DANTE POV

I noticed the crowd first.

Too many men circling Alina. Talking, laughing, trying too hard.

She didn’t seem uncomfortable-she rarely did. But still, I moved toward them.

Until something else pulled my attention.

A glance to the side.

Viella.

She was standing near the Food table. Her plate filled with strawberry dessert. I thought she hated strawberry.

Then I saw it.

Some man approached her, smiling too easily. He said something and extended his hand for a dance.

She didn’t step back.

Was she serious? That guy was known for breaking engagements like champagne glasses.

A flicker of annoyance passed through me.

Did she not knew who he was or was it another trick of hers

I gritted my teeth and moved before I can think

I was beside her in seconds.

"She have a fiance," I said calmly, staring straight at the man.

I didn’t wait for a reply. I reached for her wrist and led her toward the dance floor. She raised an eyebrow but didn’t resist. She never does when it comes to attention.

Her hand was warm in mine.

I could feel the warmth of her body

As the music started, I placed my other hand on her waist. A crumb lingered near her mouth-ridiculous. Childish and oddly endearing

She didn’t even notice.

Typical.

But instead of rolling my eyes, I stared a moment longer. Strange.

Who was this?

Her sarcasm was still there. But it was quieter. Less performative.

I didn’t speak. Neither did she.

We danced in silence.

I didn’t liked this silence. I didn’t liked this feeling.

I noticed her looking around. Is she looking for same person she was chatting with? I felt bit possessive, did I had the right to?

So I did what I always do. I pushed it away.

I passed her off to another partner and stepped away.

Distance. I needed it.

Still, I could feel her warmth in my hand. It was stupid. Irritating.

Alina came to me again, her voice as soft as ever. I nodded at whatever she said, but my mind wasn’t fully present. Didn’t noticed she walked away

Till

my phone buzzed.

"Sir, we spotted a suspicious waiter. Might be hiding the bracelet."

I didn’t waste time. "Find him. Keep it quiet."

Not long after-

Glass shattered.

I turned just in time to see both Alina and Viella on the ground. People gasped. A few took a step back.

Viella was already up-searching for something. Her eyes scanned the ground before she turned on a waiter, grabbing his collar.

"What’s going on?" I demanded.

She looked guilty.

Just when I thought something changed....

I helped Alina up, brushing glass from her gown.

My anger about to burst out

"Viel..."

But then Lucian appeared.

"It wasn’t her."

His tone was serious. Direct.

Lucian rarely defends anyone- especially not her.

But now?

He stepped in front of Viella and walked her away without another word.

I didn’t stop him.

My men returned.

"Waiter’s gone. So as the bracelet"

Great

I spent no time before storming out with Alina.

---

In the shadows...

A man leaned against the pillar with a glass of champagne.

His smirk curled slowly.

"Now this... is getting interesting."

---

Next morning

After my morning workout, I walked into the main lounge only to find Alina standing there, holding my water bottle with her both hands. Always so quiet. So tiny.

She smiled softly as I took it, but my mind was still back at last night’s mess.

Viella.

That woman...

"Where is she?" I called one of my men and asked. as Alina’s gentle voice cut in between

"Good morning."

I nodded.

"She left early, sir," came the reply through the phone.

Of course she did.

She was at that party too. Saw her searching for something or someone. looked like a maniac trying to rip that waiter’s collar off. Suspicious,...

"Find out where she went," I ordered before hanging up.

Alina went off to prepare breakfast or something. I didn’t ask. I had somewhere else to be.

Lucian’s place.

Not because I missed his annoying face but because I needed answers. Why the hell did he defend Viella last night? That snake rarely ever lifts a finger for anyone unless there’s a twisted reason. Apart from that i also have to join meeting with him.

After getting ready, I left.

Reaching his place

What I didn’t expect-was getting tackled by a flying human

Literally.

Viella jumped on me. Her arms wrapped around my neck and she clung to me like a scared cat. Her breathing hit the side of my neck, too warm... way too warm. I felt my heartbeat suddenly raising

I froze.

What the hell?

"Done?" I muttered, trying not to sound as startled as I felt. "Or do you wanna cling more?"

Her wide eyes looked up at me, glassy and confused. She looked like she’d seen a ghost-. Messy hair, pale face, no makeup

Lucian came running, screaming about his pet snake or whatever chaos.

I let go of her, and she almost tripped. Not my fault. But I looked again just incase shes hurt.

She started yelling at me, calling me a brute. I smirked As I walked past her.

Why was my heart still racing?

In Lucian’s office

I crossed my arms and leaned back as he finally stopped laughing.

"So what exactly made you defend Viella yesterday?" I asked.

"She wasn’t lying," he said, pouring coffee like it was just another Tuesday. "Even you should be able to tell."

"She’s still suspicious."

"You’re just obsessed with Alina at this point. I know you know it too."

I didn’t answer.

"Are you still looking for her inside Alina? I know they-"

"I told you to not talk about it Lucian" I said with my voice cold. Getting the hint Lucian shut his mouth. And the discussion ended there.

---------------

Later, on our way to the meeting, Lucian suddenly snapped his fingers. "Crap. Forgot the blueprints. Back to my place."

I sighed but agreed. Turned back.

After reaching

What we saw next-

Viella.

Wearing nothing but a short silk pajama set. Big headphones on. Hair up. Dancing in the middle of the living room. Singing like nobody was watching.

Unfortunately, someone was watching.

Me.

She didn’t even hear us walk in.

She twirled, almost tripped, then rapped the next line like she was the star of some underground concert. Her pajama shorts were barely decent. Her voice cracked. She was completely ridiculous.

Specially with her ridiculous lyrics

And yet... I laughed.

Actually laughed.

I quickly cleared my throat and looked away, covering my mouth with my hand.

Lucian gave me a side-eye smirk. "You good, Mr. Mafia Boss?"

I ignored him. I know he was teasing me

My eyes were still drawn to her.

Viella.

A glitch in my perfect control.

And with that Dante’s pov ends here. He didnt notice how his ear turned red.

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To be continued