I shook my head with a rueful smile. “There’s nothing romantic about my relationship with Luca.” In fact, I was certain that the studio was a manipulation to persuade me to be less thorny with him. But that didn’t mean it wasn’t a kind gesture and a grand one at that. “But I think he’ll treat me well. We can build a happy home together.”

Our children would be safe and loved, and Luca would provide for us. In my world, I couldn’t dare to hope for anything more than that.

“I’m sorry to hear that, little bird.”

I jolted at Dante’s deep, mocking voice, and I was on my feet before he fully stepped into the room. I positioned myself between the monster and my sister, shielding her with my body on instinct.

My stomach dropped to the floor when I took him in, his beautiful features twisted with arrogant amusement. Father was behind him, ushering him into the sitting room. I knew he didn’t love me, but his betrayal was a dagger in my heart.

“How could you?” I demanded, voice shaking with rage. My fists clenched at my sides, violence tensing my muscles.

Father’s eyes narrowed. “Watch your tone, Elenora.”

Giana was on her feet, her fingers digging into my forearm as she tried to edge her body around mine. “Stay away from my sister!” Her demand was high and thin, but she tried to come to my defense as Dante prowled toward us.

I kept my eyes on the monster, but I addressed my father. “You pledged your loyalty to Luca. No one will respect you if you betray him now.”

“I was never loyal to that little shit,” he seethed, lines of spite drawing deep around his mouth. “He humiliated me. He thought he could back me into a corner and force me to obey him. But Tommaso is dead now, and I won’t allow Luca to take control, only so he can push me out of power.”

Power. That’s all my father had ever cared about. It certainly mattered to him more than his own daughter.

Dante came to a stop before me, barely an inch beyond my personal space. He towered over me, and I lifted my chin to clash my defiant gaze with his. Vibrant green eyes glittered with amusement, taking in every nuance of my expression as though he was savoring the sight. He held out his hand, an elegant gesture, like a gentleman offering assistance.

“Come with me, Nora.” The command lilted with mockery, needling my pride. He already knew my response, and he would relish conquering me.

But there was only one reply I could give him. I would not simply walk out of here with my husband’s mortal enemy. Dante would use me to get to Luca. And he might hurt me for his own entertainment in the meantime.