Dante is angry. Really angry. I heard him yelling in his office, and from what I can gauge, it was at Leo’s mother—his ex-wife. Someone we haven’t really talked about, and I haven’t brought it up since the time I spoke to Maria about it. By Dante’s outburst, they don’t get along at all. As I look between Leo and Dante, I am angry and equal parts scared. I’m angry because I don’t know what she has done to elicit a response from Dante and Leo like this. But I am also fearful because Maria said she wasn’t a nice woman, and I wonder what she is capable of if she has such an effect on them both.

What did that woman do to these beautiful boys? My boys! I still at the thought. The feelings I have for both of them are all-encompassing, and I want them in my life more so than on a temporary basis.

Dante runs his hand through his hair, before resting it on Leo’s shoulder, providing him the comfort he needs, and I see him visibly calm, clearly needing his dad’s support. I haven’t seen Dante this angry before; the volume and grit in his tone were pure venom. While it wasn’t directed at me, it was a little frightening to hear. I am sure whatever he does when he is away during the day and night, his fearful tone may be necessary, but here in the comfort of his home, he has never once raised his voice. I can’t ever imagine him taking that tone with me, but we have only just started to get to know each other. There is still so much I don’t know about him. And him me.

I rub my chest, trying to get my beating heart to slow down, and draw in a breath to fill my lungs with much-needed air. I try to center my thoughts and take the snippets of information I overheard to piece together what is going on and if I should be worried. Our tranquil day is now all out the window.

Dante must see my hesitation at everything that just occurred, and leaving Leo to eat his dessert, he walks around the breakfast bar, straight to where I am standing in the kitchen. I watch him as I wring my hands together, and then without hesitation, he grabs me, pulling my body flush with his, and drops his head to the crook of my neck. My arms automatically run up his torso and wrap around his neck, my fingers caressing his hair at his nape.

“It’s okay, Bella,” he whispers. “She is not an issue, and will never be an issue for you.” His hands remain firm on my hips, pulling me to him, not wanting to let me go.