Chapter 27
A R I A N A
The light of morning crept through the curtains as I I woke up, dante’s heavy body still pinned me to the bed, his face now buried in my shoulder.
His breathing was uneven, his skin still burning against mine.
I tried to wiggle free, but his arms tightened around me even in sleep.
“Dante,” I whispered, gently shaking him. “I need to get up p>
He groaned but didn’t wake.
Carefully, I managed to slip one hand free and brushed my fingers across his forehead, still feverish and my thumb accidentally grazed his lips, dry and hot.
Dante’s eyes flew open instantly, Dark, glassy with fever, with something quiet unreadable.
“Touching me in my sleep, wife?” His voice was rough, but the usual edge was dulled by sickness.
I yanked my hand back. “You have a fever. I was checking p>
“I know what you were doing.” His grip on my waist tightened. “You taking care of me p>
My face burned. “No! I just p>
“Liar.” His breath was scorching against my neck. “You stayed all night p>
I pushed at his chest. “Let me go, I need to make you something to eat and get medicine p>
Dante studied my face, his gaze unnervingly intense despite the fever. “Thought you hated me p>
“I do,” I said automatically.
His lips curved slightly. “Liar again p>
I huffed, looking away. “Fine. Maybe I don’t want to be responsible for your death. Happy p>
Dante chuckled, then winced like it hurt. “You care p>
It wasn’t a question.
Before I could deny it, his hot lips brushed my throat. “I like it p>
The words sent a shiver down my spine he wasn’t the cold, controlled Dante I knew. He was someone else someone who made my heart race dangerously.
Which he shouldn’t be.
“Medicine,” I said firmly, squirming out of his loosened grip. “Now p>
As I hurried to the kitchen, one terrifying thought repeated in my mind,
What if Dante was right?
What if, against all logic, I actually cared?
No! I couldn’t possibly care about him.
I rushed into the kitchen, my face still warm from Dante’s words.
God this man will surely be the end of me.
I let out a growl the sun peaking sun streamed through the windows, making the stainless steel appliances gleam.
Esmeralda, stood at the counter kneading dough, she looked up when I entered, her old eyes crinkling at the corners as she took in my flushed face and messy hair.
“Good morning, Ariana,” she said, her voice warm. “What would you like for breakfast today p>
“I ” I cleared my throat, moving to the pantry. “Actually, I’m making soup… Dante’s sick p>
Esmeralda’s eyebrows shot up before a slow smile spread across her wrinkled face. “Is that so p>
I ignored her knowing look, pulling out vegetables with more force than necessary. “He has a fever, probably caught something during his trip p>
“Mmhmm.” Esmeralda wiped her flour-dusted hands on her apron. “And you stayed up all night taking care of him p>
My hands froze on a carrot. “How did you p>
“Child, I’ve worked here thirty years, I know everything that happens under this roof.” She chuckled, moving to help me chop vegetables. “I’m glad you two are getting along better p>
I nearly dropped the knife. “We’re not p>
“Take it easy on him,” Esmeralda interrupted gently. “Dante’s been through more than you know p>
I frowned, stirring the broth too aggressively. “He’s the one who’s always difficult p>
Esmeralda sighed, adding the chopped vegetables to the pot. “That man has built walls around his heart taller than these kitchen walls. The fact he’s letting you in at all She trailed off meaningfully.
I wanted to argue to say Dante didn’t care about me, that this marriage was just business.
But the memory of his fever-rough voice whispering “You care” made the words die in my throat.
Esmeralda patted my shoulder. “Just be patient with him. Now, let’s make this soup extra strong, nothing heals a Russo man like good food and a woman’s care p>
As we cooked together, her words played in my mind.
What had Dante been through?
And why did the thought of his pain make my chest ache?
After making the soup I placed everything in the tray with the help of Esmeralda.
She smiled, “Off you go” she ushers to which I nod.
I contemplated wether to check my room or Dante’s… could he have returned back to his room?
As I walked in my eyes fall on his half covered body drizzling with water signifying he just got out of the shower.
My breath hitched.
Damn!
That right there is a man.
My man.