I straightened my spine, defiance sparking through my terror. His dark amusement chafed at my pride, provoking me to betray a glimmer of the fire that raged deep in my chest. I was furious at him for doing this to me, and I was angry at my own powerlessness to physically resist cruel men like Dante.

All I could do was endure, but I was sick of meekly surrendering my body to heartless monsters who only wanted to use me for their own nefarious ends.

Dante’s eyes searched mine, and a delighted smile illuminated his angelic features, making him almost painfully beautiful. The effect was both stunning and terrifying.

“No,” he said slowly. “I don’t think my bride is ready for a kiss. Not yet.”

I lifted my chin. “I will never be ready to kiss you. Luca will kill you slowly if you touch me.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Already so loyal to strong, handsome Luca?” he mocked. “Even after he raped you on your wedding night?”

“He didn’t rape me,” I seethed. It hadn’t been like that.

Had it?

I shoved away the treacherous thought before it could fully form. Luca had always ensured that I felt pleasure. He’d never hurt me.

“Let’s see just how badly you want to get back to your beloved.” Again, that lilting, mocking tone.

I bristled. Luca wasn’t my beloved, and Dante knew it. He was enjoying twisting my words, trying to goad me into snapping completely.

Before I could swallow my indignation and claw back the composure that would protect me from his cruelty, his hands bracketed my waist. The world spun, and my abdomen collided with his shoulder. Instinctively, I struggled, beating my fists against his lower back as he carried me off, just like Luca had done when he’d stolen me away from Dante on our wedding day.

He palmed my bottom through the layers of organza that made up the skirt of my white gown, brazenly groping me. I thrashed and cursed him, and the bastard laughed.

Chilly air kissed the bare skin on my arms, and everything swirled around me as Dante put me back on my feet. He grabbed my hips and turned me away from him before wrapping a corded arm around my waist, tugging my back against his hard chest.

His big body practically enfolded mine, and I shuddered at his raw power. He wasn’t quite as broad as Luca, but he had a couple inches of height on my husband. His muscular frame was more than strong enough to completely overpower me.