《I Was Forced To Marry The Enemy》


 Chapter 1

    Kyomi''s POV :


    Obedient .


    Respectful .


    The perfect daughter .


    It''s what I''ve always been known as , Kyomi Palmer , the sweet innocent daughter of the rich Palmer family .


    When you''re the oldest and expected to set an example for your younger siblings , it isn''t the easiest thing in the world to do .


    I wasn''t allowed to attend parties like other students , I wasn''t allowed to stay out later than eight every night , wasn''t even allowed to have friends who were of the opposite gender . In fact , they all kept a distance from me because of my father and all warnings already sent out if anyone ever tried anything with me .


    The last time a guy tried to talk to me in front of my father it didn''t end well for him nor me . Even though I''d tried to tell him leave me alone , apparently according to my family I didn''t try hard enough .


    I loved my family , I would do anything for them and hence I''ve never once complained , always played by the rules . I already knew that eventually I''d have to marry the man my father chose for me and that fact I''ve also already accepted , for my father''s happiness was also mine .


    "Kyomi!" My mom''s voice broke into my thoughts .


    I immediately stopped brushing my hair and rushed outside to see what she wanted .


    Her light green eyes did a once over at my outfit like she often did to make sure I wasn''t wearing anything that my father would disapprove off . "You''re late for college , you know that''s unacceptable."


    Oh... I hadn''t noticed the time . Was too occupied in my thoughts on how boring and dull my life had become .


    "I''m sorry mother ." I apologized as I rushed back into my room for my notebooks and quickly gave her a kiss on her cheek . "You know what time you''re supposed to be back home ." She warned .


    I nodded . "I do , please let father know I''ve already left ."


    She smiled . "I will , have a great day at school and remember not to do anything that could possibly embarrass your family ."


    I stiffened , of course she had to mention it once again . Like I didn''t already always follow by the rules .


    "Yes mother ."


    Without another word I headed out the enormous glass doors and out to the waiting vehicle where a driver was already seated waiting for me .


    Sigh .


    Another long and boring day ahead .


    ...


    Dante''s POV:


    I revved my motorbike at some chicks on the side walk , I could hear their giggles as I drove by .I shook my head , these girls were way too easy .


    I checked the time on my watch , what had father called me for ?


    He said it was urgent and I needed to see him now , normally I would take a bit longer but something about the way he spoke today had worried me .


    As I approached our mansion on the hill ,the guards at the entrance immediately opened the black gates for me . I parked the bike in the driveway and shoved my hands under the fountain like I usually did whenever I got home .


    I didn''t waste anymore time as I rushed into my father''s study .


    I found him at the window with his back turned to , he was definitely deep in thought which was never a good thing for any of us .


    "What is it father ?"


    He turned at my entrance , his eyes narrowed .


    "It''s those damn Palmers again , always putting their mouths on us like they''re better than us . They just can''t handle the fact that they aren''t the only rich family around ."


    I stiffened at the mention of the Palmers , this couldn''t be good .


    "What did they do now ?" I asked him .


    "What haven''t they done should be the proper question . So far nothing has worked on getting them to shut their mouths ... I tried everything so far and it doesn''t seem like anything is working ."


    I was about to respond when he opened his mouth to speak again .


    "Unless¡ª."


    Oh hell no , I knew that look .


    "Don''t they have a young daughter ... a young daughter your age ?"


    I gave my father a wary guarded look . " They do , but what does that have to do with anything ?"


    He laughed shaking his head at me . "The answer has been in front of me all of this time , I can''t believe I hadn''t seen this before ."


    "What exactly are you getting at father ?" I asked .


    The man was scaring me , scaring me because I knew he usually came up with incredibly insane ideas .


    "Do you not see it ?" He asked me . "I have a young son , they have a young daughter ..."


    My eyes widened . "FATHER !" I shouted . " Don''t tell me you expect me to date their daughter , she''s too God damn innocent . Everyone knows Kyomi is their little angel , the girl who always goes by the rules , the pride of The Palmer family ."


    He laughed again . "Date ? You think just dating the girl would be enough to shut the mouths of the Palmers ? No my dear boy , I''m talking about marriage ."


    I stared at my father as though he was insane . " I''m 22 father , and you''re asking me to marry a Palmer ? I''m not ready for marriage and I''m sure as hell not ready to marry a Palmer ."


    "Do you think you have a say in this ? You''re not the only one who''s had to make sacrifices for this family , though this might just be your biggest sacrifice yet ."


    My lips pressed into a thin line . " Why me ? I''m not your only son , why must I be the one to marry her ?"


    My father turned his fierce gaze on me and I knew this was the end of the conversation , there was no backing out now , I had to do as he wished . " How do you propose I get her to marry me ? She would never agree to marry me , neither would her parents ever willingly give her to me ."


    He quirked a brow at me . " There are numerous options , many of which I am sure you can come up on your own , you''re the famous womanizer after all , the bottom line is , if she doesn''t willingly come to us ... we forcefully take her ."

 Chapter 2

    Dante''s POV:


    I still was in shock from everything my father had told me earlier today , he expected me to marry Kyomi Palmer ?


    I b?r?ly knew anything about the girl other than the fact that she was most definitely not my type , she was everything I stayed away from . The good girl who felt that she was better than everyone else , I hated those kinds . Just because they didn''t break the rules they considered themselves the very best and expected everyone to treat them that way .


    And now I was expected to flirt with her , make her fall for me ? And then if that didn''t work force her to marry me ?


    How did my father even come up with something like this , the Palmers would never let their daughter marry someone like me . It would go against everything they stood for .


    The sudden ringing of my phone brought me out of my thoughts and I quickly answered the call from Brian .


    "Did you get the information I asked you to find out ?" I asked knocking the lit cigarette against my bike''s handle bar.


    "I have , it wasn''t easy but according to these files Kyomi''s classes finish at five today . " He answered .


    I checked my watch , damn it . If I wanted to reach in time to bounce into her I''d have to cause traffic in the roads so that her driver reaches late .


    "Thanks Brian . Email me the rest of her schedule ."


    I dialed another number , if I had some of my bike friends make a scene it could cause enough traffic to reach her just in time before her driver reached .


    I knew how her father worked especially when it came to his daughters . The drivers were already in front the college even before classes were over , he wanted to know about every single whereabout and hangout and always did a double check to make sure it wasn''t somewhere that could cause embarrassment to their family''s name . I couldn''t comprehend how Kyomi or her sisters could stand that kind of treatment , if I had to go through that everyday I would soon become insane and eventually retaliate.


    I shook my head , a string of curses escaping my mouth . What exactly had father gotten me into this time ?


    ******************************


    Kyomi''s POV:


    Screams erupted all around me , all of them from young girls . I followed their gazes and realized what had their attention or rather whom.


    Dante Clarke .


    The school''s bad boy , he made all the girls swoon all over him and loved the attention way more than he should . I didn''t understand why they even gave him that much attention for it only helped increase his already huge ego .


    I''d made sure to keep my distance from Dante Clarke , he was everything my father warned me to stay away from , in fact my family hated his family , they were the opposite of us . They did whatever they wanted too , whenever they wanted too .


    Rules ? They were nothing to the Clarkes'' . Our families were the prime definition of enemies , in fact we''ve been enemies for as long as I could remember .


    And so , I never gave Dante any sort of attention ... Not that he gave me any either , I wasn''t his type . He enjoyed the popular girls with short skirts and plenty make up on their faces , the girls who went to the clubs almost every weekend and parties every night .


    As he climbed down his motorcycle and pulled the shades off his eyes , I couldn''t deny what all the girls saw in him . Dante Clarke was an incredibly handsome man , messy blond hair that fell gracefully over his forehead , deep green eyes and the pinkest lips I''d ever seen on any man before . He was the very definition of good looking , I wouldn''t even bring myself to think off his body , for even that happened to be a masterpiece . I watched as he pulled his leather jacket off to reveal a white vest underneath that did nothing to hide his muscular ?h?st . A dragon tattoo on his arm caught my attention , was that new ? I couldn''t remember ever seeing it before , but then again when did I ever give Dante this much attention ?


    My cheeks flushed at that thought , if my parents caught me staring at him they would murder me .


    I quickly looked away and waited for the butler to arrive . That was enough exploring for the day .


    I checked the time and instantly frowned , when were they ever this late for me ?


    That thought was immediately wiped from my mind as a figure in front of me caught my attention . A white vest was right in front of my view and I immediately got a whiff of a s?xy masculine scent ... surely this wasn''t who I thought it was ? My eyes immediately travelled to his muscular arms and sure as hell there was a dragon tattoo there .


    Why was Dante Clarke standing only but a few inches away from me ?


    "Hi sweetness ." A rough s?xy voice filled my ear .


    I instantly froze ... Was he speaking to me ?

 Chapter 3

    Kyomi''s POV:


    I slowly looked up , unable to bring myself to believe that it was indeed Dante that was speaking to me .


    A small gasp escaped from my mouth at his close proximity , I''d never been this close to him before , in fact I''d never been this close to any man before . His earthy green eyes promised danger and p???sur? all at once while still looking unbelievably gorgeous . His eyes were digging deep into my own , openly staring while his lips twitched to give a smile that resembled that of a smirk . It was the most beautiful sight ever .


    God , what was wrong with me ? When did I ever let any guy manipulate my thoughts like this ? In fact , why was I still glued to my spot . I shouldn''t even be anywhere near Dante Clarke . My father would have my head if he only knew !


    I cleared my head , trying my best to ignore his eyes on me or his manly scent that had somehow managed to already engrave itself into my memory .


    Totally ignoring his earlier words , I quickly side stepped him and moved away . If the driver arrived and saw me standing talking to Dante he would surely announce it to my family , for my father had already told the driver to report everything he saw to him .


    Without any warning whatsoever Dante reached out and gripped my shoulder with his hand . I gasped , his hand burning into my skin and causing goosebumps all over my body . My breath was coming faster and faster and I couldn''t explain what on earth was happening to my body .


    I was disappointed in myself . By just one touch , really ?


    I pulled away from his touch and spun around with narrowed eyes . "What is wrong with you ?" I demanded angrily .


    I was more angry at myself than at him but he didn''t need to know that .


    He quirked a brow at me , seeming the least bit bothered with my outburst . "What is wrong with me ? I came to have a normal conversation with you and you were nothing but rude , walking off without even saying hi . "


    I narrowed my eyes even further . "I''m a Palmer , you''re a Clarke . We don''t say hi to each other . EVER."I snapped . "And you''re not new in this town , you know how my father is , you know what he does to me and the man that tries to talk to me . Then why would you even try to talk to me ? Why would you do that after knowing everything ? Why would you even do that knowing that our families hate each other ? " I asked . " You haven''t once tried to talk to me before , so then why now ? WHY?" I demanded .


    He took a step closer to me , until his face was inches away from mine . Totally surprising me he leaned down further until his lips were directly above my ear , his cool breath making my body shiver . "Because , Kyomi Palmer , I''ve suddenly decided that .... I .WANT .YOU."

 Chapter 4

    Kyomi''s POV:


    Surely I hadn''t heard him correctly .


    He wants me ?


    Dante Clarke wants me ?


    What nonsense . I wasn''t his type , I was nothing like the girls he often dated . Something was definitely up , I wasn''t stupid . Dante never once before spared a God damn look my way , his hands were always wrapped around a new girl every week to even consider looking my direction . So what exactly was he getting at ?


    "Is this a joke to you ?" I asked him . "Did someone put you up to this . That''s what it is isn''t it , a bet by one of your friends ?"I accused .


    He smiled , showing the white of his teeth . " Do you think that lowly of me ? That I''d actually try to flirt with you over a bet ? I wouldn''t even waste my time if that were the case ."


    "Listen here Dante ." I started while pointing a finger at him. "If you think for one second that I''ll ever date¡ª"


    I didn''t get to finish as he reached over and kissed the finger I was using to point at him .


    My cheeks were red with embarrassment and shock , I was sure of it .


    He didn''t ! I know he didn''t !


    What the hell was wrong with him!


    "You were saying ?" He asked gently .


    "HOW DARE YOU¡ª"


    "Now I really do want to hear the rest of that sentence since angry Kyomi is pretty s?xy but I must inform you that your driver has just entered the compound and if I were you I''d quickly act like you aren''t talking to me , for we both know what happens next if your father finds out ."


    My eyes widened and I quickly spun around to see that my driver was indeed a little distance away . Without another word I pushed away from him and acted as though I was lost on something in my phone .


    Please please please tell me he didn''t see anything . If he did and reported what he saw to my father , things would be worse than hell at home .


    As the car approached the round about , without sparing a single look behind me to avoid any suspicion whatsoever I hastily opened the door and climbed in .


    "Good evening Miss Kyomi ."Frederick , our butler greeted me .


    "Good evening Frederick ."I responded , trying my best to sound calm .


    I couldn''t help it as I looked out the window and to my frustration Dante was waving back at me with a stupid grin on his face , a smile that did weird things to my body yet again .


    "You look a bit tense Miss , did you have a rough day today ?"Frederick asked , breaking into my thoughts .


    I instantly froze , Oh God no. I''d completely forgotten about him because of that JERK!


    Did I give too much away ? Did he see Dante waving at me ?

 Chapter 5

    "Everything is okay Frederick , thank you for your concern ." I finally responded after finding my voice again .


    His eyes caught mine in the mirror and I forced myself to play cool like nothing was bothering me .


    He eventually nodded . "I''m glad to hear that Miss ."


    I took a deep breath and tried to calm my racing heart . Images of Dante was flowing across my mind like crazy , my mind replaying every scene with him over and over again .


    I stared at the finger he''d kissed , my face burned at the reminder . His lips were soft and hot against my skin and I couldn''t help but wonder what they would have felt like against my lips .


    I buried my head in my hands and ?r??n?d out loud . Why was this happening to me now ? And why was it happening with him out of everyone else ?


    Dante Clarke ... What exactly did you want from me ?


    ****************************


    Dante''s POV:


    Never before had I met a woman that played so God damn hard to get . She was proving to me exactly what I''d always thought of her . The stuck up rich daughter who thought she was better than everyone else .


    She was right , I''ve never given her any attention before . Surely I may have spared a look or two when she wasn''t looking , for Kyomi Palmer was actually a sight to look at . She wasn''t your average model , but she had a decent height and slim figure . Did she have curves ? I couldn''t even tell for she always wore the baggiest ugliest clothing I''d ever seen in my life so far . But other than that she had beautiful long shiny black hair and pretty blue piercing eyes . So obviously I''d spared her a couple of looks , but I''d never considered ever dating her .


    And now , I was expected to marry the girl ? Marry Kyomi Palmer ? I could hardly stand her , though I did like the way her eyebrows scrunched together and the cute creasing of her forehead when she got angry , I was being completely honest when I said it was a s?xy look .


    I knew what I had to do , knew what the plan was . I''d try the flirting at first , see if I could get her to fall for me , if I could do that then maybe she would go against her parents and marry me .


    If that didn''t work ?


    Plan B would immediately go into effect . I''d find some way to catch her in a compromising situation , one where I''d have a reporter on the look out . Once he snapped a picture of us , her family would have no choice but to get us married to save their faces . Pride was everything to the Palmers'' , even though Kyomi''s father hated us , he wouldn''t let his family name he tarnished like that . He would propose marriage even before we asked it .


    I just had to wait and see which Plan Kyomi lets me use on her .

 Chapter 6

    Kyomi''s POV:


    As I got home I could already tell that something was wrong, whenever I was in trouble both my parents were always already waiting in front of the entrance for me.


    I quietly got out of the vehicle and braced myself for the worst.


    My father''s eyes were hard and cold as he all but glared at me, I flinched at his expression . "Good evening father." I greeted him before turning to look at my mother. "Good evening mother."


    She also was looking at me like I''d made some grave mistake, they hadn''t even spoken to Frederick as yet so what could I have possibly done wrong for them to act like this?


    "Someone left an anonymous call for your father today." My mother started, this was normal, she was usually the one to relay whatever it is I''d done wrong to me while my father just stood and glared. "The person claimed to have seen you having a conversation with Dante Clarke today¡ª"


    Oh no!


    If I admitted to this they would kill me, I wouldn''t even live to see another day. I forced myself to keep a straight face.


    "Dante Clarke? I don''t even talk to any man, why would I have a conversation with Dante when I know how much our family doesn''t like him or his family?"I asked giving them an incredulous look.


    Their mood seemed to improve at my words. "I think someone is just trying to stir up trouble, I would never make the mistake of having anything to do with someone like Dante. You''ve both taught me better than that, he''s someone I know to stay away from."


    My father gave a small nod. "I''m happy to hear that it was just a rumor however Kyomi if I ever find out that you lied to me there would be serious repercussions. I''ve taught you and your sisters more than enough for you to know the kind of people the Clarkes'' are , it would be a dent in my pride if my own daughter was seen hanging out with such a low life."


    "I know that father, I''ve listened to everything you''ve told me thus far, I''m not going to disobey you in the worst way possible after everything you''ve taught me. You can trust me."


    "Good." He responded ."We''re hosting an event at home tomorrow night, your mother has a few outfits laid out for you to choose from. Choose wisely and you must be on your best behavior as everyone would be looking at you and waiting for you to make a mistake like they always do. "


    I nodded. "Yes father."


    I watched as they both walked off finally leaving me to myself. I let out a frustrated sigh, this was the first time I''d lied to my parents and I did it because of Dante! My father was right, I knew enough about Dante and his family to know the kind of people they were, to know how important it was for me to not have anything to do with them.


    I had to stay away from Dante or find some way for him to leave me alone, for my life depended on it.

 Chapter 7

    Dante''s POV :


    "You look tensed brother." Mateo pointed out as he picked up a loaded gun from the table.


    "Are we going somewhere?" I asked him, ignoring his comment.


    "Just to surprise another client who hasn''t returned our money, nothing new .... Why are you avoiding my question?"


    I quirked a brow at him as he tossed me a gun. "That wasn''t a question."


    He shook his head at me with a grin. "Okay smart ?ss, let me rephrase. Why do you look so tensed?"


    "I''m guessing father hasn''t relayed the news to anyone as yet."I muttered in a dry tone.


    "Now you''ve spiked my curiosity, what exactly am I missing here?"He asked as he studied me.


    I sighed and leaned against the wall. "Apparently father has come up with a new plan to fix the problem with the annoying Palmers''. Unfortunately his plan involves me."


    Mateo looked amused. "How does it involve you?"


    "He expects me to find some way to get Kyomi Palmer to marry me."I answered, the words spilling out of my mouth with disgust.


    Mateo looked genuinely shocked at my response. "Let me get this straight, father expects you to marry a Palmer?"


    I nodded. "Unfortunately yes."


    His frown turned into amusement once more. "You? Marry a Palmer? Dante Clarke marrying a Palmer? I''m sorry but I don''t see how that would ever work out, the girl is pure and innocent. She''ll never be able to satisfy you nor would you ever accept her as your wife. Both of you would be miserable together."


    I glared at my brother. "Thanks for pointing out the obvious."


    "I can see why father proposed such a thing though. I can''t imagine the look on Dominic Palmer''s face when he realizes his daughter has to get married to a Clarke, God that''s going to be priceless."Mateo pointed out with a chuckle. "Have you decided how you''re going to make it happen? Surely Kyomi Palmer isn''t just going to walk straight into your arms, she''ll be your most difficult target yet. I''m positive Dominic isn''t going to make it easy for you either, so even if you did get her to fall in love with you which I honestly think you wouldn''t be able to accomplish easily, you''ll still have to go through her father and we both know he''s never going to approve of your relationship with his daughter."


    I nodded. "I have thought about it all. I''ll flirt with her at first, see just how difficult she is.If she''s being stubborn and refuses to let me in, I''ll force her to marry me."


    "Force her?"Fabio asked from the doorway, taking a bite of the apple in his hand.Great, just what I needed. Another one of my brothers in here to tease me.


    "I take it you heard everything?"I asked him.


    The smirk on his face gave me the answer to my own question.


    "But please enlighten us, how do you plan on forcing her?"He asked.

 Chapter 8

    "Are you going to hold a gun to her head and make her submit to you like that? Is that how you plan on making Kyomi marry you?" Fabio asked.


    Really? Is that the way my own brother saw me?


    "You know I would never hold a gun to an innocent woman and force her to do anything. Women came to me on their own."I pointed out even though I was sure everyone in the room already knew that. "Rather, I have an even better way to force her to submit. The Palmers'' are on the news more than the royal family are, I mean we are there as well but imagine how many reporters would rush at an opportunity to catch one of Dominic''s daughter with me. Especially their pride and joy Kyomi Palmer. She''s the eldest and everyone expects so much out of her, I''m sure everyone expects her to marry someone just as smart and sophisticated as she is... Someone who plays by the rules, no one is expecting someone like me, the son of the powerful and widely feared loan shark. Finding a reporter to cover the story would be fairly easy." I explained.


    "Wow."Mateo responded. "I''m actually impressed, this might actually work."


    "Good job brother!"Fabio praised me while tapping my back.


    "You know, since we''re already on this topic there is news of some event being hosted at the Palmers'' residence tomorrow night, maybe you should go pay her a visit."He teased.


    I knew he was just joking, for my brothers and I never went to that corner of town due to obvious reasons but it actually didn''t sound like such a bad idea, I would love to see the shocked look on her face if she saw me there at her home... better yet, inside her room.


    "Don''t tell me you''re actually considering it."Fabio added after studying my expression.


    "You''re the one who brought it up."I told him.


    Mateo shook his head at both of us. "Why would you even put that idea in his head after knowing how much he enjoyed taking risks?" He asked Fabio who just shrugged his shoulder at him.


    "Don''t you think it would be a bad idea to risk going to see her at her home? If Dominic catches you anywhere near his home or near his daughter it could spoil all of your plans... think about it, he would tighten the security around Kyomi making it harder for you."Mateo pointed out, trying to knock some sense into me.


    "I just have to not get caught."I answered him. "What''s life without taking risks? Besides, where have we ever feared anything? Father grew us up in such a way that nothing scared us easily, why should I fear someone like Dominic Palmer? He''s the least of my problems."


    Mateo held up his hands ."Do as you wish brother, just make sure and not get caught like you said you wouldn''t, for we both know it isn''t going to be easy from there on out if you do."

 Chapter 9

    Kyomi''s POV:


    I was going insane, ever since Dante had approached me yesterday ... ever since he''d told me that he wanted me and touched my shoulder with his hand, not to mention kiss my finger with his lips.


    I couldn''t get him out of my God damn mind!


    I kept looking over my shoulder expecting to see him. I wasn''t sure whether I kept looking because I was afraid that he''d try to come talk to me again or whether I was actually waiting for him!


    I had to be going insane for everyone knew Dante didn''t attend classes during the day, he''d set all his classes for the evening ... That''s if he actually went to any of them, I didn''t pay that much attention to him but I did hear rumors that he b?r?ly attended any classes whatsoever, just took the notes from whoever he''d wanted to.


    "Kyomi?"Mandy called, her voice breaking into my thoughts.


    "You''ve been zoning out on us since this morning." Bridgette pointed out. "Is everything okay?"


    I finally looked at my friends and realized that they were all staring at me with concerned looks on their faces.


    "Now she''s staying quiet and not even responding to our questions." Alisha added while studying me.


    I shook my head at them as I forced a smile onto my face. "I''m absolutely fine, I''ve just been really stressed out lately with all the work being thrown at us and then having to deal with strict parents isn''t the easiest thing in the world."


    Mandy twisted her mouth into a frown. "We always knew your strict parents would eventually start to affect you."


    "Yeah." Bridgette agreed. "I could never understand how you always did every single thing they asked of you, like not having any friends of the opposite gender ... That''s insane, I can''t imagine not talking to a single guy other than my brother my entire life."


    "Not to mention she''ll have to marry the man her father chose for her, so basically whoever she marries would be the only man she''d have any sort of communication with other than family." Alisha said shaking her head.


    Hearing my friends talk about how pathetic my life was only made me feel worst, who would my father even choose for me to marry?


    What kind of man would he be?


    And would I ever love him?


    "Good morning ladies."


    I froze, surely that wasn''t who I thought it was?


    I slowly turned on my sneakers to come face to face with the man who''d been on my mind since yesterday.


    Dante.


    What was wrong with him ?


    Why was he here?


    "Hi sweetness." He whispered.


    My eyes widened and totally embarrassing myself, dropped the books from my hand in shock.

 Chapter 10

    Totally surprising me, Dante reached forward and grabbed the books before they could reach the ground.


    I could hear the surprised gasps of each of my friends as they all stared at him in awe and admiration, it was no secret that they along with every other girl in our college had a major crush on Dante along with his brothers.


    He straightened himself after catching my books and his eyes just like before held me completely spellbound. I tried to hide my embarrassment as he slowly handed them back to me. "You dropped these."He said, his voice doing wicked things to my body even though he hadn''t even said one seductive word towards me yet.


    I reached out to take them from him but gasped the moment his fingers touched my own, it was like a jolt of electricity had suddenly rushed through my body at his light touch.


    Why did I react this way to him? Was it because he was the first man to ever be this close to me? Everyone else was usually too scared to speak to me, much less actually touch any part of my body whether it be intentional or by accident.


    I took the books in my hands and roughly pulled my hands away, not wanting to be anywhere near him.


    "I hear you''re having a little event home today, aren''t you going to invite me over?" He asked, which resulted in another round of shocked gasps all around me.


    What was possibly going through my friends mind at the moment? They didn''t know what had happened between Dante and I yesterday so I couldn''t imagine what they were thinking. Whatever it was I sure they were going to blow this whole thing out of proportion.


    And what was up with Dante? Why the hell was he asking to come over when he knew that was the last thing I''d ever ask him to do!


    What was his ulterior motive?


    "Guys." I said turning to my friends. "Can you give us a moment alone please."


    They immediately nodded their heads and walked off without another word, every single one of them still looking major shocked.


    "Nice friends you got there."He said as soon as they were a good distance away.


    I folded my arms with my books pressed against my tummy. "What are you trying to do?" I demanded. "First you try to talk to me out of nowhere yesterday and now you tried to make it look to my friends like we were talking!"


    He quirked a brow at me while leaning against a locker. "But we did talk."


    I narrowed my eyes at him. "And what''s this about you wanting to come over tonight? Did you hit your head or something, are you not worried what my dad would do to you if he found you over by us tonight?"


    He took a step closer to me and I took one back until I was jammed up against the lockers with Dante a few inches away from me, he was so close that I could feel his body heat on mine. "I''m not scared of your father Kyomi."He told me as he placed both hands to the side of me, trapping me from going anywhere and stared deep into my eyes. "And about tonight, I''ll be there sweetheart, so be on the look out for once I say I''ll be there, believe me I fu?k?n? will."

 Chapter 11

    I stared at Dante like he was insane, come to the event hosted by my parents at my home?


    Did he even realize the nonsense he was speaking?


    "You can''t possibly be serious?"I asked him, "You can''t do that!"


    His lips twitched into that smirk smile that often made my legs feel like jello, before I knew it I was lost in it.


    "Why, are you scared that something may happen to me?"He asked while reaching over to trace the back of his fingers lightly against my cheek. My breath caught in my throat, we were in the middle of the lockers with students walking up and down and here I was this close to Dante for everyone to see. Yet even with that knowledge I couldn''t bring myself to pull away from him, my body seemed to enjoy his touch and I hated myself for it.


    His smile got wider, almost as though he could read my mind. He leaned down so that his lips were directly above my ear ."I''ll see you tonight sweetheart, wear something nice for me."


    Without another word he finally pulled away from me and walked away. Now that he wasn''t inches away from me I could finally breathe again and think clearly for that matter.


    Now that he wasn''t near, his words had a lot more effect on me, Dante Clarke was planning to attend an event hosted by my father?In my very own home? That was a suicidal attempt!


    "WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?" Bridgette screeched as my three friends surrounded me.


    "Was that Dante Clarke?" Mandy asked. "Of course that was him, just look at that body and face... and that freaking s?xy deep voice." She rambled on, something she often did when she was excited about something.


    "Have you been holding out on us?" Alisha asked frowning at me. "I thought we told each other everything, Dante Clarke isn''t someone you keep from your friends."


    "I haven''t been keeping anything from anyone, I just didn''t get the time to tell you guys anything. It only happened yesterday and it isn''t that much to tell." I responded, still trying to catch my breath from my encounter with him.


    "Well?" Bridgette encouraged. "Keep going, we''re listening."


    I sighed. "Yesterday I was waiting for Frederick to pick me up but he was late and out of nowhere Dante showed up and started talking to me, I tried to tell him leave me alone but he wasn''t listening to anything I was saying. In fact, he even told me that he wants me. Not to mention, the bigger problem, he claims that he''s coming the event tonight... He''s insane!"


    My friends were all gaping at me. "Dante Clarke said he wants you?" Alisha asked in disbelief. "No offense hun but we all know you''re nothing close to his type."


    Thanks for rubbing that in.


    "I know that." I pointed out. "That''s why I know he has some hidden motive that I''m yet to figure out. I''m trying to get him to stay away from me but he''s just not listening to a word I''m saying to him."


    "Well one thing I know for sure is that we''re all coming that event tonight, I need to see what happens and I''m not missing this for anything." Mandy said why the rest of my friends agreed.


    Just great, now I had an audience to witness it all!

 Chapter 12

    Kyomi''s POV:


    I stared at myself in the mirror. I looked hideous, my parents always chose clothing that covered my entire body. Usually I didn''t mind, for I never saw the need to impress anyone but ever since Dante started showing me attention I''ve started to be a lot more self conscious of what I wore around him.


    My hair was in a neat bun and at least that looked pretty but the dress was just plain ugly.


    I took a deep sigh, why was this even bothering me? I hated the fact that I now watched what I wore and there wasn''t even anything I could do about it, my parents would never let me wear anything that they saw inappropriate, which for them was anything that showed even the slightest bit of skin on my legs, ?h?st or tummy.


    There was even more serious matters at hand than what I wore however, for what if Dante really showed up and was seen by my father? Things could get really bad really quickly.


    My anxiety skyrocketed at that thought, my father really hated the Clarkes'' with a burning passion, nothing good would come out of a situation like that and surprisingly I think I was even concerned about Dante''s well-being which really bothered me.


    With a shake of my head I finally decided that sitting in my room and worrying about it wasn''t going to fix anything. Instead, taking myself downstairs where guests were already entering was probably the better thing to do.


    Besides, if I didn''t get myself down there right now, very soon my mother would be knocking on my door complaining about how I was embarrassing the family by not showing up to my own family event on time and greeting the guests whom apparently only came to to see me.


    Okay maybe that last line was a bit exaggerated, obviously no one came to see me alone but my parents always made it seem like if I weren''t there everyone would have something to say.


    My mother and my three sisters, Tiana, Rosetta and Angelina were already seated on one of the tables and they all were looking at me.


    "You''re late." My mother scolded. "We will talk about this later." She said as I took a seat next to her and forced a smile on my face.


    As my eyes scanned my surroundings only to see that a lot of important guests whom my family would expect me to have conversations with by the end of the night were all here and looking at our table, I could already tell that tonight was going to be a very long one.

 Chapter 13

    Kyomi''s POV:


    It was already midnight and a few of the guests were still here, fortunately for me there was no sign of Dante anywhere. I would know for my eyes were glued to the entrance the entire night so far and not a single person who resembled him walked through it tonight.


    "I guess we came here for nothing." Alisha mumbled stuffing a piece of cake into her mouth.


    "Yeah." Mandy agreed twirling the ice in her cup of water.


    "Mhm." Bridgette added, her mouth full with pie.


    "I would think each of you would have been a little more excited to the fact that I''m standing right next to you and that you got to spend time with your best friend." I pointed out rolling my eyes at them. " Besides, you should be happy that Dante didn''t show up. If he did, things would have been really crazy up in here."


    Mandy sighed. "She''s right, anyway it''s getting pretty late and my parents are going to start calling any minute now. " She said while giving me a hug, Bridgette and Alisha doing the same since they all came together.


    "Thanks for coming, I''ll see you all on Monday."I told them.


    "Finally." My mother said as she approached me. "So many guests didn''t get a proper conversation with you because you were so busy talking to your friends." She quickly added.


    Before I could respond she started to speak again. "I would like to introduce you to this successful businessman and his very handsome son."


    I followed her gaze and noticed that they were all looking at me. The man who seemed to be a little older than I was did happen to be good looking as my mother pointed out, yet he didn''t leave the kind of effect Dante often left on me.


    I did it again! I kept thinking about him even when he wasn''t near me!


    "Mom." I started. "I''m very tired, can I at least get a little time to myself in my room and come back to meet them afterwards? You can make up some excuse like I had to make an important call or went to use the washroom or something, anything so that I could get a little rest. Besides, I need to freshen up."


    My mother studied me for a moment before nodding. " Alright. But make it quick or your father wouldn''t be too happy about this."


    "I will, I promise. Thanks mom."


    Without another word I rushed out of there and straight up the stairs, not stopping until I was in my room.


    As I shut the door behind me and switched the lights on, a figure on my bed sent my entire body into a shock.


    Oh God no!


    DANTE!

 Chapter 14

    "Finally." He greeted me. "I was getting bored in here and almost came downstairs to come find you."


    I couldn''t move, couldn''t even bring myself to speak a single word. In fact, my insane mind could only think about how good he looked lying there on my bed.


    "What is wrong with you?" I finally demanded when my brain suddenly remembered how to form words again. "I can''t believe you actually did this. How did you even get pass the security?"


    "So many questions that I refuse to answer." He replied smoothly while propping his hands behind his head and making himself more comfortable. "Quite a comfortable bed you have here."


    I narrowed my eyes at him. "Dante this isn''t a joke, you know you can''t be here. My parents are going to freak out if they find you inside here with me."


    He turned his dangerous green eyes my way and I swear I almost fell on my bu?? at the intensity of his gaze. "I already told you, I''m not scared of your father Kyomi, I''ve seen much worse than him in my life."


    Why did his words turn me on? Why did I like the fact that he wasn''t scared of my father?


    "Look, maybe you aren''t scared of him but I am, you don''t know what he''s capable of when he''s angry."


    "And maybe." Dante started as he continued to hold me in place with his stare alone. "You don''t know what I''m capable of doing when I want something or ... someone."


    My face flushed at his words and I tried to calm my racing heart.


    "Dante." I said again walking over to the bed. "You have to go NOW!"


    He turned to his side so that his face was closer to mine. "How about instead of I leaving, you come join me on the bed."


    Before I had time to respond he pulled me down on top of him and held onto my waist gently to keep me from moving. I gasped in shock,every single part of my body was lined up with his as though our bodies were made for each other. His eyes was studying my reaction closely and I wanted more than anything to lean closer into him and get a better sniff at his heavenly scent. I didn''t understand my reaction to him at all, was this how all girls felt around him? All the while his hands was gently squeezing my waist and pushing the lower half of my body tighter against his, it was doing unspeakable things to my body.


    He moved one of his hand from my waist to rub my bottom lip with his thumb, his heated gaze filled with a hunger that was impossible to miss.


    His voice was hoarse as he spoke again and it was unknowingly doing wicked things to my body. "Let me get a taste of you." He whispered. "Please."


    My breath hitched and a small whimper escaped my mouth at his words.

 Chapter 15

    Kyomi''s POV:


    Without warning he turned us over so that I was now positioned under him.


    I couldn''t respond, couldn''t even tell him no. Because deep down inside I wanted it, deep down I really wanted to know what it would feel like to be kissing Dante Clarke.


    He slowly lowered his face until his lips were practically touching mine, he stayed like that for a few seconds, neither one of us moving. And then he closed his lips around my bottom lip and gently su?k?d on it, over and over again. My mind was completely lost, never before had I ever felt such p???sur?. His lips were soft against mine and he used the perfect amount of suction, like he''d done this a million times before. Then he pulled my top lip into his mouth and repeated his actions.


    "You taste fu?k?n? sweet, you know that Kyomi?"He growled before dipping his head back down and claiming my lips again, this time he slipped his tongue into my mouth and really took a taste of me as he ?r??n?d against my lips.


    He moved his mouth from my lips and travelled down to my neck, first he started off with soft kisses and then he started to suck on my skin, I felt my eyes roll back in my head at how good it felt. I gripped his messy soft hair and held on for my dear life.


    A knock on my door had my heart racing and I quickly pushed Dante off me.


    "Kyomi!" My mother called. "I told you that I have to introduce you to the businessman and his son, why are you taking so long when you asked for just a little time?"


    "You have to leave now!" I whisper shouted at Dante, if that even made any sense.


    I rushed to the door, realizing I hadn''t even locked it, if my mother were to try closing her hands around the handle she could easily come in and catch Dante inside here with me.


    I opened the door slightly so that she couldn''t see into the room. "I''m sorry mom, I started to feel really sick and ended up lying down for a few minutes. Please just give me like five more minutes and I''ll be down there right after."


    "Okay, but just five minutes." She finally responded.


    I hadn''t even closed the door properly when Dante grabbed me from behind and pushed me up against it. Before I had time to react his lips were already on mine, completely devouring me whole like he was starving out of control for me.


    "So who''s this guy¡ª" He managed to say between kisses. "That your mother wants you to meet." He continued before returning to my neck .


    "I-I don''t know." I managed to gasp out.


    Why was he even asking this?

 Chapter 16

    He paused his kissing and though I hated to admit it, I wanted his lips on my body again, in fact I wanted to grab onto his hair and pull his head back down.


    He moved to right above my ear and without warning bit my earlobe, I could feel myself grow wet between my legs, my body crying out for something that I didn''t even know it needed.


    "What do you mean you don''t know?" He asked as he blew his cool breath against the s?ns?t?v? spot beneath my ear.


    "Huh?" He asked again when I refused to say anything.


    He gripped my waist tightly and pressed my lower half against his hard on.


    "D-Dante."I m??n?d.


    "Fuck."He growled. "That was fu?k?n? s?xy."


    "KYOMI!"I heard my sister calling. "Mom is growing impatient! What on earth are you doing in there?"


    Oh God!


    Why was Dante so God damn addictive! I didn''t want to leave, I wanted to stay here with him and finish whatever he''d started.


    "KYOMI!" She called again.


    "I''m coming now!" I told her without opening the room door for she was sure to barge in.


    I forced myself to move away from Dante. "I have to go, please you have to as well, no one can see you leaving my room."


    Dante''s eyes were still filled with an intense hunger that made it even more difficult to leave but I couldn''t let this go any further, I''d already broken too many rules.


    Besides that fact, I''d given Dante Clarke my very first kiss and didn''t regret it one bit.


    "I will." He said before jamming me up against the door once more. "After I get one more taste."


    Before I had a chance to say no his mouth was already on mine, su?k?n?,biting and tasting, leaving my body up in flames. Yes, I was burning everywhere and I felt like he wasn''t close enough to me, in fact... I wanted all my clothes gone.


    As soon as that thought entered my mind Dante let me go. "Until next time sweetheart." He whispered and without another word he was already out my window.


    As soon as he''d left I fell back against my door in total shock, what had I done?


    Just like always, my mind started to think clearly again when he wasn''t near me. What was wrong with me? How could I let Dante do those things to me, to my body?


    If anyone knew what I''d done they would be so disappointed in me, even I was disappointed in myself. And still, after all of that I wanted him with a raging passion.


    I let out a frustrated groan and checked myself in the mirror.


    My eyes widened, my hair was in a mess, my cheeks flushed and my lips completely swollen!

 Chapter 17

    I tried fixing my hair the best I could, afterwards I focused on putting a lipstick over my lips in hopes of it covering up how swollen they looked. It didn''t help that much but at least it looked a little better.


    As I made my way downstairs I didn''t miss the disappointed look my mother sent my way.


    "And this is my eldest daughter, Kyomi." My mother introduced me to the businessman as soon as I situated myself next to her. "Kyomi, this is Mr. Chadwick and his son Ben."


    "It''s a p???sur? to meet you both." I greeted them with a pleasant smile.


    "We''ve heard nothing but good things about you Kyomi, in fact your mother and I was having a discussion about Ben taking you out for a date this Sunday."


    I looked at my mother in total shock and surprise. They''ve never once let me go out with any man before, so why now? Why did they make an exception for this businessman''s son?


    "Is father okay with it?" I asked, unable to stop myself from asking. It just didn''t seem normal for him to have agreed to something like that out of nowhere. Suddenly to go from not talking to a single guy to allowing me to go on dates? That didn''t seem right at all.


    And out of all the times, why did it have to be when Dante started giving me attention?


    "I like her already for my son." Mr. Chadwick told my mother. "Just by that question I could already tell that everything everyone says about her is true, you really have well behaved children."


    My mother practically beamed at his words, these were the kind of compliments my father and her thrived on.


    "Thank you, but yes Kyomi, I''ve already discussed it with your father. He''s okay as long as it''s somewhere in public like a nice dinner." She answered me.


    Why?


    For once I didn''t want to follow what my parents said, I didn''t want to go on a date with this man. He wasn''t Dante and as much as I hated to admit it, I didn''t think I''d want to date anyone other than him.


    I just gave my first kiss to him, that may mean nothing to someone like Dante but to me it meant everything.


    I knew I couldn''t even say no, for my parents would throw a fit if I ever disobeyed their words.


    I was stuck on this date and I already knew I was going to hate it, for right now the only man on my mind was Dante Clarke.

 Chapter 18

    ~DANTE~


    I was angry.


    Angry at myself for my reaction to Kyomi.


    Why did I react in such a way to her? She hadn''t even dressed attractively and yet tonight I desperately wanted a taste of her. And then when I''d finally gotten it, it''s like I couldn''t stop, almost like she were a drug to me.


    With each taste I just wanted more, and then her freaking family kept interrupting.


    I rubbed my hand over my face before dropping down onto my bed before jumping off it once more.


    Who was the man her mother was speaking about? Something about it bothered me, a businessman and his son? Could it be that they were setting her up on a date?


    It couldn''t possibly be, her father was too strict. Yet, knowing Dominic if he saw an opportunity he wouldn''t let it pass him. If he felt like a man was good enough for his daughter he might consider giving her to him. For that was the purpose of keeping her untouched before, so that she could be sort of a trophy for whoever was worthy enough to receive her.


    But yet, I was the first to have a taste of her, at least as far as I knew. Was I really her first kiss? Her father never allowed any man near her and never once had I seen her having a conversation with a man before other than her brothers so more than likely I was her first kiss.


    I liked the thought of it, of being the first man to kiss her, of being the first man to hear her m??ns of p???sur?. Of being the first man to make her lips swollen and see her flushed cheeks.


    Fuck, I was already getting hard again just by the thought of it.


    But still, was it really possible that her father thought it was time to let her see men?


    Was that really what the meeting was about?


    I bit my lip as I thought about that possibility, if that were the case then a lot of problems could arise. Marriage would be discussed soon after, for in Dominic''s eyes, Kyomi''s reputation would be at stake. He wouldn''t just let her go out with someone unless he already had plans of getting the two of them married.


    Anger stirred in my veins at that thought.


    Maybe I was blowing this whole thing out of proportion, it could simply be an innocent introduction between Kyomi and whatever man her mother was speaking about.


    I wasn''t going to sit around and wait to find out however, I needed a spy, someone who could keep a close eye on Kyomi, to report anything suspicious back to me.


    I wasn''t about to let anyone other than myself have Kyomi Palmer!

 Chapter 19

    ~KYOMI~


    It was time for my date with Ben and still I was finding it very difficult to believe that my parents were actually allowing me to go out with a man!


    And why, why out of all the times they''d said no. Why now? Why did it have to happen the same time Dante had started showing interest in me? For now, I couldn''t even get him out of my mind and yet I had to go on a date with another man?


    How was I supposed to do this?


    "Kyomi!" My mother called, breaking through my thoughts. "He''s here, come on quickly."


    I didn''t wait for her to call again as I made my way down the stairs and out the hallway. "Now remember to not embarrass your family, Ben''s father is a very important friend to your dad and could prove very beneficial to us in the future. Remember everything your father and I have taught you."


    "Yes mother." I said, like I always did, I was already expecting her to give me the whole line about not embarrassing our family''s name. In fact I heard that more often than I heard her tell me that she loved me, it was sad really but yet I still loved my family more than anything. My father worked to provide for us and my mother worked just as hard, the least I could do is obey their every word.


    After I said my goodbyes to my mother, I quietly stepped outside to find Ben standing right out the door with a bouquet of roses in his hands. "These are for you." He said with a wide smile.


    "Uh, thank you." I said awkwardly, I wasn''t accustomed having conversations with any man other than family members so this felt extremely weird and I had no idea what I was doing. But yet when I was with Dante it never once felt like this, I always felt like I knew what to say next with him, like I couldn''t even shut my mouth around him.


    Here I go again, already thinking about him.


    Ben held open his car door for me and I quietly got in. "So, do you always give a girl a bouquet of roses on the first date?" I asked as he entered the vehicle, trying to find a topic to discuss considering I couldn''t think of any.


    He scratched the back of his neck, his face turning red." Sometimes." He finally answered.


    Ah, so he was used to this. Even though I considered it a nice gesture, it just didn''t feel special after knowing that he did this with all the women he went on dates with, I always knew that the man that I want to spend the rest of my life with or that I loved, I always knew that I wanted to be special in his eyes, I wanted him to do things for me that he hadn''t done for anyone else, that to me matters more than anything else.


    But then, what had Dante done for me that he hadn''t done for any other girl before? As far as I know this was how he usually acted for any woman, and yet somehow or the other he had ignited a fire within me, in fact even now all I could think about was his mouth on my body. I even found myself wishing he were here now to finish what he''d started.


    I gave an internal scream at that thought, why couldn''t I get him off my mind!


    This was going to be a very very long date for it seemed like I was about to compare everything Ben did to Dante!

 Chapter 20

    ~DANTE~


    "FUCK!" I shouted. " They''re firing shots at us!"


    "No shit." Mateo announced. " We might need back up, it looks like our little client has chosen to hire people to fire at us rather than just pay us the money that he owes."


    "It looks like we''re going to make headlines once again!" Fabio commented as he reloaded his gun.


    He was right, I could already see the title, ''the Clarkes'' have once again put the general public in danger by their careless and ruthless activities!''


    Which for a fact was untrue, we never handled our business where we knew the public would be, instead we made sure that wherever the transactions took place, it was always in a secluded area with just us and our clients.


    I could only imagine what Dominic Palmer would have to say about this... or Kyomi.


    God, did she have to run through my mind at a time like this? I would fu?k?n? lose focus because of that girl!


    The ringing of my cellphone interrupted my thoughts, I stared at the Caller ID before answering, this was a call I had to take for it meant he''d have new information for me.


    "What do you have for me?"


    "She''s just left her house with Ben Chadwick, he''s the son of a very rich successful businessman who''s also a good friend of Dominic."


    Fuck, I knew who the Chadwicks were. In fact, I fu?k?n? hated Ben and his father!


    How could her father let her go on a date with such a piece of shit like Ben? Did they know nothing about him? But then again, the Chadwicks knew how to cover everything up with money, it was no surprise that Kyomi''s family would think that he was the perfect man for their daughter when the truth was he wasn''t a good man for anyone''s daughter!


    "I want you to follow them and report to me exactly what they do and where he takes her, make sure and text me the information as soon as you get it!" I ordered.


    "Only someone like Dante would choose to answer a call during a fu?k?n? shoot out!" Mateo shouted above the sound of gunshots.


    "It''s not like the situation is that serious, anyway, I''m leaving." I told him.


    "Really? What could be more important than this?" Fabio asked before aiming at one of the shooters.


    "Kyomi." I answered him." I''ll explain when I get back, you won''t need my help any longer for look who''s just arrived." I said as I saw my other two brothers , Evan and Hugo pull up.


    Even though we all were pretty good in situations like this, Hugo had gotten the most experience and could probably get rid of all these shooters in one go.


    My brothers could handle themselves from here. In the meantime, I had a date to crash!

 Chapter 21

    ~KYOMI~


    "So, do you like it?" Ben asked motioning towards the interior of the restaurant.


    I nodded, it was beautiful but it wasn''t something that I wasn''t used to. Being the daughter of a successful businessman who also held the position of a highly respected minister meant that I''d lived a very luxurious life.


    This date just seemed like it lacked excitement, I was already bored and just like I''d predicted all I did so far was compare Ben with Dante.


    "Your mind seems to be far." Ben noted as he handed me the menu. "I''ve noticed it since you entered the vehicle, is everything okay?"


    I flushed at his words. "I am, I''m sorry about that. This actually is the first date my parents have ever allowed me to go on, so forgive me if I act a bit weird."


    Ben took a sip of the wine in front of him before nodding his head. "I''ve heard about that, it must have been hard for you. Not being able to experience the normal life that most people have, not that I''m complaining however. I actually like the fact that my future wife would be completely untouched, it pleases me."


    I almost choked on absolutely nothing.


    Future wife?


    "I''m sorry, what?" I finally managed to ask after finding my voice again.


    He quirked a brow at me, confused at what I was asking.


    "Did you just say future wife?" I asked again.


    He nodded, seeming puzzled at my question. "Did you think this was just a normal date?" He asked me. "No Kyomi, our fathers have already agreed that it would be best for both families if the two of us got married, this isn''t your average date, this is a test to see if we actually get along and since it''s going so well, there really isn''t anything stopping the wedding from happening now."


    "I-I don''t understand." I stuttered in complete and utter shock, how could my parents do this to me? How could they decide on such a big decision without discussing it with me first?


    Did my opinion not matter at all to them?


    This news hurt in a completely different way, I couldn''t even explain it but I felt completely betrayed.


    I''ve always listened to every single thing my parents asked of me, then why would they do this to me now? How could they?


    The sound of a motorbike right outside the restaurant caught everyone''s attention. My eyes followed the sound outside the clear glass and gasped in shock. Dressed in all black leather seated on the bike stood the man that had haunted my mind for the entire day so far.


    Dante!

 Chapter 22

    ~KYOMI~


    My heart rate sped up like it usually did whenever I saw him. What was he doing here?


    Dante and his family rarely came to this side of town, they usually had their own favorite hangouts, so what was he doing here?


    Could it be to see me?


    I immediately shook the thought out of my mind, dismissing it at how crazy it sounded.


    He slowly climbed out the motorcycle and tucked his shades inside his white vest hidden behind the leather jacket.


    "What is he doing here?" Ben asked as his eyes fell on Dante.


    "I don''t know." I answered honestly, in fact everyone in the restaurant seemed to be shocked at seeing him here. Of course they were shocked, Dante was someone that was known, somewhat like a celebrity one would say and I was sure that everyone in this room knew that he never came here.


    "I think we should leave." Ben said, totally surprising me.


    I turned to him, shocked at his words. "We haven''t even ordered anything as yet, why would we leave?" I asked.


    "Wherever Dante goes trouble follows right after, you should know this." He said as he fidgeted with the menu in his hands.


    He didn''t get to finish as Dante approached us, totally surprising me once more.


    Without warning he grabbed a chair from a nearby table and took a seat right next to us. "Well if it isn''t Ben Chadwick."


    Was I missing something here? For it seemed like these two had something personal going on by the way they glared at each other. Well it was more Ben glaring at Dante while Dante wore a smirk on his face.


    "Why are you here Dante?" Ben asked, the irritation in his voice impossible to miss.


    "Is there a sign somewhere that says I can''t be here?"


    Ben''s entire face turned red at his question and he said something else afterwards, something I didn''t hear for Dante''s hands were now somehow between my legs, slightly glazing my th??hs.


    I held in the gasp that threatened to escape at being touched by him again, why did it always feel this good?


    And why did it always leave me wanting plenty more?


    I was sure my face was red as I turned to Dante but he wasn''t looking at me, he was concentrating on whatever Ben was saying and it was frustrating me!


    I tried to shove his hand away but that only made him grip my th??hs tighter, squeezing gently and causing my eyes to roll back in my head.


    God!


    What was wrong with me?

 Chapter 23

    ~KYOMI~


    "Are you okay?" Ben asked me, probably seeing my face all flushed from Dante''s hands still on me under the table.


    I nodded trying to calm my emotions down.


    "You see, look at what your presence is doing here. Kyomi doesn''t want you here anymore than I do." Ben pointed out harshly.


    Dante turned his penetrating gaze on me, holding me in place with his stare alone. "I think Kyomi likes me here way more than you think she does." Dante whispered as he grazed his thumb finger across my lips lightly.


    I gasped at the shock of it and snapped my legs shut trapping Dante''s other hand between my th??hs.


    He smiled at my reaction and I would be lying if I said it didn''t make my heart flutter a little.


    How could he do something like that with Ben watching?


    "How dare you touch someone like Kyomi with your filthy hands?" Ben demanded stamping his menu down on the table. "You have really crossed the line this time."


    "Oh really?" Dante asked with a quirked brow. "And how is that so? What I do with Kyomi has no concern with you whatsoever, it''s between her and I."


    "Watch how you speak, everyone already knows that your families hate each other, so what reason are you really here for?" Ben demanded, obviously still unaware of what was happening beneath the table.


    "I have some unfinished business with Kyomi." Dante said completely shocking me. Why would he say something like that to Ben knowing the consequences of his actions if my parents found out what had happened here today?


    Ben gave a concerned look to me before turning back to Dante. "Kyomi doesn''t even have conversations with any man besides me, you expect me to believe that you have unfinished business with her?"


    Dante smirked at him before leaning back on his chair and crossing his arms across his ?h?st. "And what makes you so special in Kyomi''s life?" He asked, his eyes hard and cold as he waited for Ben to respond.

 Chapter 24

    ~KYOMI~


    I held my breath as I waited for Ben to answer Dante''s question.


    "Oh right, you wouldn''t know." Ben said suddenly grinning. "Of course you wouldn''t know, we haven''t officially announced it as yet."


    Dante tensed at his words, in fact this was the first time I''d ever seen him look so uptight.


    "What the fu?k are you trying to say?"


    "Kyomi''s parents along with my father has already discussed our marriage." Ben announced proudly. "Yes Dante, you heard me right, very soon Kyomi Palmer is going to be my wife."


    A very uncomfortable silence followed right after, no one moving as Dante gave Ben one of the deadliest looks I''d ever seen in my life before, even Ben flinched a bit.


    Was Dante actually angry that I could possibly be married to Ben? For some reason that thought gave me bu??erflies in my stomach.


    "I ?ssume Dominic has no idea of the activities you''ve been up to in the past and most likely still doing them in the present." Dante said.


    What was he talking about? Whatever he''d said seemed to bother Ben a lot, for his face was suddenly drained of color. For the first time since their encounter today Ben remained completely silent with absolutely nothing to say. What was I missing here? It seemed like Ben was afraid that Dante would say something that he didn''t want me to know.


    "Anyway, I wouldn''t be so quick to announce any alliance between you and Kyomi." Dante threatened.


    "What are you talking about?" Ben finally asked, suddenly finding his voice once again.


    Now it was Dante''s turn to smile. "You''ll see soon enough." He answered as he scooted up from the chair and leaned in closer to me until his mouth was directly above my ear. "We''ll be in touch soon sweetheart, after all I must finish what I''ve started."


    I felt my body shiver at his words, his close proximity making it difficult to breathe. Without another word Dante straightened and walked straight out the restaurant leaving me alone with Ben whom at the moment was looking at me in a very weird way.


    "Why does it seem like you and Dante have history?" He asked suspiciously.


    I narrowed my eyes at him. "I have a question of my own for you, what was Dante talking about when he spoke about the activities that you''ve been up to?"


    Ben''s face got red. "I think Dante spoiled our first date, let me take you back home and we shall continue this discussion another time."


    So he was hiding something from me, from my dad. Something that Dante knew about.


    What could it be?

 Chapter 25

    ~DANTE~


    FUCK!


    Things were going really good until fu?k?n? Ben Chadwick entered the picture.


    I rubbed my hand over my face before bending over the sink and splashing some water onto it. There was no choice left now, I had to move onto Plan B and force Kyomi to marry me.


    I already knew the perfect place to set everything up, I just had to think of a way to get her to come with me. Once all that was settled I''d have one of my brothers tip off a reporter, within a day news of our affair should be all over town.


    As I made my way to the dining table, I found my entire family already seated at the table.


    "Hi mom." I greeted her as I reached forward to kiss her cheek.


    "You look like a mess." My younger sister Violetta commented as she studied me.


    "It''s father''s new ?ssignment." Fabio announced with a grin. "He''s having problems getting Kyomi to fall for his charms."


    "Kyomi Palmer?" My other sister, Emma asked in shock. "Papa, surely it isn''t a Palmer?" She asked again as she turned to my father.


    He cleared his throat in response as he turned his fierce gaze on me. "How is everything coming along."


    I clenched my jaw, knowing very well that he wouldn''t like what I was about to say.


    "I''ve gotten word that Dominic is preparing to get Kyomi married to Ben Chadwick."


    "What?" My father roared as he slammed his fist against the table causing my sisters to jump. "I told you how important this is, yet you wait for something like this to happen?"


    "All is not lost father, I already have a plan and I ?ssure you it would work. Kyomi will be your daughter in law, I promise you that."


    And it was a promise I intended to keep.


    She was going to be mine and no one would possibly be able to take her from me! I would make sure of it.

 Chapter 26

    ~KYOMI~


    "Why didn''t you tell me?" I asked my mother as soon as I stepped inside the house. She was already waiting for me in the hallway, probably to find out how the date with Ben went.


    "Tell you what?" She asked.


    "That father is planning on getting me married to Ben." I told her flatly, trying hard not to raise my voice.


    Her eyes lit up with understanding. "I didn''t think it was that important to tell you."


    I felt my heart drop at her words. "You didn''t think it was important to tell me about my own wedding?" I asked in disbelief.


    "Your father has already set his mind for this wedding to take place. He doesn''t see a better match for you than Ben. So whether or not you objected, the wedding would have taken place, hence the reason why I didn''t see it important to inform you about it until it was the right time to do so." She explained.


    I couldn''t believe what I was hearing, my own parents didn''t see it fit to tell me that my own wedding was being arranged.


    "I''m going to change." I told her quietly, unable to even look her in the eye after what she''d just told me.


    "How was the date?" She asked as I stepped past her.


    "Even if I were to say it was horrible, it wouldn''t even matter. Since my opinion is not important, is that not so?" I asked.


    She remained quiet and so I kept on walking without looking back, there was nothing else for me to say.


    Yet something bothered me, something that has been bothering me since Dante showed up at the restaurant.


    If it was something terrible then it might be enough to get my father to cancel his plans on the wedding, it might just be what I need to save myself from this disaster.


    First thing tomorrow morning I was going to have a discussion with Dante at school, as soon as I saw him. My body for some reason was thrilled at the thought of seeing him again and it annoyed me way more than it should.


    Yet, Dante''s classes were in the evening. Was it possible that he would come earlier tomorrow as well? I could only hope that he did, for there was no way my parents would let me stay back at school after already knowing my class schedules.

 Chapter 27

    ~KYOMI~


    "Why do you look so down?" Mandy asked concerned.


    "I''ve had a rough weekend."I admitted.


    "Tell us all about it." Bridgette encouraged.


    "Well you will never believe what I''m about to tell you." I confessed.


    "Honey we will believe anything you tell us after what happened last week with Dante, so continue." Mandy admitted.


    "My parents let me go on a date with Ben Chadwick." I announced as they both gasped in shock. "That''s not the worst part, they are planning to get us married."


    "WHAT?" Mandy and Bridgette shouted at the same exact time.


    "And obviously I don''t have a say in the matter. But I think I know someone who could help me get out of this wedding."


    "Who?" Bridgette asked.


    "Dante."


    Both of my friends were looking at me as though I were crazy.


    "Why would Dante help you get out of this wedding?" Mandy asked.


    "He has some information on Ben. I believe it''s bad news, you should have seen the way Ben reacted when Dante mentioned to him about something he''d done in the past."


    "Okay hold up a quick second." Bridgette intervened. "How on earth were you in the middle of a conversation between both Ben and Dante?"


    I sighed." It''s a long story." I said, my entire body stiffening as I saw a familiar figure a little distance away. "One that would have to wait, I have something important to do now."


    I didn''t wait for my friends to protest as I all but ran in the direction of the man I was dying to have a conversation with, Dante Clarke.


    I never once thought I''d ever catch myself saying something like that but yet here I was. They always say you never know what the future holds for you and now I believed that saying wholeheartedly.


    "Dante!" I called.


    I saw the moment his entire body stiffened at my voice before he slowly turned around to look at me, he seemed pleasantly surprised to see me in front of him.


    "We need to talk." I told him.


    His eyes sparked with interest and his lips curved into that smirk smile that always melted my heart. "Yes we do."

 Chapter 28

    ~KYOMI~


    "I must admit, the last thing I expected was to see you wanting to start a conversation with me." He admitted before taking slow steps towards me until he had me jammed up against the wall behind me. " Is it that you''ve come for more?" He asked, his hungry penetrating gaze holding me in place. "Because I''d be happy to have a taste again, in fact your taste has lingered on my mind for days now, you''re quite addictive, you know that Kyomi?"


    "N-no." I stuttered. "I wanted to discuss Ben."


    He frowned at the mention of that name. "I must say Kyomi, you know how to dampen a man''s mood."


    "I want to know what information you have against him." I added quickly.


    "Ah, so you want to just use me for your own gain then."


    "NO-"


    "No?" Dante asked pushing his body further into mine. "Then go on a date with me today, I''ll tell you everything you want to know."


    "W-what?" I asked in total shock. "You know my parents would never allow it, besides we''re in school right now and after classes my driver would already be waiting for me outside, there is no way we could go out without them knowing."


    Dante chuckled. "Oh my sweet innocent Kyomi. Just leave everything up to me, don''t worry I''ll bring you back in time before you get caught."


    I stood there for a moment, contemplating what I should do.


    What exactly were my choices?


    If I didn''t go with Dante, he wouldn''t tell me what he knew about Ben and I would be forced with no choice but to marry the man.


    I didn''t want that.


    Then there was only one thing left to do.


    "I''ll go on the date with you."


    Dante seemed pleased at my response. "Good. We leave now."

 Chapter 29

    ~KYOMI~


    I fidgeted in my seat nervously as Dante pulled up to the beach.


    Apparently this was where he wanted our first date to be. Even though I was nervous I already liked this one a lot better than the one with Ben.


    He quietly got out the van and opened my door for me. Without warning he unbuckled my seat belt, his hand lightly grazing my tummy before he grabbed my h?ps and helped me down.


    "I could have done it myself." I intervened, my cheeks red.


    Surprisingly he hadn''t come to school today with his motorcycle, which was weird, I always saw him in it. Today was the first day I''d seen him in this van and it just so happened to be the same exact day I agreed to go on a date with him.


    It almost made me believe in destiny for if he had only asked me to get on his bike with him, there was no way this date was happening. I was afraid of those things, I always saw it as a fast ticket to your own death, I didn''t trust it one bit. It just looked like an accident waiting to happen in my eyes.


    "I know." Dante responded. "But then I wouldn''t have gotten the chance to touch you and see the way your pretty cheeks turn all red."


    I felt my cheeks turn even redder at his words, this wouldn''t do. I needed to concentrate and focus on what I really came here for, I couldn''t let Dante distract me!


    "Um, so will you finally tell me what Ben did in the past that was so bad?"


    Dante shook his head at me. "Not so soon sweetheart, let''s enjoy a little time in the waters first."


    I turned to him in shock. "What?" I asked. "I thought we were just going to have a little picnic in the sand?"


    "And miss out on all of this?" Dante asked as he motioned to the water in front of us.


    "I-I can''t swim."I told him.


    He looked taken aback for a second before he recovered with a soft smile.


    "Good." He said before lifting me up into his arms and jumping into the water with me.


    A loud scream left my mouth as I felt the warm water surround me, Dante''s strong arms holding onto me almost tightly.


    "Shhh." He whispered. "You''re safe with me, I promise."

 Chapter 30

    ~KYOMI~


    I wrapped my arms around Dante''s neck and held on for my dear life.


    My eyes frantically looked around us before I went back to stare into his eyes only to find him already gazing back at me with a hunger that almost made me whimper because of its intensity.


    "You know." He said in a hoarse whisper. "I''ve been dying to get a taste of you again." He admitted.


    Before I had a chance to respond his lips was already on my neck, su?k?n? and kissing, making my entire body weak and at his mercy.


    While his lips were on my neck, his hands were exploring the rest of my body. I felt myself shiver at the feelings that came with being in the waters with Dante''s hands and mouth on me.


    Amongst the p???sur? I realized how much my body had been craving this attention from him, how much I''d miss being this close to him.


    I couldn''t believe I was even thinking these things, what had I become? Did the teachings my parents give to me mean nothing?


    Even that thought flew out my mind as he gripped my ?ss and pressed me more firmly against him before crashing his lips to mine.


    His mouth moved with experience and hunger, I didn''t even know such p???sur? came from kissing alone. He su?k?d on my bottom lip before doing the same to the top, his hands moved to grip my br??sts and I gasped at the contact. He used that opportunity to stick his tongue down my throat as he begun to really taste me.


    I m??n?d and tightened my grip on his hair, rubbing myself against his body.


    I didn''t know how long we were kissing for but Dante eventually broke the kiss. "Fuck." He ?r??n?d, staring at me as though I were an enchantress. "How do you do it?" He asked, totally surprising me.


    Do what?


    He shook his head as he lifted me out the water and walked straight back to the vehicle. " I lost track of the time, we need to leave now if we''re going to reach back before your driver."


    At the mention of my driver I seemed to snap back to reality. "Oh God." I gasped. "We need to leave now!"


    Dante nodded his head and got in the driver''s side. I looked down at my soaking wet clothes and felt like slapping myself, why did I always lose sight of everything else whenever I was with Dante?


    God, he truly was dangerous, especially to me.


    Did classes finish already?


    As my eyes scanned the crowd, something I saw there made my insides turn to stone.


    My father.


    What was he doing here so early?


    I turned to Dante but he wasn''t looking at me, in fact it seemed like he was avoiding me, instead he was looking straight at something. I followed his gaze and froze.


    My dad was looking directly at us.


    I quickly climbed out the vehicle without another thought, fear making it difficult to breathe.


    My dad was definitely going to kill me, I might as well say goodbye to this world while I had the chance too.


    I don''t understand, what made him come in replace of the driver and why was he back so early? Why was everyone also looking at us?


    "Father I¡ª."


    I didn''t get to finish as his hand connected to my face with a hard slap.

 Chapter 31

    ~KYOMI~


    I stared at my father in shock. This was the first time he''d ever laid a hand on me, there were times he''d gotten really upset but he''s never once hit me before.


    The crowd had gotten dead quiet as everyone looked on at the exchange happening between us.


    "F-father¡ª"


    "What were you doing alone with a Clarke?" He demanded, looking at me as though I were a traitor.


    What did I say?


    If I spoke the truth that would be the end of everything, he would hate me for life.


    "Dominic." My mother called, I looked behind my father to see her approaching us, I hadn''t even noticed her there before this. "I think we should have this discussion at home, not here in front of everyone." She told him quietly.


    He totally ignored her as he focused his cold gaze on me. "Tell me what you''ve been up to Kyomi, do not let me ask you again." He threatened.


    I didn''t know what to say, not when everyone was staring at me. How did I explain anything like this? Whatever I said from here onwards would only anger my father further for it all ended with me having a physical relationship with Dante. After I admitted to such a thing, my father would surely kill me.


    So I chose to remain quiet.


    "Hand me the tablet." He told my mother as she stared at him in shock.


    What was going on here?


    "Gabriella." He said my mother''s name. "Hand me the device now."


    I watched as my mother slowly took the tablet out her purse and gave it to my father.


    What I saw next almost made me faint on the spot.


    There were photos of Dante and I from earlier today at the beach. Photos of us kissing, photos of his hands all over my body.


    Suddenly I couldn''t breathe.


    How could this have possibly happened? I didn''t understand a thing, what was going on here? I felt like the entire universe was against me.


    "What are these?" He asked me. "How could you embarrass your family like this?" He demanded roughly.


    "I-I''m sorry." I cried. "I didn''t mean for this to happen, it wasn''t like that¡ª"


    I stopped mid sentence as my father raised his hand to hit me again. I stared at him completely terrified as his hands came down, I closed my eyes and waited for impact however none came.


    When I opened my eyes, I was left more shocked than before.


    Dante''s hand was holding down my father''s, preventing him from hitting me and my dad looked like he wanted to murder him for it while Dante looked extremely pissed, in fact this was the first time I''ve ever seen him look this angry.

 Chapter 32

    ~KYOMI~


    "You can talk about this in a civil manner without laying a hand on your very own daughter." Dante snapped angrily.


    I felt my heart warm at his gesture to stop my dad from hitting me, no one ever stood up to my father like that and definitely not for my sake, yet Dante did.


    "Stay out of this, this is between my daughter and I." My father shouted. "If your father hasn''t taught you on how to respect yourself, I''ve made sure to teach it to my daughter. Yet today she''s chosen to embarrass me in the worst way possible. Stay out of this and let me show her what are the consequences of her disgusting, unforgivable actions."


    Dante let go of my father''s hand but instead moved to stand in front of me, shielding me from my own father. I never once thought I''d live to see a day like this.


    "You know Dominic, you''ve always had a lot of pride and always carried out yourself in a manner as though you were the perfect gentleman and father yet here you are laying a hand on your daughter for everyone to see." Dante pointed out, lowering his voice so that only those close by would be able to hear his words. "Now tell me, is that what you want everyone else to see you as from today onwards, the man who hits women?" He asked.


    My father''s face paled at his words.


    "I thought so, if I were you I would control my emotions. This is already going to be on the headlines tomorrow, anything you do now would only make yourself look worse. Especially in the eyes of those whose opinion matters most to you." Dante added.


    "Get out of my way." My father threatened glaring at Dante.


    I couldn''t let things get any more worse than it already was and so I touched Dante on his shoulder lightly, trying to catch his attention.


    He slowly turned to me, something he saw had his eyes hardening as he reached forward and gently cupped my cheek in his hand. The hurt look in his eyes completely surprised me, it was the first time I''d ever seen Dante act like this and it made me think completely differently about him.


    "GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY DAUGHTER!" My father roared causing me to jump. This was the worst my father had ever acted in public. The crowd was still silent as everyone looked on.


    "Dante please." I begged. "Just go."

 Chapter 33

    ~DANTE~


    I was fu?k?n? pissed! Dominic was way more of an ?sshole than I''d originally thought.


    He had totally surprised me the moment he''d laid a hand on Kyomi, it was the last thing I was expecting to see.


    The moment it had happened every single protective instinct in me had risen, I wanted to hurt him for hurting her.


    But hurting him would also hurt Kyomi for he was still her father.


    Why the fu?k did I ever care?


    But I did, seeing someone hit her whether it was her father or not had made the blood in my veins boil with anger.


    I was using every bit of self control in my bones to not grab Dominic by his shirt and shake him until he apologized for touching her.


    And now she was asking that I leave? I didn''t want to, I didn''t trust that her father wouldn''t hurt her again. If he could do this in public, what would happen behind closed doors?


    Yet the terrified look on her face tugged at my heart, she was scared of what would happen if her father got more angry and she knew with me being here his anger was only going to rise. I could read her like an open book, her emotions were raw on her face and easy to read.


    I know where I was heading, home to my family. I didn''t trust Dominic, he was in a rage and there was no telling what he would do to Kyomi.


    I had to take my father over there and give the offer to make Kyomi my wife, everything was already going as planned. The reporter had done a good job, but I must admit I never expected Dominic to reach at the scene so quickly, in fact I was just as surprised as Kyomi to see him there.


    The only difference with the original plan was that we were supposed to wait for Dominic to offer her to us but now I didn''t think that was such a good idea. Not after seeing him hit Kyomi.


    I was restless.


    Somehow or the other I needed to convince my father to get over there now.

 Chapter 34

    ~DANTE~


    As soon as I parked the vehicle. I quickly rushed inside to find my father and brothers already at the entrance waiting for me.


    "Well, well, well." Mateo announced. "You actually did it."


    "It''s blowing up all over, pictures of you and Kyomi are spreading like crazy. Everyone is going to know about it by the end of today." Evan added while looking at his phone.


    "You''ve made me very proud today." My father praised me. "Good job son."


    "For someone who just accomplished a very big task you''re not looking too happy." Hugo noted, like always he was the one who noticed every little thing. It was what made him stand out, he paid attention to every single detail.


    "Father." I finally spoke up. "We need to get over to the Palmer''s house immediately. It''s important that we offer the alliance now."


    He looked taken aback by the request. "If we wait a little Dominic himself would offer his daughter to us, why would I go to him?"


    I knew my father was right, but I wasn''t willing to wait.


    "He''s furious right now." I gritted out.


    "That''s how we predicted he would react." Fabio pointed out, everyone looking at me completely confused as to what I was getting at.


    "He hit her today." I finally said, unable to hide the anger from my voice. "In front of an entire crowd, in front of all her classmates, he hit her."


    Everyone remained silent for a few seconds.


    "That has nothing to do with us." My father finally responded. "She''s his daughter, he can do with her as he pleases. Remember Dante, this ?ssignment was just for us to get Dominic off our ?h?st, it does not require you to form any form of attachment to Kyomi Palmer."


    My jaw clenched at his words, I knew that, my attention was never to get attached to her and I didn''t believe that I was. But at the same time I wasn''t going to sit back and let her get physically abused because of me.


    "Father." I said again. "This is not a case of attachment, our plans would be ruined if you don''t act now. From the look on Dominic''s face, his first thought is definitely not to get Kyomi married to me, you must go there and guilt him into doing it before he marries her off to someone else who''s still willing to marry her despite all the articles posted with her and I."

 Chapter 35

    ~DANTE~


    I saw the moment my father agreed with me and felt myself relax a little.


    "Boys." He suddenly announced. "We''re going to the Palmer''s residence. Prepare yourself."


    I didn''t need to be told twice, without another word I was already inside grabbing my bike''s key off the key holder.


    "Where''s everyone going?" Violetta asked as she motioned to the rest of my brothers who were also grabbing their bike keys.


    "We''re going to snatch Dante''s wife." Mateo answered her while my other brothers chuckled.


    "What nonsense are you guys speaking off now." She said annoyed. "I could never ask a simple question and receive a proper reply from you fools."


    "Then why do you even bother asking?" Fabio teased as she pelted a shoe his way.


    "It''s a good thing father never allowed her to hold a gun, she can''t aim to save her life." He added, pointing at the shoe that Hugo had caught in his hands before it hit his face.


    "Whatever, I''ll just ask mother what on earth is going on around here, she''s the only one that will actually tell me." She announced before storming off.


    "You good?" Hugo asked, studying me closely while grabbing his leather jacket off the couch.


    I nodded. "I just don''t like the idea of knowing she''s in so much trouble because of me, I didn''t think things would go this bad or that it would happen right in front of me."


    "You seem like you care about her already." He noted.


    "Of course not." I disagreed. I didn''t go weak for any woman, there was only one woman I cared about and she''d left a long time ago. "I just don''t like the idea of an innocent girl getting hurt because of me, she doesn''t deserve the treatment she''s getting from her father... she''s a good girl."


    Hugo nodded in understanding. "I understand, hopefully all goes well when we get there. I can''t guarantee it going well though, we already know how Dominic is and he hates our guts, it''s going to be a long day."


    He was right, I believe Dominic hated our family more than we hated his. He wasn''t going to let this go easily, but our family wasn''t one to back down from a fight.


    I wanted Kyomi Palmer and I was going to get her, not even Dominic would be able to keep her from me.

 Chapter 36

    ~KYOMI~


    The ride back home was excruciatingly painful. My father had done nothing but thrown insults my way the entire time.


    He blamed me for tarnishing our family''s name as well as disrespecting the family. He also said that I was a bad role model to my younger sisters and that if they ever did anything to tarnish the family name as well it would all be because of me.


    On the bright side he hadn''t tried to lay a hand on me again, but I wasn''t sure if I would be that lucky when we reached home for he was extremely upset with me.


    I''ve seen my father angry at me before, angry at others before, even angry at my mother but never once had I seen him act like this, that fact scared me.


    "Why did you do it Kyomi?" He finally asked.


    "I never meant for it to happen father." I answered honestly. "Dante approached me one day just to have a normal conversation and I tried to keep him at a distance, I even told him to stay away but he didn''t listen, you know how Dante''s family is, they don''t take no for an answer."


    "Then why didn''t you come to me?" He asked as he looked at me from the rear view mirror.


    I swallowed. "I didn''t want to cause any trouble. I knew how much you hate Dante and his family, I didn''t want to stir up anything."


    "Lies!" He shouted. "Don''t lie to me. You were going around our backs because you wanted too. But you don''t know Dante Clarke, he''s a player, a womanizer. I always thought I''d raised an intelligent daughter who knew how to respect herself but you''re just like any other young lady who can''t think for herself and falls for the lies that a man fills in her head."


    My heart hurt at my father''s words. I knew Dante was a player, I knew all those things and yet I had let him touch me. Yet, even now after everything I still wanted to feel his hands on my body.


    I was an embarrassment to my family, my father was right.


    "Just wait and see, watch how Dante moves onto another woman right in front of your eyes. That''s the type of man he is, the type of man his father trained him to be. You think you were special in his eyes? You''re just another game to him and you just made it very easy for him."


    I felt my heart squeeze, I didn''t like the idea of Dante with another woman. Now that my father had brought it up, it worried me.


    He may very well be correct, Dante would easily move on to another woman.


    I hadn''t once thought about that.

 Chapter 37

    ~KYOMI~


    "Father." I whispered, trying to find the courage to speak again. " I''ve heard from Dante that Ben is not who he says he is, he''s done some bad things in the past, things he wasn''t okay with telling me, things he doesn''t want us to know. I went to the beach with Dante today in hopes of him telling me what Ben had done in the past that was so wrong. I just wanted to make sure that he wasn''t a bad person before I went ahead and got married to him." I confessed.


    "What do I do with you?" My father demanded. "Did you really believe the words coming out of Dante Clarke''s mouth? Do you not know that they are liars? They''re everything I''ve thought you to stay away from and now you want to tell me that you believed the nonsense coming out of that low life''s mouth? I''ve known Ben and his father for a long time, they are good people. I''ve also known Dante''s family for a long time and I could easily tell you who''s good and bad between the Chadwick''s and the Clarke''s."


    I winced at the rough tone of his voice, it seemed like anything I said from now on only angered him further, maybe it was best to remain quiet from here on out.


    "Even if that were the case, that you went there to find out the truth about Ben. The pictures all over the internet states otherwise. I''ve never been this embarrassed in my entire life and my very own daughter is the reason for this sudden dent in my reputation!"


    I felt the tears form in my eyes at his gruesome words. I''ve worked hard all my life to make my father proud of me, to never embarrass him, to ensure that he could always lift his head high wherever he went and within a few seconds I''d destroyed it all.


    All because I couldn''t control myself around Dante, the very man my father had warned me to stay away from.


    What was going to happen to me now?


    My father practically hated me, I could see it in the way he looked at me, felt it in the way he''d slapped me. I''m the family''s embarrassment, the daughter who''d betrayed my father''s trust.


    I knew my father, he would never forgive me for this.


    There was just one question on my mind now, what would be my punishment?


    As the first tear rolled down my cheeks I felt the car pull to a sudden stop.


    "What the hell is happening in front of my house!" My father roared. "Is this some sort of circus?"


    I followed his gaze and felt my heart skip a beat.


    No.


    This couldn''t be possible!

 Chapter 38

    ~KYOMI~


    There were multiple motorbikes parked right outside our home, blocking our entrance and preventing us from getting in.


    But that wasn''t what had everyone in the car on edge, the bikes belonged to the Clarkes''.


    In fact, every one of Dante''s brothers along with his father were standing in front of us.


    And then I saw him, leaned up against our gate with a cigarette in his mouth was none other than Dante himself. His face looked calm but his shoulders were tensed giving away that he may not be as relaxed as he wanted us to think that he was.


    My mother and I along with my sisters got out the vehicle following my father who had gotten out the moment he''d spotted the Clarkes''.


    "Kevlar Clarke." My father growled as he glared at Dante''s father. "What is the meaning of this?"


    "May we discuss this inside?" Kevlar asked, his eyes seeming pleased at my father''s distressed state. The look on his face made me feel sick, he was enjoying this, he liked the fact that my father was unhappy.


    What hurt more than anything was knowing that I was the main reason behind all of this, I was the one who''d hurt my own father.


    "You were never welcomed in my home before and you never will be." My father spat. "Whatever you have to say you can say it out here."


    "I see." Kevlar stated. "I guess you do want our growing audience to hear everything then."


    My father tensed at his words for there was indeed a growing audience as all of our neighbors were gathering to see what all the commotion was about.


    "Go ahead and say what you have to say."


    Kevlar quirked a brow at him. "I take it you''ve already seen all of the articles all over the web."


    I stiffened at his words, my father''s face was now red as he glared at Dante''s father.


    "Your point?" My father asked, his fists tightening at his sides.


    "Well." Kevlar started. "Surely you aren''t going to let your daughter''s reputation go down the drain like that."


    "That''s for me to think about, I don''t need your input on this matter."


    "Really?" Kevlar asked my father. " For the way I see it, there is only one way you can save your daughter''s reputation and that''s by getting her married to my son."


    Everyone gasped at his words, at least everyone from my family. Dante''s side looked completely calm about the whole thing.


    How could he even propose such a thing? A Palmer married to a Clarke?


    That would never work out!

 Chapter 39

    ~KYOMI~


    "Have you completely lost it?" My father finally demanded. "Do you think I''ll ever stoop to your level and get my daughter married to your son?"


    Kevlar seemed calm despite my father''s outburst and clear rejection to his offer. "You don''t have another choice Dominic, either get your daughter married to Dante or watch her suffer for your stubborn ego and pride."


    My father said nothing at that, just continued to glare at him.


    "And if it is you aren''t that concerned about your own daughter, think about your own reputation. It will be completely ruined if people knew your daughter was fooling around with a Clarke before marriage. " His voice grew quieter, making sure that no outsiders could hear what he was about to say. "You can still save your face by announcing that she was already engaged to Dante and you were waiting for the right time to announce it, the way I see it, that''s the only option you have."


    My father remained completely silent yet again.


    "Think about it Dominic." Kevlar announced as he climbed onto his bike. "My offer wouldn''t be here for long."


    I watched as Dante''s brothers also got onto their bikes and without another word they all sped off one after the next.


    There was only one Clarke left now... Dante. He hadn''t moved an inch, instead he was still leaned up against the gate.


    "Why are you still here?" My father shouted taking a step in his direction. My heart sped up, afraid that he would try and attack Dante. That was the last thing I wanted to see happen.


    Dante still didn''t move, instead his eyes moved to me. I felt my body shiver at his heated stare, even now despite the situation we were in, I still wanted him like crazy.


    I didn''t understand these feelings at all.


    Whenever he gazed at me it always felt like my entire body was on fire. His earthy green eyes always found a way to make me either squirm or hold me in place. They moved to my cheek now and I saw the way his entire body tensed before he returned his gaze to my father.


    "If you lay another hand on her, I''ll make it my intention to ruin your reputation way worse than this." He threatened.


    I gasped, did Dante really just say that to my father? What did it matter to him?

 Chapter 40

    ~KYOMI~


    "Get off my property." My father warned. "Before I have the cause to call the police." He threatened.


    Dante smiled, obviously not scared of my father''s threat.


    Without another word he pushed himself off the gate and climbed onto his bike. His eyes glanced in my direction once more but only for a few seconds before he drove off, following after his brothers.


    "Do you see the type of monsters those people are?" My father asked me with disgust laced in his voice.


    I couldn''t respond, for I couldn''t see Dante as a monster, in fact I felt like I''d misjudged him all of these years. Maybe he wasn''t as bad as I''d always thought he were.


    As we made our way inside, I didn''t miss the weird looks sent my way by the staff. Surely everyone had already seen all the pictures on the internet.


    Dante''s father was right, my reputation was definitely at risk.


    No one would even wish to marry me now, I was a disgrace to my family.


    I saw my sisters concerned looks as I walked into the living room, they didn''t say anything however. They knew better than to question the events of the day with the mood my father was in right now.


    "What are we going to do?" My mother asked my father, she hadn''t once spoken a word to me since they''d seen me exit Dante''s van earlier today and I knew she was extremely upset and disappointed in me.


    My father let out a deep breath before squeezing his temples. "I''ve already gotten off the phone with Ben and his father, the wedding is off." He said.


    I felt relieved at that news, I never wanted to marry Ben. My father may not have believed a word Dante had said about the Chadwicks but I knew it had to be true judging from the way Ben had reacted to him.


    The problem however was that no one would want to marry me, it wouldn''t just be Ben, every single eligible bachelor would refuse me for they all wanted someone with a good reputation to make them look good.


    I could work on building myself and my life without having to worry about a man and his needs, this might actually be good for me.


    "Do you have anyone in mind to get her married too that would still be willing to wed her despite


    the pictures on the internet?" My mother asked.


    Oh God no. I hoped my father replied with a no, I didn''t want to think of another arranged marriage.


    "I don''t think so." He replied, his tone rough. " I hate those blasted Clarkes'', but I don''t see any other way right now. I may have to get her married to Dante."


    I stood completely still at my father''s words.


    Did he really mean that?


    My mother gasped. "We can''t do that to our daughter Dominic!"


    My father turned his cold gaze my way. "She did this to herself, we did nothing. Everyone must face the consequences for their actions and she must do the same."

 Chapter 41

    ~DANTE~


    "Father." I said as soon as I got down my bike. "How could you leave without getting him to agree to the marriage?" I asked as I stepped closer to where he stood near the fountain.


    My father turned to me with a smug smile on his face, surprisingly this was the most relaxed I''d seen him in a while. "Because I know he has no choice in the matter, he''s completely trapped son. He would try to come up with ways to save his daughter''s reputation but he wouldn''t find anything but what I''ve offered to him. He may look for potential suitors¡ª"


    I immediately stiffened at the mention of potential suitors.


    "But no one would want to marry Kyomi after seeing those pictures on the internet, not even the Chadwicks would settle for her. Pride is everything for men like them, they would want a wife with a good reputation,unfortunately for all of them Kyomi is no longer one of them."


    For the first time in my life I felt guilty, I''d purposely done this to Kyomi when I knew she didn''t deserve it. After spending the little time I''d done with her I realized just how innocent and sweet she was. However, I didn''t regret my actions, if she had married Ben her life would have been miserable... Not that it would be any better with me.


    But this was something that had to be done, her father needed to be taught a lesson.


    Either way, this was a request made by my father and I wasn''t at liberty to disobey his orders.


    "So what do we do now?" I asked.


    He shrugged his shoulders. "All that''s left for us to do now is wait."


    "Wait?" I asked, impatient. "Why must we wait?"


    "You''ve already done all the hard work son, by the end of the week Dominic would hand over his daughter to us, his pride is everything. When the people who''s opinions he cares about the most starts approaching him and asking questions about your relationship with his daughter he will crack." My father ?ssured me. "So now, we wait."

 Chapter 42

    ~KYOMI~


    I was kept home from school, isolated from everyone, even my own sisters as punishment for my actions.


    No one spoke to me, not even my own parents. They said all they had to say and that was it.


    I could see it in their eyes every single time I left my room to have breakfast or dinner, they would look at me like I was an embarrassment to the family.


    I felt like a stranger in my own home. No one told me what was happening, all I knew was that my father was searching for someone to marry me off too. But so far, no one was coming forward.


    Not even his closest of friends were willing to get their son married to me.


    I felt the tears begin to fall once again, I''d been crying for two days straight now, unable to stop myself. My eyes were swollen and red. It hurt to even keep them open.


    I would have never thought things would turn out to be this way, how could my reputation be ruined in a matter of seconds?


    The girl who''d once been known as her parents pride and joy was now the reason for them to bow their heads in shame.


    I loved my family, not once did I ever want to do this to them.


    But there was something about Dante Clarke, whenever I was around him I lost sight of everything else. It was as though I had no control of my body when he was near, it wasn''t something that I was proud to admit but it was indeed true.


    It wasn''t like this before, when he gave me no attention. That time I couldn''t care less about Dante Clarke but the moment he had started to turn his eyes my way, from the first moment he''d looked at me, like really looked at me... I was already trapped.


    Everything about him was so enchanting that he always left you wanting more. Some men were just born with those qualities to leave a woman completely spellbound and Dante was definitely one of them.


    I was never like this, so many men would stare at me and try to catch my attention yet I never gave into any temptations.


    Yet, for some reason I couldn''t resist Dante and now I was suffering because of it.


    The sound of my room door opening brought me out of my thoughts.


    "Come to the living room now." My mother told me, unable to look me in the eye.


    Her tensed shoulders told me that whatever it was she had to say to me wasn''t good.

 Chapter 43

    ~KYOMI~


    As I entered the room, the first thing I saw was my father seated on one of the sofa''s with a frustrated and angry look written all over his face.


    My two sisters were seated on the opposite sofa and didn''t look too happy either. Surely they must have an idea of what was happening.


    "I''ve tried everything I could." My father started. "But no one wants to marry a woman who''s been fooling around with the son of a loan shark, they all see you as someone who has absolutely no respect for yourself and thus cannot have respect for anyone else."


    My heart hurt at his words, it was so easy for people to change their opinions about you. I was once someone people looked up to, someone parents used as an example to their kids on how a young lady should carry about themselves. Now I''d be the woman people told their children not to be like.


    "Therefore." My father continued. "After listening to all the criticisms and seeing people laugh to my face, calling me a hypocrite and a liar for claiming that I knew how to grow a respectful family and also claiming that my family consisted of obedient children who knew how to respect themselves. I''m left with no choice but to get you married to Dante, it''s the only way to save my reputation as well as yours."


    I stood in complete shock.


    I''d thought they had dismissed this idea, after my father had first proposed the idea to listen to Dante''s father I honestly believed that he realized how crazy it were and decided not to go along with it.


    But now as I stood staring at the faces of my family members I could see that I was wrong, in order to save both their reputations and mine they were willing to give me up to the Clarkes.


    I felt the tears begin to form in my eyes, I never expected something like this. I knew I was completely at fault but I also knew if that whole scandal with Dante didn''t happen my parents would have just gotten me married to someone else.


    I was crazily attracted to Dante Clarke, that was the honest truth however being married to him was something completely different. I lived a completely opposite life to Dante, how was I supposed to adjust to his lifestyle?


    I didn''t want this, I wasn''t ready for it.


    "Father please, is there no other way?"I begged.


    My father''s gaze was the coldest I''d ever seen it before. "No, this is your punishment for embarrassing your family in the worst way possible, even I have to bury my pride and accept help from the Clarkes to save my own reputation." He said angrily. "Get ready, we''re going to visit your new family."

 Chapter 44

    ~DANTE~


    I grabbed the man by his collar and dragged him across the ground before pointing a gun at his head. "Where''s the money?"


    He immediately pointed to his truck, without wasting any time my brothers started searching it until they found the loaded bag.


    I let go of the man and joined the rest of my brothers on the Jeep.


    "You''ve been extra tensed these days." Mateo noted while reloading the gun. "Does it have to do with that girl again?"


    I clenched my jaw, I didn''t want another reminder of the whole situation with Kyomi. I buried myself in work and spent most of my time collecting money from everyone who owed us in order to get my mind off it.


    It''s been two days, two whole fu?k?n? days and we haven''t heard anything from Dominic yet. I was restless, I couldn''t sleep. All because I had seen him hit her that day, how was she doing?


    Was she okay?


    Did he hit her again?


    "It looks like we have company." Hugo pointed out as the jeep pulled up to the mansion.


    "Do you recognize that license plate number?" Mateo asked me.


    I shook my head. Whenever a strange vehicle pulled up at our home we were always on high alert. We had many enemies, there were the few who were so scared of us they wouldn''t try anything stupid and then there were the others who didn''t care for their own lives and attacked whenever they felt too. Of course, most of the time it either ended with their deaths or some of them becoming handicapped for the rest of their lives. We didn''t make that choice for them, they did.


    If they knew they couldn''t repay the money that they owed us then they shouldn''t have burrowed it in the first place. Those weren''t the only kind of enemies we had however, there were other loan sharks who wanted our place, in order to do that they needed to kill us first.


    Therefore, our lives were always at risk.


    Everything seemed to be okay on the outside, the guards were all there.


    That was a good sign.


    As Hugo parked the vehicle, I quickly jumped down, my brothers on each side of me.


    "Do we keep the guns?" Fabio asked.


    I chuckled. "I mean, if we want to leave a good impression on whichever guests we have here today."


    "Maybe it''s just someone looking for money again." Mateo pointed out.


    I gave him an incredulous look. "With that kind of vehicle? Come on Mateo, no one''s coming in that kind of vehicle to burrow money."


    As we rounded the corner and entered the living room, every muscle in my body froze.


    Kyomi.

 Chapter 45

    ~KYOMI~


    From the moment we''d entered The Clarkes home my eyes were already searching for Dante. However, there was no sign of him or his brothers.


    Instead we were greeted by both of his parents and his sisters.


    Both of his sisters were looking at me with a guarded look, like they weren''t sure what to do with me or what reason my family had come to visit.


    So had they been kept in the dark of everything going on? I found that very hard to believe.


    "I never thought I''d live to see the day that Dominic Palmer enters my home at his own given will." Kevlar said as he took a seat on the sofa and propped his hands behind his neck. "What can we do for you?"


    "Is your offer still up?" My father asked, getting straight to the point


    I saw the pleased look on Kevlar''s face at my father''s question. He was more thrilled than anyone else which completely surprised me, Kevlar hated my father just as much as my father hated him, then why did he want me to get married to his son so badly?


    Something didn''t seem right at all.


    Before I had time to ponder more on that thought, the sound of footsteps caught our attention.


    Dante.


    Even though it had only been two days since I''d last seen him, my body seemed to come alive at finally being able to have him right here in front of me.


    I didn''t want to feel like this, though it might help considering I was about to get married to him.


    I felt my dad stiffen besides me before I heard my mother''s quiet gasp. It took me a few seconds but I finally caught on to what they were looking at, Dante along with his brothers had guns in their hands and were holding it like it were nothing.


    Those things were dangerous and yet they walked about the house with it like they were toys?


    Was this the sort of atmosphere I would have to grow accustomed to from now on?


    I soon forgot about all of that however, for Dante''s heated gaze was on me. His eyes were hungrily taking in every single part of my body and it made me feel as though I were n?k?d before him.


    I tried to remind myself that my parents were right next to me as well as Dante''s entire family yet I couldn''t help myself.


    From the moment Dante stood before me all rational thought always flew right out the window.

 Chapter 46

    ~KYOMI~


    "What''s going on?" Dante asked as he warily stepped further into the room.


    "Can you ask your sons to kindly put away those deadly weapons?" My father demanded.


    Dante''s brothers smirked at his words before following their father''s orders to put them away.


    I watched as all brothers along with Dante all leaned up against the wall and crossed their arms over their ?h?sts as they waited for an explanation as to why we were here.


    Though I think it should have been obvious by now.


    Why else would my father ever come here?


    "Right." Kevlar finally said. "Continue with what you were saying."


    "I asked, is the offer still up?" My father repeated himself, I could tell he was trying his best to hold it all together and it only made me feel more guilty than I already felt.


    Dante''s father smiled once more. "Fortunately for you, yes it is."


    I felt some of the tension leave my father''s body, saw it in the way his shoulders relaxed a little at Kevlar''s response to his question.


    That tension seemed to make its way into my body now.


    If the offer was still up then it meant that this wedding was most definitely going to happen.


    "In that case, we accept the offer." My father finally said after a moment of silence.


    Kevlar rose up from the sofa and clasped his hands together. "Well isn''t that exciting news, when shall we make this announcement to the public?" He asked my father.


    "The sooner the better."


    I stared at my father in shock. I was still his daughter, why would he want to give me away so soon? It was almost as though he couldn''t wait to get rid of me!


    "Can I use the washroom?" I asked, unable to take anymore of the madness happening before my eyes.


    "Sure hun." Dante''s mother finally spoke up for the first time since our arrival. "Violetta, why don''t you show her where to find it."


    As I rose up I could feel Dante''s eyes on me, could tell by the way my skin prickled as though I were being touched.


    "Mother." Dante cut in. "I''ll take her."


    My eyes snapped to his in shock.


    I wasn''t ready for any alone time with him, any time spent with him alone was simply dangerous. I couldn''t control myself around him, something that I''d tried to do on countless occasions and had failed miserably!

 Chapter 47

    ~KYOMI~


    I felt Dante''s eyes on me, could feel him burning a hole in my back.


    "It''s the door on the right."


    I did as he said and opened the door on the right, however when I stepped inside I was surprised to see that it was a bedroom.


    I spun around just in time to see him close the door and lock it behind him.


    "W-what are you doing?" I demanded.


    "How have you been?" He asked as he stepped closer to me.


    "Why are you avoiding my question?" I asked, taking a step back.


    He didn''t say anything, not until the back of my leg hit the bed and I fell flat on my back with him leaning over me. "Why are you avoiding mine?" He whispered, as his eyes stared deeply into mine.


    "D-Dante."


    "Tell me, I want to know." He said as his eyes searched my own.


    When I didn''t respond he took his fingers and gently rubbed it against my cheek. I froze, all thoughts flying out my head, just like always all I could do was stop and stare, unable to do anything else but be completely spellbound by having Dante''s hands on me.


    His voice dropped low in a husky whisper. "I''ve been dying for a taste of you again."


    His words caused my entire body to shiver but not for long, the fact that my parents knew that I was alone with him right now was enough to snap me out of the trance that he always left me in.


    I lifted my hands and pushed it against his ?h?st, trying to get him off me but he was too strong.


    Dante grabbed my hands and held it down as he slowly lowered them to the side of me. "Did your father hit you again?"


    I stopped trying to resist him, shocked that he''d ask such a question.


    Had Dante actually been worried about me all of this time?


    My gaze flew to his as I tried to search his eyes for the answers I was looking for. " Were you worried about me?" I asked before I could stop myself.


    He seemed surprised at my question and for some reason his gaze hardened.


    Almost immediately he let go of my hands and laid down on the bed beside me, propping his head on one of the pillows. "Open the door to the side of you, you can use my bathroom." He said pointing to the door on the right.


    "Get used to the room, you''re going to be seeing a lot of it after we get married." I heard him call behind me.


    My cheeks flushed at his words, my heart racing as I shut the door behind me, making sure to lock it.


    I leaned against the door and tried to calm my racing heart, is this the way my life would be like from now on? Being in a room all alone with Dante all night long, I could b?r?ly survive a few mins. How am I supposed to be around him for so long... for the rest of my life?

 Chapter 48

    ~KYOMI~


    When I was done using the bathroom, Dante was already gone. I was thankful for that for I wasn''t ready for another encounter with him.


    Thankfully I''d remembered how to return to the living room as well, for Dante''s house was just as huge as ours, maybe even a bit larger.


    As I entered the room the first thing I noticed was that Dante was nowhere to be seen.


    "Where is Dante?" I asked, unable to stop myself.


    "He just left sweetie, he said he got an important call and had to leave." His mother answered me. "Have a seat, lets continue with the planning."


    "So we would announce that Kyomi and Dante have been secretly engaged for a long while now and that we were just waiting for the right opportunity to let the public know." Kevlar said while my father nodded in agreement.


    "All of this can be done this Sunday, I''ll organize a party without letting anyone know what it''s about. When they attend we shall make the announcement, the news would surely spread quickly... The wedding will be held the following Saturday." My father added.


    My wedding was only a week away?


    "Father." I cut in. "Does it have to be so soon?"


    My father shut me an angry glare and I quickly looked away. "It''s already set, there is nothing to discuss on this matter again."


    Dante''s mother cleared her throat. "Would anyone like something to drink?" She pleasantly asked.


    I quietly shook my head, unable to speak. I was afraid that if I tried to say something I would end up crying. I didn''t need to embarrass myself anymore than I''d already done.


    "It''s alright, I think that we should head home now. There really isn''t anything else to discuss." My father answered. "Besides, I have a lot of preparations to make now."


    "I want the wedding to be at my house." Kevlar finally announced, his words caused my father to freeze.


    "What did you say?" He asked.


    "I want the wedding to be held here." Dante''s father repeated for my father''s sake.


    "No, I think it should be held at my home. How many friends and family from my side do you think would actually attend knowing that you were the one hosting it?" My father demanded.


    Kevlar rose up from the sofa and placed his hands behind his back. "Does that really matter Dominic? This isn''t even a wedding that you really want, who cares if your side doesn''t attend because of who I am? We''re doing this under my terms, the wedding will be held here. The engagement party is already at your home, it''s only fair that the wedding will be held at my home." He said. "Besides, I''ve seen your backyard in pictures, mine is way more equipped to host a wedding."


    My father clenched his jaw hard. "If that''s what you want then so be it." My father finally gave in, the look on his face however showed how unhappy he was about this arrangement.


    "If that''s all, I''ll be leaving now." He added as he motioned for my mother and I to follow him out.


    This was it.


    I was really getting married to Dante Clarke... my family''s enemy!

 Chapter 49

    It was the night of the engagement and I was beyond nervous. They hadn''t made the announcement yet, in fact everyone who were invited thinks it''s just another average party, my father along with Dante''s father was going to announce it tonight.


    I stared at the satin silver dress my mother had picked out for tonight. Again, the dress covered up as much of my skin as it could, however it was a beautiful, elegant dress that somehow made me feel better about myself.


    "It''s time." My mother called, sticking her head around my door.


    I nodded. "I''ll be there in a second." I told her.


    I took a deep breath, trying to prepare myself for tonight. Yet, no matter how hard I tried nothing seemed to calm my racing heart. If anyone had told me that I would one day be getting engaged to Dante Clarke, I would say they were insane.


    Yet, here I was getting engaged to him with only one week away from our wedding. I had no idea how Dante''s family was going to pull off this wedding so quickly, just a week to plan an entire wedding? That was insane.


    Yet no one was willing to wait, it seemed like both sides wanted this wedding to be over with. Everyone, except me that is.


    As I made my way downstairs, the crowd immediately turned in my direction and I could hear everyone immediately begin to gossip around me almost shamelessly.


    As I took my place next to my family, I could see that everyone was tensed. I wish my brothers were here, I was sure they would have at least fight to get me out of this wedding. But unfortunately they were out on business and wouldn''t be back for another month. I was positive they hadn''t heard about the news yet or they would have been here already.


    "Where are they?" My father demanded. "It''s just like the Clarkes to always be unprofessional about everything. Dante and his family can''t even be on time to his own engagement!"


    "I''m sure they will be here soon." My mother cut in.


    "I can''t wait any longer, the crowd is waiting for my announcement."


    Without waiting for anyone to respond my father was already knocking his champagne glass and asking for everyone''s attention.


    "Tonight, I have an important announcement to make." He said when the crowd turned to him.


    The sudden sound of motorcycles right outside our home caught the attention of everyone.


    No.


    Surely they didn''t?


    Dante and his family wouldn''t be crazy enough to attend the party with their motorbikes, would they?


    As if on cue, Dante walked in with his family right behind him, surprised gasps were immediately heard across the room.


    None of them were even dressed for a party, in fact they were dressed as though they were about to go to some bike race!


    "What are the Clarkes doing here?" I heard someone ask.


    "They must be here to stir up trouble." Another person pitched in.

 Chapter 50

    ~KYOMI~


    "Good, our special guests have finally made it." My father added, a slight edge to his voice.


    "As I was saying, tonight I have a very important announcement to make. My daughter Kyomi has been engaged to Dante Clarke for some time now. I''ve only chosen tonight to make the announcement and host a public engagement ceremony for them both."


    The crowd was silent for a moment before everyone went into an uproar. My entire family stood in panic, unsure of what to do about the crowd. Yet Dante''s family stood completely calm, if anything they seemed somewhat amused.


    "Do I need to bring out my guns for everyone to shut their mouths and let the rest of the announcement be completed?" Dante''s father asked.


    Everyone immediately grew quiet at that while my parents stared at Kevlar as though he were insane for even bringing up that suggestion.


    "Right, you may now continue." He said to my father with amused eyes. He was enjoying this, Dante''s father loved the fact that the crowd was scared of him and his family.


    While he was enjoying it however, my father was hating every second of it. Surely, this would also affect his reputation after word spread of what had happened tonight.


    "As many of you may have already seen, some articles were published a few days ago pertaining to my daughter and her relationship with Dante, we''ve chosen now to finally come clean about everything. I''m sure many of you would understand why we''ve kept this information private, we were waiting for the right time to break the news but the media beat us too it. " My father continued. "Now, an official wedding invitation would be sent to everyone invited so you can look out for that, one last detail that I must mention is that the wedding will take place at Kevlar''s home."


    Once again the crowd was up in an uproar, however as soon as their eyes fell on Dante''s father they all shut their mouths once more.


    "I won''t be attending any event hosted there." Someone chose to speak up.


    All eyes went to the dark haired middle aged man with stubborn eyes.


    "Oh really?" Kevlar asked as he approached him, the man''s calm demeanor seemed to weaken with each step that he took closer to him. "Do you think I care? Let it be known to all of you here, the wedding celebrations would go on with or without you there. There would be many wealthy guests attending and so its bound to be the talk of the town for months, possibly even years. If you choose not to attend the wedding that''s your choice and does not affect me or my family in any way."


    The man kept his mouth shut, apparently now afraid to say a word.


    Kevlar turned his attention to the crowd. "Anyone else has something to say?"


    When everyone remained quiet he turned his gaze to my father and motioned for him to continue.


    My father looked as though he were about to burst a vein but still continued. "That''s all for now, thank you for your undivided attention, you may all celebrate with us. There are drinks and appetizers for everyone, do enjoy!"


    As soon as the crowd''s attention were diverted from us my father''s control slipped as he almost immediately started an argument with Kevlar, threatening to call off the wedding if he didn''t fix his attitude. Of course everyone knew that the threat wasn''t really much of a threat considering that my father needed this wedding to happen a lot more than Kevlar did.


    I was so caught up in their conversation that I hadn''t realized that Dante had somehow made his way to my side, I could feel his warm breath on my neck as he gently gripped my waist and pulled me back on him so that our bodies were now aligned with each other.


    I felt him lean closer to my ear and couldn''t help the way my heart fluttered at having him so near me again.


    "I''ve missed you." He whispered.


    I felt my knees grow weak at his words. I wasn''t expecting it and once again he somehow managed to throw me off guard.


    Oh God... Not again.

 Chapter 51

    ~KYOMI~


    I closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling of having him near me for a few seconds before reminding myself that we weren''t alone. Against my own wishes, I opened them back again to see that my parents along with Dante''s parents were still deep in argument.


    I slowly spun around so that I was now facing him.


    "What are you doing?" I asked.


    He quirked a brow at me. "Telling my fianc¨¦e that I miss her." He answered with that smirk smile that always melted my heart.


    "My parents are right there." I said. "And a lot of eyes are on us."


    "So you''re trying to say I''m not allowed to touch the woman I''m about to marry?" He asked. "I think in order to make this entire thing believable I should be allowed to touch you as much as I want." He drawled lazily as his eyes slowly grazed up and down my body.


    I remained quiet, unsure of how to respond with his eyes on me like that. I felt my cheeks redden and like always my body reacted to his words.


    "I like that dress on you." He whispered hoarsely before leaning closer to my ear."But I''d love it even more if I got to take it off you."


    My breath caught in my throat as I forced myself to pull away.


    He was smiling again, he was definitely enjoying this.


    "I like the way you react to my words Kyomi." He admitted.


    I felt my heart flutter for I liked the way he said my name, in fact I even wanted to hear him say it again.


    He took a step in my direction so that we were once again just inches away from each other. I didn''t miss the way my body lit up at having him so close to me again.


    I watched in surprise as he gently took my hand in his. The feeling of his firm but gentle grip made my body shiver and cry out for more.


    Oh God. Was this the kind of reaction I got from just him touching my hand?


    "Father said it may be suspicious if you didn''t have a ring on your finger so I went and picked this out for you."


    My eyes snapped to his in shock before my gaze returned to the diamond ring that was now being slipped onto my finger. My stomach did little flip flops at his actions, this was the last thing I ever expected Dante Clarke to do.


    How did he even find out the correct size?

 Chapter 52

    ~KYOMI~


    "Where are your brothers?" Mateo asked, joining us before I had a chance to respond to Dante''s unbelievably sweet gesture.


    I gently touched the ring before looking up at Mateo. "My brothers won''t be back for another month." I answered, if my brothers were here things wouldn''t go this way.


    I knew that much.


    Evan smirked at that. "That''s a pity, I would have looked forward to some more fun around here."


    My brothers hated Dante and his brothers just as much as my father hated them, I believe it may be because of the fact that a lot of times they ended up liking the same girls and for some reason the girls went with Dante''s brothers.


    I guess girls really did prefer the bad boys.


    I was sure the girls all regretted their decisions however because their relationship with my brothers would have lasted a lot longer than it did with Dante''s brothers.


    It was hard to trap a Clarke, girls went crazy over them, everyone wanted a chance to make a Clarke fully theirs. Yet, no one had been able to do that up to this day.


    In fact, I was the first to ever get engaged to one of the Clarke brothers. And it seemed as though I would also be the first to get married to one.


    As far as I knew, only one of the brothers had been in a committed relationship. The eldest, Hugo. But the girl had somehow died, I didn''t know too many details on the entire thing.


    But other than that, the rest of them were full on players. Dante included.


    So to say that I was surprised that he''d agreed to marry me would be an understatement. I still felt as though something wasn''t right here, I was missing something.


    Dante never once showed me attention for my entire life only to start looking my way all of a sudden. Then right after he''d made sure to make it clear that he wanted me...a reporter suddenly caught us in the act?


    This didn''t seem right at all.


    I turned my attention back to him but he wasn''t looking at me, he was having a conversation with his brothers about my brothers. They no doubt were excited to break the news to them.


    Why were Dante and his family so happy about this arrangement when they disliked my family so much? Shouldn''t they be just as unhappy as my parents?

 Chapter 53

    ~KYOMI~


    "Hey." My sister Rosetta whispered as she approached me. "How are you?"


    I offered her a small smile. "I''m trying my best to be okay. I have to take responsibility for my actions no matter how painful it may be."


    She gave me a quick hug and without knowing it, she made me feel a lot better by just putting her arms around me, something I wished my mother would do.


    Rosetta had been here for me just as much as my other two sisters. I was grateful to have them by my side.


    I was positive if they had a say they would have tried their best to get me out of this situation but just like me our parents had full control over them.


    "Which one of the brothers is he?" She shyly asked. I followed her gaze to see that she was staring at the tallest brother with brown hair and golden blond highlights unlike Dante''s plain blond.


    "That''s Hugo." I told her. "Why do you ask?"


    She blushed at my question, her actions frightening me. "You do know he''s much older than you, he''s also a Clarke and you see what I have to go through because of what I did with Dante?" I gently reminded her.


    She nodded her head at the exact same time Hugo looked our way, his eyes sparked with interest as he stared at my sister but only for a second before he went back to the conversation with his brothers, his face masked of all emotion once more.


    He had often seemed to me like the coldest one out of the group.


    "I understand." My sister answered, her face red. Surely she had also seen Hugo look her way, I couldn''t blame her for reacting that way however. Even I reacted much worse whenever Dante''s eyes fell on me. "It''s hard not to look at him." She confessed.


    "Just make sure father never hears you speak such words." I told her. I didn''t want to seem like a strict sister but I knew what was happening to me. The last thing I would want to see is my little sister going through the same thing.

 Chapter 54

    ~KYOMI~


    It was my first day back to school after the entire incident with Dante. It was also my first day back since my marriage to him was announced.


    I could feel eyes on me with every direction I turned. Some were filled with envy, others with surprise, others with disbelief.


    It didn''t matter in what way they were looking at me, either way I felt uncomfortable with having this much attention on me and I just wanted it to go away.


    I hadn''t seen Dante since the engagement night, that night he hadn''t spoken to me not once after placing the ring on my finger. His actions surprised me just as much as it bothered me.


    Who placed a ring on someone''s finger and then never speak to them for the rest of the night?


    I''d also been a little distracted after my sister had shown interest in Dante''s older brother Hugo.


    I''d waited for Dante to tell me something before he left that night, was expecting him to say something to me but he hadn''t.


    Even now, with all these eyes on me I was hoping to find him in the crowds. But I knew Dante had evening classes, yet I expected him to come see me like he did the last time he''d shown interest in me.


    There was a change in him, ever since he''d placed the ring on my finger it was like he''d distanced himself. I knew it was too soon to tell but I could already see it happening.


    "Kyomi!"


    I spun around and felt my body relax as I spotted Mandy with Bridgette by her side. Alisha not far behind them both.


    "I''m so happy to see you guys." I admitted.


    "I feel like it''s been ages!" Mandy complained as she pulled me in for a hug.


    "I know." I cried. "Dad kept me home as punishment. Well to be honest it was my smallest punishment considering everything that has been happening."


    "We know." Bridgette cut in. "It''s been all over the school, everyone knows you''re getting married to Dante!"


    "It''s hard to believe though." Alisha cut in. "It took some time for anyone to believe that the story was true. I mean, it''s Dante Clarke. It''s a freaking Clarke for crying out! Girls threw themselves his way and he never once gives them attention for anything more than a week. And here he is getting married to you. You don''t find that''s a bit suspicious?"


    I did find it suspicious, but there wasn''t anything I could do about it.


    The wedding was happening with or without my consent.

 Chapter 55

    ~DANTE~


    As I took one last look at myself in the mirror I couldn''t bring myself to believe that today was actually happening.


    I was actually getting married. The thought made me very uncomfortable. I still found myself to be way to young to be tied down in marriage.


    At first, all I could think about was getting Kyomi to agree to the wedding. However, after her parents had actually come forward and proposed the whole thing, I realized how real this entire thing was.


    I also realized something that bothered me. I had started to care for the girl. Somewhere between pretending to have a thing for her and trying to woo her for the sake of my father I''d actually begun to really care for Kyomi.


    But I didn''t want to.


    After my first heart break a year ago, I''d promised myself never to care for another girl. Having feelings for someone only made you weak. Every minute, no, every second they were always on your mind.


    Wondering if they got home safely, wondering what they were up to. Constantly checking up on them to make sure they were okay.


    But nothing hurt more than getting up one day and finding out that person was gone . . . disappeared without a trace.


    I didn''t want to experience pain like that again. Once was enough, I was not about to do the same thing to myself twice.


    Then there was also the fact that I knew she would hate me after finding out the truth. I needed to prepare myself for that, needed to distance myself from her before she found out and gave me a look that would completely shatter me for betraying her.


    No good would come from me caring for her. So, I made a promise to myself that I would stop it while I can. Go back to my regular life and pretending that she didn''t exist. Though, things would be a lot more difficult to do that now considering that we were getting married.


    That means she would constantly be near my side. I''ll be able to smell her sweet scent in the bathroom, in my room . . . All over my bed.


    Fuck.


    She had the ability to affect me even when she wasn''t near, just the thought of her sent my body raging with ?ust.


    I heard the door open and turned slightly to find two of my brothers at the doorway, all dressed and ready for the wedding.


    "Are you ready bro?" Fabio asked with a grin.


    "Yeah, are you?" Mateo asked as he punched my shoulder.


    "I''m trying to be." I answered.


    "Yeah well try harder, the ceremony is about to start." Hugo said poking his head through the door.


    I swallowed, this was it.


    I was about to get married to Kyomi Palmer.

 Chapter 56

    ~KYOMI~


    I stared at the Cathedral train lace wedding dress in the mirror. I''d never thought this day would have come so soon.


    But here I was getting married . . . And to none other than Dante Clarke.


    The long veil on my hair only seemed to add beauty to the updo hairstyle with diamonds placed throughout the neat bun. They sparkled every time I turned and the light hit it. I wished this day was a happier one, that way I could enjoy being this beautiful for one day.


    The make up was very light, everything was done to highlight the best features on my face. My parents wanted me to look my best today, after all, many important guests would be at the wedding.


    At least I hoped the guests would attend. Not everyone was fond of the idea of the wedding being held at Dante''s home. I believe people expected that there would be guns there and were too frightened to attend.


    But in truth, there was only one way to really know.


    "Kyomi." My mother called, stopping to stare at me. Her eyes watered a bit but she quickly turned away. Something I was accustomed too, mother never liked to seem weak in front of anyone. "Everyone is ready."


    I nodded. "I''ll be right there."


    I wanted to hug her, wanted to beg her forgiveness. Wanted to ask for a chance to stop this wedding but knew none of that would change anything.


    It was too late.


    As I made my way downstairs, my sisters turned to me with bright smiles on their faces.


    "You look beautiful." They whispered in awe.


    I smiled. "Thank you," I started, trying to keep my composure. "I will miss you guys so much."


    "So will we." Rosetta responded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I wish you didn''t have to go." She admitted.


    So did I.


    Even though my attraction to Dante was incredible, I didn''t think it was enough to survive living with him.


    As my sisters helped to guide me out the door and to the waiting limousine, I tried my very best to hold it together.


    I was about to get married.


    Oh God.


    I was going to get married!

 Chapter 57

    ~KYOMI~


    As I got out the vehicle, there were stares from all directions and it made me very uncomfortable. I didn''t like being the center of attention and yet recently since this entire thing with Dante blew up, that''s all I''ve been receiving lately.


    I noticed after taking one or two covert glances that very few of the guests were from our side. I knew this since I hardly recognized any of the faces that were looking my way. After all the social gatherings and personal meetings my father had set up from time to time I was sure to recognize that they came from our side in a split second. However that was not the case, confirming that the people were actually scared to attend my wedding.


    Dante''s parents were at the entrance, his father had a pleased look on his face while his mother seemed genuinely happy.


    I followed their guidance and was surprised by the most beautiful set up I''d ever seen for any wedding before.


    They had surely outdid themselves.


    The ceremony was being held in their backyard which was large enough to fit everyone invited and much much more. The chairs were adorned with flowers and pink ribbons.


    The pathway was covered in pink and white rose petals that led straight to an arch with white roses where the men stood waiting.


    That''s when my eyes fell on Dante. He wasn''t looking in my direction since the music hadn''t even started yet and I don''t think much people were even aware that I''d arrived as yet. But I was glad for that, it gave me time to stop and stare.


    This man was a masterpiece. The most handsome groom I''d ever seen in my whole entire life. He was dressed in a black suit with a satin white shirt beneath and had never looked so God damn irresistible as he did right now . . . That was saying a lot, considering he was already so irresistible on a


    normal day.


    I took a deep breath as I felt my father stand beside me. "It''s time." He told me just as the music started to play to signal for us to start walking.


    I hooked my arm in his and tried to hold my head high despite the fear inside of me of starting a completely new life. Only one thing was singing in my head, I couldn''t disappoint my family another time. It was important that today went on without any problems.


    However, the moment Dante turned and looked at me everything in me shut down. It was like everyone else disappeared and he was all that I could see. I got lost in his eyes and the way he was looking at me now. It was the way any bride would hope her groom looked at her, with admiration and awe . . . A look that said '' I''m the luckiest man alive.''


    But surely I''d mistaken it. There was no way Dante would ever think he was lucky to marry me. He could have had any girl in the world and instead got stuck with me, why would anyone be happy about that?


    "Kyomi." My father whispered, his voice on edge. "You have to continue walking, people are staring."


    That brought me out of my daze. And for the rest of the walk I made sure not to look at Dante again. Even when my father brought me to stand beside him, I still didn''t look up. Afraid that I would embarrass myself again.


    Dante gently took my hands in his as the ceremony started. I tried to pay attention to as much as I could but it was difficult to do having Dante''s hand holding mine.


    My hands trembled as we exchanged rings, and if it weren''t for Dante''s hands on mine I may have dropped the damn thing.


    "Do you, Kyomi Palmer take Dante Clarke to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The pastor asked.


    I swallowed, trying my best not to faint at a time like this.


    "I do." I whispered.


    "And do you, Dante Clarke take Kyomi Palmer to be your lawfully wedded wife?" He went onto Dante.


    I saw the moment Dante hesitated even though it was just for a quick second. Confirming my earlier suspicions that he wasn''t happy to marry me.


    I felt his grip on my hand suddenly tighten. I silently peered up at him with wide cautious eyes to find him looking down at me with a fierce and intense look.


    "I do." He finally responded.


    This was it.


    Dante and I were now officially husband and wife.

 Chapter 58

    ~KYOMI~


    "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."


    I froze.


    Kiss?


    I had completely forgotten about this part of the ceremony.


    I bit my lip and peered up at Dante nervously. His eyes were laced with a hunger that surprised me and without warning he touched my lips with his finger as he gently pulled it out from under my teeth. I gasped and parted them as I gazed up at him.


    He touched my cheek and leaned down until his lips were inches away from mine. My heart was beating against my ?h?st and I forced myself to calm down.


    The moment his lips touched mine everything around me disappeared. All of my senses were consumed by him and him alone.


    One of his hands gripped my waist and pulled me tighter against him at the exact same time I wrapped my arms around his neck and held on for dear life.


    Dante was so intoxicating, he had the power to keep me trapped in his gaze and lost in his arms. I loved being here, I loved having his hands and lips one my body.


    He deepened the kiss, su?k?n? on my top and bottom lip before sticking his tongue deep down my throat. I felt myself shiver before a m??n left my mouth.


    That was when I heard someone clear there throat.


    I immediately pulled away from Dante.


    Oh God.


    Why did I always forget about everything when he was around me?


    I was sure my face was red and I made sure not to look at the crowd, afraid of how they were looking at us.


    Dante didn''t say a word, just walked off. At least he knew here, it was his home. I was new here, I didn''t know where to hide from this huge crowd.


    And the wedding was far from over, the evening reception still had to come.


    "Well Dominic. We''re officially tied together." Dante''s father told my dad. My father wasn''t happy about it but he did seem relieved that this part was over.


    I wish I could say the same.


    Things were about to drastically change for me.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    It was time for the evening reception and I had just changed into my evening dress. A soft white satin dress with a long slit to the side.


    As I stepped under the tent that had pretty blue lights, my eyes immediately started to scan the crowd. Unfortunately the only ones I could find was Dante and his brothers and so I took my place besides them. The moment Dante saw me his eyes widened and there was that hunger I''d seen earlier today, except this time it seemed much more stronger.


    But then he did something that worried me, he turned away from me as though I''d burnt him. Dante from the past would have come and said something to me, even flirted a little.


    I didn''t like this side of him. I decided that I should distract myself by examining the crowd I wasn''t used too.


    I wasn''t used to this kind of atmosphere. Everyone here acted so differently to what I was used too. Even the way they dressed was the opposite to what I was accustomed to seeing at any event I''d been too in the past, whether it be a party or social gathering.


    The Clarkes'' truly did live a completely different life to my own. My eyes travelled back to Dante whom at the moment was having a discussion with another young man around his age. The man''s eyes glanced in my direction before smirking at Dante.


    "How did you manage to trap little miss I''m too good for everyone else?"


    My breath hitched at the man''s words. It sounded like he didn''t like me. Dante followed his gaze and saw that it was indeed me that he was speaking about. His jaw clenched, his eyes lethal as he turned his attention back to the man.


    "Frederick." Dante growled. "Choose your words wisely or get the fu?k out of my face."


    "I would do as he says." Mateo agreed, his eyes just as cold and annoyed as Dante''s.


    I was surprised to see any of the brothers picking up for me.


    Back home when anyone had anything bad to say about me, my parents usually scolded me for not living up to their expectations. It was never the other person who did any wrong, it was always me.


    As far as I knew, none of the Clarkes really fancied me. So why would they decide to pick up for me?


    I felt my heart warm at their actions.


    Even the guy seemed surprised at Dante and his brother''s reaction. Obviously he was used to them joking around to things like that and hadn''t expected them to disagree with him this time. Whatever he was thinking now, he made sure to not speak of it. For he left our side without any protest whatsoever.


    When I glanced back at Dante, he was already looking my way. I offered him a small smile. It was my way of saying thank you.


    However, to my surprise he turned the opposite direction as if he hadn''t seen me. His actions not only confused me but it also hurt my feelings as well.


    Why was he behaving this way all of a sudden?

 Chapter 59

    ~KYOMI~


    The wedding was officially over. All the guests had left and it was just my parents and I now.


    Well, just my parents. For this was now my home.


    "Kyomi." My mother said, her tone hard to interpret for I wasn''t used to it. "Remember all we have taught you, you''re now a wife and will soon have your own family. Even though we may not be here with you, always remember to respect yourself and never embarrass your family." She warned.


    I nodded. "I will mother." I was already used to her teachings by now, I even expected this.


    I looked for my father but couldn''t find him anywhere. "He''s already in the car. He didn''t want to say goodbye." She told me, obviously noticing that I was searching for him. "He''s still angry Kyomi, but he will come around. You are his daughter after all." She ?ssured me, her words a promise that I didn''t believe she could keep. My father was indeed a stubborn man, in his eyes I wasn''t worthy of being his daughter after the shame I''ve brought upon him. He even had to get rid of his pride and ego to safe himself from anymore embarrassment from my wrongdoings.


    I tried not to cry. It was my wedding night, I needed to hold it together.


    However, the thought of living in another home that I was not accustomed too completely frightened me.


    What would it be like living here? Would they treat me well? Would they even like me?


    Dante already treated me like a stranger ever since the night of our engagement. And now I was expected to spend the rest of my life with him.


    I missed the way he acted in the past, when he was trying to get my attention. When he looked at me as though he was starving for me. I missed the way his hands felt on my body. I wanted to feel that fire burning inside of me again.


    I considered talking to him but I wasn''t sure that I was ready to hear his response. What if he said he was never really interested in me, that I was all just a mistake? No, I wasn''t ready to have that conversation with him.


    Besides, there was plenty of time for that. We practically lived together now.


    As I watched my parents and sisters leave, I couldn''t help but feel my heart hurt in my ?h?st. I felt alone.


    I felt like I had no one by my side and it scared me.

 Chapter 60

    ~KYOMI~


    After watching my parents leave I turned to find Violetta, Dante''s younger sister looking at me.


    "Are you okay?" She asked as she approached me, concern written all over her face.


    I forced myself to nod despite my fear of living here from tonight onwards.


    "I can see how uncomfortable you are." She pointed out. "You don''t need to be. I know you must have heard the worst things about our family but you should know that we protect what is ours. And from today you are a part of us, what I''m trying to say is, if you need a sister. I''m here for you."


    I was surprised at how kind Dante''s sister spoke to me.


    I smiled. "Thank you." I whispered.


    She may not know it but her words meant a lot to me. It even helped ease my anxiety a bit.


    "My parents asked me to see to it that you''re properly taken care off. They''re a bit exhausted from the wedding today or they would have done it themselves." She informed me. "They also told me that they would like to talk to you tomorrow, after school. I think it''s about your honeymoon."


    I flushed at her words.


    Honeymoon?


    I''d completely forgotten about that.


    And school? I''d also completely forgotten about that as well. For sure everyone would have already found out about my marriage to Dante and I was positive I''d be the center of attention tomorrow. I already had so much going on, this would just add to my frustration.


    I tried to clear my head and not think about it. The only way to do that was to try and focus on Dante''s sister in front of me.


    "Is the honeymoon really necessary?" I asked shyly. It didn''t seem to me like Dante would be interested in spending any time alone with me, not after his actions throughout the day.


    "I mean if you don''t want anyone gossiping further about this being a plan to save your father from anymore embarrassment, the honeymoon will be important to show to the people that you and Dante are indeed in love and this wasn''t just some plot that our parents made up out of the blue." She explained.


    "I understand." I finally responded.


    She smiled before a frown appeared on her face. "I should also inform you that Dante won''t be home tonight. He got called out on official family business and probably won''t be back until you''ve fallen asleep."


    That shocked me. He left on our wedding night? I couldn''t believe it, he was showing to me just how much he didn''t like having me as his wife.


    Then why did he flirt with me in the first place? Was I just some fling that he''d planned on getting rid of after he''d gotten a taste of me? The more I thought about it, the more I felt betrayed and hurt.


    I was always just a toy to Dante, a disposable one.

 Chapter 61

    ~KYOMI~


    It was my first day back to school after the wedding. Dante didn''t come home last night as far as I knew. I woke until two in the morning, anxiously waiting for him but he never showed. Violetta had shown me to his room, the one I remembered since our last encounter. Only this time some changes had been made to it to accommodate me. I''d laid in that bed, inhaling his scent for comfort the entire night. For some reason it helped to calm my nerves.


    It also helped me to finally fall asleep. When I had awoken the next morning, he still wasn''t there. I knew he had classes on evenings, so I expected to at least see him when I was leaving school later today.


    My mind was still having a hard time accepting all of this.


    It felt like he was avoiding me. Why couldn''t he just face me! I didn''t understand his actions at all. How could someone change completely in the matter of a few days?


    I took a deep breath. I couldn''t allow this to upset my day. I would attend my classes like normal while hopefully at the same time getting him out of my mind. Something that was proving to be impossible as of lately.


    As I walked into the school compound I couldn''t help but feel uncomfortable with all the stares directed my way. It''s not like I wasn''t expecting it. However, that did nothing to stop my discomfort.


    "Kyomi!"


    My gaze followed the sound and I felt my body relax as my eyes rested on my friends.


    They were waving excitedly at me with wide smiles on their faces.


    "So." Mandy screeched. "Spill everything about your wedding night."


    My mood immediately dampened at her words.


    "Nothing happened." I confessed.


    They all frowned at that. "You mean to tell me nothing happened between you and Dante Clarke, the freaking womanizer?"


    I nodded, even I was finding a hard time to believe it. "He left on some family business according to his sister. Didn''t even come home last night. I was all alone."


    Bridgette''s eyes softened at my words. "Oh poor Kyomi." She whispered.


    "It''s okay." I ?ssured her. "But can we just not talk about anything to do with Dante for the rest of the day. It would be nice to go a day without thinking or having to answer questions about him."


    Mandy nodded. "We get it. No words are to be spoken about you know who." She replied with a wink.


    I smiled, happy at her effort to cheer me up.


    Maybe today wouldn''t be so bad after all.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    It was time to go home. After a very long day of trying my best not to think about Dante, I couldn''t wait to get home and rest myself.


    However, home didn''t feel like home anymore. For I felt unwanted there ever since Dante started giving me mixed signals.


    I shook my head and started searching the parking lot for my driver, the one that had dropped me off earlier today.


    Then something caught my eyes that sent chills up my spine.


    I paused. Shock making its way into my body.


    I couldn''t believe my eyes. Dante stood near the his van with another girl''s hands wrapped around his neck.


    I couldn''t move, my feet suddenly felt like they were glued to the ground. I didn''t want to stand here and see anymore of this but my body refused to comply with my thoughts.


    As if things couldn''t get anymore worse, the girl turned and saw me standing to the side of them. Her eyes narrowed before she tightened her hold around his neck.


    I felt my heart squeeze at the sight. This hurt a lot more than I ever expected it too.


    I watched as she let go of him and whispered something in his ear. His eyes snapped in my direction at whatever she''d just told him. There was a flicker of surprise on his face for a quick second before he buried it.


    I bit my lip and finally worked up the courage to approach them.


    "Are you ready to leave now?" I asked him, trying my best to stay calm under the circumstances. I ?ssumed he was my transport for I couldn''t spot the driver anywhere.


    He eyed me cautiously. Probably waiting for me to snap at him.


    "Why can''t you find your own way home?" The girl asked.


    "And what are you?" I asked her. "Experiment 689?"


    Okay, where did that even come from? It was like I was experiencing jealousy for the first time and it brought out something totally new in me.


    She smiled now. "At least I wasn''t trapped into a marriage without knowing about it."


    I froze, my mind suddenly dumbstruck. "What are you talking about?"

 Chapter 62

    ~KYOMI~


    I saw Dante stiffen at her words. His composure made me worry more than I did before. I could already tell that I wasn''t going to like what I was about to hear.


    A part of me, the part that had feelings for Dante. Wanted to run, wanted to be as far away as possible from this girl. For that part of me knew that I was about to hate him and it didn''t want to hate Dante Clarke, no, for the feelings were already very strong.


    "Emily¡ª."


    "No let me continue Dante. She has to know sooner or later."


    I scrunched my eyebrows together as I waited for her to explain. I dug my shoes into the ground and held on for balance, I could tell that I would need it.


    "Dante set the whole thing up just to force you to marry him. You really think it was normal that after all of these years he suddenly showed interest in you? No sweetie, he was never really interested. His father ordered him to woo you and that was all he did. He set up the reporters and everything. All of that just to get your parents off their backs."


    I blinked.


    Then I blinked again.


    This was a lot worse than what I was initially expecting.


    No.


    This couldn''t be true. After everything I''ve felt for him, after every memory and extreme bliss. How could any of this be true? He''d touched me as though he were starving for me, he was gentle at times I needed him to be gentle. He had even protected me from my own father.


    Then how could any of this be true?


    But I also couldn''t deny the facts, Dante had acted cold ever since my parents had agreed to the engagement. With this new information his actions suddenly seemed a lot clearer to me. He was cold because he''d finally gotten what he wanted. All of it was just an act to lure me into their world, to trap me and force me to marry him.


    It all was coming together, the missing piece that I was so desperately trying to figure out.


    Yet, I couldn''t believe it until I heard it from his own mouth.


    My eyes snapped to his, I could feel myself begin to tremble with both fear and rage as I asked the next question. "Is this true?"

 Chapter 63

    ~DANTE~


    FUCK!


    I hadn''t expected the secret to be out so soon. I didn''t even tell all of this to Emily. Where had she gotten this information from?


    And if she had already known about it then the whole school will surely know by the end of the week. I had to fix this mess before it got out of hand. I didn''t want to embarrass Kyomi.


    It was never my intention to do that. All I was planning on doing was simply avoiding her.


    "IS IT TRUE DANTE?" Kyomi asked again, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.


    I felt my heart squeeze in agony at the look on her face. I knew this day would come but I never expected it to be this soon. I wasn''t prepared for the hurt and look of betrayal on her face.


    She seemed to be more hurt than angry.


    I took a deep breath, knowing that I couldn''t keep this from her any longer. If I told her it were a lie now I wouldn''t have any proof to back me up.


    "Yes Kyomi but¡ª."


    She didn''t wait for me to finish, instead she started to walk off in the opposite direction.


    "Kyomi!" I called, shrugging off Emily''s hold on me as I ran after her.


    I grabbed onto her arm, trying to stop her. Totally surprising me she spun around with an angry glare. "Get your hands off me." She threatened. "I don''t want you to touch me ever again."


    I slowly let go of my grip on her but still tried again.


    "Can we please just talk about this?"


    "There is nothing left to talk about Dante." She snapped. "Go back to your little girl toy, she''s pouting over there waiting for you. She''s the one you chose to spend your time with, all this time I was left wondering why you were suddenly showing no interest in me, when you were the one who first initiated our first conversation. All this time the answer was right there in front of me, you''d never had any interest in me from the start." She hissed. "Go back to her, that''s the kind of women you like, not me. I always wondered why you showed interest in someone like me when I''m nothing like your type. Well guess what Dante, I finally have my answer. And you know what, I''ll eventually make peace with it. But what about you . . . Can you live with yourself after knowing you completely destroyed my life? When all my feelings were completely genuine for you? I hope you can live with that."


    I couldn''t respond. Was left without any words.


    Could just watch as Kyomi walked off without another word.

 Chapter 64

    ~KYOMI~


    I hated him. Hated Dante Clark with a passion.


    He''d completely played me. . . Used me for his own selfish reasons.


    Couldn''t his family had found another way to deal with my father? Did they really have to drag me into this mess?


    So every single time he''d touched me, all of that was just for his evil plan? It was never because he actually wanted to? That hurt more than anything did.


    I felt so used and betrayed. I''d wanted this man more than I''ve ever wanted anyone before and now it turned out that he just completely played me to get what he wanted?


    I should have seen this coming. Even from the beginning I''ve always wondered why on earth Dante had suddenly started to show me interest when before he never even took notice of my existence.


    I will admit that a part of me wanted to believe that he actually did have some feelings for me. I let myself fall into his trap because I was blinded by my own feelings.


    I was even more disappointed in myself than I was before. I did this to myself. I was the one who had allowed him to trick me into this mess.


    What angered me more than anything was that even after knowing everything was all fake, I still wanted Dante.


    But this time I wasnt going to allow him to get into my mind . . . Or my heart.


    I wouldn''t allow Dante to hurt me again.


    Never again.


    No matter how I felt for him, I will never let him get this close to hurting me.


    I didn''t care what he said or what he did, I''ll keep him at a distance from now on.


    As the taxi dropped me off at the beach, I breathed in the cool beach air around me. For some reason this was the only place I could think of going. I didn''t want to go back to Dante''s house, at least not until I cleared my mind a little.


    I didn''t have anywhere else to go, not even to my own home. I didn''t feel welcomed anywhere. Luckily I still had my life savings, it was one good thing that my parents had taught me since I was young. Now I would need it, for I wasn''t sure what to do with my life.


    I didn''t want to ask anyone for any help, for I didn''t want to feel judged.


    I wouldn''t let this bring me down . . . Couldn''t let it bring me down.

 Chapter 65

    ~DANTE~


    Where was she?


    I had been waiting for Kyomi since I last saw her earlier today. I thought she would get home with the transport my father arranged for her but when I''d asked the driver he told me he waited for over an hour for her and she never showed.


    When I had let her walk off today, I had ?ssumed she would go home and rest for a bit. Maybe even come to terms with everything that happened and finally be open to talk to me. However, I was shocked to find out that she was nowhere to be found.


    I''d even went out searching nearby restaurants and bars, hoping to find her somewhere . . . Anywhere. I''d called around, hoping that someone had seen her.


    Yet, no one was any help to me.


    I was beyond worried.


    I didn''t know which direction to turn to.


    I should have insisted that she stayed and talked to me more, should never have let her go like that. I knew she wasn''t in a good state after finding out everything in that way.


    Her words fu?k?n? burnt. The fact that I''d destroyed her life and she had made it known to me that I was the reason was like a whole bucket of water splashed onto my face.


    I punched my fist against the bead head and fought the urge to hit it some more.


    I grabbed my keys off the hanger and rushed out the room. I couldn''t just sit back and wait here without actually going out there and looking for her.


    What if something happened?


    It was already ten in the night. Where the hell could she be at this time?


    "Where are you heading this hour?" Mateo asked, looking at me with interest.


    "I have no idea where Kyomi is." I answered, unable to hide the worry from my voice.


    That caught his attention, he even seemed concerned. "She''s not adjusting to life here easily, is she?" He asked. "It can''t be easy for her to just be thrown into a completely new environment within days."


    I clenched my jaw, his words making me feel even more guilty than I did before.


    "She found out today about the entire thing." I confessed. "She knows that this was all just a plot to get at her father."


    "Damn." Mateo mumbled. "Where are you going to look for her?" He asked me.


    I shrugged my shoulders. "I don''t know but I''m not just going to sit around here and do nothing."


    He nodded. "Well good luck, call me if you need anything."


    "Thanks."


    Without wasting any more time, I shoved the front door open and rushed outside to the parking lot.


    A light just outside our gate caught my eyes and I paused my actions.


    Without another thought I rushed towards the gate, hoping that it was Kyomi.


    I reached just in time to see her shut the taxi door shut.


    I felt myself stiffen. She''d taken a taxi and so late at night?


    Where exactly had she been?


    As soon as her gaze went to me she immediately stopped walking, her eyes wide for a second before hatred clouded her features.


    I winced at her expression. I didn''t like when she looked at me like that.


    "Where were you?" I asked.

 Chapter 66

    ~ Kyomi ~


    Was he really asking me where I''d been? After all the information he''d dropped onto me today, did he expect me to just come home like normal with a smile on my face?


    "That''s none of your business Dante." I hissed.


    His jaw clenched and a muscle ticked in his jaw. "Where have you been?" He repeated.


    I folded my arms as I glared at him. "Why do you care?" I asked. "Where I''ve been should mean nothing to you considering everything was just a big lie. You used me just to get to my father Dante!" I shouted.


    The look on his eyes softened but only for a quick second. "I still would like to know where you''ve been." He said. "I''ve been worried."


    Worried?


    I wanted to laugh in his face.


    Worried?


    Why would he be worried for someone he faked feelings for?


    "You can come better than that Dante, I''m not falling for any of your lies anymore." I told him. "I don''t see why you''re lying now either, surely there is still something you want to get from me."


    His lips pressed into a thin line. "I know you won''t believe a single word I''m saying to you. But I was. I don''t even have your cell number, I had no idea on how to get into contact with you. You should have come home a lot earlier Kyomi." He said. "You don''t understand, you''re now a part of my family. We have enemies everywhere, your life could be in danger and you wouldn''t even know it."


    I narrowed my eyes at him. "The way I see it, you''re the only danger in my life right now. You''re the one who has hurt me the most and as such, you''re the one I should and would be staying away from."


    I saw the way his eyes widened in shock at my words, there was a hint of something else as well but I couldn''t read into it well.


    I didn''t wait for him to respond as I walked around him. However, without warning he grabbed my arm and pulled me to face him.


    I gasped at my body''s reaction to having his hands on me again.


    I wanted to scream.


    I didn''t want to feel anything for him.


    My body was being a traitor! His eyes were searching mine, it felt as though he was trying to see straight into my thoughts. I fought the urge to shiver at the feelings racing through me.


    No . . . I wouldn''t do this again.


    "Let go of me Dante." I warned.

 Chapter 67

    ~ KYOMI ~


    "Please." He begged. "Just talk to me."


    I felt the tears form in my eyes, he didn''t realize just how much he''s hurt me. Just how much wrong he''d done to me.


    "You still don''t get it, do you?" I asked. "My life wasn''t perfect but I still had somewhere I could call home, parents who would fight for me and fight to help build my future. Yet all of that was completely destroyed because of you! If your feelings were at least true, if you actually felt something, if you didn''t have an ulterior motive then things would have been a lot better than it is now. But that isn''t the case, you completely used me for your own selfish reasons! You made me fall for you, made me feel things for you I haven''t once felt for anyone else before. You used that against me and ruined my life. And you know what, I can''t even completely blame you because I''m at fault for trusting you and allowing myself for falling for someone like you . . . Everything my father said about you was true!"


    He looked away from me at my words. I felt his grip on my arm loosen.


    So now he couldn''t look me in my face after what he''d done to me?


    At least he should have the decency to face me!


    "After all of that, rather than try to come clean yourself or at least be a decent human being and help me feel at home here after everything you''ve done to me. . . You go and distance yourself from me? You completely ignore me and on top of that disrespect me by being in the arms of another woman the day after our wedding? You have no shame!" I screamed at him. "I don''t want anything to do with you Dante. Right now all I want to do is leave this place but I have to be rational. I''m forced to stay here but don''t think even for a second that it''s for you. I''m asking you, if you have any decency in you left. LEAVE ME ALONE."


    When he couldn''t respond, I wiped at the tears that had fallen to my cheeks and walked off without another word.


    He doesn''t even deserve my tears.


    As I made my way inside I saw Mateo looking at me. "Uh, is everything okay?" He asked me.


    Was he really asking me this? His entire family were in on a scam to trap me!


    He scratched the back of his head. "I know things look really bad now Kyomi, but you don''t have to think of yourself as an outsider." He promised me.


    I didn''t get it. They completely destroyed my life and yet they kept trying to be nice to me?


    I didn''t understand this family one bit!


    I just nodded my head and walked pass him and straight into the bedroom. If I had any luck, Dante wouldn''t bother even coming here tonight either . . . Just like he did on our wedding night.

 Chapter 68

    ~ KYOMI ~


    I couldn''t believe the nerve of Dante. How could he expect me to just talk to him like nothing happened?


    I wiped at the tears falling down my cheeks.


    A knock sounded on the door. I felt my body stiffen. I quietly walked over and held down the handle.


    As the door opened I came face to face with Dante''s parents.


    His father had a stern look on his face, while his mother seemed genuinely concerned about me.


    "We''ve been waiting for you to return home." Kevlar informed me, his tone disapproving. "Violetta told me that she did inform you yesterday that we wanted to speak to you today about the honeymoon ."


    I stiffened once more.


    I had forgotten about the honeymoon. Yet again.


    I nodded. "Yes, she did."


    "As you are aware, you and Dante are the talk of the town. Everyone wants to dig into your relationship and find out exactly what''s happening between the both of you. As such, for both your father''s reputation and mine, we have organized for you and Dante to spend your honeymoon at our private island this weekend." He said.


    I bit my tongue, if I didn''t I would say something that could possibly get me kicked out of the house.


    How could he act this normal after what he and his son did to me?


    My father did warn me. I should have listened to him.


    I didn''t have anyone to blame but myself.


    "Also, while you were gone. I made it my duty to fill your closet with pretty outfits with a little help from Violetta." His mother cut in. "I hope you like it."


    What my closet looked like now was the least of my worries, I had to figure out how to survive an entire weekend on a private island all alone with Dante Clarke.


    At least I didn''t have to worry about him seducing me now. From the way things were looking, Dante and I wouldn''t even be talking during the entire trip.


    "Thank you." I responded. Despite everything they''d done, I still liked Dante''s mother. Since our first meeting she was always kind to me.


    Though, I did sense that his father didn''t like me. That would make sense, he practically ruined my whole life for his own rivalry with my father.


    "What''s going on here?"


    Dante.


    I was hoping he wouldn''t be here tonight.


    But I had to admit, I''ll have to get used to having him around. We lived in the same house, went to the same school, shared the same room. There was no avoiding Dante.


    His eyes were on his parents and I was grateful for that. Whenever his hypnotizing gaze turned to me, it was never any good.


    "We''ve come to discuss the honeymoon with Kyomi." Kevlar told him.


    Dante''s eyes shut to me at his words. He was searching my eyes, probably trying to figure out whether or not I''d agreed to it.


    "Father," he started. "Is a honeymoon really necessary? I mean we''re already married, what more do we have to prove?"


    His words were like a dash of cold water to my face.


    So he didn''t want to be around me either? Just the thought of being alone with me seemed to bother him.


    For some reason, that thought hurt me. I needed to be stronger, I couldn''t let simple things like this hurt me anymore.


    I tried to bury the feelings deep within me.


    Dante''s father glared at him. "We''ve discussed all of this already. The honeymoon will take place, it is important that it does. It''s also important that everyone knows about it." He said. "We will make the announcement so that some reporters can get hold of the news. You two will also need to take pictures while you''re there, just to confirm it and give the public the proof that they''ll want to see."


    Dante looked unhappy with the news.


    "We''ll see you two in the morning, there is plenty more to discuss about the honeymoon." His mother cut in. "And, I mean both of you, not just one." She added, glaring at Dante.


    Without another word they both walked off. Leaving Dante and I alone together.


    I could feel his eyes on me now, yet I refused to look at him. This time however, he didn''t bother saying a word to me.


    Good. That was the way I wanted it to be.


    I turned my back on him and focused on getting some clothing for the night. I couldn''t change in front of him, so that left changing in the bathroom.


    I heard the door silently shut behind me.


    The tension in the air was high. I didn''t want to be here right now. Seeing Dante just reminded me of the betrayal.


    I had to somehow get through this, somehow get used to him being around me. But that didn''t mean I would entertain his presence this time.


    I grabbed the towel, searching through the closet. My cheeks grew red at what I saw there. The sleepwear was completely seductive.


    Why did they put these here?


    I couldn''t wear this with Dante locked in the same room with me!


    I glanced to the back of me and suddenly wished I didn''t. There, just as handsome and irresistible as always. Dante lay on the bed, his gaze directly on me.


    For a moment, all I could do was stop and stare. He was looking at me in a way I''d never seen before.


    It was hard to read into this expression. My heart was pounding in my ?h?st. And he wasn''t saying anything, just continued to look at me. His eyes dark and intense.


    This was dangerous.


    This. . . Getting lost in his eyes.


    It was what had gotten me in trouble in the first place. I couldn''t do this to myself again, no matter how irresistible Dante was. It didn''t matter that he stared at me as though I were the only woman in the world, it didn''t matter that I wanted to throw myself in his arms despite the anger I felt inside.


    None of that mattered.


    For Dante never did like me.


    That was all I needed to snap back into reality. I turned my face away and grabbed the sleepwear along with the towel before storming into the bathroom.


    When there, I made sure to lock the door behind me.


    Now I needed to figure out how to survive an entire night on a bed next to him . . . With these seductive clothes that had been placed in my closet!

 Chapter 69

    I stared at myself in the mirror, shocked at how s?xy and seductive I looked. I''d never seen myself in clothing like this before. The material was beautiful and silky and the lacing helped show more skin than what was already being shown.


    Deep breaths. I can do this.


    I silently opened the door. My heart pounding against my ?h?st.


    I tried to keep my head down but unfortunately for me, that resulted in my body bouncing into Dante''s.


    Had he been standing right outside the bathroom door?


    I heard his sharp intake of breath and couldn''t stop myself as I peered up at him. My lips parted at the blatant need I saw deep in his eyes.


    That look would surely haunt my dreams for nights to come.


    I''d never seen anyone''s eyes look so heated and intense as Dante''s looked right now.


    His stare was hungry as he openly took in the sleepwear hugging onto my body.


    "Kyomi¡ª."


    I didn''t wait to listen. Instead, I just kept walking as though I didn''t hear him calling my name. I made sure not to stop until I reached the edge of the bed.


    I quickly covered myself beneath the sheets, to hide my body from Dante''s eyes.


    His gaze was always too dangerous. This time I had to keep my feelings under control, no matter what I felt for him.


    I could still feel his eyes on me, but soon enough he entered the bathroom and closed the door behind him.


    I slowly let out a breath I didn''t even know I was holding.


    This was only the first day we were spending the night in the same room and already my emotions were a mess.


    How was I supposed to survive days with this man?


    Maybe if I could just fall asleep before he came back out, this night would be more bearable.


    I closed my eyes but still all I could see was him. I shifted in the bed, from side to side. Nothing was helping.


    I wanted to scream against the pillows.


    Why was this happening to me?


    I''ve always followed the rules, always done what was right. Then why did I have to suffer now? Why did I have to pay for one mistake?


    I buried my head against the pillow and tried not to cry. It was then that the bathroom door opened, I could feel myself stiffen.


    Did he plan on sleeping here with me?


    I shouldn''t expect anything else, this was his bed after all.


    I bit my lip as I felt the bed shift with his weight the moment he laid down.


    "Kyomi¡ª," he whispered. "Can we talk, please."


    I kept my eyes shut, maybe if he thought that I''d fallen asleep he would leave me alone. I heard him let out a deep breath besides me.


    What was he thinking?


    That question flew out my mind the moment I felt his body heat next to mine.


    What was he doing?


    I couldn''t open my eyes now, it was too late for that. I had already pretended to be asleep.


    I stifled a gasp as I felt his thumb finger slightly graze my cheeks. He then moved the hair out my face and leaned closer into me.


    I was stiff as a rock, waiting anxiously to see what he was going to do next.


    Would this be a good time to open my eyes and tell him to stop?


    Yet, my traitorous body wanted him to continue. It missed the way his hands and mouth felt. I stood completely still as I felt his lips touch my forehead.


    I swore my heart accelerated more than it ever did before.


    He kept his lips there for a few seconds, the longer he stayed the faster my heart went off.


    Then, he finally leaned back onto his side of the bed.


    I didn''t dare open my eyes again, not until I heard his light snore next to me. I opened one eye to peek at him.


    Dante was completely shirtless, his toned muscular ?h?st b?r? to me.


    I swallowed, my hands itching to touch him there. This was absurd, even while sleeping Dante still had some sort of control on me. I studied him now, he was still the most handsome man I''d ever laid eyes on.


    Why did he have to betray me like that?


    I could have still tried to make something out of my life here as long as I had him by my side. I thought after the way he had protected me from my own father that he''d always do that.


    That Dante Clarke would always be by my side, looking out for me.


    But it turned out that he was the danger.


    No one else.


    A part of me still refused to believe that he was so awful. Yet, the more rational side of me kept reminding me of what he''d done.


    I couldn''t trust Dante no matter how much my heart wanted me too.


    However, I was beginning to realize that there was nothing that I could do to stop the attraction between us. All he had to do was look at me and I''ll completely melt right before him.


    But, I promised myself that I would have more self control. If that meant completely ignoring him, then that''s what I would do.


    Starting now.


    I forced myself to turn the other direction before closing my eyes.


    I will not let Dante hurt me again.


    That was the last thought in my head before I fell asleep.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    A deep sigh escaped my mouth as I snuggled next to the warm body next to mine.


    This felt amazing . . . Like I belonged right here.


    I gasped as a hand gripped my waist and pulled me tighter against a warm ?h?st.


    Thoughts of the night before crashed into mind, reminding me of just where I was and with whom.


    Oh God.

 Chapter 70

    My eyes snapped up to see Dante still sleeping with his arms wrapped tightly against my body, holding me close to him.


    How on earth did this happen?


    I pressed my hands against his ?h?st and pushed him away from me.


    His eyes finally opened, his gaze one of confusion before realization dawned on him.


    I didn''t wait for him to speak, instead I rose from under the sheets and out the bed. I heard his sharp intake of breath once more and turned to find his heated stare on my body.


    My eyes widened.


    Oh God.


    I''d completely forgotten about the lingerie I''d worn last night thanks to his sister''s redecoration of my my closet.


    I hurriedly rushed into the bathroom, embarrassment flooding my cheeks.


    I sighed.


    Would I have to deal with this every single day from now on?


    I closed my eyes as I leaned against the bathroom door. I needed to regain my composure for the rest of the day, I still had a full day of school ahead.


    Hopefully today wouldn''t be as bad as yesterday. With any luck, maybe I wouldn''t have to see that girl that had her arms wrapped around Dante either.


    I just had to pay neither of them any sort of attention and I should be okay.


    I made a promise to myself to be a lot more stronger from now on and I will keep that promise.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    He looked at me, his eyes closely studying me. "Where is my driver today?" I asked, ignoring his intense gaze.


    "You''re looking at him."


    I paused, finally giving him my full attention. "You can''t be serious?" I asked.


    "There really wasn''t anything I could do," he told me. "Father insisted that I drop you to school from now on, he explained that it was important that people still believed our marriage wasn''t a set up. Especially for your father''s sake."


    I narrowed my eyes.


    Did they suddenly care about what happened to my father and how their actions affected him?


    I didn''t think so.


    I was positive this was just for their own benefit once more.


    I crossed my arms against my ?h?st. "I said," I snapped. "I''m not going anywhere with you."


    Before I had time to react he grabbed me by my waist and lifted me into his arms. I was so shocked at his actions that all I could do was stare at him in disbelief. He gently placed me into the front seat of the Jeep after opening the door with one hand.


    I continued to watch him as he reached over, his deep masculine scent filling my nose. He silently buckled the seatbelt in, making sure that I was safely tucked in.


    His eyes slowly raised up to gaze at me, I stared into the mesmerizing earthy green for a few seconds until realization dawned on me.


    I quickly looked away, crossing my arms over my ?h?st once more.


    "I should have known this is what you and your family do . . . Take everything by force."


    Dante''s jaw clenched at my words but he said nothing in response. He leaned back and shut the door before getting into the driver''s seat. The drive to school was torture, the tension in the air was plenty.


    I breathed a sigh of relief as Dante pulled up to the compound.


    "Kyomi¡ª,"


    I didn''t wait for him to finish as I unbuckled the seatbelt and slammed the door in his face.


    Out of nowhere a group of girls surrounded me, I was so focused on getting away from Dante that I didn''t realize they were already following me.


    I was able to make out one of the faces, Emily. The girl from yesterday, the one who had her arms wrapped around Dante like she was the one married to him!


    "What do you want?" I asked.


    She laughed. "I want you to give Dante to me," she hissed. "Can you do that for me?"


    I narrowed my eyes, the audacity of this girl! I wasn''t about to stay here and listen to her nonsense, I came here to learn!


    I tried to walk around her but she used that opportunity to grip my hand roughly while her friends blocked my exit.


    I was shocked at their behavior. Why did they want to bully me? Did these people not realize I was not happy with my marriage to Dante Clarke? It was as though everyone were set to make my life miserable!


    "Let me go," I said as I tried to pull my hand back. "I''ve done nothing to you . . . Any of you."


    "By marrying Dante, you''ve actually done a lot." She clapped back.


    "Look," I said. "If you haven''t already noticed, I was forced into this marriage. There wasn''t anything I could do about it and there still isn''t anything that I can do. We have nothing to do with each other, whatever either one of you girls want to do with him, go ahead! Just leave me out of it."


    I know I probably shouldn''t have said this for the sake of my father''s reputation but all of these girls already knew what was happening. I would only look like a fool if I lied.


    They laughed at my words. "You expect us to believe that? We see the way you look at him."


    I stiffened . . . Was I that noticeable?


    "What''s going on here?"


    I followed the sound of the voice.


    I was shocked to find Mateo standing right behind the girls, his eyes angry.


    Did he actually come to help me?

 Chapter 71

    "M-Mateo," Emily gasped. All of the girls were suddenly flushed, their faces one of shock and admiration.


    They were clearly just as crazy about Mateo as they were about Dante.


    "Why are you holding down Kyomi''s hand?" he demanded as he took another step in our direction.


    "I-I¡ª," she stammered, most likely trying to come up with a lie.


    "Let go of her." He ordered.


    Her eyes widened but she immediately obeyed. I rubbed the spot she had been holding down, surely it would leave a mark.


    "Why are all of you still here?" he asked, glaring at all of the girls. "Get out from my sight!"


    I''d never seen a group of girls scramble so quickly as they did now.


    When we were alone he turned his attention to me. "Are you okay?" He asked.


    I slowly nodded.


    "If they harass you again don''t hesitate to let me know."


    I stared at him in confusion, "why did you help me?"


    It was now his turn to look confused. "Why wouldn''t I help you?" he asked. "Kyomi, you''re family now. We always protect our family. All of us do, especially Dante."


    I stiffened at the mention of the man whom I was supposed to refer to as my husband. It was just the cold dash of water I needed.


    I couldn''t get soft for this family after everything they''d done, definitely not for one kind gesture.


    But I also couldn''t not thank him either. He did help me.


    "Thank you."


    Without another word he was already walking away. I couldn''t understand Dante and his family. They did the worst thing possible to me, yet now they were trying to act like they cared.


    What more could they be after? Now, I had no idea whom to trust and when.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    ~DANTE~


    "What''s wrong?" Hugo asked, his eyes one of concern. "You haven''t concentrated on any of our missions recently. You even almost gotten yourself shot earlier. Something is up with you and you need to sort it out before you get yourself killed one of these days."


    I let out a deep breath. I hadn''t been okay ever since Kyomi found out father had set this whole wedding up and that I was in on it. I tried to tell myself that maybe this was for the best, she had to find out either way. I also knew that I was already developing feelings for her, something I''d promise myself never to do again after getting hurt by the first person I''d cared about. So, I kept telling myself that I should just let her be.


    She wanted me to leave her alone and that''s what I should be doing. However, everytime I looked at her, there was this deep d?s?r? inside of me to kiss her and hold her just like I''d done in the past. I was craving Kyomi more than I''d ever wanted any other woman in the past.


    I didn''t understand what it was about her but ever since I''d gotten a taste I wanted more. Last night alone was torture sleeping in the same bed with her after seeing the lingerie she''d had on.


    Why did she even wear something like that? I''d never seen her in clothing like that before and it took every thing in me not to grab her and have my way with her. But I knew that she wouldn''t allow it after everything I''d done, she didn''t even want to look my way.


    Hugo was right however, I had to get my act together especially considering the dangerous life that we lived. If my mind was continuously on Kyomi, I could put the life of my entire family and myself at risk.


    The only problem was I had no idea how to move on from this. The only thing I could think about was somehow getting Kyomi to forgive me after everything.


    "Dante?" Hugo called.


    My gaze snapped to his, only then remembering that I hadn''t answered him yet.


    "It''s just this whole thing with Kyomi," I confessed. "I didn''t think marriage would start off like this for me . . . Never thought I''d be married so young or that my wife would hate me."


    A key spammed against the table and I looked up to find Mateo standing next to us. The look on his face was angry and he was most definitely not in a good mood.


    "You as well?" Hugo asked. "Does everyone have a bad mood these days?"


    "I''m sure everyone is going to have a bad mood after they hear what I have to say." He mumbled.


    My brows rose. "What exactly are you trying to tell us?" I asked, waiting impatiently for him to finish.


    He blew out a deep breath. "Today while at school I noticed that some girls were following Kyomi," he started.


    My body immediately stiffened at the mention of Kyomi. Now, I was more impatient than ever for him to continue.


    "Turns out that girl who has always been obsessed with Dante decided to bully her with a group of her friends. Luckily I was there to stop them from actually doing her any harm."


    All the blood drained out of my face at his words.


    What the fu?k?


    "What did you say?" I asked Mateo, my fists tightening at my sides.


    "That girl Emily and her crazy followers tried to bully Kyomi in school earlier today." He repeated, for my sake.


    What the hell were these girls thinking? What right did they think they had to bully my wife?


    Hugo placed his hands on my shoulder to stop me from going anywhere, "I know you must be pissed. But let''s not do anything irrational here. Emily''s parents are allies with father. We will go there tomorrow and just intimidate her and her friends enough to ensure they never do something like that again."


    However, I had to make sure they never EVER did something like this to Kyomi again.


    I had to set everything straight before things got out of hand.


    I''d make sure that not only Emily and her group of friends be aware of Kyomi''s status but every fu?k?n? student that went to our school!

 Chapter 72

    ~KYOMI~


    I was happy to finally be home again after such a long day. Thanks to Mateo I''d managed to escape those girls and surprisingly they hadn''t made another attempt after that incident.


    I was expecting Dante to pick me up today but instead was greeted by one of the drivers. I was surprised, for the way he acted earlier told me that he would try any and every method to get closer to me again.


    For whatever reason, I didn''t know. For he definitely never cared and still doesn''t  care for me.


    I spotted his sister Violetta near the kitchen, grabbing a snack to eat.


    "Where''s Dante?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.


    "Oh," she said, her eyes surprised to see me. "I''m sorry. I''m not used to having you around Kyomi, I was startled for a second." She apologized.


    I smiled, Violetta was so much unlike her older brother.


    Work related business? I tried to stay calm but it was hard too, considering everything I already knew about Dante''s family business. Their work involved guns and dangerous weapons . . . Blood even.


    "You don''t have to worry. My brother can handle himself well, he''ll be fine."


    I flushed at her words. Was I that easy to read?


    Was I really worried about Dante''s safety?


    The answer was right there in front of me, I was indeed worried.


    Even though he''d hurt me, I still cared for him and I didn''t think that would ever stop.


    Then, the sound of a Jeep in the driveway caught our attention. Not long after did the front door open, heavy footsteps could be heard from where we were.


    My cheeks flushed as I spotted Dante, apparently no matter what he did my body would always react a certain way to his presence.


    His eyes were troubled as he approached me. Before I had time to react he gently took my wrist in his hand and examined the skin there.


    "What was that about?" Violetta asked.


    I shrugged my shoulders. "I have absolutely no clue." I confessed.


    She placed her cup onto the counter and ran after her brother. I considered going after him as well but reminded myself that he was no longer my concern.


    A few minutes later she walked back in, her eyes worried. "He didn''t tell me anything. Instead, he told me to let you know that he wouldn''t be home tonight. Father sent them on some important work again."


    I hated the way my heart ached at her words. Once again, I couldn''t help but worry for him.


    I guess this was one of those nights I''d be sleeping by myself again.


    I kept telling myself that this should be a good thing however I couldn''t help but feel empty inside.


    I hated this so much.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    Dante and every single one of his brothers were already outside waiting for me after I''d gotten dressed for school today.


    Neither one of them answered.


    "Get in,Kyomi." Dante said as he opened the Jeep door for me.


    While his brothers got into their motorcycles.


    I refused to move an inch, not until someone explained to me what was happening.


    Dante approached me, his face hard and angry.


    What was wrong with him this morning?


    "Do you remember what happened yesterday when you refused to get in?" He asked, his lips just above my ear. My face reddened at his words, I crossed my arms over my ?h?st and stalked over to the Jeep. I was beginning to think there was no winning when it came to Dante. The man would use any means to get things done his way.


    Once again, as soon as I was seated Dante reached over and placed the seatbelt over me. I watched as he closed the door and got in through the driver''s side.


    He remained quiet, refusing to speak. It was the first time I''d ever seen Dante this angry, I thought that it was probably best that I left him alone this once. Soon enough I''d see exactly why all of the brother were leaving together.


    As we approached the school, a lot of girls were already gathering to the front. It was like they''d already gotten news that all of the Clarke brothers would be here this morning.


    As the Jeep came to a stop, Dante quickly got out and walked over to my side. He opened the door and unbuckled my seatbelt.


    "I can do it myself . . . "


    I gasped as he gripped my waist and placed me down on the ground. I was about to say something else when all of the brothers surrounded us.


    "You ready?" Hugo asked him.


    Dante nodded his head and took my hand in his. I couldn''t do anything else but follow him through the thick crowd that had already gathered. I wasn''t sure where they were heading but everyone already had their phones out filming and taking pictures of everything happening.


    My eyes fell on Emily and the group of girls that had tried to take advantage of me yesterday.


    Surely, that wasn''t where Dante and his brothers were heading?


    Oh God.


    What were they planning on doing?


    Emily''s eyes were wide with fear as all of the brothers including Dante surrounded her and her group of friends.


    "Did you or did you not try to take advantage of Kyomi yesterday?" Hugo asked, his gaze fierce and lethal.


    "I-I," she stammered, her face going red.


    "It seems as though people are fogetting what we do to others who try to hurt our family." He snapped. "Do we need to remind you?"


    Emily was straight out trembling now and I actually was beginning to feel sorry for her. The looks on every single one of her friends faces mirrored that of her own.


    "No, please. I didn''t mean to do it." Emily cried.


    "Apologize to her now." Dante ordered, his voice colder than ice.


    "All of you as well." Evan added to Dante''s words.


    "We''re sorry Kyomi." They apologized one by one.


    "It''s okay." I whispered, I didn''t like this much attention. In fact, I felt like hiding under a rock.


    Dante turned to the crowd next. "Let this be a lesson to all of you. If any of you ever try to harm my wife in any way, I''ll personally see to it that you suffer and pay for your actions. She''s part of our family now and no one messes with our family without any consequences for their actions." He warned.


    Did Dante just call me his wife in front of the whole school?


    Was he actually trying to protect me?

 Chapter 73

    I still couldn''t believe what had happened at school a few days ago.


    Since then, because of Dante and his brothers every single person at school treated me with respect, fear in the depths of their eyes. People were even scared to bounce into me, some wouldn''t even look me in the eye.


    It''s been like that every single day since then. Now it was Friday evening and Dante''s parents were preparing us for the trip that was set to start from tonight.


    The honeymoon.


    "Is that everything?" Dante''s mother asked him.


    I glanced at the suitcases on the ground, everything in there had been picked out by his sister. I was afraid to see what kind of sleepwear was in there after what they''d done with my wardrobe.


    "Yes mom," he responded grabbing the keys from his brother''s outstretched hand. "Is the boat ready for us?"


    "Everything is already set up." Hugo said, walking in. "We sent out a few bodyguards, just in case anything happens."


    What exactly did he mean by that? Was there something they weren''t telling me?


    Kevlar took the cigarette out his mouth, his eyes dark and cold. "Where have I ever been afraid of any threats? Furthermore, when have you ever been? I''ve trained all of you to be fearless."


    Dante''s jaw clenched. "I''m not worried about myself, Kyomi isn''t trained for our kind of lifestyle."


    "That''s what the bodyguards are there for." His father responded. "Besides, no one would dear try to harm my son at one of our private islands. Anyone who does that is a psychopath. Everything should run smoothly. This honeymoon is happening, no matter what."


    What were these people talking about? Did this have something to do with why Dante hadn''t been home every night for the past few days? I''d tried to get more answers out of his sisters but neither one of them would tell me anything. But it also seemed like they had no idea what was going on either.


    Something didn''t seem right, I''d never seen Dante this worked up over anything before. He was always so laid back . . . But he hasn''t exactly been like that ever since we had gotten married.


    That reminder only seemed to bring back all of the anger and hurt I''d felt after learning of his betrayal. I had thought he had feelings for me and actually wanted me but it was all just some sick plan.


    Now I was stuck in this family where guns and killing seemed to be a norm.


    Will I ever get used to this?


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    "You''re really not going to speak to me for the entire trip?" he asked. "We''re stuck here for a few days Kyomi, I think you should at least try and hear me out now."


    I pressed my lips into a tight line. "I would appreciate it if you keep to yourself for the entire trip. Both of us have no business talking to each other. I''ve said that multiple times before, what do you not understand about that?"


    Dante rubbed his face with his hand, his eyes seemed tired and worn out. I bit my lips, angry that even now I wished that I could wipe that look out his face and make him smile, the smile I loved to see on him.


    He turned his attention to the eight bodyguards in front of us. "Three of you stay here, if you see anything weird alert us immediately." He ordered. "The rest of you, you''ll guard around the house."


    They nodded their heads and did as he asked.


    Dante took my hand in his, my skin immediately heated up at his touch. "What are you doing?" I demanded while trying to pull my hand away.


    "It''s dark and you''re not accustomed here," he explained. "I''ll let go as soon as we reach the house."


    I let out a deep sigh and followed him through the tiny trace, the wet grass ???k?n? at my legs and arms as we passed through.


    I hated to admit it but he had a point, if I had to walk through here by myself, I''d already have fallen on my bu??.


    I was not prepared for the beautiful house that came into view. It was all white on the outside, with random pools and jacuzzis everywhere. In fact, if I didn''t watch where I was walking, I would surely fall into the water. The lighting was beautiful, it was bright and exactly what one would need in this secluded are.


    My eyes travelled to Dante''s hand still wrapped around mine. "You can let go now."


    He quietly did as I asked and rubbed the back of his neck. "You can go get settled inside, choose any of the rooms you want to stay in." He informed me. "I''ll have a little talk with the guards and then come join you."


    Did he just say come join me?


    Did Dante really think that I would be staying in the same room with him here as well? Back at his home, I had absolutely no choice because of his family. But if he thought I was going to allow that same nonsense here he could surely think again.


    It wasn''t happening.


    There was no use starting an argument in front of the guards however, I would wait until he comes inside.


    I looked around for the suitcases and saw that it was already placed inside. The interior of the house was incredibly beautiful, I loved the blue cushions against the white couches.


    I opened the suitcase and started digging for a change of clothes. I frowned, emptying it completely out.


    There wasn''t a single normal outfit here, everything just happened to be lingerie and swimsuits.


    Oh God!


    Why did they keep doing this to me! Like my life wasn''t embarrassing enough!

 Chapter 74

    This was even worse than being at home. Dante and I were all alone, just us. It was already hard when I stayed in the same house with him and his family. How was I about to survive this?


    I crossed my arms over my ?h?st, the satin lingerie showing off way more skin than I was used too. I was in the process of searching through the drawers in the bathroom in hope of finding a bathrobe when Dante barged in.


    He was about to say something but paused the moment his eyes fell on my body. The look on his face was heated as he shamelessly eyed me down from head to toe, taking his dead time in doing so.


    For a moment, all I could do was watch him as he watched me. I always loved the way he looked at me, Dante always made me feel wanted . . . That was until he hurt me.


    I needed to stop this before I did something stupid again.


    "Do you have a bathrobe?" I asked, trying to hide my body from him. It was no use however, any direction I turned only made it worse for myself.


    His eyes snapped up to my face at my question and before I had time to react he was already approaching me. He leaned into me, his scent consuming all of my senses.


    He reached above me and opened one of the drawers that I couldn''t previously reach.


    After a few minutes he pulled back to look at me once more. "There isn''t any, I''m sorry."


    Even though he said the words, he didn''t actually seem to be so sorry about it. In fact, I was positive he was enjoying the sight.


    I was tempted, the part of me that was all soft for Dante just didn''t want to give up on the opportunity. However, I''d promised myself that I wouldn''t continue to fall for him anymore that I''d already have. If I did so and he hurt me again, it would mean that I looked for it this time.


    "No, I don''t want to. Remember what I said to you before . . . Stay away from me, that''s what I want you to do for me." I snapped, the hurt in his eyes was hard for me to look at and I quickly looked away.


    "Kyomi?" He tried once more. "Will you just give me the chance to talk to you this once, please?"


    I shook my head as I held my ground. "I would like to be alone Dante."


    I jumped as I heard him punch something nearby before closing the door behind him.


    I took a deep breath and slowly turned around to see that he was indeed gone.


    That was hard to do and this was only just the beginning.


    Would I be strong enough to refuse him if he persisted more than that?


    I squeezed my head and laid down onto the bed, pulling the sheets over my body. My mind replayed the way Dante had looked at me, with strong masculine d?s?r?. He looked at me as though he was the predator and I was the prey. Even now, my skin still burned from the intensity of his gaze. He always had that way about him, that irresistible pull. It was like there was some hidden switch in me that turned on whenever he was around. A switch I wished I could just get rid off.


    I buried my head against the pillow and fought the urge to let out a frustrated scream. This was only the first night, in fact the night here hadn''t even started properly yet. I wasn''t sleepy and I was sure Dante wasn''t either. I was right all along, this whole honeymoon was only going to be a disaster!


    Suddenly, a loud sound broke through the quiet night. I raised up from the bed instantly, my heart racing.


    Was that a gunshot?


    Within seconds of the loud sound, my room door flew open and Dante rushed in. Before I had time to process what he was doing he had already gripped me by my waist and lifted me into the air before placing me back down onto the ground.


    "W-what''s going on?" I asked, unable to hide the panic in my voice.


    "No time for any explanation." He replied, "here take this." He said as he lifted his shirt off his body and shoved it over mine. His scent was all over the shirt making me extremely dizzy. Not to mention that he was now completely shirtless and right there in front of me!


    He grabbed my hand in his and ran towards one of the furthest rooms down the hallway. He pushed open the door and locked it as soon as we were inside. Next, he was searching all of the drawers, leaving all of them open.


    What exactly was he looking for?


    He seemed to press something for suddenly there was an opening, the large wardrobe had somehow split in half.


    He let go of my hand but only to pick out a gun and some bullets.


    Oh My God.


    What the hell was happening?


    Another gunshot pierced through the air and Dante pushed me up against the wall and covered my mouth with his hand before a scream could escape me. "Shhh," he whispered. "You can''t let them know exactly where we are, we need the extra time to run."


    "Do you understand?" he asked, his face full of concern.


    I nodded my head and he slowly let go. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to me. "Speed dial number five, it would connect you to Hugo. Let him know that we''re under attack and most of our guards are down."


    The guards were down?


    Oh God.


    Did that mean it was just Dante and I against whoever was trying to kill us?

 Chapter 75

    I explained everything to Hugo on the phone, he no doubt could hear the panic and fear in my voice. However, he sounded calm on the other end. Almost as though they''d done this a hundred times before.


    Who was I kidding? They''d definitely done this many times before. Of course they would be calm.


    Even Dante seemed like he was on home territory now. He was extremely prepared for this, as though he''d replayed this scenario in his head multiple times before.


    "They''re on their way here." I informed him as I ended the call.


    He nodded and took the phone from my hand. "We''ll have to run through the woods okay, so you must keep up with me. I''m not sure how many men there are as yet so we must try and outrun them for now until backup reaches."


    I slowly nodded, unable to even speak right now. Dante and his family may be used to these kind of events but I wasn''t. I was beyond terrified!


    He grabbed hold of my hand while he held the gun in his other hand and just like that we were off running. He was going so fast that if it weren''t for his hand holding mine, I would have already been left behind.


    I jumped as I heard another round of gunshots, this time a lot more shots were fired than the last. I heard Dante curse under his breath as he picked up the pace.


    "Who are those people?" I demanded, finally finding my voice again.


    "It''s our most recent rival," he answered. "I''m not one hundred percent sure that it is them but it has to be. They''ve been making threats to us this entire week. Basically, they want our spot and in order to do that they need to completely wipe us out."


    I gasped. How many rivals exactly did Dante and his family have?


    Dante looked at me over his shoulder. "The world isn''t the way your parents painted it for you Kyomi. It''s a cruel place, you''ll learn that a lot faster now that you''re around my family."


    The problem was I didn''t want to learn that. I was used to a peaceful life, it wasn''t perfect and I didn''t have any freedom back then. But at least I had never been hunted by killers!


    "Where are we going?" I asked him.


    "There''s a secluded area up north, once I have you hidden there. I''ll see if I can start wiping out the intruders one by one." He answered. "So when we get there, do not come out no matter what you hear. Only come out when I come to get you."


    My heart sped up at his words.


    He was planning on facing those people all by himself? That was insane!


    "You expect me to just leave you alone to face how much ever people that were sent here to kill you?" I demanded angrily.


    "Kyomi," he started. "You''ll only distract me. You can''t fight, you don''t even know how to hold a gun. How can I have you in the middle of a battlefield with me? The best thing is to keep you hidden or your safety would constantly be on my mind. I can focus a lot better if I know you''re safe."


    "I don''t feel comfortable leaving you alone," I complained. "Why can''t you stay hidden with me until your brothers come to help?"


    We were both glaring at each other now, neither one of us willing to give in. However, I knew that he was right. I didn''t know how to defend myself, there was no way I''ll be able to help him out here.


    But I still didn''t want to leave him to fend for himself. Even though I already knew that he was used to this, I still felt a stabbing pain in my ?h?st at the thought of Dante out there by himself.


    It didn''t help that I''d heard so many gunshots already. Whoever it was, they came here prepared to kill.


    Another loud sound echoed through the quiet forest.


    Another gunshot!


    Oh God.


    This one sounded a lot more closer to us.


    "Fuck!" Dante cursed. "They''re close."


    Without warning he lifted me into his arms and threw  me over his shoulder as he started running through the woods even faster than before.


    Suddenly, totally suprising me he pulled my body down his and shoved me to the the ground. I stared up into his tensed face, my body pinned beneath his. We were both breathing hard as his scent completely filled my nostrils and made me dizzy.


    "What''s¡ª"


    I didn''t get to finish as he pressed his finger to my lips to keep me quiet. I didn''t understand, I couldn''t see or hear anything so I didn''t know what was going on.


    His eyes were glued to something and it was only then that I heard voices.


    "They should be somewhere around here." I heard one of them say.


    "As soon as you see them kill Dante," the other one ordered.


    My eyes widened in horror, my heart pounding against my ?h?st now.


    "And what about the girl?"


    "You can keep her alive, we can find some other way to use her for our benefit."


    I was finding it extremely difficult to stay quiet however. My thoughts were all over the place, I''d never felt this frightened in my entire life. They were so close to us, all they had to do was look closely and they''d find us hiding behind the vegetation, flat on the ground.


    I was trembling uncontrollably now. Dante seemed to feel my body shake beneath his for he silently glanced down at me with a concerned look on his face.


    His eyes searched my face and without any warning, crashed his lips to mine.

 Chapter 76

    I gasped in surprise and that gave Dante the opportunity to slip his tongue into my mouth as he tasted me.


    I couldn''t think clearly, my entire body felt like it was up in flames.


    I felt a wet droplet on my skin and realized that rain was now falling. I m??n?d and buried my hand in Dante''s hair as I pushed my body into his. My body craved his nearness so much more than I expected it to, it was as though now that I had him this close I couldn''t get enough of him.


    His hands travelled from my neck and I trembled as his fingers grazed my br??st before he reached my waist and held it in a tight grip. His scent mixed with the rain was almost too much for me to take, my senses were all over the place. All I could taste, feel and smell was Dante Clarke.


    This shouldn''t feel this good but yet. . . It did.


    I hadn''t even realized how much I''d been craving his lips on mine until now.


    He slowly lifted his lips from my mouth and started kissing the rain droplets on my face before lowering his lips onto my neck. I gasped as he begun to suck on the skin, I felt my eyes roll back in my head at how good this felt.


    I couldn''t help myself as I grinded my body against his raging hard on, my body craving so much more than what he was giving to me. I heard him groan against my neck as my hands travelled down his back, holding onto him tightly.


    "You always taste so fu?k?n? good Kyomi," he whispered against my wet skin, "you''re like a God damn drug."


    I gasped as he spread my legs wide open and settled between me. This was torture, I wanted all of our clothes gone. He gripped my br??st in one hand whie pushing his body a little forward, making contact with my s?ns?t?v? area. I cried out at the contact, my body needing more.


    Dante rudely pulled away from me, both of us panting hard. His eyes were drawn to my exposed legs before he looked back at me with so much heat that I would have fallen if I wasn''t already lying on the ground. "They''re gone," he said hoarsely. "We need to keep moving."


    They?


    "Kyomi?" Dante called. He was standing above me with his hands outstretched, his way of offering to help me get up.


    "Why did you kiss me?" I demanded.


    He dropped back onto the ground with me, his face inches away from mine. "What was I supposed to do?" He asked. "You were trembling on the ground, scared for your life. I couldn''t risk you making any sound nor did I like seeing you like that. It was the first thought that came into my head to help you forget about our situation."


    That angered me further due to the fact that it did help, it helped way more than it should have. I''d forgotten about everything but Dante''s lips on my body. And all it had taken for that to happen was just one simple touch from him.


    Dante sighed and gripped my waist, pulling me off the ground with him. "We don''t have time for this right now, all I''m concerned about is keeping you safe. If it means doing things you aren''t pleased about, then so be it."


    I bit my lip to prevent myself from saying anything else. He was obviously in a bad mood and we were in a horrible situation. Once we got out of this alive I could go back to ignoring him.


    "Are you ready?" He asked.


    I nodded and followed him deeper into the jungle. The rest of the walk was quiet despite the occasional weird sounds from the wild animals living here. Dante seemed lost in his thoughts while I was still caught up in the tingling sensation all over my body from being touched by him again.


    I missed the way it felt to have him so close to me and I hated him for it. If he hadn''t betrayed me, we could have enjoyed this. But now I had to deny my body the one man it''s ever wanted.


    Did he always kiss all of the women he slept around with like that? I felt jealousy enter my body at that thought.


    I just had to fall for a player like Dante Clarke! I should have known I was walking into trouble the moment he looked my way.


    "We''re almost there." He called over his shoulder.


    A gunshot pierced through the quiet night and Dante immediately grabbed me and pulled me into his arms, covering my ear. This one was close. . . Too close.


    I felt Dante stiffen and noticed that he was glaring at something. I followed his gaze and immediately froze with fear.


    There were three men with guns pointed in our direction.


    One of them caught my gaze, he was practically grinning at us. His smile wide, he seemed happy to have finally found us.


    "Well look at what we have here," the man said with a smirk. "Dante Clarke and his pretty wife."


    Dante stiffened at that man''s words, his glare deadly. "Your fight is with me, let her go and there wouldn''t be any trouble."


    The man who seemed like the leader motioned for one of his men to the back of him. "Grab her!"


    My eyes widened as he nodded his head and started to approach us. Before he could even touch me however, Dante pulled out his gun and shot his leg. The man dropped to the ground, shouting in pain. The other two aimed their guns towards us, but it was too late. Dante had already been focused on them, in a split second he had already fired at them. Before I could see whether or not he had shot either one of them, he had already grabbed my hand in his and we were once more running through the wet forest.


    "I don''t think they are the only ones." Dante shouted. "We need to move even faster now, they would let the others know our locatio¡ª,"


    He paused mid sentence, prompting me to look up.


    We were too late.


    There were a group of men in front of us and before either Dante or I had a chance to react, two of the men grabbed me.


    I screamed in horror, my body trembling in fear as they handed me to another one of the terrifying men.


    Dante was breathing hard, his finger on the trigger. "Let her go," he warned, his gaze lethal.


    One of the men chuckled. "Oh Dante, why don''t you just give up. No one is coming to help you and you''re outnumbered." He replied. "Don''t worry, we will take very good care of your wife. . ."

 Chapter 77

    ~KYOMI~


    I was breathing hard, paralyzed by fear. Dante''s eyes were glued on the man''s hold on my body. His stance told me that he was preparing for a fight. That frightened me, I didn''t want him to get hurt for me. At this exact moment I wished that I somehow knew how to fight, I wished that I had spent my life learning how to defend myself and not be as helpless as I felt right now.


    "Stay back Dante." The one holding me said as he pointed a gun towards him.


    Dante''s eyes were focused on something. I didn''t know what he was thinking about doing but it scared me. Without warning Dante ran forward and kicked the gun out of the man''s hand at the exact same time I heard the pull of the trigger and a loud gunshot echoing throughout the forest.


    He grabbed me and pulled me into his arms while pointing the gun at the men.


    "Let us go." He hissed.


    The men looked at us and chuckled. "You''re outnumbered, do you really think we will just let you go like that?"


    Dante pulled me closer into his body as they took a step closer to us.


    "Come on Dante, if you want us to kill you so badly we will grant your wishes."


    I stiffened at his words and gazed up at Dante. I didn''t want him to lose his life over me.


    "I''ll go with you." I told them as I tried to pull away from Dante''s strong hold on me.


    "Kyomi." He growled. "What do you think you''re doing?" He demanded.


    "I''m not going to let you get yourself killed for me." I cried. "Please just let me go."


    "Awww, such a beautiful couple." One of the men commented. "Too bad you couldn''t last."


    "Grab her!"


    I trembled in fear as they pointed their guns towards us. Before any of them could pull a trigger however another gunshot echoed throughout the quiet forest. I turned to see where it came from and felt my body overcome with waves of relief at who I saw.


    Dante''s brothers ran up with their guns suddenly. They shot at the kidnappers before they even had a chance to realize what was happening. I watched as they all dropped to the ground bleeding and clutching at their wounds in pain.


    "Are you guys okay?" Mateo asked as he joined us.


    "Fuck." He hissed as he saw something. "Guys Dante has been shot, we have to get him out of here."


    I stiffened, my body going into a state of shock at his words. I followed his gaze and only then did I see the wound and blood on Dante''s shoulder. He must have gotten it while trying to take me back from that disgusting pig!


    "D-Dante. . ." I stuttered trying to catch myself as I reached forward with trembling hands to touch his wound.


    Before I knew it I was screaming and crying, my hands on Dante''s wound. Desperately trying to stop the flow of blood.


    "Kyomi." Dante whispered. "It''s okay, this is nothing." He tried to ?ssure me.


    I shook my head. "There''s so much blood."


    "She isn''t used to these kind of things, she''s going into a state of shock." I heard Mateo behind of us. "We need to get them both out of here as we finish up dealing with these pests."


    "Kyomi?" I heard Dante call in a panicked voice. I wanted to respond but I couldn''t, my head was swirling and before I knew it I completely blacked out.


    ..............


    ~DANTE~


    I leaned down and ?r??n?d as the doctor finished patching up my shoulder.


    "Doctor." I said. "How is Kyomi?" I asked as I gazed down on her sleeping body on the bed. She''d fainted after finding out I''d been shot and we''d been able to revive her for a few minutes before she fell back asleep completely exhausted.


    "She was in a state of shock. I''m guessing she''s not used to your world and the things your family deal with. To avoid this again, you should keep her away from events like this or slowly teach her about you world. That way she could easily get used to it." He explained. "Other than that, she''s okay. She just needs sometime to rest and she should be back to normal in a couple days."


    He smiled. "Anytime, now take care of yourself and don''t put any strain on that hand. You also need to rest plenty."


    "I will." I ?ssured him.


    As soon as he exited the room I leaned down besides Kyomi on the bed and gently brushed the hair away from her face. I couldn''t remember the last time I''d been so scared about losing someone. Usually I wasn''t scared about much but today all I could think about was protecting Kyomi. I wasn''t even concerned about my own life, it was all about her. The second I realized that her life could be in danger, everything inside of my body had rewired and was just focused mainly on her.


    I didn''t know what it was about this woman, all I knew was that I couldn''t imagine my life without her in it anymore. I wanted her safe and in my arms at all times. I just didn''t know how to do it anymore, I''d been trying to get her to talk to me. To give me a chance to apologize and make up for what I''d done to her. But she understandably kept turning me down.


    I didn''t know how much more of it I could take. I was restless and impatient. All because I wanted to be with her all the time and shower her with all that I could give to her. I wanted to kiss her and show her off to friends and family. . . Even enemies.


    I wanted everyone to know that she was mine.


    I took a deep breath and leaned down before resting my lips on her forehead. It lingered there for a while as I inhaled her sweet scent.


    I sighed and raised back up as I heard my room down open.


    "How is she doing?" Hugo asked.


    He nodded. "That''s good. How are you feeling?"


    "I''m good. You know I''m used to these things. I''m just worried about Kyomi''s safety. I can''t let something my like this happen again. We need to increase our security from now on."


    "There is something you need to know." Hugo said as I sat on the edge of the bed next to a sleeping Kyomi.


    By the tone of his voice I could already tell that it wasn''t something I would be pleased about hearing.


    "What is it?" I asked.


    He rubbed his face and squeezed his temples like he wasn''t sure whether or not he should tell me this bit of information. "Someone has returned to town."


    My brows lifted in confusion. "Who?" I asked. "And why do you sound like that? Just tell me who it is."


    He sighed. "Elizabeth. . . She''s back."


    I felt a sudden sharp pain at his words.


    The same Elizabeth that I was in love with? The woman I''d initially wanted to spend the rest of my life with? The woman that had completely shattered my heart like I''d meant absolutely nothing to her and left me with a broken heart?


    She''d been gone for over two years.


    Two fu?k?n? years! Why would she be back now and what the hell could she possibly want?

 Chapter 78

    ~KYOMI~


    I opened my eyes and winced at the sharp pain in my head. It took me a while to adjust to the brightness of the room.


    I froze as memories barged into my mind.


    Dante!


    He''d gotten shot because of me!


    I felt my body begin to shake at the reminder as I started to frantically search the empty room in hopes of finding him near me.


    "DANTE!" I cried. "DANTE!" I tried again as I felt my heart beat increase. It was beating so fast that the blood was thrumming loudly against my ear.


    My body started to panic when I got no response and I curled myself into a ball on the bed. "DANTEEE!" I screamed.


    The door flew open with a bang and everything went completely still for me. Time seemed to stop moving in that second.


    Dante Clarke was standing in front of me with widened eyes. His hair was in a mess, there were dark circles under his eyes. But more than any of that, he was okay. He was okay!


    Before I could stop myself, I climbed out of the bed and ran to him. I threw my arms around him and Dante held onto my waist to keep us both balanced.


    I felt the tears pouring out of me in great waves, flowing like an uncontrollable river.


    "You''re okay," I whispered. "Oh thank God you''re okay."


    Dante who was gently rubbing my back with one hand while smoothing my hair with his other went completely still at my words. He gently pulled back from me and stared into my eyes. "Is that why you were calling for me? You thought something had happened to me?"


    His gaze softened and he gently wiped the tears away from my face. "You don''t have to worry about me Kyomi. I''m absolutely fine. You''re the one I''m worried about."


    I peered up at him. He was worried about me?


    "You fainted on me. . . I''ve been restless waiting for you to wake up." His face turned serious all of a sudden and he looked like he was in emotional pain. "I''m sorry that I put your life in danger . . . I did not expect those men to be there. Rest ?ssured they''ve been dealt with accordingly."


    "I don''t care about any of that." I told him. "I''m just happy that you''re okay. That''s all that matters to me Dante."


    He shook his head. "Let''s get you back to bed, tell me what you want to eat. Anything, just name it."


    "I''m not hungry." I said as I sat back down on the bed.


    Dante knelt on the ground in front of me. "Kyomi I¡ª"


    He paused and swallowed. He looked like he was searching his mind for the right words or either he was trying to build up the courage to say whatever it was that he wanted to.


    "There is something I want to discuss with you."


    "What is it?"


    His eyes looked surprised that I was willing to talk to him but he quickly hid his surprise and focused on my face.


    "I know what I did in the past was wrong. Believe me I''ve regretted it every single day since I saw the hurt in your eyes." He confessed. "I know I don''t deserve your forgiveness nor do I deserve another chance to prove to you that I''m not the same man that I was before I got to know you. But please just this once, please just tell me that I haven''t completely blown this thing between us. Please give me just this one chance."


    I didn''t know what to say to that. I also never expected him to say those words to me. I wanted to give him that chance, I really did. But I also remembered the hurt I felt when I realized everything was a lie and the reason behind what he did. I knew that if he hurt me again, I wouldn''t be able to handle the pain this time.


    But I also couldn''t deny that Dante had risked his life for me. Even though I was still hurt with everything he''d done in the past, I couldn''t stay mad at him after what had happened to us in the forest.


    I could give him this once chance . . . Once we took things slowly this time. It was for my own good. This time I had to take precautions to protect myself.


    "Alright," I whispered. "Let''s start over. . . As friends."


    He quirked a brow, "as friends?" He asked. "We''re married Kyomi¡ª"


    "I''m scared of getting hurt again Dante. You have no idea what I''ve felt in the past. I need to protect myself this time. I want to take things slowly. We can get to know each other better, the way it should have been done in the first place."


    I nodded.


    It was absurd to be calling us friends when we were married to each other. Lord knows how much I wanted it to be so much more than that. But that was precisely why I needed to take things slowly. When Dante came into my life, he''d managed to turn it upside down without even trying hard. I knew how easy it was to get all mixed up in him.


    I needed to do this for me. I knew now that I didn''t want to throw him out of my life, as long as I learnt to trust him again, maybe we could stand a chance.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    ~DANTE~


    I was happy that Kyomi was finally giving me another chance. If I''d known a gunshot wound would have helped, I''d have gotten shot way more sooner than this.


    But at the back of my mind there was still a tiny little detail that didn''t want to leave. Elizabeth was back? I felt nothing but hatred for that girl but I couldn''t deny the fact that I still wanted answers. Answers that could finally give me the closure that I wanted. She''d left without any explanations. One minute we were in love and the next she was gone.


    I''d spent days in bars, drinking to get over her. Then I''d started sleeping with other women, my way of getting back at her for what she''d done to me. I soon realized that she didn''t care about any of that, if she did, she would have never left me.


    I shook that thought out of my head. I wouldn''t let Elizabeth risk what I had with Kyomi. I was still in her bad side. Now it was my time to prove to her that I wouldn''t mess up again. In order to do that, I had to keep Elizabeth far away from us.

 Chapter 79

    ~DANTE~


    "Someone is in a good mood today." Mateo teased.


    It was true. It''s been exactly a week since Kyomi agreed to give me one more chance. I''d been trying hard to not mess up again. I took her on dates, I stared at her like she was the only woman in the world. I gave her kisses on her forehead and never pushed it further than that. I wanted her to slowly accept me, I loved watching the way her eyes lit up whenever I entered the room or whenever I dropped her to school. I loved the way she parted her lips whenever I approached her and I loved that slight blush to her cheeks.


    I couldn''t have asked for anything else. This chance that was given to me meant everything.


    I laughed. "I guess I am." I answered my brother, thinking of how good this past week had been. It''s crazy to think that all of this started because of my father. I wanted to regret what he had asked me to do but I was happy that he did. If he didn''t, I would have never gotten to know Kyomi like I know her now. And that is something I wouldn''t trade for the world.


    "And somehow I guess your mood isn''t going to stay that way." Hugo said suddenly.


    I followed his gaze and everything in me went completely still. I would know that flash of red hair anywhere, followed by bright golden eyes. Elizabeth stood in front of us and her gaze was directly on me. I hadn''t even realized her before, my thoughts were stuck on Kyomi.


    "Hi, Dante." She whispered.


    My lips pressed into a firm line. Anger fueling my veins.


    Her eyes were calm as she looked back at me, too calm for my liking. She didn''t even look like she came to apologize for what she''d done to me in the past . . . To us.


    I ignored her and kept on walking. She was the last person I wanted to see or hear from right now. Seeing her reminded me of what I''d went through when she''d left me. Memories that I''d rather stay


    buried inside.


    I stiffened as I felt her hand on my shoulder, stopping me from walking further.


    "I would like for us to talk." She said, louder this time.


    She didn''t deserve a chance for us to talk. She didn''t deserve anything.


    There was no longer a chance for that.


    "Dante please." She cried, refusing to let go. "You have no idea how much I''ve missed you in the past two years. I''ve missed you so much. I know that you''re angry with me. I understand that. But please know that I didn''t do any of this purposely. There is plenty you didn''t know when I left. My father threatened me to take your life if we continued to see each other. I tried to reason with him and he didn''t want to hear any of it. I was left to leave for your own good. I transferred schools and started my new life and it was all because of you."


    I wanted to laugh. I couldn''t believe she would come with such an unbelievable story.


    I finally turned to her. "How stupid do you really think I am?" I demanded. "Your parents didn''t know that I existed. You made sure of it, I never once met them because that''s what you wanted. You''re trying to tell me that you left because of your father that knew absolutely nothing about us in the first place?"


    She nodded, this time with tears in her eyes. "I promise you that''s what happened. He found out about us Dante. Someone saw us together and told him about it. I did everything for you, EVERYTHING. And the fact that you could stand here and accuse me of lying after everything we''ve been through, completely hurts me."


    I shook my head at her before throwing my head back and laughing. We were in the middle of the school compound and I was sure that students were staring at us but I didn''t care. Almost everyone knew what had happened between Elizabeth and I. The people would talk.


    The people would talk. . . Oh God, Kyomi. I needed to move away from Elizabeth before she caused any sort of miscommunication between Kyomi and I.


    "You did good, I''ll give you that." I told her. "How long did it take you to come up with that lie?"


    Her eyes widened. "I''m not lying, please believe me."


    "Dante¡ª," I heard Hugo say. I followed his gaze and froze at who I saw next.


    Kyomi.


    Her eyes went from Elizabeth to me and I could see how confused she was.


    Fuck!


    I immediately made my way to Kyomi''s side and leaned down to press a kiss onto her forehead. Like I''ve been doing everyday so far every time I dropped and picked her up from her classes.


    "Are you ready to go?" I asked her softly, still aware of Elizabeth behind me. I needed to get Kyomi as far away as possible from her.


    Kyomi peered up at me and slowly nodded her head. I took her hand in mine and totally ignoring Elizabeth, started to walk towards the Jeep.


    "DANTE!" She screamed. I closed my eyes and let out a deep breath as Kyomi flinched besides me at the sound of the girl calling out to me.


    Before I knew it, Elizabeth was in front of us, blocking us from walking any further.


    I stiffened.


    I''d just gotten Kyomi to give me another chance, I didn''t want to blow it over this woman from my past.


    "Who is she Dante?" She demanded again.