- 3 hours ago
Mafia Prince Little Liar EPISODE
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!
00:38:51Don't!
00:38:54Don't!
00:39:09Don't!
00:39:11Don't!
00:39:13Don't!
00:39:15Don't!
00:39:17Don't!
00:39:18Don't!
00:39:18Don't!
00:39:19jacket off and wrapped it around my shoulders. He pulled me against his chest. Blair stared at
00:39:24the blood on her arm, pale and shaking. You shot me? I'll call my father. He will destroy the Romano
00:39:29family for this. This is war. Then your family is at war with the Falcones too. Leon shot Blair's
00:39:37two goons dead. Blair's legs gave out. She collapsed to the floor, trembling. I stared at
00:39:44Leon, stunned. Why is he defending me? Dante looked down at Blair with ice-cold contempt.
00:39:51Tell your father I'm cutting all ties. The Vances are finished. And listen up. Anyone who backs them
00:39:58is at war with the Romano. No, you can't. Dante! He gestured. His guards grabbed her. They dragged
00:40:07her out screaming. Then his hand found my draw, tipping my face up.
00:40:15Are you hurt? I shook my head. I just need a minute to clean myself up.
00:40:21I pulled away. I slipped down the corridor alone. His jacket was too big. I pulled it tighter around
00:40:28my shoulders and tried to breathe. Aria had a glass shard against her face. She's not safe with you.
00:40:34I handled it. I always will. She 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.
00:40:53A pretty thing at a gala like this, you're gonna fetch me a massive ransom.
00:40:57I thrashed with everything I had. I bit down on his hand as hard as I could.
00:41:03Dante! Help!
00:41:06Dante, help!
00:41:17The world went dark.
00:41:20Help!
00:41:21Back in the hall, Dante and Leon heard my scream at the same moment. Dante's face went to stone.
00:41:28Shut 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.
00:41:38Leon followed.
00:41:45Outside, the robber was dragging me toward a black van. The side entrance burst open. Dante and Leon came through
00:41:51at a run. The robber saw them and hauled me upright. He pressed his gun to my temple and used
00:41:56my limp body as a shield.
00:41:57Back off! Give me a safe passage out or I blow her brains out!
00:42:00A sniper's laser dot swept across the robber's chest and couldn't hold. Too close. Too much risk.
00:42:08Your sniper doesn'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.
00:42:20Easy. You want money?
00:42:22The robber nodded, sweating. Dante took a step forward. The gun shifted, pointing at Dante now instead.
00:42:27Dante 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.
00:42:45The gun went off. The bullet grazed his cheek.
00:42:48Blood immediately.
00:42:50But he didn't even flinch.
00:42:51He snapped the robber's wrist backward.
00:42:54His arm came around my waist, pulling me hard against his chest.
00:42:59Got you.
00:43:01I woke up in his arms. Dante's face hovered above mine.
00:43:05Blood traced a line down his jaw from the greys across his cheek.
00:43:08His dark eyes were soft in a way I hadn't seen before.
00:43:11He looked at me like he'd been waiting for me to open my eyes and couldn't quite believe I had.
00:43:15Got you.
00:43:15His guards swarmed the scene behind him.
00:43:18The robber was on his knees, begging.
00:43:20I'll never do it again. Please, let me go.
00:43:23Leon shot the robber dead before Dante could respond.
00:43:26Dante looked up, surprised.
00:43:28Leon holstered his gun calmly.
00:43:30I prefer to handle threats to my daughter myself.
00:43:35He patted Dante's shoulder.
00:43:38Thank you, Dante, for getting to Arian time.
00:43:41Every time.
00:43:42She's my wife.
00:43:44I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
00:43:48Now we can discuss a business alliance.
00:43:52But you swear to keep her true identity a secret.
00:43:58I won't have her life complicated by our world.
00:44:01You have my word.
00:44:02Inside the gala's quiet lounge, Dante carried me in.
00:44:07Dante laid me down on a plough sofa.
00:44:09I opened my eyes slowly.
00:44:11Dante.
00:44:12He gripped my hand immediately.
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 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.
00:45:05He stepped forward.
00:45:07He tucked the blanket around me.
00:45:09I just feel a kinship with you, Aria.
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, their eyes met.
00:45:23Something heavy and unspoken passed between them.
00:45:26Don't forget our agreement, Dante.
00:45:28Dante nodded.
00:45:30Leon left.
00:45:32The door closed.
00:45:33Dante dropped to one knee beside my...
00:45:36He gently brushed the hair from my face.
00:45:39His thumb traced my jawline.
00:45:41Did 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 greys.
00:45:51The blood still drying on his jaw.
00:45:53My hand moved toward it instinctively, hovering just inches from his skin.
00:45:57Dante, your face.
00:45:58You're bleeding.
00:46:00You took a bullet for me.
00:46:02You could have died.
00:46:03He caught my trembling hand.
00:46:05Slowly, deliberately, he pressed my palm flat against his wounded cheek.
00:46:11Hey, it's just a scratch.
00:46:13I barely feel it.
00:46:15He leaned into my touch, his eyes never leaving mine.
00:46:19I will always protect you, Arya.
00:46:22Nothing matters more to me than your safety.
00:46:24I 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.
00:46:36He pressed a soft kiss into the center of my palm.
00:46:40My breath caught.
00:46:42He stood.
00:46:44He slid his arms under me.
00:46:46He lifted me without asking.
00:46:49Where are you taking me?
00:46:50To the hotel, so 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 to put me down.
00:47:05The new flight attendant greeted us at the jet door with a silver tray.
00:47:10Welcome back, Mr. Romano.
00:47:18I sat stiffly in my seat, hands tight in my lap.
00:47:22The memory was already playing behind my eyes, Chloe tilting the pitcher, ice water flooding my dress.
00:47:29What makes you so special?
00:47:34Dante noticed.
00:47:36He reached over and interlaced his fingers with mine.
00:47:43This is my wife.
00:47:44The one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:47:47I blinked.
00:47:49Anyone who disrespects her, disrespects me.
00:47:54Understood.
00:47:56Lily bowed immediately.
00:47:58My deepest apologies, Mrs. Romano.
00:48:02Dante released my hand.
00:48:04Dante gestured openly, leaving the response to me.
00:48:07Lily lowered her posture and spoke softly.
00:48:10Mrs. Romano, would you like a warm towel or some fresh fruit?
00:48:13I am entirely at your service.
00:48:16Um, just a glass of warm water, please.
00:48:23Lily brought it with both hands.
00:48:25My shoulders dropped.
00:48:28I smiled before I could stop myself.
00:48:31Dante 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 before I finished the sentence.
00:48:49I grabbed the nearest thing.
00:48:50Dante's collar.
00:48:52The buttons ripped.
00:48:53We went down together.
00:48:54I landed straddling his lap with my hands flat on his bare chest.
00:48:59The air between us went very still.
00:49:01I pushed against his chest, trying to slide off his lap.
00:49:05His hands locked on my waist and held.
00:49:07I didn't realize you were in such a rush.
00:49:09Tearing my clothes off already?
00:49:11I didn't mean to.
00:49:12It was the turbulence.
00:49:14Then why are your hands still right on my chest?
00:49:17I tried to snatch them back.
00:49:18He caught both my wrists with one hand and held them against him.
00:49:21I bit my lip and 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 and into the seat beside him.
00:49:29Then he leaned over and buckled my seatbelt himself.
00:49:32His lips brushed my ear.
00:49:34You're lucky, saved by the captain.
00:49:45We landed.
00:49:46The Romano estate swallowed us whole.
00:49:49Iron gates, a Rolls Royce up the drive, a mansion that looked like it had existed forever
00:49:54and would continue to do so regardless of what happened to the people inside it.
00:49:58Dante helped me out of the car.
00:50:00He stood beside me while I stared.
00:50:02Welcome to the Romano estate.
00:50:06Our home.
00:50:08Our home.
00:50:10I turned the words over and couldn't quite fit them to reality.
00:50:17Sam appeared at the top of the steps, looking 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.
00:50:29Go 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.
00:50:57She 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.
00:51:12The kind of controlled anger that 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 in my outstretched hand.
00:51:23How long have you been standing there?
00:51:26What did you hear?
00:51:29Nothing.
00:51:29I just got here.
00:51:31His grip closed around my shoulders.
00:51:33Firm.
00:51:34Interrogating.
00:51:36What did you hear?
00:51:37I felt the sting of it.
00:51:39The suspicion.
00:51:40The coldness.
00:51:41The way he looked at me like I was a problem that 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.
00:51:54He took it.
00:51:56But his posture didn't change.
00:51:58Rigid.
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.
00:52:18Don'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 a real person.
00:52:36Then turned to Dante.
00:52:38Remember who you are.
00:52:39You are the Romano heir.
00:52:44The family comes first.
00:52:49His eyes cut to me.
00:52:52Everything.
00:52:52And 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, Arya.
00:53:02I gave your father my word.
00:53:04I can't let you know you're the Falcone Harris.
00:53:06Not 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.
00:53:16We'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.
00:53:35What 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.
00:53:44He 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.
00:53:50I 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.
00:53:58His arm hooked around my waist from behind hard, pulling me back against his chest.
00:54:03I struggled.
00:54:04He held.
00:54:05His lips brushed my ear.
00:54:07Did you really think I'd ever let you leave?
00:54:10The car was waiting.
00:54:11I had nowhere to go.
00:54:14The drive took us out of the city and along a winding coastal road.
00:54:17Cliffs.
00:54:18Ocean.
00:54:18Sky.
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 and wasn't interested in
00:54:25relitigating it.
00:54:29The villa appeared below us.
00:54:30Glass walls.
00:54:31Stone 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.
00:54:40No one knows about it.
00:54:42He got out and walked to my door and opened it.
00:54:45I didn't move.
00:54:50He looked at me.
00:54:52Something in his expression shifted.
00:54:56Please don't go.
00:54:57Everything I've done, everything I do, it's to keep you safe.
00:55:02Memories came back to me without warning.
00:55:04His body in front of mine in the cathedral.
00:55:06His hand raised with mine.
00:55:07Don'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.
00:55:16Then promise me.
00:55:17No more secrets.
00:55:20In this house, there 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.
00:55:30The ocean filling every window.
00:55:32Clean and still and 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 and looked around at the room and tried to figure out what to do
00:55:42with my hands.
00:55:43Then Dante walked in.
00:55:45He was shirtless.
00:55:46Dark canvas apron tied at his waist.
00:55:49Sculpted and casual about it in a way that suggested he had absolutely no idea what it was doing to
00:55:54me.
00:55:55Why aren't you wearing a shirt?
00:55:57He leaned across the counter until 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 and lifted my gaze to his.
00:56:07Cooking for my wife.
00:56:09He pulled out a ribeye massive, top-plead, the kind you see behind glass in restaurants where you don't ask
00:56:14the 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 and watched him work.
00:56:20Heat from the flame lit up the lines of his back.
00:56:22His arms moved with the same effortless control he brought to everything.
00:56:25Seasoning, heat, timing, and the smell of butter and herbs filled the room.
00:56:29Dante set the plated steak in front of me.
00:56:32How did you know this is my favorite?
00:56:34He leaned back against the counter with a faint smile.
00:56:37At the bachelor auction, every woman in the room was staring at me.
00:56:40Except you.
00:56:41You were busy devouring that ribeye with your eyes.
00:56:44My face went hot.
00:56:46He noticed me.
00:56:47Even way back then.
00:56:50He picked up the knife and fork and 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 I couldn't keep the sound of happiness out of my voice.
00:57:03You're a master chef.
00:57:03This is so good.
00:57:04His gaze darkened.
00:57:05His thumb moved to the corner of my lip, slowly, catching a mirror of sauce.
00:57:08He didn't pull back.
00:57:09He held my gaze and traced my lower lip.
00:57:12Deliberate, unhurried, and leaned in close enough that I forgot how to breathe.
00:57:15Then his phone erupted on the counter.
00:57:20He pulled back.
00:57:22His jaw tightened when he saw the screen.
00:57:30Caller ID.
00:57:31Father.
00:57:32He straightened.
00:57:33The softness in his face locked back into place.
00:57:36Sorry, Aria.
00:57:37I have to handle this.
00:57:38Right now.
00:57:39Be careful.
00:57:40I'll be here waiting for you.
00:57:42He untied the apron and threw on his shirt, moving fast.
00:57:45Then he stopped at the door and turned back.
00:57:47He reached into his jacket and pressed a small device into my palm.
00:57:50If anything happens, press this.
00:57:52I will drop everything and come back to you.
00:57:53I 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, no matter who knocks, do not open that door.
00:58:02I know.
00:58:02Stop worrying and go.
00:58:03He gave me one last look, something between worry and reluctance, and walked out.
00:58:08I sat at the island alone and turned the panic button over in my hand.
00:58:12Outside, a battered black van rolled to a stop at the end of the drive.
00:58:16Blair stepped out.
00:58:18She was dragging a chainsaw.
00:58:20Dante destroyed my entire family.
00:58:23So I'm going to tear his precious little wife into bloody pieces.
00:58:26She yanked the starter cord.
00:58:28The engine roared.
00:58:35Did Dante forget something?
00:58:38I walked toward the front door and reached for the handle.
00:58:42The doorbell rang again, frantically now.
00:58:47I stopped.
00:58:49Wait.
00:58:50No one knows this address.
00:58:51I yanked my hand back from the handle.
00:58:54Then the ramping started.
00:58:55Heavy, rhythmic impacts against the door.
00:58:58I stumbled backward.
00:59:00The chainsaw blade ripped through the wood from the other side.
00:59:03Sawdust flying, the scream of the engine filling the room.
00:59:06Thought you could hide and play princess forever?
00:59:08You're dead.
00:59:12I pressed the panic button and ran.
00:59:15Forty minutes away, in the Romano Mashan study, Victor had his revolver aimed at Dante's chest.
00:59:20Dante had his handgun leveled back.
00:59:22Leon stood beside Dante, hands in his pockets.
00:59:24Watching Victor with calm contempt.
00:59:27My wife is not a pawn for the Falcone syndicate.
00:59:32Looks like your son stands with me, Victor.
00:59:35Drop the gun, or I'll have your little wife killed right now!
00:59:39You 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 before anyone could respond.
00:59:53Leon was right behind him.
00:59:55The ruined door crashed to the floor.
00:59:57Blair walked in flanked 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 lunged and grabbed both arms, wortching 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 to my knees.
01:00:16Blair wrapped her hand around my throat.
01:00:18Not choking.
01:00:20Just enough to feel it.
01:00:21Dante destroyed my life.
01:00:23So I'm going to take the only thing he cares about.
01:00:26Let him suffer.
01:00:27They bound my wrists and ankles with thick rope while Blair watched.
01:00:31I kept my breathing controlled.
01:00:33I kept my face as 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.
01:00:40I'm counting on it.
01:00:42I want him to watch you die.
01:00:44She gestured.
01:00:45A thug stepped forward with a jerry can and poured a ring of galaline around me in a wide circle.
01:00:50I could smell it coating everything.
01:00:52The floor.
01:00:53The air.
01:00:54The back of my throat.
01:00:55Blake clicked open a lighter.
01:00:57The flame caught.
01:00:58No.
01:00:59Don't.
01:00:59If he wants to save you, he's going to have to burn with you.
01:01:05She began to lower the flame toward the gasoline.
01:01:08The ruined doorway exploded with men.
01:01:11Dante and Leon came through with guns drawn and armed men spreadering out behind them.
01:01:15Get away from my wife.
01:01:17Blair's hand froze midair.
01:01:19She turned to face him.
01:01:20Leon grabbed Dante's arm.
01:01:21Don't shoot.
01:01:22A spark will ignite the room.
01:01:24She'll burn.
01:01:25Dante's jaw was locked tight.
01:01:26He looked at me, at the rope, at the gasoline ring, at Blair's lighter, and his voice came out completely
01:01:32flat.
01:01:33Your vendetta is with me.
01:01:34Let her go and take me instead.
01:01:37Blair kicked a second gear can across the floor.
01:01:40It stopped at Dante's feet.
01:01:41You want to save her?
01:01:43Douse yourself.
01:01:44You burn.
01:01:45She lives.
01:01:45No, Dante, don't.
01:01:47Aponte picked up the can.
01:01:48He popped the cap and poured it over his own head.
01:01:51Gasoline soaked through his hair, his jacket, his shirt.
01:01:54He set the empty can down and looked at Blair without blinking.
01:01:57Done.
01:01:58My life for hers.
01:02:00Let her go.
01:02:01Blair's smile twisted into something purely evil.
01:02:04Oh, I changed my mind.
01:02:06How about you both just die together?
01:02:08She flicked the lighter straight into the gasoline at my feet.
01:02:11The fire erupted, a wall of orange heat, and Dante was already moving.
01:02:16He threw himself over me, both arms wrapping around me, his body absorbing the first wave of flame.
01:02:21The fire caught his back instantly.
01:02:23A burning bane clacked from the ceiling and came down across his shoulders.
01:02:26I 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.
01:02:35Dante!
01:02:37Stayed over me.
01:02:37Stayed over me.
01:02:37Stayed over me.
01:02:38Stayed over me.
01:02:38Stayed over me.
01:02:38Stayed over me.
01:02:39Stayed over me.
01:02:40Stayed over me.
01:02:41Stayed over me.
Comments