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Mafia Prince Little Liar - FULL | Reelshort
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:02The night it started, I was wearing someone else's name.
00:00:09The gown was borrowed, the mask was porcelain, and it carried a stranger's perfume.
00:00:25The invitation belonged to my stepsister, and the money I was about to spend was never
00:00:31meant for me.
00:00:33None of it was mine, not the dress, not the identity, not the confidence required to walk
00:00:40into a room full of people who had been born knowing how to be in rooms like this.
00:00:48I told myself it was one night, in and out.
00:00:52No one would look closely enough to see through the mask.
00:00:57I was wrong.
00:01:00He looked, and he saw everything.
00:01:09His name was Dante Romano.
00:01:12Chairman.
00:01:13Crime Lord.
00:01:15The kind of man who fills a room without trying, and empties it just as easily.
00:01:23He caught my invitation when I dropped it at the entrance.
00:01:27Large hand.
00:01:28Unharried grip.
00:01:30Eyes that moved across the plerum of my mask and found my face beneath it.
00:01:36Before I understood what was happening, he already knew who I was.
00:01:40I'ma put you through these passes.
00:01:44He had known before I arrived.
00:01:48Stay on your mind.
00:01:49Come back every time, baby.
00:01:51I'ma keep you craving.
00:01:52What followed was not what I planned.
00:01:55It was a contract I signed under duress.
00:01:59A name I had to learn to answer to.
00:02:02A war I hadn't asked to be part of.
00:02:05And somewhere inside all of it, somewhere between the gunfire and the gasoline, and a man who
00:02:12poured both over himself to keep me alive, it became something I hadn't planned for either.
00:02:19This is how a woman with nothing becomes someone's everything.
00:02:24This is how a man who controlled everything learned to put the gun down first.
00:02:31I thought signing it would end the war, but it only changed the battlefield.
00:02:36He's not just a monster.
00:02:38He's my monster.
00:02:41This is our story.
00:02:46My name is Aria Sinclair.
00:02:49I clean for a living.
00:02:51Just enough to keep a roof over my head.
00:02:53I was wiping down the sink in the hotel powder room when the door flew open.
00:02:57Victoria stormed in and lunged for my collar before I could even turn around.
00:03:02Take this off.
00:03:03You're going to the bachelor auction tonight.
00:03:06In my place.
00:03:08I tried to push her off.
00:03:10Buttons popped from my shirt and clattered across the tile.
00:03:15What?
00:03:16I'm not playing your twisted games.
00:03:18She yanked me inches from her face, her grip ironed tight on the ruined fabric.
00:03:24You are.
00:03:25Do this and I'll cover your rent.
00:03:27Or you're out on the street.
00:03:29My phone lit up in my pocket.
00:03:31I didn't need to look.
00:03:32I already knew what the notification said.
00:03:34Final notice.
00:03:36The number that had been waking me at three in the morning for the past two weeks.
00:03:39She shoved a gown against my chest.
00:03:42Silk.
00:03:43Expensive.
00:03:43Not mine.
00:03:44You're bidding on Dante Romano.
00:03:46He owns the biggest restaurant empire in North America.
00:03:49I need his investment, but I'm too busy to go myself.
00:03:51Use my name.
00:03:52Use my card.
00:03:53Don't blow your cover.
00:03:54I looked down at the dress in my arms and felt the weight of having absolutely no other
00:03:59options.
00:04:01Fine.
00:04:02You promise you'll pay my rent?
00:04:04I promise.
00:04:05Hurry up and change.
00:04:08She left.
00:04:09I stepped into the stall and pulled the gown on in the dark.
00:04:12Already composing the version of this night I'd tell myself afterwards.
00:04:17It was just one evening.
00:04:18Just one bid.
00:04:20Just one name that wasn't mine.
00:04:22I'd be home before midnight.
00:04:25No one would ever know.
00:04:27What I didn't know then.
00:04:29What I couldn't have known.
00:04:31was that Victoria had done me one final cruelty before I'd even left the room.
00:04:36Dante is actually a mafia prince from the most dangerous family in the city.
00:04:41I'm not stupid enough to mess with a monster like him.
00:04:46Try not to get yourself killed tonight, stepsister.
00:04:50She never said it to my face.
00:04:53Just thought it.
00:04:54I stepped out in the gown, mask in hand and walked into the hotel ballroom with $50 in
00:05:00my own bank account and $1 million on her card.
00:05:06The ballroom blazed with chandelier light and old money.
00:05:12I found the seat labeled Victoria Sinclair and lowered myself into it.
00:05:16Trying not to look like someone who had never sat anywhere this expensive.
00:05:21There was a plate of prime rib eye on the side table.
00:05:24Untouched.
00:05:25Like everything else within reach of these women.
00:05:28I picked up the fork without thinking.
00:05:31The steak was perfect.
00:05:33Nobody around me moved.
00:05:35A spotlight hit center stage.
00:05:37The host raised a microphone.
00:05:39Ladies, welcome to the bachelor auction.
00:05:41Let the bidding begin.
00:05:43Our premier bachelor tonight,
00:05:44the prince of the Italian restaurant syndicate, Dante Romano.
00:05:49He walked out like the room had been arranged around him.
00:05:54Jacket over one shoulder.
00:05:56Silk shirt open at the collar.
00:05:58Completely comfortable under 200 pairs of eyes.
00:06:02I stopped chewing.
00:06:04I recognized him instantly.
00:06:07The man from the entrance.
00:06:09The bidding started fast.
00:06:1150,000.
00:06:12100.
00:06:13300.
00:06:14Paddles rising across the room.
00:06:17With the easy confidence of women who spent this kind of money weekly.
00:06:21I gripped mine.
00:06:22Without raising it.
00:06:24Running the numbers in my head.
00:06:25Victoria's card had a limit.
00:06:27One million.
00:06:29One million.
00:06:29A fail safe, she'd said.
00:06:30No one would actually bid that high.
00:06:33For a date.
00:06:34The room was slowing.
00:06:35Two paddles left.
00:06:36Then one.
00:06:37A woman in the front row.
00:06:38Cold eyed.
00:06:39Perfectly still.
00:06:40I raised mine.
00:06:42One million dollars.
00:06:43Silence crashed over the ballroom.
00:06:45Every head turned.
00:06:46My cheeks went crimson.
00:06:48Sold.
00:06:49To Miss Victoria Sinclair.
00:06:53I exhaled.
00:06:55On stage, Dante Romano was looking straight at me.
00:06:57Not at the crowd.
00:06:59Not at the host.
00:07:00At me.
00:07:00With the dark, amused expression of someone who had just gotten exactly what he came for.
00:07:05Rent covered.
00:07:06I told myself.
00:07:07That's all this was.
00:07:09He stepped off the stage and started walking in my direction.
00:07:14A staff member guided me backstage with a bright, practiced smile.
00:07:19The winner's suite, she called it.
00:07:21Private.
00:07:22Champagne.
00:07:23A chance to meet your bachelor.
00:07:26The suite was dim.
00:07:28Dante was already inside.
00:07:30He leaned against the desk with a dead cigar crushed in the ashtray beside him, watching me cross the threshold.
00:07:35The way someone watches a door they've been waiting to open.
00:07:39He pushed off and started toward me, slow, deliberate, step by step.
00:07:45Impressive, Mrs. Victoria.
00:07:47A million dollars just to date me?
00:07:49I kept backing up.
00:07:51Until my shoulder blades hit the cold wall.
00:07:54He kept coming.
00:07:55Until his arms slammed against the wall beside my head, trapping me in his shadow.
00:08:00I had no idea you were so eager to have me.
00:08:04Well, you're very attractive.
00:08:06That was the only truth I told for tonight.
00:08:09He reached for my mask.
00:08:11I clamped both hands over it.
00:08:13Don't touch it!
00:08:14You dropped a million dollars to own me.
00:08:18Don't I get to see my buyer?
00:08:19He seized both my wrists in one hand and pinned them above my head.
00:08:24The mask hit the floor.
00:08:25He looked down at my face.
00:08:27And I looked up at his.
00:08:29And neither of us moved.
00:08:31I braced for recognition.
00:08:34For something in his expression to shift into understanding that I was not who the invitation said I was.
00:08:40Nothing shifted.
00:08:41Don't hide yourself.
00:08:44Unless you have something else to hide, Mrs. Victoria.
00:08:47The relief hit me so hard my knees went weak.
00:08:50He didn't know what Victoria looked like.
00:08:52I could keep pretending.
00:08:53His eyes narrowed.
00:08:55Calculating, amused.
00:08:57Cat got your tongue?
00:08:58Or are you lying to me?
00:09:01No.
00:09:03That sounded like a question.
00:09:05He noticed.
00:09:10He drove his knee between mine and pressed my back flat against the wall.
00:09:15Don't you want a little taste of your investment first?
00:09:21Before I could answer, he grabbed my hands and flattened my palms against his bare chest.
00:09:27He'd pulled his shirt open while I wasn't paying attention, buttons scattered somewhere.
00:09:31His skin was warm and hard and I couldn't make my hands move.
00:09:36Touch what you bought.
00:09:40He guided my hands down slowly, over the ridged lines of his abs, past his V-line, stopping at the
00:09:47cold metal of his belt buckle.
00:09:49Like your investment so far?
00:09:51Go ahead.
00:09:53Unwrap the rest.
00:09:54I was reaching for it, I couldn't explain why, when the door burst open.
00:09:59Sir, the car is ready.
00:10:01I ripped my hands back.
00:10:03Dante shot Sam a lethal look.
00:10:05Sam's mouth snapped shut.
00:10:07I have somewhere to be.
00:10:08I have to go.
00:10:10I grabbed my gown and bolted.
00:10:13He didn't stop me.
00:10:15That was what I kept turning over on the way home.
00:10:18That he'd let me walk straight out of that suite.
00:10:20Without a word.
00:10:22Not because he'd lost interest.
00:10:24Because he didn't need to hold me there.
00:10:27He already had what he came for.
00:10:29I just didn't know what that was yet.
00:10:31The thought sat cold on the back of my neck the whole way to my apartment.
00:10:35I told myself I was being paranoid.
00:10:37I told myself that all the way to my door, my pulse still high, the name on the auction receipt,
00:10:41Victoria Stinclair, starting to feel like something I'd tied around my own neck.
00:10:48Victoria called the next morning.
00:10:50Did you win the bid for Dante? How was he?
00:10:52I pressed a hand to my cheek.
00:10:54My skin still felt warm where he'd touched it.
00:10:56I did what you asked, now pay my rent.
00:10:59Not yet. You still have to go on the actual date and report back.
00:11:02No date, no rent.
00:11:03I stared at the dead phone on the sidewalk, furious,
00:11:06and then a Rolls Royce Phantom glided to a stop six inches from my sneakers.
00:11:10The back, Dante stepped out and across the distance in two long strides and stopped directly in front of me.
00:11:14I'm taking you on our million dollar date. Sign this.
00:11:17He handed me a folder. I opened it.
00:11:19A marriage contract. A marriage contract?
00:11:21Are you insane? I'm not marrying you. We just met. You don't even know me!
00:11:25He yanked me by the waist, slamming my back against the Rolls Royce door.
00:11:29His hand closed around both my wrists and pinned them against the hood.
00:11:32He leaned in until his lips were at my ear.
00:11:35I know everything about you.
00:11:36No, you don't.
00:11:38I know you want me so fucking bad.
00:11:41I bet you rub yourself alone at night, wishing it was my fingers inside you.
00:11:45The slap cracked out before I had a conscious thought.
00:11:48His head snapped to the side.
00:11:50I felt the sting across my entire palm.
00:11:53I stared at him. He turned back slowly, touched his cheek with the back of one finger,
00:11:59and looked at me with something that was almost appreciation.
00:12:02I will never marry a man who humiliates me like this.
00:12:06I bolted down the sidewalk and didn't look back.
00:12:08Behind me, I heard Sam's voice, then Dante's, quiet and unhurried.
00:12:13Destroy her home. Make sure she has nowhere to go, except to me.
00:12:19I turned the corner to my street and stopped.
00:12:22Where my building had stood, there was nothing but a mountain of dust and broken concrete.
00:12:26Rebar jutted out at angles.
00:12:29Insulation spilled into the gutter.
00:12:31One of my neighbors sat on the curb holding a plastic bag with everything she'd saved.
00:12:35My landlord stepped out from behind the rubble.
00:12:37Two men flanked him, the kind with faces that had stopped caring about outcomes a long time ago.
00:12:42Late on rent, Aria.
00:12:44The building is gone! How can you still-
00:12:46Lee still stands. Pay up, or I'll sell you to cover the debt.
00:12:50One of the men grabbed my chin and looked me over.
00:12:53Pretty little thing. She'll fetch a high price.
00:12:56I twisted away and ran.
00:12:58They caught me in three steps.
00:12:59Arms clamped around mine, a hand over my mouth.
00:13:02I kicked and screamed into his palm.
00:13:05Rorul's Royce Phantom hit the corner of the street hard enough to send the landlord scrambling backward.
00:13:10The door flew open.
00:13:12Dante stepped out in a long, dark coat, drew a handgun from inside it, and leveled it at the three
00:13:17men without breaking stride.
00:13:18No one touches my wife.
00:13:20The goons dropped to their knees. The landlord followed.
00:13:23Mr. Dante Romano, the mafia prince, we didn't know she was yours!
00:13:26I looked at Dante across the rubble in my work uniform covered in concrete dust and understood with horrible clarity
00:13:32that this was where he had been leading me all along.
00:13:34Every door he had quietly closed. This exact street corner. This exact moment, nowhere left to go. He had engineered
00:13:40every inch of it.
00:13:42Dante stepped forward and stomped down on one of the goons' legs.
00:13:45The man screamed. The other went rigid. The landlord pressed his forehead to the broken pavement, shaking.
00:13:52Please, Mr. Romano, have mercy. I'll never touch her again, I swear!
00:13:56Dante kicked him hard in the chest, sent him sprawling, and raised the gun.
00:14:00You touched my wife. You're already dead.
00:14:05Then he turned and held the gun out to me.
00:14:07I'm not... I don't...
00:14:10He yanked me flush against his chest. His free hand slid up and covered my eyes. The world went black.
00:14:17His lips were at my hair.
00:14:19Ever touched a gun?
00:14:21No. No.
00:14:22He pressed the metal into my hands and closed my fingers around it. Warm hand over my cold ones. His
00:14:29body solid behind mine.
00:14:31Hold it tight. Feel how hard it is. And squeeze.
00:14:35His finger pressed down over mine. The trigger pulled. The shot cracked through the street and tore through my whole
00:14:39body.
00:14:40He uncovered my eyes. The three men were still there, kneeling, clutching their heads, gasping, unharmed.
00:14:46The landlord let out a broken, relieved laugh. Blanks.
00:14:49I stood in the street with the gun in both hands, shaking so hard I could feel it in my
00:14:53jaw, and Dante leaned close to my ear.
00:14:55How did you feel when you pulled the trigger?
00:14:58I was scared.
00:15:00You can't be scared. You are a mafia wife. Watch and learn.
00:15:04He took the gun back, spun the calendar, and fired three times. The men dropped and didn't get up.
00:15:10I clamped both hands over my mouth. Dante holstered the weapon and turned to me like the bodies behind him
00:15:16were furniture.
00:15:17He tipped my chin up with two fingers and looked at my face.
00:15:20These are the consequences of messing with the mafia.
00:15:23He was watching my expression with the same dark amusement he'd worn at the auction.
00:15:26I understood then, in the worst possible way, that he found me entertaining.
00:15:30If he ever found out I had lied to him, if he ever found out I was not Victoria, that
00:15:34I was just area, just a cleaner, this was what he would do.
00:15:37Sam appeared at his shoulder and held out a marriage contract. The corner was spladdished with something dark.
00:15:42Dante took it and offered it to me without blinking.
00:15:44Since you're homeless now, sign the contract and marry me. My protection is your only option.
00:15:48What if I don't want to?
00:15:49Dozens of armed men closed in from every direction, materialized from the edges of the street, from alleyways, from behind
00:15:57the rubble.
00:15:58Every weapon leveled at the space around me.
00:16:00I don't think you have a choice.
00:16:02I looked at the contract in my trembling hands. The ink blurred.
00:16:06I looked up at his face, the absolute absence of doubt in it, and picked up the pen.
00:16:10My name appeared on the line in small, shaking letters.
00:16:13He watched it happen. Something in his expression shifted. Not softened, but settled.
00:16:17The patience of a man whose plan had finally reached its last step.
00:16:21All around us, the armed men lowered their weapons in unison.
00:16:24The bridal dressing room was all mirrors and ivory light.
00:16:27Two maids stood behind me, pulling the corset laces tight.
00:16:30The gown was stunning, the kind of dress that existed to be photographed and not to actually be worn by
00:16:34anyone.
00:16:34Not so tight! I can barely breathe!
00:16:37They looked at each other and tug again.
00:16:40Then, the door opened. The maids left without a word.
00:16:43In the mirror, Dante appeared behind me.
00:16:46Too tight?
00:16:46He took the laces from where the maids had dropped them, slipped his fingers underneath, and pulled back.
00:16:51The corset came apart in one clean motion.
00:16:54The bodice slacked and dropped, and I grabbed for it with both hands, spinning halfway around.
00:16:59He was already there, arms circling my waist from behind, his chest plush against my bare back, lips at my
00:17:04ear.
00:17:04I'll be your husband. Call me Dante.
00:17:07He began relining it, slowly, each downward loop deliberate, his knuckles tracing my spine as he worked.
00:17:14My skin responded before I could stop it. He felt it.
00:17:16So responsive. Your body already knows who it belongs to.
00:17:20He reached the base of my spine and yanked the final lace tight.
00:17:23The force jerked me back against him. I gasped his name before I could think not to.
00:17:27His hand found my jaw and tilted my face toward our reflection.
00:17:32I can feel how much you want this.
00:17:34Dante, the wedding is about to start.
00:17:36He smirked, tied a perfect bow, and stepped back.
00:17:39Fine, little lamb. I can wait. See you at the altar.
00:17:42I stood alone in front of the mirror for a long moment, pressing one hand to my chest,
00:17:46trying to understand why I'd reacted to his touch the way I had.
00:17:49I didn't find an answer before the music started.
00:17:52Dante led me down the aisle. The church was full.
00:17:54Hundreds of faces I didn't know watched us walk toward the priest,
00:17:57who stood with the patient expression of a man who had performed this ceremony in front of dangerous people before
00:18:02and knew better than to show nerves.
00:18:04Dante stopped beside me at the altar. He turned. I turned.
00:18:07Our eyes met, and neither of us looked away.
00:18:09Do you, Victoria, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?
00:18:14Dante watched me. The trace of a smile at the corner of his mouth,
00:18:17knowing, private, pointed directly at me and no one else.
00:18:20I opened my mouth. I was never Victoria, and I was about to vow and marry a dangerous mafia prince.
00:18:25I didn't have any other choices.
00:18:26I... I do.
00:18:27The doors blew open.
00:18:28Blair stormed in from the back of the church, flanked by two massive bodyguards pointing straight at me.
00:18:33Stop the wedding! She's not who you think she is!
00:18:35The music cut off. The guests froze in place.
00:18:37Every secret I had hidden since the hotel powder room.
00:18:40Since Victoria shoved the gown into my arms.
00:18:42Since I raised that poil.
00:18:43Since his thumb brushed my cheekbone and his eyes looked as if they had known all along rose in my
00:18:48chest at once.
00:18:48Dante didn't move.
00:18:50He stood beside me in perfect stillness, facing forward as always, and I couldn't read his face at all.
00:18:56The cathedral doors burst open.
00:18:58Blair Vance entered like a verdict.
00:19:00Stilettos striking the marble.
00:19:01Armed men flanking her.
00:19:03Chin lifted with the certainty of someone who had never been denied.
00:19:05She stopped directly in front of us.
00:19:07Stop this wedding! Our families have an ironclad pact! I am your rightful bride!
00:19:11Dante stepped in front of me. Not sideways. In front. Fully. His back to me.
00:19:16His body a wall between Blair and everything behind it.
00:19:20You're a day early, Blair. The Vance family pact isn't in effect yet.
00:19:23Blair's face twisted. She looked past him at me, her voice going raw with humiliation.
00:19:29So you dragged some random gutter crap off the street to humiliate my family like this?
00:19:34Watch how you speak about my wife.
00:19:36He reached back and found my hand. Then he raised it.
00:19:39Raised both our hands together, high, for every guest in that cathedral to see.
00:19:43Something cracked open in my chest.
00:19:45He was defending me. Not because he had to. Because he chose to. In front of everyone.
00:19:49I squeezed back. Then I stepped forward, closer to his side, and wrapped my arm around his.
00:19:55My voice came out steadier than I felt.
00:19:57You're the uninvited one. Please leave. You're ruining our wedding.
00:20:01Dante glanced down at me. Something flickered across his face.
00:20:04Surprise. Quickly gone.
00:20:05Blair's hand set toward my cheek. I flinched.
00:20:08Dante's hand caught her wrist in mid-air.
00:20:11Don't you dare touch my wife.
00:20:13The cathedral went absolutely still.
00:20:15Dante shoved Blair backward. She stumbled, staring at him like she couldn't process what had just happened.
00:20:22Are you insane? You'd start a mafia war for this cheap gutter trash?
00:20:26She is my wife. I'll burn your entire family to ashes for her. Try me.
00:20:31I looked up at his profile. Something in me went dangerously soft.
00:20:35She's not Victoria! You married a fake!
00:20:38The words hit like a bucket of ice. I felt the blood drain from my face. Murmurs erupted through the
00:20:43pews.
00:20:43Dante's expression didn't change. Calm, contemptuous, immovable.
00:20:47He knows. Now he knows. What is he going to do to me?
00:20:52Security. Get her out.
00:20:54His men raised their weapons.
00:20:56Lairn's two bodyguards drew theirs.
00:20:58A standoff crackled through the cathedral.
00:21:01Blair pointed straight at me.
00:21:02You need to get out!
00:21:05You lying bitch!
00:21:07You really thought you could just pretend to be your stepsister?
00:21:11And marry into the mafia?
00:21:14I... I don't know what you're talking about.
00:21:16Liar!
00:21:17You lied to a mafia prince this whole time!
00:21:21You're dead!
00:21:23I was shaking.
00:21:24Dante grabbed my arm and pulled me firmly behind his back again, shielding me completely.
00:21:29Then he looked at his men and said it with total calm.
00:21:32Throw them out.
00:21:33If she makes another sound, cut out her tongue.
00:21:36His guards lunged for Blair's men.
00:21:38Blair struggled wildly, twisting in their grip.
00:21:41No, I have proof!
00:21:42Bring in the real Victoria, now!
00:21:44The doors at the back of the cathedral opened again.
00:21:47And there she was.
00:21:48My stepsister.
00:21:49Victoria.
00:21:50Walking down the aisle in a black dress.
00:21:53Her expression caught between horror and calculation.
00:21:56Victoria was dragged to the center of the aisle.
00:21:58I bit my lips so hard I tasted blood.
00:22:00That's the real Victoria.
00:22:02He's gonna kill me now.
00:22:03He's actually gonna kill me.
00:22:04Dante watched me struggle to keep my face together.
00:22:07His expression didn't show anger.
00:22:08It showed something worse.
00:22:10Amusement.
00:22:11Blair yanked free from the guards and shoved Victoria forward.
00:22:14Tell him!
00:22:15Tell Dante who this bitch really is!
00:22:17Victoria looked at me.
00:22:19Something crossed her face.
00:22:20Guilt?
00:22:21Maybe?
00:22:21Or just the calculation of self-preservation?
00:22:24That's my stepsister, Aria.
00:22:26She's just a cleaner.
00:22:27She stole my invitation to the bachelor auction and pretended to be me.
00:22:31Gasps erupted through the room.
00:22:34Dante turned to me slowly.
00:22:36Is that true?
00:22:37Did you lie to me?
00:22:38I didn't steal it.
00:22:40She forced me to go.
00:22:41She threatened me with the rent.
00:22:44How could I force you?!
00:22:45You wanted to crawl into the mafia prince's bed?!
00:22:49Who knows what her real motive is.
00:22:51She's probably a spy bought by your enemies.
00:22:54Tears spilled down my face before I could stop them.
00:22:57My grip on Dante's sleeve tightened.
00:22:59Please believe me.
00:23:01I didn't even know you were a mafia prince.
00:23:05I didn't mean to lie to you.
00:23:07Too late to beg.
00:23:08The only way you're leaving here is in a body bag.
00:23:10Dante tilted my chin up with two fingers.
00:23:12Forced me to look at him.
00:23:14I know they're telling the truth.
00:23:16My lips trembled.
00:23:17My vision blurred.
00:23:18Then the trace of a smile moved across his mouth.
00:23:20I've known you were a fake since the auction, little liar.
00:23:23What am I gonna do with you?
00:23:25Blair's smile spread wide.
00:23:27She thought she'd won.
00:23:28Are you going to kill me?
00:23:31Blair was already gloating to Victoria.
00:23:33Victoria exhaled in obvious relief.
00:23:35Thank God I made her take my place.
00:23:37Otherwise it would be me paying with my life.
00:23:39Dante, I know how you handle traitors.
00:23:40Don't make it quick.
00:23:41Make her suffer.
00:23:43Please.
00:23:43I swear I didn't mean to.
00:23:46Dante snapped his fingers.
00:23:48Armed guards flooded the room from every entrance.
00:23:51Blair's smile widened.
00:23:52Victoria shrunk back.
00:23:53Then Dante pointed.
00:23:55Not at me.
00:23:56Grab them.
00:23:56The guards lunged for Blair and Victoria.
00:23:59Blair's composure shattered instantly.
00:24:01Dante, are you crazy?
00:24:02Grab the liar, not me!
00:24:04Dante pulled me against his chest.
00:24:06One arm around my waist.
00:24:07Shielding me from the chaos entirely.
00:24:09He looked at the room.
00:24:10I know she's lying to me.
00:24:12I don't give a fuck.
00:24:13He paused.
00:24:15She'll be the one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:24:18My tears stopped.
00:24:19I stared up at him, stunned.
00:24:20She played you for a fool and you're still protecting her?
00:24:23Yes.
00:24:24I've known who she was from the very beginning.
00:24:26He lifted my hand.
00:24:27He pressed his lips to my knuckles.
00:24:29Slow.
00:24:30Deliberate.
00:24:30His eyes on mine the entire time.
00:24:32I'm not mad.
00:24:33I don't care who you are.
00:24:34You are the only woman I'm making my wife.
00:24:36The room erupted.
00:24:37Applause from the guests.
00:24:38Screaming from Blair.
00:24:40Dante turned to the guards,
00:24:42with the flat finality of someone closing a door.
00:24:44The only reason they're leaving here breathing
00:24:46is because my wife showed them mercy.
00:24:49Throw them out.
00:24:49Blair and Victoria were dragged through the grand doors.
00:24:53Screaming, he turned back to me and touched my cheek.
00:24:58Now, let's finish the wedding.
00:25:00The priest smiled as Dante slid a massive diamond ring onto my finger.
00:25:03I now pronounce you husband and wife.
00:25:06Applause
00:25:08Before I could process it, Dante bent and swept me up into a bridal carry.
00:25:12One arm under my knees, one around my back, the world tilting sideways.
00:25:17Dante, what are you doing?
00:25:18Taking you to our honeymoon.
00:25:20Vegas.
00:25:21He carried me straight out of the cathedral.
00:25:23The private jet sat on the termac.
00:25:25Black.
00:25:26Sleek.
00:25:27The size of something that belonged to someone who never waited for anything.
00:25:30I stared at it.
00:25:32This is yours?
00:25:33You're my wife now.
00:25:35Everything I have is yours.
00:25:37Inside the cabin was soft leather and low light.
00:25:39A flight attendant.
00:25:41A flight attendant.
00:25:41Chloe, twenty-nothing.
00:25:42In a uniform she seemed to be wearing as a weapon.
00:25:45Leaned forward to hand Dante a scotch.
00:25:47The neckline of her jacket doing work it wasn't designed to do.
00:25:50Dante didn't look at her.
00:25:52I need to take a call.
00:25:53Make yourself comfortable.
00:25:57He disappeared into the private office.
00:25:59Chloe's smile evaporated the moment he was gone.
00:26:02She turned to me with a glass of water and eyes like a closed door.
00:26:07Need anything?
00:26:08Before I could answer, she tilted the pitcher and poured ice water directly onto my wedding dress.
00:26:13I gasped and lurched to my feet.
00:26:16What are you doing?
00:26:19Did you do that on purpose?
00:26:22Chloe crossed her arms.
00:26:25So what?
00:26:27No one is going to care what happens to a tacky little country bumper like you.
00:26:32I've seen dozens of his wives on this jet.
00:26:35None of them last.
00:26:36What makes you so special?
00:26:38The words landed somewhere they weren't supposed to reach.
00:26:41She's right.
00:26:43Why would a mafia prince love someone like me?
00:26:45I was just convenient.
00:26:46A contract bride.
00:26:48Nothing special.
00:26:49The cabin door opened.
00:26:51Dante stepped back in and stopped.
00:26:53He took in the soaked dress.
00:26:55The ice water pooling on the cabin floor.
00:26:58My red eyes.
00:26:59His gaze moved to Chloe with the specific stillness that permeated something final.
00:27:03What the hell did you just do to my wife?
00:27:06Mr. Romano, it wasn't my fault.
00:27:08I was just teaching her the rules.
00:27:10You're fired.
00:27:11Please.
00:27:12I've been your exclusive attendant for five years.
00:27:15Before I throw you off this plane.
00:27:19Get out of my sight.
00:27:20Chloe fled to the back of the cabin.
00:27:23Dante crossed to me.
00:27:24He reached for the straps of my soaked dress.
00:27:28You'll freeze.
00:27:29Let's get this off.
00:27:30I flinched back.
00:27:30Don't.
00:27:31He stopped.
00:27:32Frowned.
00:27:33The show is over, Dante.
00:27:35You don't have to play the doting husband when no one's watching.
00:27:40He grabbed my chin and turned my face toward his.
00:27:43You think I just fired my staff of five years for a show?
00:27:46I held his gaze.
00:27:47I think your staff was right.
00:27:49I'm just a contract wife to you.
00:27:51Let's keep it professional.
00:27:52Something shifted in his expression.
00:27:54He released my chin.
00:27:55His voice went cold.
00:27:57Fine.
00:27:58As you wish.
00:27:59We landed.
00:28:00Dante pulled his American Express card from his wallet and dropped it into my lap without looking at me.
00:28:04Spend my money.
00:28:05Start acting like a mafia wife.
00:28:07He stood and walked to the exit without another word.
00:28:09I sat alone in the cabin.
00:28:11The soap dress cold against my skin.
00:28:13The card in my hands.
00:28:14Fine.
00:28:14I'll be your perfect contract wife.
00:28:17And nothing more.
00:28:18The hotel lobby was marble and crystal and people who moved like they belonged there.
00:28:22I didn't belong there.
00:28:23I sat at the bar a dry I'd found in the suite's wardrobe staring at the black card on the
00:28:27counter in front of me turning it over and over.
00:28:29Dante had gone straight back to work.
00:28:31Honeymoon.
00:28:32First night.
00:28:33Back to work.
00:28:34Contract wife.
00:28:35Dumped at the hotel on her honeymoon.
00:28:37A wave of noise broke over me.
00:28:39A group of girls.
00:28:40Glittery and laughing and moving at the speed of people who had decided tonight was going to be a good
00:28:44one.
00:28:45The one in front.
00:28:45Blonde.
00:28:46Wide grin.
00:28:47Moving too fast for the crowd.
00:28:48Clipped my shoulder.
00:28:49Oh my god.
00:28:50I'm so sorry.
00:28:51Wait.
00:28:51Why is a girl as hot as you sitting here alone?
00:28:54My husband had to work so I'm just-
00:28:55In Vegas?!
00:28:56Screw that!
00:28:56It's my birthday.
00:28:57I'm officially kidnapping you.
00:28:59We're going to Magic Mike Live.
00:29:00I thought about the suite upstairs.
00:29:01About sitting in it alone until Dante got back or performed nothing for nobody.
00:29:06Dante doesn't care about me anymore.
00:29:07I deserve to have some fun.
00:29:08Yes.
00:29:10Let's go.
00:29:10At the club, bass thumbed through the floor and neon turned everything red.
00:29:14Women screamed around me.
00:29:15I sat ridgely in the front row, hands in my lap.
00:29:18Until Miller nodded at the waiter and looked at me.
00:29:21It's your birthday too now.
00:29:23Drink.
00:29:23I looked at the cheap prozoco on the tray.
00:29:25Then, I took the black card out of my clutch and slapped it down.
00:29:27Bring us the most expensive champagne you have.
00:29:30It's on me.
00:29:31The girl screamed.
00:29:33Across the city, in a Romano group boardroom, Dante's phone lit up.
00:29:40He arrived the way he always arrived.
00:29:43Without warning.
00:29:44Without rushing.
00:29:44I didn't see him at first.
00:29:46I was outstair.
00:29:47The strip breaker had spotted me from the stage and grinned.
00:29:49The crowd had screamed.
00:29:50I'd shaken my head frantically.
00:29:52He grabbed my wrist and hauled me up before I finished the sentence.
00:29:55He planted me in a leather chair at center stage.
00:29:57Straddled my lap and grounded his hips to the music with his bare chest six inches from my face.
00:30:02The crowd lost their minds.
00:30:04He grabbed my hand and dragged it toward his abs.
00:30:06I tried to pull back.
00:30:07He held my palm flat against his skin.
00:30:09Then the entrance doors crashed open.
00:30:11Dante stood in the doorway in a black suit completely still.
00:30:14Looking across the club directly at me.
00:30:16He walked through the crowd like it wasn't there.
00:30:18The stripper stepped into his path.
00:30:19One punch.
00:30:22Clean.
00:30:22The man went down.
00:30:25Dante stepped over him and pinned my hands to the armrests of the chair.
00:30:28Leaning in close.
00:30:30Having fun, wifey?
00:30:32I shrunk back into the seat, my heart hammering.
00:30:35You left me alone on our honeymoon for work.
00:30:37I was just...
00:30:38Put me down!
00:30:39Everyone is watching!
00:30:40His hand landed square on my backside.
00:30:42I gasped frozen.
00:30:43I have every right to take my wife out of here.
00:30:44Then he pressed his lips directly against my exposed thigh.
00:30:47He carried me straight through the crowd and out into the Vegas night without setting me down.
00:30:51He tossed me onto the hotel bed.
00:30:53I scrambled backward on my hands, heart pounding, watching him.
00:30:56He was breathing hard.
00:30:57Not from the walk.
00:30:58Not from the crowd.
00:30:59From something else.
00:31:00One minute to explain, before I decide how you'll be punished.
00:31:04Wh-what do you mean?
00:31:06He unbuckled his leather belt and yanked it free.
00:31:09My eyes went wide.
00:31:10My wife misbehaved, so she needs to learn the consequences.
00:31:14He lunged.
00:31:14The belt looped around my wrists.
00:31:16Once, twice, and I was bound.
00:31:17I pushed at his chest with both hands bound to their now, trying to create distance.
00:31:21I didn't do anything wrong.
00:31:22You left me alone on our honeymoon for work, so I found my own fun.
00:31:25Dante grabbed the tail of me forward, yanked it.
00:31:27The force jerked me forward until we were face to face.
00:31:29Fun, half-naked strippers are your idea of fun?
00:31:32Those men actually looked at me?
00:31:34I hadn't meant to say it, but I couldn't take it back.
00:31:37To you, I'm just a signature on a contract.
00:31:39You don't have to pretend to care.
00:31:41Do you think a stupid contract makes me want to kill any guy who looks at you?
00:31:43I didn't know I could lose my mind over someone like this.
00:31:46You're jealous.
00:31:47You're actually jealous over me.
00:31:48He held my graze.
00:31:49Something in his expression dropped all its armor.
00:31:51I am losing my mind over you.
00:31:53Insanely.
00:31:54He kissed me.
00:31:56Not carefully.
00:31:57Not the way he'd kissed my hand at the altar, controlled and public and safe.
00:32:01This was everything he'd been holding back.
00:32:03All day, all week, maybe longer than that, and I felt it in my knees and my chest and somewhere
00:32:07further down.
00:32:08I yielded before I decided to.
00:32:10My bound hands found his face.
00:32:12I cupped his jaw and pulled him deeper and tasted the champagne on him and didn't think about contracts or
00:32:18Chloe or what any of this was supposed to mean.
00:32:21Tell me to stop.
00:32:23I didn't tell him to stop.
00:32:25What happened after that?
00:32:26I wasn't going to think about clearly for a long time.
00:32:30Morning came through the curtains of the presidential suite, warm and disorienting.
00:32:34I woke clutching the duvy, blinking at the light.
00:32:36Dante stood at the mirror, already dressed, adjusting his tie.
00:32:40Good morning, wife.
00:32:41There was a line of stylers waiting against the wall.
00:32:43Racks of Hau Couture gowns.
00:32:45Velvet trays of diamonds.
00:32:46I stared at all of it.
00:32:48What is all this?
00:32:49He crossed the room and scooped me up from the bed.
00:32:52Dante.
00:32:53He carried me to the stylers and set me in front of them.
00:32:56Pick whatever you like.
00:32:58This is too much.
00:32:59You're my wife.
00:33:00You can have anything you want.
00:33:03He stepped behind me and lifted a diamond necklace from the velvet tray.
00:33:07His fingers were careful at my neck.
00:33:09Cold clasp, warm skin, and I watched him in the mirror as he worked.
00:33:12He met my eyes in the reflection and held them.
00:33:14And you'll attend the Black Orid Gala, on my arm, as my wife.
00:33:18I touched the stones at my throat.
00:33:19They were heavier than they looked.
00:33:22Make my wife unforgettable.
00:33:23The stylist swept me toward the dressing room.
00:33:25I glanced back over my shoulder.
00:33:27Flushed, unsteady, and caught him leaning against the window,
00:33:30watching the door close with something warm in his face.
00:33:33Then his phone buzzed.
00:33:35He answered it.
00:33:36The warmth vanished.
00:33:37Father.
00:33:38Victor's voice came through cold and furious.
00:33:41I heard what you did at the wedding.
00:33:42Risking a war with Blair Vance family for a goddamn cleaner?
00:33:46You've lost your mind.
00:33:47The dressing room doors opened.
00:33:49I stepped out in the finished gown.
00:33:50Transformed.
00:33:51Glittering.
00:33:52Not quite recognizing myself until they turned in and looked at me.
00:33:54Our eyes locked across the room.
00:33:56She's the last Falcone they kept hidden.
00:33:58And that name still carries weight.
00:33:59I know what I'm doing.
00:34:01He ended the call without another word.
00:34:03I didn't ask about it.
00:34:05He extended his arm and I took it.
00:34:07And we walked out together into whatever came next.
00:34:10The Black Orid Gala was chandeliers and old money
00:34:12and people who had never once doubted they belonged anywhere.
00:34:15I doubted it with every step.
00:34:16Dante kept me close.
00:34:18His hand over mine where I gripped his arm.
00:34:19His body angled slightly in front of mine whenever someone stepped too near.
00:34:23I've never been to a place like this before.
00:34:25He covered my hand.
00:34:26His thumb moved in a slow stroke across my wrist.
00:34:29Relax.
00:34:29You look perfect.
00:34:30Just follow my lead.
00:34:31I almost believed him.
00:34:33He steered us toward a tall man standing apart from the crowd.
00:34:35Leon Falcone, 50, still and watchful and utterly in command of his corner of the room.
00:34:39His associates scrambled away the one St. Dante approached.
00:34:42Mr. Leon Falcone.
00:34:43Meet my wife, Aria Sinclair.
00:34:45Leon went completely still.
00:34:46His eyes snapped wide.
00:34:47Something raw and stud moving through his face before he could lock it down.
00:34:50I had never met this man in my life.
00:34:52But something about him made my chest ache with an unnamed familiarity.
00:34:54I forced a polite smile and extended my hand.
00:34:57An honor to meet you, Mr. Falcone.
00:34:59Leon grasped my fingertips gently.
00:35:00His eyes glistered red.
00:35:02The honor is mine.
00:35:03I pulled my hand back, unsettled by the intensity of his expression.
00:35:07We've never met.
00:35:08So why does he feel like someone I've always known?
00:35:12Dante pressed a champagne flask into my hand.
00:35:15Go mingle, Aria.
00:35:17I need a private word with Mr. Falcone.
00:35:23I nodded and walked away.
00:35:25Behind me, I heard Leon's voice drop to something low and lethal.
00:35:28You dragged my daughter back into the mafia world.
00:35:31What do you want?
00:35:32An alliance.
00:35:33It's mutually beneficial for both our families.
00:35:37You cold-blooded bastard.
00:35:39You're using my daughter as leverage.
00:35:42I'm using my name to protect her.
00:35:44Something you failed to do while she was suffering on the streets.
00:35:50I didn't understand any of it.
00:35:52I stood alone by a massive crystal champagne tower.
00:35:57Tugging at the hem of my gown.
00:35:59Watching people who had spent their whole lives in rooms like this.
00:36:04Will I ever stop feeling like I'm wearing someone else's life?
00:36:07Blair stepped into my path.
00:36:09She came in from my left, materializing out of the crowd with a glass in her hand,
00:36:13and a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
00:36:15She looked me up and down.
00:36:17Slow, deliberate.
00:36:19The way someone looks at a stain they're considering removing.
00:36:22Who let the cleaner in?
00:36:25I can't believe you have the nerve to show your face at an exclusive gala like this.
00:36:32I kept my face still.
00:36:34Don't make a scene.
00:36:35Do not make a scene.
00:36:39Excuse me.
00:36:41I'm leaving.
00:36:42I turned.
00:36:43Her stiletto came down on the trailing hem of my gown.
00:36:46The fabric tore wide open.
00:36:50I nearly went down.
00:36:55I didn't say you could leave.
00:37:01Across the room, Dante and Leon heard the crack of shattering cloth over the music.
00:37:08Both of them turned.
00:37:10Blair grabbed a fistful of my hair.
00:37:12The pain was immediate and sharp.
00:37:14I gasped, couldn't stop it, and my hand flew up instinctively.
00:37:19Stop it!
00:37:19What do you want?
00:37:21I want you out of my world.
00:37:23I want my place back as Mrs. Romano.
00:37:25She shoved me backward.
00:37:28Hard.
00:37:29I crashed into the champagne tower.
00:37:32And the whole pyramid went with me.
00:37:37Hundreds of crystal glasses shattered.
00:37:40Blair yanked me by the arm and slammed me onto the soaking floor.
00:37:46I laid there in the wreckage, with every eye in the hall locked onto me.
00:37:52Blair turned to the crowd, performing horror.
00:37:55How terribly clumsy!
00:37:58Look what she did!
00:38:03We need to teach this cheap wrap a lesson for ruining the vintage champagne.
00:38:11I didn't mean to!
00:38:13It was her!
00:38:14She pushed me!
00:38:16Shut up!
00:38:19How dare you talk back to me!
00:38:25She snapped her fingers.
00:38:27Two goons stepped forward, and hauled me to my knees.
00:38:30Blair picked up a jagged spirit of broken glass, and walked toward me with the unharried confidence
00:38:36of someone who had never been stopped.
00:38:39Let's see if Dante still wants you when your face is carved to pieces.
00:38:43She gripped my chin, pressed the sharp edge against my cheek.
00:38:49No!
00:38:50Don't!
00:38:51Don't!
00:38:53The bullet grazed her arm, blood blooming instantly through her sleeve.
00:38:57Blair screamed, and she dropped the glass.
00:39:04Through the chaos, the crowd parted.
00:39:08Dante walked toward me with a smoking gun in his hand.
00:39:12And absolute murder in his eyes.
00:39:19Nobody touches my wife.
00:39:21He stripped his jacket off and wrapped it around my shoulders.
00:39:24He pulled me against his chest.
00:39:26Blair stared at the blood on her arm, pale and shaking.
00:39:29You shot me?!
00:39:30I'll call my father!
00:39:31He will destroy the Romano family for this!
00:39:33This is war!
00:39:34Then your family is at war with the Falcones too.
00:39:38Leon shot Blair's two goons dead.
00:39:41Blair's legs gave out.
00:39:43She collapsed to the floor, trembling.
00:39:46I stared at Leon, stunned.
00:39:49Why is he defending me?
00:39:51Dante looked down at Blair with ice-cold contempt.
00:39:54Tell your father I'm cutting all ties.
00:39:56The Vances are finished.
00:39:57And listen up.
00:39:59Anyone who backs them is at war with the Romano.
00:40:02No!
00:40:03You can't!
00:40:04Dante!
00:40:05He gestured.
00:40:07His guards grabbed her.
00:40:09They dragged her out screaming.
00:40:13Then his hand found my draw, tipping my face up.
00:40:17Are you hurt?
00:40:18I shook my head.
00:40:21I just need a minute to clean myself up.
00:40:23I pulled away.
00:40:25I slipped down the corridor alone.
00:40:27His jacket was too big.
00:40:29I pulled it tighter around my shoulders and tried to breathe.
00:40:33Aria had a glass shard against her face.
00:40:36She's not safe with you.
00:40:37I handled it.
00:40:38I always will.
00:40:40She is under my protection.
00:40:41I need more than your word!
00:40:44I didn't hear Dante's answer.
00:40:50A hand clamped hard over my mouth.
00:40:53He wrenched me backward toward the exit.
00:40:55A pretty thing at a gala like this,
00:40:57you're gonna fetch me a massive ransom.
00:40:59I thrashed with everything I had.
00:41:02I bit down on his hand as hard as I could.
00:41:06Dante!
00:41:07Help!
00:41:08Dante, help!
00:41:20The world went dark.
00:41:22Help!
00:41:24Back in the hall, Dante and Leon heard my scream at the same moment.
00:41:28Dante's face went to stone.
00:41:30Shut up and move.
00:41:31My snipers have had eyes on her all night.
00:41:34We are getting her back right now.
00:41:36He drew his gun.
00:41:38He drew his gun and sprinted.
00:41:40Leon followed.
00:41:48Outside, the robber was dragging me toward a black van.
00:41:51The side entrance burst open.
00:41:52Dante and Leon came through at a run.
00:41:54The robber saw them and hauled me upright.
00:41:56He pressed his gun to my temple and used my limp body as a shield.
00:42:00Back off!
00:42:01Give me a safe passage out or I blow her brains out!
00:42:03A sniper's laser dot swept across the robber's chest and couldn't hold.
00:42:08Too close.
00:42:09Too much risk.
00:42:11Your sniper doesn't have a shot.
00:42:13What do we do?
00:42:18Dante slowly lowered his gun and raised both hands.
00:42:21His voice came out completely stead.
00:42:23Easy.
00:42:24You want money?
00:42:25The robber nodded, sweating.
00:42:26Dante took a step forward.
00:42:28The gun shifted, pointing at Dante now instead.
00:42:30Dante kept walking, step by step, unhurried.
00:42:34Let's make a trade.
00:42:35Her for me.
00:42:37Why the hell would you do that?
00:42:42Because she matters more.
00:42:46He lunged.
00:42:48The gun went off.
00:42:49The bullet grazed his cheek.
00:42:51Blood immediately, but he didn't even flinch.
00:42:54He snapped the robber's wrist backward.
00:42:57His arm came around my waist, pulling me hard against his chest.
00:43:02Got you.
00:43:03I woke up in his arms.
00:43:05Dante's face hovered above mine.
00:43:07Blood traced a line down his jaw from the greys across his cheek.
00:43:10His dark eyes were soft in a way I hadn't seen before.
00:43:13He looked at me like he'd been waiting for me to open my eyes and couldn't quite believe I had.
00:43:17Got you.
00:43:18His guards swarmed the scene behind him.
00:43:21The robber was on his knees, begging.
00:43:23I'll never do it again.
00:43:24Please.
00:43:25Let me go.
00:43:26Leon shot the robber dead before Dante could respond.
00:43:29Dante looked up, surprised.
00:43:30Leon holstered his gun calmly.
00:43:32I prefer to handle threats to my daughter myself.
00:43:38He patted Dante's shoulder.
00:43:41Thank you, Dante.
00:43:42For getting to Arian time.
00:43:44Every time.
00:43:45She's my wife.
00:43:47I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
00:43:51Now we can discuss a business alliance.
00:43:55But you swear to keep her true identity a secret.
00:44:01I won't have her life complicated by our world.
00:44:04You have my word.
00:44:06Inside the gala's quiet lounge, Dante carried me in.
00:44:09Dante laid me down on a pluff sofa.
00:44:12I opened my eyes slowly.
00:44:14Dante.
00:44:15He gripped my hand immediately.
00:44:17I'm right here.
00:44:19The doctor is on the way.
00:44:21Leon exhaled in relief.
00:44:22He turned toward the door.
00:44:27Something made me call after him.
00:44:30Wait!
00:44:31Mr. Falcone!
00:44:32He stopped.
00:44:35We've never met before.
00:44:38But why do you care so much about me?
00:44:45Why do you feel so familiar?
00:44:50Who are you to me, exactly?
00:45:01Both of them went very still.
00:45:06Leon forced a gentle smile.
00:45:08He stepped forward.
00:45:10He tucked the blanket around me.
00:45:12I just feel a kinship with you, Aria.
00:45:15You've been through enough tonight.
00:45:17Just rest.
00:45:18The answer felt wrong.
00:45:19But I was too tired to push.
00:45:21Leon turned toward the door.
00:45:23As he passed Dante, their eyes met.
00:45:26Something heavy and unspoken passed between them.
00:45:29Don't forget our agreement, Dante.
00:45:31Dante nodded.
00:45:33Leon left.
00:45:34The door closed.
00:45:36Dante dropped to one knee beside my.
00:45:38He gently brushed the hair from my face.
00:45:42His thumb traced my jawline.
00:45:44Did he hurt you?
00:45:46Does anything hurt?
00:45:48I shook my head.
00:45:51Then my eyes found his cheek.
00:45:53The greys.
00:45:54The blood still drying on his jaw.
00:45:56My hand moved toward it instinctively,
00:45:58hovering just inches from his skin.
00:46:00Dante, your face.
00:46:01You're bleeding.
00:46:03You took a bullet for me.
00:46:05You could have died.
00:46:06He caught my trembling hand.
00:46:08Slowly.
00:46:09Deliberately.
00:46:10He pressed my palm flat against his wounded cheek.
00:46:14Hey.
00:46:15It's just a scratch.
00:46:16I barely feel it.
00:46:18He leaned into my touch.
00:46:19His eyes never leaving mine.
00:46:22I will always protect you, Arya.
00:46:24Nothing matters more to me than your safety.
00:46:26I looked down at him.
00:46:28Kneeling there with blood on his face and my hand against his jaw.
00:46:32Something cracked open in the center of my chest that I didn't have a name for yet.
00:46:36He turned his head.
00:46:39He pressed a soft kiss into the center of my palm.
00:46:43My breath caught.
00:46:45He stood.
00:46:47He slid his arms under me.
00:46:49He lifted me without asking.
00:46:51Where are you taking me?
00:46:53To the hotel, so you can finally rest.
00:46:58Tomorrow, we're going home.
00:47:00There.
00:47:00He carried me out.
00:47:03And I didn't ask him to put me down.
00:47:08The new flight attendant greeted us at the jet door with a silver tray.
00:47:12Welcome back, Mr. Romano.
00:47:21I sat stiffly in my seat, hands tight in my lap.
00:47:25The memory was already playing behind my eyes.
00:47:28Chloe tilting the pitcher.
00:47:30Ice water flooding my dress.
00:47:32What makes you so special?
00:47:37Dante noticed.
00:47:38He reached over and interlaced his fingers with mine.
00:47:45This is my wife.
00:47:47The one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:47:50I blinked.
00:47:52Anyone who disrespects her, disrespects me.
00:47:56Understood?
00:47:59Lily bowed immediately.
00:48:01My deepest apologies, Mrs. Romano.
00:48:05Dante released my hand.
00:48:07Dante gestured openly, leaving the response to me.
00:48:10Lily lowered her posture and spoke softly.
00:48:12Mrs. Romano, would you like a warm towel or some fresh fruit?
00:48:16I am entirely at your service.
00:48:19Um, just a glass of warm water, please?
00:48:26Lily brought it with both hands.
00:48:28My shoulders dropped.
00:48:31I smiled before I could stop myself.
00:48:34Dante leaned in close.
00:48:36His voice was low and amused.
00:48:39Feel better, Mrs. Romano?
00:48:42Heat hit my face immediately.
00:48:44I stood up to escape him.
00:48:47I need to use the restroom.
00:48:49The turbulence hit before I finish the sentence.
00:48:51I grabbed the nearest thing.
00:48:53Dante's collar.
00:48:55The buttons ripped.
00:48:56We went down together.
00:48:57I landed straddling his lap with my hands flat on his bare chest.
00:49:02The air between us went very still.
00:49:04I pushed against his chest, trying to slide off his lap.
00:49:07His hands locked on my waist and held.
00:49:10I didn't realize you were in such a rush.
00:49:12Tearing my clothes off already?
00:49:14I didn't mean to.
00:49:15It was the turbulence.
00:49:17Then why are your hands still right on my chest?
00:49:19I tried to snatch them back.
00:49:21He caught both my wrists with one hand and held them against him.
00:49:24I bit my lip and looked anywhere but his face.
00:49:26We are beginning our descent.
00:49:27Please secure for landing.
00:49:28Dante let out an amused sigh.
00:49:30He guided me off his lap and into the seat beside him.
00:49:32Then he leaned over and buckled my seatbelt himself.
00:49:35His lips brushed my ear.
00:49:37You're lucky.
00:49:38You're lucky.
00:49:39Saved by the captain.
00:49:48We landed.
00:49:49The Romano estate swallowed us whole.
00:49:52Iron gates, a Rolls Royce up the drive.
00:49:54A mansion that looked like it had existed forever.
00:49:57And would continue to do so regardless of what happened to the people inside it.
00:50:01Dante helped me out of the car.
00:50:02He stood beside me while I stared.
00:50:05Welcome to the Romano estate.
00:50:08Our home.
00:50:11Our home.
00:50:13I turned the words over and couldn't quite fit them to reality.
00:50:19Sam appeared at the top of the steps, looking tense.
00:50:23Sir.
00:50:24Your father demands to see you.
00:50:26He's waiting in the study.
00:50:28Dante touched my cheek.
00:50:30The maids will show you to our room.
00:50:32Go rest.
00:50:33I'll be right back.
00:50:35He walked inside.
00:50:40I noticed his wallet sitting on the car seat.
00:50:43He forgot it.
00:50:45I grabbed it.
00:50:47And followed him into the mansion.
00:50:52The study door was slightly ocher.
00:50:56I raised my hand to knock.
00:50:58And Victor's voice stopped me.
00:51:00She is the perfect leverage.
00:51:02Leon Falcone's only daughter.
00:51:05You should use her to-
00:51:06Tightened around the wallet.
00:51:07Leon Falcone's only daughter.
00:51:09Who is his only daughter?
00:51:10The door yanked open.
00:51:12Dante came out fast.
00:51:13Jaw set.
00:51:14Fury barely contained.
00:51:15The kind of controlled anger that was somehow worse than shouting.
00:51:19He nearly walked straight into me.
00:51:21He stopped dead.
00:51:22His eyes dropped to me.
00:51:23Then to the wallet in my outstretched hand.
00:51:25How long have you been standing there?
00:51:29What did you hear?
00:51:31N-nothing.
00:51:32I-I just got here.
00:51:34His grip closed around my shoulders.
00:51:36Firm.
00:51:37Interrogating.
00:51:39What did you hear?
00:51:40I felt the sting of it.
00:51:42The suspicion.
00:51:43The coldness.
00:51:44The way he looked at me like I was a problem that needed to be managed.
00:51:49I just wanted to bring you your wallet.
00:51:52I held it up.
00:51:54He looked at it.
00:51:55His grip loosened.
00:51:57He took it.
00:51:59But his posture didn't change.
00:52:01Rigid.
00:52:02Distant.
00:52:03A wall going up in real time.
00:52:06You don't need to do this.
00:52:08Have the maids bring things next time.
00:52:11Are you hiding something from me?
00:52:16Nothing.
00:52:21Don't listen in on us again.
00:52:26The study door opened behind him.
00:52:29Victor stepped out.
00:52:31He looked at me with naked disdain.
00:52:33The look of a man who had never once considered me a real person.
00:52:38Then turned to Dante.
00:52:41Remember who you are.
00:52:42You are the Romano heir.
00:52:47The family comes first.
00:52:52His eyes cut to me.
00:52:54Everything.
00:52:55And everyone else comes second.
00:52:58He pushed past us and walked away.
00:53:00Dante's hand curled into a fist at his side.
00:53:04I'm sorry Aria.
00:53:05I gave your father my word.
00:53:07I can't let you know you're the Falcone Harris.
00:53:09Not yet.
00:53:11He grabbed my wrist.
00:53:13Not gently.
00:53:15Urgent.
00:53:15Tight.
00:53:16The grip of someone making a decision.
00:53:19We're leaving.
00:53:21Right now.
00:53:22You said this was our home.
00:53:24Why are you taking me away?
00:53:25He wrapped his arm around my waist and started moving.
00:53:29Pinning me against his side.
00:53:31Half dragging me toward the exit.
00:53:33I stumbled trying to keep up.
00:53:36Somewhere no one can hurt you.
00:53:38What am I to you?
00:53:40A dirty secret?
00:53:41A pet you can lock away wherever it's convenient?
00:53:45I shoved his chest with both hands.
00:53:47He didn't even move.
00:53:49Stop overthinking.
00:53:51I'm doing this to protect you.
00:53:52I don't need your protection.
00:53:53I don't want a marriage built on secrets and lies.
00:53:56I yanked my wrists free and turned to walk away.
00:53:59He caught me in two strides.
00:54:01His arm hooked around my waist from behind hard, pulling me back against his chest.
00:54:06I struggled.
00:54:06He held.
00:54:08His lips brushed my ear.
00:54:10Did you really think I'd ever let you leave?
00:54:12The car was waiting.
00:54:14I had nowhere to go.
00:54:16The drive took us out of the city and along a winding coastal road.
00:54:20Cliffs, ocean, sky.
00:54:22I stared out the window and didn't speak.
00:54:24Dante drove like a man who'd made up his mind about something and wasn't interested in relitigating it.
00:54:32The villa appeared below us, glass walls, stone terraces, isolated above the water line like the world couldn't find you
00:54:38here if it tried.
00:54:39Where are we?
00:54:41My private safe house.
00:54:43No one knows about it.
00:54:45He got out and walked to my door and opened it.
00:54:48I didn't move.
00:54:53He looked at me.
00:54:55Something in his expression shifted.
00:54:59Please don't go.
00:55:00Everything I've done, everything I do, it's to keep you safe.
00:55:05Memories came back to me without warning.
00:55:07His body in front of mine in the cathedral.
00:55:09His hand raised with mine.
00:55:10Don't you dare touch my wife.
00:55:12I know she's lying to me.
00:55:13I don't give a fuck.
00:55:15She'll be the one and only Mrs. Romano.
00:55:17My rigid posture softened before I could stop it.
00:55:19Then promise me, no more secrets.
00:55:23In this house, there are no secrets between us.
00:55:25Except one.
00:55:27You can never know you're the Falcone heiress.
00:55:29He led me inside.
00:55:31The space was breathtaking.
00:55:32Light everywhere.
00:55:33The ocean filling every window.
00:55:35Clean and still and completely cut off from everything we'd left behind.
00:55:39Go wait in the kitchen.
00:55:40I have a surprise for you.
00:55:41I sat at the marble island and looked around at the room and tried to figure out what to do
00:55:45with my hands.
00:55:46Then Dante walked in.
00:55:48He was shirtless.
00:55:49Dark canvas apron tied at his waist.
00:55:52Sculpted and casual about it in a way that suggested he had absolutely no idea what it was doing to
00:55:57me.
00:55:57Why aren't you wearing a shirt?
00:55:59He leaned across the counter until his face was inches from mine.
00:56:03It was my only clean shirt.
00:56:04Didn't want to get it dirty.
00:56:07What are you doing?
00:56:08He cupped my face and lifted my gaze to his.
00:56:11Cooking for my wife.
00:56:11He pulled out a ribeye massive, top-plead, the kind you see behind glass in restaurants where you don't ask
00:56:16the price.
00:56:17What are you making?
00:56:18Your favorite.
00:56:19He turned to the stove.
00:56:20I sat with my chin in my hands and watched him work.
00:56:23Heat from the flame lit up the lines of his back.
00:56:25His arms moved with the same effortless control he brought to everything.
00:56:28Seasoning, heat, timing, and the smell of butter and herbs filled the room.
00:56:32Dante set the plated steak in front of me.
00:56:35How did you know this is my favorite?
00:56:37He leaned back against the counter with a faint smile.
00:56:39At the bachelor auction, every woman in the room was staring at me.
00:56:43Except you.
00:56:44You were busy devouring that ribeye with your eyes.
00:56:47My face went hot.
00:56:49He noticed me.
00:56:50Even way back then.
00:56:53He picked up the knife and fork and cut a piece for me.
00:56:56Then held it out.
00:56:58Eat.
00:56:58There are no rules here.
00:57:00It's just you and me.
00:57:01I took it.
00:57:02Warm, perfect.
00:57:03Just seared enough I couldn't keep the sound of happiness out of my voice.
00:57:05You're a master chef.
00:57:06This is so good.
00:57:07His gaze darkened.
00:57:08His thumb moved to the corner of my lip slowly, catching a mirror of sauce.
00:57:11He didn't pull back.
00:57:12He held my gaze and traced my lower lip.
00:57:15Deliberate, unhurried, and leaned in close enough that I forgot how to breathe.
00:57:18Then his phone erupted on the counter.
00:57:23He pulled back.
00:57:25His jaw tightened when he saw the screen.
00:57:33Caller ID.
00:57:34Father.
00:57:35He straightened.
00:57:36The softness in his face locked back into place.
00:57:39Sorry Aria, I have to handle this.
00:57:41Right now.
00:57:42Be careful.
00:57:43I'll be here waiting for you.
00:57:45He untied the apron and threw on his shirt moving fast.
00:57:48Then he stopped at the door and turned back.
00:57:50He reached into his jacket and pressed a small device into my palm.
00:57:53If anything happens, press this.
00:57:54I will drop everything and come back to you.
00:57:56I looked down at it.
00:57:57A panic button.
00:57:58Small and solid and serious.
00:58:00No one knows you're here.
00:58:01So unless it's me, no matter who knocks, do not open that door.
00:58:05I know.
00:58:05Stop worrying and go.
00:58:07He gave me one last look.
00:58:08Something between worry and reluctance and walked out.
00:58:11I sat at the island alone and turned the panic button over in my hand.
00:58:15Outside, a battered black van rolled to a stop at the end of the drive.
00:58:19Blair stepped out.
00:58:20She was dragging a chainsaw.
00:58:23Dante destroyed my entire family.
00:58:25So I'm going to tear his precious little wife into bloody pieces.
00:58:30She yanked the starter cord.
00:58:31The engine roared.
00:58:38Did Dante forget something?
00:58:41I walked toward the front door and reached for the handle.
00:58:45The doorbell rang again, frantically now.
00:58:50I stopped.
00:58:52Wait.
00:58:53No one knows this address.
00:58:54I yanked my hand back from the handle.
00:58:57Then the ramping started.
00:58:59Heavy, rhythmic impacts against the door.
00:59:01I stumbled backward.
00:59:02The chainsaw blade ripped through the wood from the other side.
00:59:05Sawdust flying, the scream of the engine filling the room.
00:59:08Thought you could hide and play princess forever?
00:59:11You're dead.
00:59:15I pressed the panic button and ran.
00:59:1840 minutes away, in the Romano-Mashin study, Victor had his revolver aimed at Dante's chest.
00:59:23Dante had his handgun leveled back.
00:59:25Leon stood beside Dante, hands in his pockets, watching Victor with calm contempt.
00:59:30My wife is not a pawn for the Falcone syndicate.
00:59:35Looks like your son stands with me, Victor.
00:59:38Drop the gun, or I'll have your little wife killed right now!
00:59:42You dare touch my daughter!
00:59:45Dante's phone erupted.
00:59:46He looked down.
00:59:48SOS alert.
00:59:49Aria.
00:59:50Talks are off.
00:59:51Aria's in danger.
00:59:52We move now!
00:59:53He was running before anyone could respond.
00:59:56Leon was right behind him.
00:59:57The ruined door crashed to the floor.
01:00:00Blair walked in flanked by two thugs.
01:00:03Chainsaw idle at her side.
01:00:05Grab her.
01:00:06They were faster than me.
01:00:08The thugs lunged and grabbed both arms, wortching me backward.
01:00:12I fought.
01:00:13Kicked.
01:00:13Twisted.
01:00:14Threw my weight around.
01:00:16It made no difference.
01:00:17They forced me to my knees.
01:00:19Blair wrapped her hand around my throat.
01:00:21Not choking.
01:00:23Just enough to feel it.
01:00:24Dante destroyed my life.
01:00:26So I'm going to take the only thing he cares about.
01:00:29Let him suffer.
01:00:30They bound my wrists and ankles with thick rope while Blair watched.
01:00:34I kept my breathing controlled.
01:00:36I kept my face as still as I could.
01:00:37Dante is on his way.
01:00:39Leave while you still can.
01:00:40Blair let out a laugh.
01:00:41Sharp.
01:00:42Unhinged.
01:00:43Delighted.
01:00:44I'm counting on it.
01:00:45I want him to watch you die.
01:00:47She gestured.
01:00:48A thug stepped forward with a jerrycan and poured a ring of galaline around me in a wide circle.
01:00:53I could smell it coating everything.
01:00:55The floor.
01:00:56The air.
01:00:57The back of my throat.
01:00:58Blake clicked open a lighter.
01:00:59The flame caught.
01:01:01No!
01:01:02Don't!
01:01:02If he wants to save you, he's going to have to burn with you.
01:01:08She began to lower the flame toward the gasoline.
01:01:11The ruined doorway exploded with men.
01:01:14Dante and Leon came through with guns drawn and armed men spreading out behind them.
01:01:18Get away from my wife.
01:01:20Blair's hand froze midair.
01:01:22She turned to face him.
01:01:23Leon grabbed Dante's arm.
01:01:24Don't shoot.
01:01:25A spark will ignite the room.
01:01:27She'll burn.
01:01:28Dante's jaw was locked tight.
01:01:29He looked at me.
01:01:31At the rope.
01:01:31At the gasoline ring.
01:01:32At Blair's lighter.
01:01:33And his voice came out completely flat.
01:01:36Your vendetta is with me.
01:01:37Let her go and take me instead.
01:01:40Blair kicked a second gear can across the floor.
01:01:43It stopped at Dante's feet.
01:01:44You want to save her?
01:01:46Douse yourself.
01:01:47You burn.
01:01:48She lives.
01:01:48No!
01:01:49Dante!
01:01:50Don't!
01:01:50Dante picked up the can.
01:01:51He popped the cap and poured it over his own head.
01:01:54Gasoline soaked through his hair, his jacket, his shirt.
01:01:57He set the empty can down and looked at Blair without blinking.
01:02:00Done.
01:02:01My life for hers.
01:02:03Let her go.
01:02:04Blair's smile twisted into something purely evil.
01:02:07Oh, I changed my mind.
01:02:09How about you both just die together?
01:02:11She flicked the lighter straight into the gasoline at my feet.
01:02:14The fire erupted.
01:02:16A wall of orange heat and Dante was already moving.
01:02:19He threw himself over me, both arms wrapping around me,
01:02:22his body absorbing the first wave of flame.
01:02:24The fire caught his back instantly.
01:02:26A burning bane clacked from the ceiling and came down across his shoulders.
01:02:30I heard the sound he made.
01:02:32A harsh, gundral sound.
01:02:34And he didn't move.
01:02:35Didn't lift up.
01:02:37Stayed over me.
01:02:38Dante!
01:02:39Dante!
01:02:40Dante!
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