Dante
I'd been patient, watching Leona Rivera. The name tasted like a lie every time I said it. I leaned against my desk, phone in hand, the city view stretching beyond my office window. If she wasn't going to give me answers willingly, I'd have to take them.
And what better way than to use her weakness? I dialed the number. She picked up on the second ring.
"…Hello?" She answered, her tone soft.
"It's me, Dante," I replied, waiting for her cold reply.
"What?"
I smirked at the sharpness in her voice. Always so hostile.
"Now, now, is that any way to greet an old friend?" I drawled.
"You're not my friend."
"Debatable," I mused. "But I didn't call to argue."
"Then what the hell do you want?"
I let a brief pause stretch between us before saying, "Elena and I ran into each other today."
Silence. Not long, but just long enough.
"What?"
Bingo!. I could almost hear the gears in her head screeching to a stop, and could practically feel the way her pulse must have spiked.
"Elena," I repeated lazily, watching my reflection in the window. "Sweet girl. We had a nice chat."
"You're lying."
I chuckled. "Am I?"
The sharp inhale on the other end of the line was all the confirmation I needed.
"I swear to God, Dante, if you so much as—"
I cut her off smoothly. "Relax. She's perfectly fine. She actually seems to like me." I tilted my head, watching the way the city lights shined below. "We were just having a drink."
Another pause. This one longer.
Then she said. "Where?"
I smirked. "Come find out."
And then I hung up.
...
The Meeting Place – 20 Minutes Later*
I didn't have to wait long. The moment the door swung open, she stormed in. Anger radiated off her in waves as she marched toward me, shoulders squared, eyes blazing with unfiltered rage. I had to bite back a smirk.
God, she was stunning when she was angry.
"Where is she?" she demanded.
I gestured casually toward the far corner of the lounge, where Elena sat on a plush leather couch, laughing at something one of my men had said.
Relaxed. Comfortable. Completely unaware of the fury brewing in her friend's eyes. Leona's gaze snapped to Elena, and I saw it, the sign of something raw. Not just anger. Fear. Protectiveness. Desperation.
I leaned back against the bar, watching her reaction like a hunter observing his prey.
"See?" I murmured. "No harm done."
Her hands curled into fists at her sides before she turned back to me, her voice dropping into a dangerous whisper. "You had no right to drag her into this."
I arched a brow. "Into what?"
Her nostrils flared. "Whatever twisted game you're playing."
I tilted my head. "You're giving me too much credit, Leona." I let the name roll off my tongue deliberately. "I just happened to run into her. Thought I'd be polite and have a chat."
"You don't do anything without a reason," she spat.
Smart girl. I pushed off the bar, stepping closer. She didn't back away. Interesting.
"Elena's sweet," I mused, watching the way her jaw clenched. "Innocent. Loyal." My lips curved. "A lot like you."
Her eyes burned with undiluted hatred. I liked it.
"You think you're smart," she muttered, voice laced with venom.
I shrugged. "I know I am."
She exhaled sharply, hands trembling slightly at her sides.
"You're an arrogant, manipulative bastard."
"I prefer strategic," I said smoothly.
"Strategic?" She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "You think you can just pull the strings and everyone will dance?"
I stepped closer. This time, she did step back. Good.
I leaned in slightly, voice dropping just for her. "You're here, aren't you?"
Her breath hitched. Just barely. But I caught it.
She scowled, turning her head toward Elena again. Checking to see if her mood had changed. She'd risk anything for that girl. That told me everything I needed to know.
She exhaled sharply. "You neee to stop this"
I smiled. "I can't "
She spun on her heel and started toward Elena.
"Leona."
She stilled. I took my time, watching the tension coil in her shoulders before I spoke.
"Have you thought about my offer?"
Her head snapped toward me, eyes flashing dangerously.
"You mean your ridiculous, manipulative, bullshit offer?"
I smirked. "That's the one."
Her jaw clenched. "Go to hell."
I chuckled, taking a slow step forward. "Oh, I've already been. But you… you might end up there with me, sweetheart."
She exhaled through her nose, shaking her head. "M-O-V-E."
"Make me," I mused, "Leona, make me."
She let out a sound that was somewhere between frustration and disbelief. "Crazy man"
I smiled. God, I loved this. Her rage. Her defiance. The way she wanted to be anywhere but near me, yet couldn't seem to escape.**
I took another step, lowering my voice. "Crazy's a strong word."
"Not strong enough."
I chuckled. "You wound me."
She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "You sure you're okay? ."
"You're fascinating, Leona."
Her brows furrowed, as if she didn't know whether to be insulted or disturbed.
"Don't look so surprised," I murmured. "I like challenges."
She scoffed. "I'm not playing games with you, Dante."
"Neither am I" I leaned in slightly, voice just a whisper. "You and I both know the rules. The question is…who's going to win?"
Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out.