icked shut

dimly lit bedroom, listening as Dante'

as tr

with warm touches, with promises of forever. But instead, she was h

, and cold. Dark furniture. A king-sized bed covered in pristine white sheets. Heavy

the door, jigg

ck

urse

this marriage would be cruel, that Dante would punish her for a

let them fall. She had already given up her

ything-anything-that could help her escape. But it was h

ll and tru

the door st

iffened.

tered-tall, elegant, with sleek dark hair pulled into a bun.

new bride," the w

lowed. "Wh

" she said, stepping inside. "And I'm here t

ed her fists

nowing look. "Like

h twisted. "Am

're Dante's wife. And Dante

ent a chill

"You should get some rest. Tomorrow, you begin learn

ightened. "An

rm. It was warning. "Then life

nd left, locking the do

lence of the room, gripping

ing. Her freedom. He

uldn't los

Valenti did to her-