Dante
One million dollars, and she hadn't even blinked. It was infuriating. Was the money too small for her? Most people had a price. Leona? She was willing to stand in the flames rather than take what I offered. It should have been enough to make me walk away. Normally, I don't stress over women because they keep coming but I couldn't stop myself when it comes to her.
That's why I was here, parked in a darkened street outside her apartment, watching as she made her way up the steps, her movements sharp and restless, like she knew someone was watching. I didn't make my presence known right away. I watched her.
I took in the tired roll of her shoulders, the stiffness in her jaw. The way her fingers curled tightly around her keys, as if she expected something or someone.
She wore a necklace. I wondered who gave it to her, because judging from the glint, it was a diamond. She reached her door, shifting her bag on her shoulder as she pulled out her keys. That's when I moved. Boots against pavement. She stiffened instantly.
But she didn't turn nor spoke. Just waited. I smirked.
She knew it was me. Slowly, she turned, already reaching for something in her pocket.. The second her gaze met mine, a sign of relief crossed her face.
It didn't last. Her lips pressed into a tight line, eyes narrowing.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
I didn't answer. Just let the silence drag out.
"Marry me." I said with all the seriousness in me but my voice betrayed me.
She froze. Then—she laughed. Not a real laugh. A sharp, disbelieving sound that had mockery written all over it.
"What?"
I didn't blink.
"I said, marry me."
She tilted her head slightly, studying me. "Did you hit your head or something? I thought you wanted to pay me for a night, not a lifetime."
I smirked, stepping closer. "That's still an option. I just figured I'd up the stakes."
She folded her arms across her chest, but her fingers curled into her jacket.
"You're out of your mind, Dante."
I leaned in. "Maybe."
She didn't back away. That was the problem. She should have. Instead, she let me get too close, let my fingers skim the necklace she had placed on her throat.
Her breath hitched. I felt it. Felt it in the tension between us. And I used it.
"You hate this thing, don't you?" I murmured. "The way it feels. Like a leash."
She swallowed hard. "Go the hell out of my face."
I chuckled. "I probably will."
I traced my fingers along the cool metal, watching the way her pulse pounded against her skin.
"You come with me," I said, my voice dropping, "and you get everything Marco can give you. More."
She scoffed. "Including you?"
I grinned. "Including me."
Her fists clenched. The fury inside her was so loud I could almost hear it. She hated me. Feared me. And something about that mix drove me fucking crazy.
She let out a sharp breath, stepping back so fast she nearly slammed into her door. "You're insane if you think I'd ever say yes."
I tilted my head. "And yet, you haven't told me to leave."
Her jaw clenched. "Leave!."
I took a step back, but not before leaning in, voice a whisper against her ear.
"You'll think about it."
Her breathing hitched.
"I won't," she muttered.
I smirked, stepping back entirely. "You will, amigo."
She glared at me, fire blazing behind her eyes. Despite her anger, she was beautiful as fuck when she was furious. I turned to leave, heading toward my car, but I knew— This wasn't over. Not even close.
Just as I reached my car, something caught my attention.
A figure across the street. Watching. I didn't react, didn't let it show on my face, but my instincts screamed. I turned slightly, catching the glint of something, a reflection off a car window. It was brief. A sign of a watchful presence. Someone was watching Leona. But who?
I kept walking, sliding into my car, eyes moving to my rearview mirror. Leona had already stepped inside her building, the front door slamming shut behind her. I started the engine, but my focus stayed on the street.
The figure was gone, but I knew better. Someone was watching her. And I had a bad fucking feeling about who it might be.
I exhaled slowly. Maybe I should tell her. Maybe I should warn her. But if there was one thing I knew about Leona, it was that she didn't scare easy.