbed my arm
00:21:23and pulled me firmly
00:21:24behind his back again,
00:21:26shielding me completely.
00:21:27Then he looked at his men
00:21:28and said it with total calm.
00:21:30Throw them out.
00:21:31If she makes another sound,
00:21:33cut out her tongue.
00:21:34His guards lunged
00:21:35for Blair's men.
00:21:36Blair struggled wildly,
00:21:38twisting in their grip.
00:21:39No, I have proof!
00:21:40Bring in the real
00:21:41Victoria now!
00:21:42The doors at the back
00:21:43of the cathedral
00:21:43opened again.
00:21:44And there she was,
00:21:46my stepsister.
00:21:47Victoria.
00:21:48Walking down the aisle
00:21:49in a black dress.
00:21:51Her expression caught
00:21:51between horror
00:21:52and calculation.
00:21:53Victoria was dragged
00:21:55to the center of the aisle.
00:21:56I bit my lips so hard
00:21:57I tasted blood.
00:21:58That's the real Victoria.
00:22:00He's gonna kill me now.
00:22:01He's actually gonna kill me.
00:22:02Dante watched me struggle
00:22:03to keep my face together.
00:22:05His expression
00:22:05didn't show anger.
00:22:06It showed something worse.
00:22:08Amusement.
00:22:09Blair yanked free
00:22:10from the guards
00:22:10and shoved Victoria forward.
00:22:12Tell him!
00:22:13Tell Dante
00:22:13who this bitch really is!
00:22:15Victoria looked at me.
00:22:17Something crossed her face.
00:22:18Guilt?
00:22:19Maybe?
00:22:19Or just the calculation
00:22:20of self-preservation?
00:22:22That's my stepsister,
00:22:23Arya.
00:22:23She's just a cleaner.
00:22:25She stole my invitation
00:22:26to the bachelor auction
00:22:28and pretended to be me.
00:22:29Gasps erupted
00:22:30through the room.
00:22:31Dante turned to me slowly.
00:22:33Is that true?
00:22:35Did you lie to me?
00:22:36I didn't steal it.
00:22:38She forced me to go.
00:22:39She threatened me
00:22:40with the rent.
00:22:41How could I force you?
00:22:44You wanted to crawl
00:22:45into the mafia prince's bed?
00:22:46Who knows
00:22:47what her real motive is?
00:22:49She's probably a spy
00:22:50bought by your enemies.
00:22:51Tears spilled down my face
00:22:53before I could stop them.
00:22:55My grip on Dante's sleeve
00:22:56tightened.
00:22:58Please believe me.
00:22:59I didn't even know
00:23:00you were a mafia prince.
00:23:03I didn't mean to lie to you.
00:23:05Too late to beg.
00:23:06The only way you're leaving here
00:23:07is in a body bag.
00:23:08Dante tilted my chin up
00:23:09with two fingers.
00:23:10Forced me to look at him.
00:23:12I know they're telling the truth.
00:23:13My lips trembled.
00:23:15My vision blurred.
00:23:16Then the trace of a smile
00:23:17moved across his mouth.
00:23:18I've known you were a fake
00:23:19since 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
00:23:30to Victoria.
00:23:31Victoria exhaled
00:23:32in obvious relief.
00:23:33Thank God I made her
00:23:34take my place.
00:23:35Otherwise it would be
00:23:35me paying with my life.
00:23:36Dante, I know how
00:23:37you 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.
00:23:44Dante snapped his fingers.
00:23:46Armed guards flooded the room
00:23:47from 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
00:23:55for Blair and Victoria.
00:23:56Blair's composure
00:23:57shattered instantly.
00:23:59Dante, are you crazy?
00:24:00Grab the liar, not me!
00:24:02Dante pulled me
00:24:02against his chest,
00:24:04one arm around my waist,
00:24:05shielding me
00:24:06from 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
00:24:14and only Mrs. Romano.
00:24:15My tears stopped.
00:24:16I stared up at him,
00:24:18stunned.
00:24:18She played you for a fool
00:24:19and you're still protecting her?
00:24:21Yes.
00:24:21I've known who she was
00:24:23from the very beginning.
00:24:24He lifted my hand.
00:24:25He pressed his lips
00:24:26to my knuckles,
00:24:27slow, deliberate,
00:24:28his eyes on mine
00:24:29the entire time.
00:24:30I'm not mad.
00:24:31I don't care who you are.
00:24:32You are the only woman
00:24:33I'm making my wife.
00:24:34The room erupted.
00:24:35Applause from the guests.
00:24:36Screaming from Blair.
00:24:38Dante turned to the guards
00:24:39with a flat finality
00:24:40of someone closing a door.
00:24:42The only reason
00:24:43they're leaving here breathing
00:24:44is because my wife
00:24:45showed them mercy.
00:24:47Throw them out.
00:24:48Blair and Victoria
00:24:48were dragged through
00:24:49the grand doors.
00:24:51Screaming,
00:24:51he turned back to me
00:24:52and touched my cheek.
00:24:55Now,
00:24:56let's finish the wedding.
00:24:58The priest smiled
00:24:58as Dante slid
00:24:59a massive diamond ring
00:25:00onto my finger.
00:25:01I now pronounce you
00:25:02husband and wife.
00:25:04Applause
00:25:05Before I could process it,
00:25:07Dante bent and swept me up
00:25:09into a bridal carry.
00:25:10One arm under my knees,
00:25:12one around my back,
00:25:13the world tilting sideways.
00:25:14Dante,
00:25:15what are you doing?
00:25:16Taking you to our honeymoon,
00:25:18Vegas.
00:25:18He carried me straight
00:25:19out of the cathedral.
00:25:21The private jet
00:25:21sat on the termac,
00:25:23black,
00:25:24sleek,
00:25:25the size of something
00:25:26that belonged to someone
00:25:27who never waited
00:25:27for 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,
00:25:35the cabin was soft leather
00:25:36and low light.
00:25:37A flight attendant.
00:25:39Chloe,
00:25:3920-nothing,
00:25:40in a uniform she seemed
00:25:41to be wearing as a weapon,
00:25:43leaned forward
00:25:43to hand Dante a scotch,
00:25:45the neckline of her jacket
00:25:46doing work it wasn't
00:25:47designed to do.
00:25:48Dante didn't look at her.
00:25:50I need to take a call.
00:25:51Make yourself comfortable.
00:25:54He disappeared
00:25:55into the private office.
00:25:57Chloe's smile evaporated
00:25:58the moment he was gone.
00:26:00She turned to me
00:26:01with a glass of water
00:26:02and eyes like a closed door.
00:26:04Need anything?
00:26:05Before I could answer,
00:26:07she tilted the pitcher
00:26:08and poured ice water
00:26:09directly onto my wedding dress.
00:26:11I gasped
00:26:12and lurched to my feet.
00:26:14What 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
00:26:26what happens
00:26:27to a tacky
00:26:28little country bumper
00:26:29like you.
00:26:30I've seen dozens
00:26:31of his wives on this jet.
00:26:32None of them last.
00:26:34What makes you so special?
00:26:36The words landed
00:26:37somewhere they
00:26:38wasn't supposed to reach.
00:26:40She's right.
00:26:40Why would a mafia prince
00:26:42love someone like me?
00:26:43I was just convenient.
00:26:44A contract bride.
00:26:46Nothing special.
00:26:47The cabin door opened.
00:26:49Dante stepped back in
00:26:50and stopped.
00:26:51He took in the soap dress.
00:26:53The ice water
00:26:54pooling on the cabin floor.
00:26:55My red eyes.
00:26:57His gaze moved to Chloe
00:26:58with the specific stillsness
00:26:59that permeated
00:27:00something final.
00:27:01What the hell
00:27:02did you just do
00:27:02to my wife?
00:27:03Mr. Romano,
00:27:05it wasn't my fault.
00:27:06I was just teaching
00:27:07her the rules.
00:27:08You're fired.
00:27:09Please.
00:27:10I've been your
00:27:10exclusive attendant
00:27:11for five years.
00:27:12Before I throw you
00:27:14off this plane,
00:27:16get out of my sight.
00:27:18Chloe fled to the back
00:27:19of the cabin.
00:27:20Dante crossed to me.
00:27:22He reached for the straps
00:27:23of my soaked dress.
00:27:26You'll freeze.
00:27:27Let's get this off.
00:27:27I flinched back.
00:27:28Don't.
00:27:29He stopped, frowned.
00:27:31The show is over, Dante.
00:27:33You don't have to play
00:27:34the doting husband
00:27:35when no one's watching.
00:27:38He grabbed my chin
00:27:39and turned my face
00:27:40toward his.
00:27:41You think I just fired
00:27:42my staff of five years
00:27:43for a show?
00:27:44I held his gaze.
00:27:45I think your staff
00:27:46was right.
00:27:46I'm just a contract
00:27:47wife to you.
00:27:48Let's keep it professional.
00:27:50Something shifted
00:27:50in 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
00:27:58American Express card
00:27:59from his wallet
00:28:00and dropped it
00:28:00into my lap
00:28:01without looking at me.
00:28:02Spend my money.
00:28:03Start acting like
00:28:03a mafia wife.
00:28:05He stood and walked
00:28:05to the exit
00:28:06without another word.
00:28:07I sat alone in the cabin,
00:28:09the soap dress cold
00:28:09against my skin,
00:28:10the card in my hands.
00:28:12Fine.
00:28:12I'll be your perfect
00:28:13contract wife
00:28:14and nothing more.
00:28:15The hotel lobby
00:28:16was marble and crystal
00:28:17and people who moved
00:28:18like they belonged there.
00:28:20I didn't belong there.
00:28:21I sat at the bar a dry
00:28:22I'd found in the suite's wardrobe,
00:28:23staring at the black card
00:28:24on the counter in front of me,
00:28:26turning it over and over.
00:28:27Dante had gone straight
00:28:28back to work.
00:28:29Honeymoon.
00:28:30First night,
00:28:31back to work.
00:28:31Contract wife,
00:28:33dumped at the hotel
00:28:33on her honeymoon.
00:28:34A wave of noise
00:28:35broke over me.
00:28:36A group of girls,
00:28:38glittery and laughing
00:28:39and moving at the speed
00:28:40of people who had decided
00:28:41tonight 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
00:28:45for the crowd,
00:28:45clipped my shoulder.
00:28:47Oh my god,
00:28:48I'm so sorry.
00:28:48Wait,
00:28:49why is a girl
00:28:50as hot as you
00:28:50sitting here alone?
00:28:51My husband had to work,
00:28:52so 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,
00:29:00about sitting in it alone
00:29:01until Dante got back
00:29:02or performed nothing for nobody.
00:29:03Dante doesn't care about me anymore.
00:29:05I deserve to have some fun.
00:29:06Yes.
00:29:07Let's go.
00:29:08At the club,
00:29:09bass thumbed through the floor
00:29:10and 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
00:29:17and looked at me.
00:29:19It's your birthday too now.
00:29:21I looked at the cheap prozoco
00:29:22on the tray.
00:29:23Then,
00:29:23I took the black card
00:29:24out of my clutch
00:29:24and slapped it down.
00:29:25Bring us the most expensive
00:29:27champagne you have.
00:29:28It's on me.
00:29:29The girl screamed.
00:29:31Across the city,
00:29:32in a Romano group boardroom,
00:29:34Dante's phone lit up.
00:29:38He arrived the way
00:29:39he 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
00:29:46from the stage and grinned.
00:29:47The crowd had screamed.
00:29:48I'd shaken my head frantically.
00:29:50He grabbed my wrist
00:29:50and hauled me up
00:29:51before I finished the sentence.
00:29:52He planted me in a leather chair
00:29:54at center stage,
00:29:55straddled my lap
00:29:55and grounded his hips
00:29:56to the music
00:29:57with his bare chest
00:29:57six inches from my face.
00:29:59The crowd lost their minds.
00:30:01He grabbed my hand
00:30:02and dragged it toward his abs.
00:30:04I tried to pull back.
00:30:05He held my palm flat
00:30:06against his skin.
00:30:07Then the entrance doors
00:30:08crashed open.
00:30:09Dante stood in the doorway
00:30:10in a black suit,
00:30:11completely still,
00:30:12looking across the club
00:30:12directly at me.
00:30:13He walked through the crowd
00:30:15like it wasn't there.
00:30:16The stripper stepped
00:30:16into his path.
00:30:17Hey,
00:30:17can't be up here.
00:30:18One punch.
00:30:19Clean.
00:30:20The man went down.
00:30:22Dante stepped over him
00:30:24and pinned my hands
00:30:25to the armrests
00:30:25of the chair,
00:30:26leaning in close.
00:30:28Having fun,
00:30:29wifey?
00:30:30I shrunk back
00:30:31into the seat,
00:30:32my heart hammering.
00:30:33You left me alone
00:30:34on our honeymoon
00:30:34for work.
00:30:35I was just...
00:30:36Put me down!
00:30:37Everyone is watching!
00:30:38His hand landed
00:30:38square on my backside.
00:30:39I gasped frozen.
00:30:41I have every right
00:30:41to take my wife out of here.
00:30:42Then he pressed his lips
00:30:43directly against my exposed thigh.
00:30:45He carried me
00:30:45straight through the crowd
00:30:46and out into the Vegas night
00:30:47without setting me down.
00:30:48He tossed me onto the hotel bed.
00:30:50I scrambled backward
00:30:51on my hands,
00:30:52heart pounding,
00:30:53watching him.
00:30:54He was breathing hard,
00:30:55not from the walk,
00:30:56not from the crowd,
00:30:57from something else.
00:30:58One minute to explain
00:30:59before I decide
00:31:00how you'll be punished.
00:31:01Wh-what do you mean?
00:31:04He unbuckled his leather belt
00:31:06and yanked it free.
00:31:07My eyes went wide.
00:31:07My wife misbehaved,
00:31:09so she needs to learn
00:31:10the consequences.
00:31:11He lunged.
00:31:12The belt looped
00:31:13around my wrists,
00:31:13once, twice,
00:31:14and I was bound.
00:31:15I pushed at his chest
00:31:16with both hands
00:31:17bound to their now,
00:31:17trying to create distance.
00:31:18I didn't do anything wrong!
00:31:19You left me alone
00:31:20on our honeymoon for work,
00:31:22so I found my own fun!
00:31:23Dante grabbed the tail
00:31:24of me forward,
00:31:25yanked it.
00:31:25The Force jerked me forward
00:31:26until we were face to face.
00:31:27Fun, half-naked strippers
00:31:28are your idea of fun?
00:31:29Those men actually
00:31:30looked at me!
00:31:31I hadn't meant to say it,
00:31:33but I couldn't take it back.
00:31:35To you,
00:31:35I'm just a signature
00:31:36on a contract.
00:31:37You don't have to pretend to care!
00:31:38You think a stupid contract
00:31:39makes me want to kill
00:31:40any guy who looks at you?
00:31:41I didn't know I could
00:31:42lose my mind
00:31:42over someone like this!
00:31:43You're jealous.
00:31:44You're actually
00:31:45jealous over me.
00:31:46He held my graze.
00:31:47Something in his expression
00:31:48dropped all its armor.
00:31:49I am losing my mind
00:31:50over you, insanely.
00:31:52He kissed me,
00:31:53not carefully,
00:31:54not the way he'd kissed
00:31:55my hand at the altar
00:31:56controlled and
00:31:57public and safe.
00:31:58This was everything
00:31:59he'd been holding back.
00:32:00All day,
00:32:01all week,
00:32:02maybe longer than that,
00:32:02and I felt it in my knees
00:32:04and my chest
00:32:04and somewhere further down.
00:32:06I yielded before I decided to.
00:32:07My bound hands
00:32:08found his face.
00:32:10I cupped his jaw
00:32:11and pulled him deeper
00:32:12and tasted the champagne
00:32:13on him
00:32:13and didn't think about
00:32:14contracts or Chloe
00:32:16or what any of this
00:32:17was supposed to mean.
00:32:19Tell 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
00:32:26clearly for a long time.
00:32:27Morning came through
00:32:28the curtains of the
00:32:29presidential suite,
00:32:30warm and disorienting.
00:32:32I woke clutching the duvy,
00:32:33blinking at the light.
00:32:34Dante stood at the mirror,
00:32:36already dressed,
00:32:37adjusting his tie.
00:32:38Good morning, wife.
00:32:39There was a line of stylers
00:32:40waiting against the wall,
00:32:41racks of hau couture gowns,
00:32:43velvet trays of diamonds.
00:32:44I stared at all of it.
00:32:45What is all this?
00:32:47He crossed the room
00:32:48and scooped me up
00:32:49from the bed.
00:32:50Dante.
00:32:51He carried me to the stylers
00:32:52and set me in front of them.
00:32:54Pick whatever you like.
00:32:55This is too much.
00:32:57You're my wife.
00:32:58You can have anything you want.
00:33:01He stepped behind me
00:33:02and lifted a diamond necklace
00:33:03from the velvet tray.
00:33:04His fingers were careful
00:33:05at my neck,
00:33:06cold clasp,
00:33:07warm skin,
00:33:08and I watched him
00:33:09in the mirror as he worked.
00:33:10He met my eyes
00:33:11in the reflection
00:33:11and held them.
00:33:12And you'll attend
00:33:12the Black Orid Gala
00:33:13on my arm
00:33:14as my wife.
00:33:15I touched the stones
00:33:16at my throat.
00:33:17They were heavier
00:33:17than they looked.
00:33:19Make my wife unforgettable.
00:33:21The stylist swept me
00:33:22toward the dressing room.
00:33:23I glanced back
00:33:24over my shoulder,
00:33:25flushed,
00:33:26unsteady,
00:33:26and caught him
00:33:27leaning against the window
00:33:28watching the door close
00:33:29with something warm
00:33:30in his face.
00:33:31Then his phone buzzed.
00:33:32He answered it.
00:33:34The warmth vanished.
00:33:35Father.
00:33:36Victor's voice
00:33:37came through cold
00:33:38and furious.
00:33:38I heard what you did
00:33:39at the wedding.
00:33:40Risking a war
00:33:41with Blair Vance family
00:33:42for a goddamn cleaner?
00:33:43You've lost your mind.
00:33:45The dressing room doors opened.
00:33:46I stepped out
00:33:47in the finished gown.
00:33:48Transformed.
00:33:49Glittering.
00:33:49Not quite recognizing myself
00:33:50until they turned in
00:33:51and looked at me.
00:33:52Our eyes locked
00:33:53across the room.
00:33:53She's the last Falcone
00:33:55they kept hidden
00:33:55and that name still
00:33:56carries weight.
00:33:57I know what I'm doing.
00:33:58He ended the call
00:33:59without another word.
00:34:01I didn't ask about it.
00:34:02He extended his arm
00:34:03and I took it
00:34:04and we walked out together
00:34:06into whatever came next.
00:34:07The Black Orid Gala
00:34:08was chandeliers
00:34:09and old money
00:34:10and people who had
00:34:10never once doubted
00:34:11they belonged anywhere.
00:34:12I doubted it
00:34:13with every step.
00:34:14Dante kept me close.
00:34:15His hand over mine
00:34:16where I gripped his arm,
00:34:17his body angled
00:34:18slightly in front of mine
00:34:18whenever someone
00:34:19stepped too near.
00:34:21I've never been
00:34:21to a place like this before.
00:34:23He covered my hand.
00:34:24His thumb moved
00:34:24in a slow stroke
00:34:25across 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
00:34:31toward a tall man
00:34:32standing apart
00:34:32from the crowd.
00:34:33Leon Falcone,
00:34:3450, still and watchful
00:34:35and utterly in command
00:34:36of his corner of the room.
00:34:37His associate scrambled away
00:34:38the once in Dante approach.
00:34:39Mr. Leon Falcone,
00:34:41meet my wife,
00:34:42Aria Sinclair.
00:34:42Leon went completely still.
00:34:44His eyes snapped wide,
00:34:45something raw and stud
00:34:46moving through his face
00:34:47before he could lock it down.
00:34:48I had never met this man
00:34:49in my life,
00:34:49but something about him
00:34:50made my chest ache
00:34:51with an unnamed familiarity.
00:34:52I forced a polite smile
00:34:53and extended my hand.
00:34:54An honor to meet you,
00:34:55Mr. Falcone.
00:34:56Leon grasped my fingertips gently.
00:34:58His eyes glistered red.
00:34:59The honor is mine.
00:35:01I pulled my hand back,
00:35:02unsettled by the intensity
00:35:03of his expression.
00:35:05We've never met.
00:35:06So why does he feel
00:35:07like someone I've always known?
00:35:10Dante pressed a champagne
00:35:11flasked into my hand.
00:35:13Go mingle, Aria.
00:35:15I need a private word
00:35:16with Mr. Falcone.
00:35:20I nodded and walked away.
00:35:22Behind me,
00:35:23I heard Leon's voice
00:35:24drop to something low and lethal.
00:35:26You dragged my daughter
00:35:27back into the mafia world.
00:35:28What do you want?
00:35:29An alliance.
00:35:31It's mutually beneficial
00:35:32for both our families.
00:35:34You cold-blooded bastard.
00:35:37You're using my daughter
00:35:38as leverage.
00:35:39I'm using my name
00:35:40to protect her.
00:35:41Something you failed to do
00:35:43while she was suffering
00:35:43on the streets.
00:35:47I didn't understand
00:35:48any of it.
00:35:50I stood alone
00:35:51by a massive
00:35:52crystal champagne tower,
00:35:54tugging at the hem
00:35:55of my gown.
00:35:57Watching people
00:35:58who had spent
00:35:58their whole lives
00:35:59in rooms like this?
00:36:01Will I ever stop
00:36:02feeling like I'm wearing
00:36:03someone else's life?
00:36:05Blair stepped into my path.
00:36:06She came in from my left,
00:36:08materializing out of the crowd
00:36:09with a glass in her hand
00:36:10and a smile
00:36:11that didn't reach her eyes.
00:36:13She looked me up and down,
00:36:15slow, deliberate.
00:36:16The way someone looks
00:36:18at a stain
00:36:18they're considering removing.
00:36:20Who let the cleaner in?
00:36:23I can't believe
00:36:24you have the nerve
00:36:25to show your face
00:36:26at an exclusive gala
00:36:27like this.
00:36:29I kept my face still.
00:36:31Don't make a scene.
00:36:33Do not make a scene.
00:36:37Excuse me.
00:36:38I'm leaving.
00:36:39I turned.
00:36:41Her stiletto came down
00:36:42on the trailing hem
00:36:43of my gown.
00:36:44The fabric tore
00:36:45wide open.
00:36:47I nearly went down.
00:36:53I didn't say
00:36:54you could leave.
00:36:59Across the room,
00:37:00Dante and Leon
00:37:01heard the crack
00:37:02of shattering cloth
00:37:03over the music.
00:37:06Both of them turned.
00:37:08Blair grabbed
00:37:08a fistful of my hair.
00:37:10The pain was immediate
00:37:11and sharp.
00:37:12I gasped,
00:37:13couldn't stop it,
00:37:14and my hand
00:37:15flew up instinctively.
00:37:16Stop it!
00:37:17What do you want?
00:37:18I want you
00:37:19out of my world.
00:37:20I want my place
00:37:22back as Mrs. Romano.
00:37:23She shoved me
00:37:24backward.
00:37:25Hard.
00:37:26I crashed
00:37:28into the champagne tower,
00:37:29and the whole pyramid
00:37:31went with me.
00:37:35Hundreds of crystal
00:37:37glasses shattered.
00:37:38I was shattered.
00:37:38Blair yanked me
00:37:39by the arm
00:37:40and slammed me
00:37:41onto the soaking floor.
00:37:43I laid there
00:37:45in the wreckage
00:37:45with every eye
00:37:47in the hall
00:37:48locked onto me.
00:37:50Blair turned
00:37:50to the crowd,
00:37:51performing horror.
00:37:53How terribly clumsy!
00:37:55Look what she did!
00:38:00We need to teach
00:38:01this cheap wrap
00:38:02a lesson
00:38:03for ruining
00:38:04the vintage champagne.
00:38:08I didn't mean to!
00:38:10It was her!
00:38:11She pushed me!
00:38:13Shut up!
00:38:17How dare you
00:38:18talk back to me!
00:38:23She snapped her fingers.
00:38:25Two goons
00:38:25stepped forward
00:38:26and hauled me
00:38:27to my knees.
00:38:28Blair picked up
00:38:29a jagged spirit
00:38:29of broken glass
00:38:31and walked
00:38:31toward me
00:38:32with the unharried
00:38:33confidence
00:38:33of someone
00:38:34who had never
00:38:35been stopped.
00:38:37Let's see if Dante
00:38:38still wants you
00:38:39when your face
00:38:40is carved to pieces.
00:38:41She gripped my chin,
00:38:43pressed the sharp edge
00:38:45against my cheek.
00:38:47No!
00:38:48Don't!
00:38:49Don't!
00:38:50The bullet
00:38:51grazed her arm,
00:38:52blood blooming
00:38:53instantly through
00:38:54her sleeve.
00:38:55Blair screamed
00:38:56and she dropped
00:38:57the glass.
00:39:02Through the chaos,
00:39:03the crowd parted.
00:39:05Dante walked
00:39:06toward me
00:39:07with a smoking gun
00:39:08in his hand
00:39:09and absolute
00:39:10murder in his eyes.
00:39:16Nobody touches
00:39:17my wife.
00:39:18He stripped
00:39:19his jacket off
00:39:19and wrapped it
00:39:20around my shoulders.
00:39:21He pulled me
00:39:22against his chest.
00:39:23Blair stared
00:39:24at the blood
00:39:24on her arm,
00:39:25pale and shaking.
00:39:26You shot me?
00:39:27I'll call my father.
00:39:28He will destroy
00:39:29the Romano family
00:39:30for this.
00:39:30This is war!
00:39:31Then your family
00:39:32is at war
00:39:33with the Falcones too.
00:39:36Leon shot
00:39:36Blair's two goons
00:39:38dead.
00:39:39Blair's legs
00:39:39gave out.
00:39:40She collapsed
00:39:41to the floor,
00:39:42trembling.
00:39:43I stared at Leon,
00:39:45stunned.
00:39:46Why is he
00:39:47defending me?
00:39:48Dante looked
00:39:49down at Blair
00:39:49with ice-cold contempt.
00:39:51Tell your father
00:39:52I'm cutting all ties.
00:39:53The Vances
00:39:54are finished.
00:39:55And listen up.
00:39:57Anyone who backs
00:39:58them is at war
00:39:59with the Romano.
00:39:59No!
00:40:00You can't!
00:40:01Dante!
00:40:02He gestured.
00:40:04His guards
00:40:05grabbed her.
00:40:06They dragged
00:40:07her out screaming.
00:40:11Then his hand
00:40:12found my draw,
00:40:13tipping my face up.
00:40:15Are you hurt?
00:40:16I shook my head.
00:40:18I just need a minute
00:40:19to clean myself up.
00:40:21I pulled away.
00:40:22I slipped down
00:40:23the corridor alone.
00:40:25His jacket
00:40:26was too big.
00:40:27I pulled it tighter
00:40:28around my shoulders
00:40:29and tried to breathe.
00:40:31Arya had a glass
00:40:32shard against her face.
00:40:33She's not safe
00:40:34with you.
00:40:34I handled it.
00:40:36I always will.
00:40:37She is under
00:40:38my protection.
00:40:39I need more
00:40:40than your word.
00:40:42I didn't hear
00:40:43Dante's answer.
00:40:47A hand
00:40:48clamped hard
00:40:49over my mouth.
00:40:50He wrenched me
00:40:51backward toward
00:40:52the exit.
00:40:53A pretty thing
00:40:54at a gala like this,
00:40:55you're gonna fetch
00:40:56me a massive ransom.
00:40:57I thrashed with
00:40:58everything I had.
00:40:59I bit down
00:41:00on his hand
00:41:01as hard
00:41:01as I could.
00:41:04Dante!
00:41:05Help!
00:41:06Dante, help!
00:41:17The world
00:41:18went dark.
00:41:20Help!
00:41:21Back in the hall,
00:41:22Dante and Leon
00:41:23heard my scream
00:41:24at the same moment.
00:41:25Dante's face
00:41:26went to stone.
00:41:27Shut up
00:41:28and move.
00:41:29My snipers
00:41:30have had eyes
00:41:30on her all night.
00:41:31We are getting
00:41:32her back right now.
00:41:34He drew his gun.
00:41:35He drew his gun
00:41:36and sprinted.
00:41:38Leon followed.
00:41:45Outside,
00:41:46the robber
00:41:46was dragging me
00:41:47toward a black van.
00:41:48The side entrance
00:41:49burst open.
00:41:50Dante and Leon
00:41:51came through at a run.
00:41:52The robber saw them
00:41:53and hauled me upright.
00:41:54He pressed his gun
00:41:55to my temple
00:41:55and used my limp body
00:41:56as a shield.
00:41:57Back off!
00:41:58Give me a safe passage
00:41:59out or I blow
00:42:00her brains out!
00:42:01A sniper's laser dot
00:42:02swept across
00:42:02the robber's chest
00:42:03and couldn't hold.
00:42:05Too close.
00:42:07Too much risk.
00:42:08Your sniper
00:42:09doesn't have a shot.
00:42:10What do we do?
00:42:15Dante slowly lowered
00:42:17his gun
00:42:17and raised both hands.
00:42:18His voice came out
00:42:19completely stead.
00:42:21Easy.
00:42:21You want money?
00:42:22The robber nodded,
00:42:23sweating.
00:42:24Dante took a step forward.
00:42:25The gun shifted,
00:42:26pointing at Dante
00:42:27now instead.
00:42:27Dante kept walking,
00:42:29step by step,
00:42:30unhurried.
00:42:31Let's make a trade.
00:42:33Her for me.
00:42:35Why the hell
00:42:35would you do that?
00:42:40Because she matters more.
00:42:43He lunged.
00:42:45The gun went off.
00:42:47The bullet grazed his cheek.
00:42:48Blood immediately.
00:42:50But he didn't even flinch.
00:42:51He snapped the robber's wrist
00:42:53backward.
00:42:55His arm came around my waist,
00:42:57pulling me hard
00:42:57against his chest.
00:42:59Got you.
00:43:01I woke up in his arms.
00:43:03Dante's face
00:43:03hovered above mine.
00:43:05Blood traced a line
00:43:06down his jaw
00:43:06from the graze
00:43:07across his cheek.
00:43:08His dark eyes were soft
00:43:09in a way I hadn't seen before.
00:43:11He looked at me
00:43:12like he'd been waiting
00:43:12for me to open my eyes
00:43:13and couldn't quite believe I had.
00:43:15Got you.
00:43:16His guards
00:43:16swarmed the scene behind him.
00:43:18The robber was on his knees,
00:43:20begging.
00:43:20I'll never do it again.
00:43:21Please,
00:43:22let me go.
00:43:23Leon shot the robber dead
00:43:24before Dante could respond.
00:43:26Dante looked up,
00:43:27surprised.
00:43:28Leon holstered his gun calmly.
00:43:30I prefer to handle threats
00:43:31to my daughter myself.
00:43:36He patted Dante's shoulder.
00:43:38Thank you,
00:43:39Dante,
00:43:40for getting to Arian time.
00:43:41Every time.
00:43:43She's my wife.
00:43:44I will do whatever
00:43:45it takes to keep her safe.
00:43:48Now we can discuss
00:43:49a business alliance.
00:43:52But you swear
00:43:53to keep her true identity
00:43:54a secret.
00:43:58I won't have her life
00:44:00complicated by our world.
00:44:02You have my word.
00:44:03Inside the gala's
00:44:04quiet lounge,
00:44:05Dante carried me in.
00:44:06Dante laid me down
00:44:08on a plough sofa.
00:44:10I opened my eyes slowly.
00:44:12Dante.
00:44:13He gripped my hand
00:44:14immediately.
00:44:15I'm right here.
00:44:16The doctor is on the way.
00:44:18Leon exhaled in relief.
00:44:20He turned toward the door.
00:44:24Something made me call after him.
00:44:27Wait!
00:44:28Mr. Falcone!
00:44:30He stopped.
00:44:33We've never met before.
00:44:36But why do you care
00:44:37so much about me?
00:44:42Why do you feel so familiar?
00:44:48Who are you to me,
00:44:49exactly?
00:44:58Both of them went very still.
00:45:03Leon forced a gentle smile.
00:45:05He stepped forward.
00:45:07He tucked the blanket around me.
00:45:09I just feel a kinship with you, Arya.
00:45:12You've been through enough tonight.
00:45:14Just rest.
00:45:15The answer felt wrong,
00:45:16but I was too tired to push.
00:45:18Leon turned toward the door.
00:45:20As he passed Dante,
00:45:22their eyes met.
00:45:23Something heavy and unspoken
00:45:25passed between them.
00:45:26Don't forget our agreement, Dante.
00:45:29Dante nodded.
00:45:31Leon left.
00:45:32The door closed.
00:45:34Dante dropped to one knee beside my.
00:45:36He gently brushed the hair
00:45:38from my face.
00:45:39His thumb traced my jawline.
00:45:42Did he hurt you?
00:45:43Does anything hurt?
00:45:45I shook my head.
00:45:48Then my eyes found his cheek.
00:45:50The grays.
00:45:51The blood still drying on his jaw.
00:45:53My hand moved toward it instinctively,
00:45:55hovering just inches from his skin.
00:45:57Dante, your face.
00:45:59You're bleeding.
00:46:00You took a bullet for me.
00:46:02You could have died.
00:46:04He caught my trembling hand.
00:46:05Slowly, deliberately,
00:46:07he pressed my palm flat
00:46:09against his wounded cheek.
00:46:12Hey, it's just a scratch.
00:46:13I barely feel it.
00:46:15He leaned into my touch,
00:46:17his eyes never leaving mine.
00:46:19I will always protect you, Arya.
00:46:22Nothing matters more to me
00:46:23than your safety.
00:46:24I looked down at him,
00:46:26kneeling there with blood on his face
00:46:28and my hand against his jaw.
00:46:30Something cracked open
00:46:31in the center of my chest
00:46:32that I didn't have a name for yet.
00:46:34He turned his head.
00:46:36He pressed a soft kiss
00:46:38into the center of my palm.
00:46:40My breath caught.
00:46:42He stood.
00:46:44He slid his arms under me.
00:46:47He lifted me without asking.
00:46:49Where are you taking me?
00:46:51To the hotel,
00:46:52so you can finally rest.
00:46:55Tomorrow, we're going home.
00:46:58He carried me out.
00:47:00And I didn't ask him
00:47:01to put me down.
00:47:05The new flight attendant
00:47:07greeted us at the jet door
00:47:08with a silver tray.
00:47:10Welcome back, Mr. Romano.
00:47:19I sat stiffly in my seat,
00:47:21hands tight in my lap.
00:47:22The memory was already playing
00:47:24behind my eyes,
00:47:25Chloe tilting the pitcher.
00:47:27Ice water flooding my dress.
00:47:29What makes you so special?
00:47:34Dante noticed.
00:47:36He reached over
00:47:37and interlaced his fingers with mine.
00:47:43This is my wife.
00:47:45The one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:47:48I blinked.
00:47:49Anyone who disrespects her
00:47:51disrespects me.
00:47:54Understood?
00:47:56Lily bowed immediately.
00:47:58My deepest apologies,
00:47:59Mrs. Romano.
00:48:02Dante released my hand.
00:48:04Dante gestured openly,
00:48:06leaving the response to me.
00:48:08Lily lowered her posture
00:48:09and spoke softly.
00:48:10Mrs. Romano,
00:48:11would you like a warm towel
00:48:12or some fresh fruit?
00:48:13I am entirely at your service.
00:48:16Um,
00:48:17just a glass of warm water,
00:48:19please?
00:48:23Lily brought it with both hands.
00:48:25My shoulders dropped.
00:48:28I smiled before I could stop myself.
00:48:32Dante leaned in close.
00:48:33His voice was low and amused.
00:48:36Feel better, Mrs. Romano?
00:48:39Heat hit my face immediately.
00:48:42I stood up to escape him.
00:48:44I need to use the restroom.
00:48:46The turbulence hit
00:48:47before I finished the sentence.
00:48:49I grabbed the nearest thing,
00:48:51Dante's collar.
00:48:52The buttons ripped.
00:48:53We went down together.
00:48:55I landed straddling his lap
00:48:57with my hands flat
00:48:57on his bare chest.
00:48:59The air between us
00:49:00went very still.
00:49:02I pushed against his chest,
00:49:03trying to slide off his lap.
00:49:05His hands locked on my waist
00:49:06and held.
00:49:07I didn't realize
00:49:08you were in such a rush.
00:49:10Tearing my clothes off already?
00:49:11I didn't mean to.
00:49:13It was the turbulence.
00:49:14Then why are your hands
00:49:16still right on my chest?
00:49:17I tried to snatch them back.
00:49:18He caught both my wrists
00:49:19with one hand
00:49:20and held them against him.
00:49:21I bit my lip
00:49:22and looked anywhere but his face.
00:49:23We are beginning our descent.
00:49:24Please secure for landing.
00:49:25Dante let out an amused sigh.
00:49:27He guided me off his lap
00:49:28and into the seat beside him.
00:49:30Then he leaned over
00:49:30and buckled my seatbelt himself.
00:49:32His lips brushed my ear.
00:49:35You're lucky.
00:49:36Saved by the captain.
00:49:45We landed.
00:49:47The Romano estate
00:49:48swallowed us whole.
00:49:49Iron gates,
00:49:50a Rolls Royce up the drive,
00:49:52a mansion that looked like
00:49:53it had existed forever
00:49:54and would continue to do so
00:49:56regardless of what happened
00:49:57to the people inside it.
00:49:58Dante helped me out of the car.
00:50:00He stood beside me
00:50:01while I stared.
00:50:02Welcome to the Romano estate.
00:50:06Our home.
00:50:08Our home.
00:50:10I turned the words over
00:50:12and couldn't quite fit them to reality.
00:50:17Sam appeared at the top of the steps,
00:50:19looking tense.
00:50:21Sir, your father demands to see you.
00:50:23He's waiting in the study.
00:50:25Dante touched my cheek.
00:50:27The maids will show you to our room.
00:50:30Go rest.
00:50:31I'll be right back.
00:50:32He walked inside.
00:50:37I noticed his wallet sitting on the car seat.
00:50:40He forgot it.
00:50:42I grabbed it
00:50:44and followed him into the mansion.
00:50:49The study door was slightly ocher.
00:50:53I raised my hand to knock
00:50:55and Victor's voice stopped me.
00:50:58She is the perfect leverage.
00:51:00Leon Falcone's only daughter.
00:51:02You should use her to...
00:51:03Tightened around the wallet.
00:51:04Leon Falcone's only daughter.
00:51:06Who is his only daughter?
00:51:07The door yanked open.
00:51:09Dante came out fast,
00:51:10jaw set,
00:51:11fury barely contained.
00:51:13The kind of controlled anger
00:51:14that was somehow worse than shouting.
00:51:16He nearly walked straight into me.
00:51:18He stopped dead.
00:51:19His eyes dropped to me,
00:51:20then to the wallet
00:51:21in my outstretched hand.
00:51:23How long have you been standing there?
00:51:26What did you hear?
00:51:29Nothing.
00:51:30I just got here.
00:51:31His grip closed around my shoulders.
00:51:34Firm, interrogating.
00:51:36What did you hear?
00:51:38I felt the sting of it.
00:51:39The suspicion,
00:51:41the coldness.
00:51:42The way he looked at me
00:51:43like I was a problem
00:51:44that needed to be managed.
00:51:47I just wanted to bring you your wallet.
00:51:49I held it up.
00:51:51He looked at it.
00:51:53His grip loosened.
00:51:55He took it.
00:51:56But his posture didn't change.
00:51:59Rigid.
00:51:59Distant.
00:52:00A wall going up in real time.
00:52:04You don't need to do this.
00:52:06Have the maids bring things next time.
00:52:08Are you hiding something from me?
00:52:14Nothing.
00:52:15Nothing.
00:52:18Don't listen in on us again.
00:52:23The study door opened behind him.
00:52:26Victor stepped out.
00:52:28He looked at me with naked disdain.
00:52:31The look of a man who had never once considered me
00:52:34a real person.
00:52:36Then turned to Dante.
00:52:38Remember who you are.
00:52:40You are the Romano heir.
00:52:44The family comes first.
00:52:49His eyes cut to me.
00:52:52Everything.
00:52:53And everyone else comes second.
00:52:55He pushed past us and walked away.
00:52:58Dante's hand curled into a fist at his side.
00:53:01I'm sorry Aria.
00:53:02I gave your father my word.
00:53:04I can't let you know you're the Falcone Harris.
00:53:07Not yet.
00:53:08He grabbed my wrist.
00:53:10Not gently.
00:53:12Urgent.
00:53:13Tight.
00:53:13The grip of someone making a decision.
00:53:17We're leaving.
00:53:18Right now.
00:53:19You said this was our home.
00:53:21Why are you taking me away?
00:53:23He wrapped his arm around my waist and started moving,
00:53:26pinning me against his side,
00:53:28half dragging me toward the exit.
00:53:30I stumbled trying to keep up.
00:53:33Somewhere no one can hurt you.
00:53:36What am I to you?
00:53:37A dirty secret?
00:53:38A pet you can lock away wherever it's convenient?
00:53:42I shoved his chest with both hands.
00:53:45He didn't even move.
00:53:46Stop overthinking.
00:53:48I'm doing this to protect you.
00:53:49I don't need your protection.
00:53:51I don't want a marriage built on secrets and lies.
00:53:53I yanked my wrists free and turned to walk away.
00:53:57He caught me in two strides.
00:53:59His arm hooked around my waist from behind hard,
00:54:01pulling me back against his chest.
00:54:03I struggled.
00:54:04He held.
00:54:06His lips brushed my ear.
00:54:08Did you really think I'd ever let you leave?
00:54:10The car was waiting.
00:54:12I had nowhere to go.
00:54:14The drive took us out of the city and along a winding coastal road,
00:54:17cliffs, ocean, sky.
00:54:19I stared out the window and didn't speak.
00:54:21Dante drove like a man who'd made up his mind about something
00:54:24and wasn't interested in relitigating it.
00:54:29The villa appeared below us,
00:54:31glass walls, stone terraces,
00:54:32isolated above the waterline like the world couldn't find you here if it tried.
00:54:36Where are we?
00:54:38My private safe house.
00:54:41No one knows about it.
00:54:42He got out and walked to my door and opened it.
00:54:46I didn't move.
00:54:50He looked at me.
00:54:52Something in his expression shifted.
00:54:56Please don't go.
00:54:58Everything I've done,
00:54:59everything I do,
00:55:01it's to keep you safe.
00:55:02Memories came back to me without warning.
00:55:05His body in front of mine in the cathedral,
00:55:07his hand raised with mine.
00:55:08Don't you dare touch my wife.
00:55:09I know she's lying to me.
00:55:11I don't give a fuck.
00:55:13She'll be the one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:55:14My rigid posture softened before I could stop it.
00:55:17Then promise me,
00:55:18no more secrets.
00:55:20In this house,
00:55:21there are no secrets between us,
00:55:22except one.
00:55:24You can never know you're the Falcone heiress.
00:55:26He led me inside.
00:55:28The space was breathtaking.
00:55:29Light everywhere,
00:55:31the ocean filling every window,
00:55:32clean and still,
00:55:33and completely cut off from everything we'd left behind.
00:55:36Go wait in the kitchen.
00:55:37I have a surprise for you.
00:55:38I sat at the marble island
00:55:40and looked around at the room
00:55:41and tried to figure out what to do with my hands.
00:55:43Then Dante walked in.
00:55:45He was shirtless,
00:55:47dark canvas apron tied at his waist,
00:55:49sculpted and casual about it
00:55:51in a way that suggested
00:55:52he had absolutely no idea what it was doing to me.
00:55:55Why aren't you wearing a shirt?
00:55:57He leaned across the counter
00:55:58until his face was inches from mine.
00:56:00It was my only clean shirt.
00:56:02Didn't want to get it dirty.
00:56:05What are you doing?
00:56:06He cupped my face
00:56:07and lifted my gaze to his.
00:56:08Cooking for my wife.
00:56:09He pulled out a ribeye,
00:56:10massive,
00:56:11top-plead,
00:56:11the kind you see behind glass
00:56:13in restaurants where you don't ask the price.
00:56:14What are you making?
00:56:15Your favorite.
00:56:16He turned to the stove.
00:56:18I sat with my chin in my hands
00:56:19and watched him work.
00:56:20Heat from the flame
00:56:21lit up the lines of his back.
00:56:22His arms moved
00:56:23with the same effortless control
00:56:24he brought to everything.
00:56:26Seasoning,
00:56:26heat,
00:56:27timing,
00:56:27and the smell of butter and herbs
00:56:29filled the room.
00:56:29Dante set the plated steak
00:56:31in front of me.
00:56:32How did you know this is my favorite?
00:56:34He leaned back against the counter
00:56:36with a faint smile.
00:56:37At the bachelor auction,
00:56:38every woman in the room
00:56:39was staring at me.
00:56:40Except you.
00:56:41You were busy devouring
00:56:43that ribeye with your eyes.
00:56:44My face went hot.
00:56:46He noticed me.
00:56:48Even way back then.
00:56:50He picked up the knife and fork
00:56:52and cut a piece for me.
00:56:53Then held it out.
00:56:55Eat.
00:56:56There are no rules here.
00:56:57It's just you and me.
00:56:58I took it.
00:56:59Warm, perfect.
00:57:00Just seared enough
00:57:01I couldn't keep the sound
00:57:01of happiness out of my voice.
00:57:03You're a master chef.
00:57:04This is so good.
00:57:04His gaze darkened.
00:57:05His thumb moved
00:57:06to the corner of my lip
00:57:07slowly,
00:57:07catching a mirror of sauce.
00:57:09He didn't pull back.
00:57:10He held my gaze
00:57:10and traced my lower lip.
00:57:12Deliberate,
00:57:13unhurried,
00:57:13and leaned in close enough
00:57:14that I forgot how to breathe.
00:57:16Then his phone erupted
00:57:17on the counter.
00:57:21He pulled back.
00:57:22His jaw tightened
00:57:23when he saw the screen.
00:57:30Caller ID.
00:57:31Father.
00:57:32He straightened.
00:57:33The softness in his face
00:57:35locked back into place.
00:57:36Sorry, Arya.
00:57:37I have to handle this.
00:57:38Right now.
00:57:39Be careful.
00:57:41I'll be here waiting for you.
00:57:42He untied the apron
00:57:43and threw on his shirt
00:57:44moving fast.
00:57:45Then he stopped at the door
00:57:46and turned back.
00:57:47He reached into his jacket
00:57:48and pressed a small device
00:57:49into my palm.
00:57:50If anything happens,
00:57:51press this.
00:57:52I will drop everything
00:57:53and come back to you.
00:57:54I looked down at it.
00:57:54A panic button.
00:57:55Small and solid and serious.
00:57:57No one knows you're here.
00:57:58So unless it's me,
00:58:00no matter who knocks,
00:58:01do not open that door.
00:58:02I know.
00:58:03Stop worrying and go.
00:58:04He gave me one last look.
00:58:06Something between worry
00:58:07and reluctance
00:58:08and walked out.
00:58:08I sat at the island alone
00:58:10and turned the panic button
00:58:11over in my hand.
00:58:12Outside,
00:58:13a battered black van
00:58:14rolled to a stop
00:58:15at the end of the drive.
00:58:16Blair stepped out.
00:58:18She was dragging a chainsaw.
00:58:20Dante destroyed
00:58:21my entire family.
00:58:23So I'm going to tear
00:58:24his precious little wife
00:58:25into bloody pieces.
00:58:27She yanked the starter cord.
00:58:28The engine roared.
00:58:35Did Dante forget something?
00:58:39I walked toward the front door
00:58:40and reached for the handle.
00:58:42The doorbell rang again,
00:58:44frantically now.
00:58:45Housekeeping.
00:58:46Mr. Romano sent the door.
00:58:48I stopped.
00:58:49Wait.
00:58:50No one knows this address.
00:58:52I yanked my hand back
00:58:53from the handle.
00:58:54Then the ramping started.
00:58:56Heavy, rhythmic impacts
00:58:57against the door.
00:58:58I stumbled backward.
00:59:00The chainsaw blade
00:59:01ripped through the wood
00:59:02from the other side.
00:59:03Sawdust flying,
00:59:04the scream of the engine
00:59:05filling the room.
00:59:06Thought you could hide
00:59:07and play princess forever?
00:59:09You're dead.
00:59:12I pressed the panic button
00:59:13and ran.
00:59:15Forty minutes away,
00:59:16in the Romano-Mashin study,
00:59:18Victor had his revolver
00:59:19aimed at Dante's chest.
00:59:20Dante had his handgun
00:59:21leveled back.
00:59:22Leon stood beside Dante,
00:59:24hands in his pockets,
00:59:25watching Victor
00:59:26with calm contempt.
00:59:27My wife is not a pawn
00:59:29for the Falcone syndicate.
00:59:32Looks like your son
00:59:33stands with me, Victor.
00:59:35Drop the gun,
00:59:36or I'll have your little wife
00:59:38killed right now!
00:59:40You dare touch my daughter!
00:59:42Dante's phone erupted.
00:59:43He looked down.
00:59:45SOS alert.
00:59:46Aria.
00:59:47Talks are off.
00:59:48Aria's in danger.
00:59:49We move now.
00:59:50He was running
00:59:51before anyone could respond.
00:59:53Leon was right behind him.
00:59:55The ruined door
00:59:55crashed to the floor.
00:59:57Blair walked in
00:59:58flanked by two thugs.
01:00:00Chainsaw idle at her side.
01:00:02Grab her.
01:00:03They were faster than me.
01:00:05The thugs
01:00:06lunged and grabbed
01:00:07both arms,
01:00:08wortching me backward.
01:00:09I fought.
01:00:10Kicked.
01:00:11Twisted.
01:00:11Threw my weight around.
01:00:13It made no difference.
01:00:14They forced me
01:00:15to my knees.
01:00:16Blair wrapped her hand
01:00:18around my throat.
01:00:19Not choking.
01:00:20Just enough to feel it.
01:00:22Dante destroyed my life.
01:00:23So I'm going to take
01:00:25the only thing
01:00:25he cares about.
01:00:26Let him suffer.
01:00:28They bound my wrists
01:00:29and ankles
01:00:29with thick rope
01:00:30while Blair watched.
01:00:31I kept my breathing
01:00:32controlled.
01:00:33I kept my face
01:00:34as still as I could.
01:00:35Dante is on his way.
01:00:36Leave while you still can.
01:00:37Blair let out a laugh.
01:00:38Sharp,
01:00:39unhinged,
01:00:40delighted.
01:00:41I'm counting on it.
01:00:42I want him
01:00:43to watch you die.
01:00:44She gestured.
01:00:45A thug stepped forward
01:00:46with a jerry can
01:00:47and poured a ring
01:00:48of galaline around me
01:00:49in a wide circle.
01:00:50I could smell it
01:00:51coating everything.
01:00:52The floor,
01:00:53the air,
01:00:54the back of my throat.
01:00:55Blair clicked open
01:00:56a lighter.
01:00:57The flame caught.
01:00:58No, don't.
01:00:59If he wants to save you,
01:01:01he's going to have
01:01:02to burn with you.
01:01:05She began to lower
01:01:06the flame toward
01:01:07the gasoline.
01:01:08The ruined doorway
01:01:09exploded with men.
01:01:11Dante and Leon
01:01:12came through
01:01:12with guns drawn
01:01:13and armed men
01:01:14spreading out
01:01:14behind them.
01:01:15Get away from my wife.
01:01:17Blair's hand
01:01:18froze midair.
01:01:19She turned to face him.
01:01:20Leon grabbed Dante's arm.
01:01:22Don't shoot.
01:01:22A spark will ignite
01:01:23the room.
01:01:24She'll burn.
01:01:25Dante's jaw
01:01:26was locked tight.
01:01:27He looked at me,
01:01:28at the rope,
01:01:28at the gasoline ring,
01:01:30at Blair's lighter
01:01:30and his voice
01:01:31came out completely flat.
01:01:33Your vendetta
01:01:33is with me.
01:01:34Let her go
01:01:35and take me instead.
01:01:37Blair kicked
01:01:38a second air can
01:01:39across the floor.
01:01:40It stopped
01:01:40at Dante's feet.
01:01:42You want to save her?
01:01:43Douse yourself.
01:01:44You burn.
01:01:45She lives.
01:01:46No, Dante, don't.
01:01:48Akonte picked up the can.
01:01:48He popped the cap
01:01:49and poured it
01:01:50over his own head.
01:01:51Gasoline soaked
01:01:52through his hair,
01:01:53his jacket,
01:01:53his shirt.
01:01:54He set the empty can down
01:01:55and looked at Blair
01:01:56without blinking.
01:01:57Done.
01:01:58My life for hers.
01:02:00Let her go.
01:02:01Blair's smile
01:02:02twisted into something
01:02:03purely evil.
01:02:04Oh, I changed my mind.
01:02:06How about you both
01:02:07just die together?
01:02:09She flicked the lighter
01:02:10straight into the gasoline
01:02:11at my feet.
01:02:12The fire erupted.
01:02:13A wall of orange heat
01:02:14and Dante was already moving.
01:02:16He threw himself over me,
01:02:18both arms wrapping around me,
01:02:19his body absorbing
01:02:20the first wave of flame.
01:02:21The fire caught his back
01:02:23instantly.
01:02:23A burning bame
01:02:24clacked from the ceiling
01:02:25and came down
01:02:26across his shoulders.
01:02:27I heard the sound he made.
01:02:29A harsh, gundral sound
01:02:31and he didn't move,
01:02:32didn't lift up,
01:02:34stayed over me.
01:02:36Dante!
01:02:36Dante!
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