2 Chapter 2 Dante paced restlessly outside the emergency room , his agitation radiating off him like heat . @ His voice cut through the air , sharp and unforgiving . " Isabella ! Is this really the time for an argument ? We were together for six years , and Carina is your goddamn cousin ! Of course I remember your blood type . " I remained silent , my body threatening to collapse at any moment . I had just had an abortion . I was still bleeding . And here he was , demanding my blood for his mistress . And he certainly wouldn't have been sleeping with my cousin , A harsh alarm from a nearby monitor shattered the tense standoff . The ER doctors rushed Carina into surgery . in a flash of frustration , Dante hoisted me over his shoulder and hauled me toward the blood donation area like a conquest . " Isabella , like it or not , I'll owe you for this , he said gruffly , 2 Chapter 2 " Damn it , I'll even marry you on the original date if that's what it takes . " This was the future Don of the Moretti family - cold , reckless , and willing to do anything to get what he wanted . I stopped resisting . Perhaps this was my way of settling an old debt . Once , he had risked his life to save me during an ambush by a rival family . Now , this would settle the score . As the crimson blood flowed into the collection bag , a chill seeped into the marrow of my bones . After the donation , Dante rushed after the nurse toward the operating room without a single glance in my direction . As his back disappeared down the hall , I whispered to the empty space , " Now , we're even , Dante . " Later , I woke up in a hospital bed , exhaustion pressing down on me like a lead blanket . The last flicker of warmth I held for him froze solid in that moment . I couldn't connect the man who had once loved me with the venom in those words . I didn't reply . I spent the following days recovering in silence . When I finally felt strong enough , I dragged myself to the hospital garden , hoping to soak in some sun and melt the frost inside me . Instead , my path was blocked by a group of Dante's men . Each of them carried bouquets and fruit baskets . For a brief , foolish moment , I thought they were for me . i turned to leave , but they blocked my path , their taunts like sharp jabs . " Well , look who it is . The great Falcone Principessa . Dante's with his new girl , and you're still < 2 Chapter 2 here playing the victim ? Pathetic . " " Isn't this a bit much ? Acting so weak over a little blood . What a drama queen . " " Guess even a Principessa can't keep her man . Getting played by your own cousin . Fucking priceless . " Their words stung , but I steadied myself and glared back at them . " Don't forget that the Falcone name is worth more than anything the Morettis can offer . Keep talking , and you'll drag Dante's name right down into the mud with you ." They froze , momentarily taken aback . Before they could retort , Dante emerged from the stairwell . His gaze landed on me , his brow furrowed in frustration . " Isabella , really ? You have to pick a fight with my men ? " His tone grew colder , each word suffocating . " I already said I'd marry you . What the hell more do you want ? Stop faking sick to spy on me . Pull this shit after we're married , and it'll be bad for both our families . " Comment