Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 184

Gianna's POV

"What kind of difficult questions?"

"About why I chose you." His brows furrowed. "About what you did to make me forget my revenge. And whether we're planning a family."

My heart rate spiked. "Dante..."

"He absolutely will push." Dante's grip on my hand tightened, possessive and protective all at once. "Caesar has no boundaries when it comes to family business. Just deflect if you can, or let me handle it."

We started walking toward the dining room, his hand never leaving mine. With each step, I felt him shift, his posture straightening and his expression softening into contentment.

The transformation was so complete it made my chest ache.

When we reached the doors, he paused and turned to face me. His free hand came up to cup my cheek, and his eyes searched mine with an intensity that made me hold my breath.

"Remember," his voice dropped to that intimate tone that made my knees weak. "We're madly in love."

Then he leaned in, and for one wild, heart-stopping moment I thought he was going to kiss me. But his lips brushed against my forehead instead, soft and tender, lingering just long enough to make me wonder if this was all still pretend.

The doors opened.

"Finally!" Caesar's voice boomed across the dining room. He stood at the head of an elegantly set table, arms spread wide, a broad smile on his face that didn't quite reach his devilish eyes. "I was beginning to think you two had gotten distracted."

The knowing look in his eyes made my cheeks flame, and I was grateful for Dante's hand as it moved to the small of my back, pulling me closer against his side. Despite knowing this was all an act, I found myself leaning into it, into him.

"My apologies, Uncle," Dante said smoothly, his voice carrying that casual intimacy that made my heart skip. "Gianna needed help with her dress."

The way he said it, like helping me dress was something he did every day, made heat rise to my face.

Caesar's grin widened, his eyes gleaming. "Ah, yes. These things take time."

He moved toward us, pulling Dante into a firm embrace before turning that assessing gaze on me.

His eyes swept over me in a way that felt more like an appraisal than appreciation.

"And Gianna, you are absolutely radiant. That dress is exquisite on you."

"Thank you," I managed, acutely aware of Dante's hand splayed across my lower back, his fingers pressing into the silk of my dress.

Vera appeared at my side, her smile warm and genuine in a way her husband's wasn't.

"She's stunning, isn't she? Come, dear, sit with me. We women need to stick together while the men talk business."

She reached for my arm, but before she could guide me away, Dante's hand tightened on my waist.

"Actually," he said, his voice smooth but firm, "I'd prefer Gianna sit beside me."

Caesar raised an eyebrow, his smile widening with amusement. "Possessive already?"

"Can you blame me?" Dante pulled me closer, and I felt the heat of his body against my side. "We've been married less than a week. I find it difficult to be apart from her."

The words came out so naturally, so convincingly, that I looked up at him. His expression was so serious that for a moment I forgot we had an audience.

Caesar laughed, a deep booming sound.

"I understand completely. When Vera and I were newly married, I couldn't keep my hands off her either."

He winked at his wife, who blushed prettily.

"Let them sit together, my love. Tomorrow you'll have her all to yourself while Dante and I discuss business."

"I'll hold you to that," Vera agreed with a warm smile directed at me. "We'll have a proper girls' day. Shopping, wine, conversation without these brooding men hovering over us."

"That sounds lovely," I replied, surprised to find I meant it. Vera's warmth felt genuine, nothing like her husband's watchful presence.

Dante pulled out a chair for me, his hand resting briefly on my shoulder as I sat. His fingers squeezed lightly, reassurance or a reminder, I wasn't sure.

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