Once we were back in the car, I drove through the darkened streets, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the center console inches from Belle's arm. She hadn't spoken since we left her apartment, her face turned toward the passenger window, profile illuminated by passing streetlights in rhythmic flashes of gold and shadow. The silence between us wasn’t exactly uncomfortable but I wanted to reach across that small distance, to touch her, to reassure myself that she was real, that she was here and that she had truly agreed to come with me. Instead, I tightened my grip on the steering wheel until my knuckles whitened, focusing on the road ahead rather than the storm brewing in my chest. This woman had become essential to me with a speed at once exhilarating and terrifying.
"Are you cold?" I asked, more to break the silence than out of genuine concern. The car's temperature was, like everything else in my life, precisely controlled.
She shook her head without looking at me. "No."
I watched her from the corner of my eye as I navigated through traffic. "You'll have your own space at Villa Luca," I said, keeping my voice calm, matter-of-fact. "Complete privacy when you want it."
She nodded slightly but didn't respond. Was she regretting her decision already? Second guessing the choice to trust me? I couldn't read her thoughts, and the uncertainty gnawed at me, a novel and unwelcome sensation. I’d grown accustomed to knowing exactly where I stood with everyone in my orbit, and could read most people. Belle remained stubbornly opaque, even as I felt increasingly transparent under her gaze. Of course, she wasn’t like anyone in my orbit.
As we left the city proper, the traffic thinned, and I accelerated. The powerful engine responded instantly, a familiar comfort. Belle's hand tightened on the door handle, and I eased off the gas slightly, unused to considering another's comfort in these small ways.
"How far is it?" she asked finally, her voice quiet in the dim interior.
"About twenty minutes more." I gestured toward the horizon where the city lights gave way to darkness. "Villa Luca sits on its own land outside the city limits. More privacy. Better security."
As we turned onto a less traveled road, Belle shifted in her seat, leaning forward slightly as the landscape changed. The urban sprawl had given way to carefully maintained woodland, the road winding through property that had been in my family for three generations. I slowed as we approached the gates, satisfaction curling through me at the small gasp that escaped her lips when Villa Luca came into view.
Even at night, the estate was impressive, the main house illuminated by strategic lighting that highlighted its Mediterranean lines without compromising security. Three stories of cream-colored stone rose against the night sky, climbing roses and ivy softening what might otherwise have been austere. The wrought iron gates ahead bore the Luca family crest, an intricate design that combined old-world craftsmanship with subtle modern security features.
"This is where you live?" Belle's voice was barely audible, tinged with something between awe and apprehension.
"This is home," I confirmed, slowing as we approached the gates. They swung open smoothly at our approach, sensors recognizing the car. I didn't mention the armed guards who monitored every vehicle, nor the extensive camera system that tracked movement throughout the grounds. Those were details Belle would learn gradually.
We passed through the gates and onto a winding driveway lined with century-old olive trees. Belle was fully alert now, her earlier withdrawal replaced by wide-eyed fascination. I watched her take in the beauty of my family home stretching into darkness beyond the illuminated drive.
"It's beautiful," she said softly, almost as if speaking to herself. "Like something from a fairy tale."
"The main house was built by my great grandfather," I said, slowing as we approached the circular drive in front of the villa. "My grandfather expanded it, as did my father. I've modernized the interior, but kept the original character."
We pulled to a stop at the base of wide stone steps leading to the main entrance. The front door opened before I'd even cut the engine, my brother, Gabriel, trotted down the out to open Belle’s door to help her out. I saw Belle tense at the sight of him, her fingers curling into her palm.
"It's all right," I said, placing my hand over hers briefly. "Gabriel’s my brother. He lives on the grounds. All my brothers do as well as Marcus and a few of the other bodyguards. Most of the staff do, too."
Belle looked impossibly small against the backdrop of Villa Luca. Vulnerable. Beautiful. Mine to protect. I knew Vittorio would say I was losing my mind, and maybe I was. Belle was mine. Somehow, I’d imprinted on her. No matter what happened between us now, I knew I’d never let her go. The trick would be not to scare her off before she formed the same bond with me. If I had to manipulate and spoil her to get her there, that’s what I’d do. And I’d thoroughly enjoy the spoiling.
“Welcome!” Gabriel tugged Belle in for an embrace. Belle was stiff in my brother’s arms, but didn’t push him away. I knew this was Gabriel’s way of testing her. As the public face of the family, he knew how to turn on the charm when necessary. If Belle had any other motive, if there was someone pulling her strings to get to me, Gabriel would know after this encounter. Then he’d satisfy Vittorio.
Gabriel held her longer than strictly necessary and Belle pushed back against him. She wrinkled her nose before ducking her head and taking a full step backwards. “Um, hi.” She gave her fingers a little wave before lowering her gaze again.
“Vittorio said to tell you all your things were on their way to storage. He was kind of appalled at how little you had.” I almost winced, given my earlier bating of her, but it was honestly worth the fireworks now.
“I’m fully aware of how little I have, Mr. Luca,” she snapped. “Your brother pointed out the same thing to me earlier.” She turned to face me. “This isn’t going to work. I’m not sure why you thought it would, Dario, but I can’t do this.” She shook her head almost violently. “Please take me home.” The smallness ofher voice tugged at my heart. Even though we both hit her with this intentionally, it was a low fucking blow.
"Well, princess," Gabriel said, stepping closer, "I'm afraid you're not going anywhere tonight. Big brother's orders." His smile was all teeth, but his eyes were calculating. "But if it makes you feel any better, I think you'll find our hospitality worth sticking around for."
She clenched her jaw, obviously fighting the urge to say something she thought she might regret. Instead, she took a deep breath. “I’m really sorry to have put you through so much trouble, Mr. Luca. But I really think it’s better for everyone if I take my chances on my own.”
"Hey, I'm just trying to lighten the mood." He flashed that disarming smile that charmed everyone from business associates to cocktail waitresses. "Belle, I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me. We're glad you're here, truly."
Belle crossed her arms over her chest, looking small but defiant. "Are you? Because from where I'm standing, it feels like I'm being mocked."
I tensed, ready to intervene, but Gabriel surprised me. His expression softened into something genuine, a rarity for him in unfamiliar company.
"Not mocking you, Belle. Testing you, maybe." He leaned against the car, his posture deliberately casual. "New people in our home is a rarity. No one gets in here unless we want them here. There are no casual visits to Villa Luca.”
“You’re an ass,” she said to Gabriel, then turned to me. “Both of you.” Sweet God above, she was magnificent. “You haven’t given me much choice, Dario, so I know I’m stuck here. But I will not be belittled because I’m not good enough for you.” Despite her bravado, one tear escaped and slid down her cheek. She didn’t acknowledge the drop. Just turned and marched up the stairs, assuming we’d follow her.
Gabriel met my gaze with a raised eyebrow. “This one might be the one.”
