Chapter 6-No Escape.

Veronica.

“You better play along doll.”

My breath caught in my throat as his husky breath fanned at my skin.

How did he know?

Before mom could comment, a nurse came in. She gave both I and Dante a quick nod before getting busy with mom.

Seeing mom was completely distracted, I turned to Dante.

His hands were still wrapped firmly around my waist, restricting my movement.

“What do you want for me?” I said through my clenched teeth.

But as I twisted my face to meet his, he immediately leaned in, turning the tables. Our faces now inches apart.

My words got caught in my throat by the sudden closeness and his lips tugged to the corner.

He found this amusing?

I shifted my face to the side, but immediately regretted it. He now had full access to my neck and his breath fanning directly at my skin.

I froze, barely able to breathe as his lips brushed against my ear. My instincts screamed at me to run, but his grip was firm around my tiny waist.

He seemed to notice this because the next moment his lips curled up into a knowing smile.

“I told you, Principessa.” he whispered. “You can’t hide from me, even if you try to run. I will find you.”

His Italian accent made sure to leave an edge, leaving me shaky as his arm loosen a bit but was still wrapped around me.

The heat of his body pressed against mine and I had no choice but to stand in place, despite the fear clawing at my chest.

“Who are you? What do you want from me?” I repeated.

It was a kind of expression that wouldn't make mom suspicious but at the same time he would get the message.

His smirk deepened. “Everything.”

“Everything?”

Was that even an answer?

He nodded.

“I want you, Veronica.”

“Newsflash, you can't have me psychopath. “ I snickered.

His smirk only grew and it made my blood boil.

“But I already do doll. You just need to accept it. “

“You're insane. That night is done so get over it and move on.“ I spat, my eyes burning with rage.

Who the heck did he think he was?

“It's either you be a good disciplined girl who does whatever I say or…” His eyes flickered over to my mom. “ she pays for your disobedience.”

My eyes widened. I opened my mouth to speak but just then my mother cleared her throat loudly, breaking the suffocating tension.

The nurse soon left the room and her face focused back on us.

“Honey, aren't you going to introduce me, or should I guess?”

His eyes never left mine, daring me to deny him. My mind raced. What would he do if I didn’t comply? More importantly, what would he do to my mom?

“This is... Dante,” I said, my voice shaking. “He's my frie–”

“Fiancé,” he corrected smoothly, flashing my mother a disarming smile.

I turned to him and another glare from him shut me up immediately.

Mother's eyes also widened in shock.

“Fiancé?” Her eyes darted between us. “You didn’t tell me you were seeing someone, let alone engaged!”

Even I didn't know.

I gave her a forced smile, hoping she didn't notice the pretense in my voice.

“We were planning to keep it a surprise, but I couldn’t wait any longer.” Dante replied.

I forced another smile, trying to mask the panic rising in my chest. “It... happened fast,” I muttered.

Dante’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me closer as if to emphasize his point.

“When you find the right one, there’s no reason to wait.”

He looked over at her and then took me, a smile playing across his face.

My mom looked skeptical, but she nodded slowly.

“Well, I suppose I should be happy for you. He’s certainly... charming.”

Charming wasn’t the word I would have chosen, but I bit my tongue.

“Are you ready to leave, Mrs. Bennett?” Dante asked smoothly, stepping into the role as though he’d rehearsed it. “I think that was supposed to be the final check up.”

“Yes, but—”

“Good,” he cut her off gently. “I’ve already arranged for your things to be taken care of. You’ll be staying somewhere more comfortable from now on.”

“Wait, what?” I asked, breaking free from my daze. “She’s coming home with me.”

He turned to me, his blue eyes hardening. “No, she’s not.”

His tone left no room for argument, but I wasn’t about to let him dictate my life.

“Dante,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “she’s my mother. She should stay with me.”

He leaned in, his voice barely a whisper “Didn't I tell you to play along or would you rather have a dead body to return home with? ”

My body numbed, If I didn't comply he was going to kill her.

“She should come with me, don't you think honey?” He smiled.

I nodded but he squeezed at my waist. I wanted to fight back and screen but there was no point, I was defenseless.

“Words principessa.”

“Y-yes. But I will be going with her.”

His lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Of course, Principessa. I wouldn’t dream of separating you.”

My mom looked between us, confusion etched on her face. “What’s going on here? Veronica, is everything okay?”

I forced another smile. “It’s fine, Mom. Let’s just get you out of here.”

Dante stepped back, letting me go, but even then I could still feel his piercing gaze boring at my back. I helped mom from the bed and out of the room.

As we walked out of the hospital, he gestured us to a parked SUV right out the hospital. One I could have sworn wasn't there when I arrived.

I didn't bother to protest and simply followed him into the car. A man in all black was already seated at the driver's seat and as soon as we entered, Dante gave him a curt nod and the engine started.

Who is this man?