Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 197

Gianna's POV

I chuckled, knowing it wasn't possible considering Dante's jealousy. He wasn't just going to let me hang with another guy.

"I don't think that's possible."

"I love a good challenge." He tilted his head. "Are you from around here?"

"Um, no. America."

"American!" He laughed, shaking his head. "Let me guess. New York? California?"

I hit back playfully. "My parents are originally Italian, but I was born and raised in the States."

"Ah, so you're one of us." He switched to Italian for a moment before going back to English. "How's your Italian?"

"Better than my English," I teased.

He laughed. "I like you already."

We went back and forth, the conversation flowing easily. He asked me questions, and I found myself relaxing more than I had in days.

"So," I asked, "are you from around here?"

"Born here." He spread his arms. "Monaco. Raised between here and Italy though. Best of both worlds."

"Must be nice," I said wistfully.

"It is." He paused. "I'd love to show you around sometime. Where have you been so far?"

I thought about it. "Not many places. Shopping. The spa."

He shook his head, grinning. "Don't mean to be hard on your ladies' day, but there's so much more to see."

"Like what?"

"The old town. The palace. The casinos at night. The coastline at sunset." His eyes lit up. "Monaco isn't just about luxury. It's about history and beauty."

I found myself leaning in, intrigued. "What's your favorite place?"

"Port Hercules at night," he said without hesitation. "The yachts, the lights reflecting on the water. It's peaceful, away from all the noise."

We talked for what felt like hours, sharing stories. At some point he waved over a server, and we ate small appetizers and sipped drinks.

The sun beat down, and the world around us seemed to fade.

"Come swim with me," he said suddenly.

I shook my head. "No, thanks."

"Come on," he insisted. "You're in Monaco. You can't just sit here the whole time."

"I can't swim," I admitted.

He blinked. "Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"Then I'll teach you." He stood and extended his hand.

"I don't think..."

"Don't overthink it," he said, his voice gentle. "Be adventurous. Just for a few minutes."

I glanced across the pool. Vera was laughing with Estelle. Mira was smiling, her head thrown back as Arnold whispered something in her ear. They were all having fun, and I was sitting here worrying about Dante finding out.

It was just swimming. Just a few minutes in the water. It wasn't like anyone was going to tell Dante. He wasn't even here.

"I'll try," I muttered, taking his hand.

He grinned, leading me toward the water. The pool was warm, the sun glinting off the surface. He stepped in first, then turned to me, holding out both hands.

"Come on. I've got you."

I hesitated at the edge, my heart pounding. The water lapped at my feet.

"Trust me," he said.

I took a breath and stepped in. The water rose to my waist, then my chest. My feet barely touched the bottom.

I laughed, the fear melting away completely. "I don't know about that."

"Trust me," he said. "A few more lessons and you'll be swimming laps."

The second he said that, my foot slipped.

I yelped as my balance disappeared. My body tipped forward and suddenly my face was under water. For one horrifying second all I saw were bubbles and blue.

"Easy," he chuckled as his strong hands grabbed me immediately. "I've got you."

He pulled me back up before I could properly panic, holding me steady while I coughed and sputtered, pushing wet hair out of my face.

"A natural, huh?" I gasped.

He laughed. "Beginner's wobble."

"I highly doubt that," I said between breaths, giggling despite myself while trying to stay afloat.

He laughed too, keeping a firm hand around my waist so I didn't sink again.

"It's going to take a lot more than a few lessons before I'm swimming laps," I added between breaths, still giggling as I tried to regain some dignity.

I glanced toward the edge of the pool.

A tall figure stood there.

Broad shoulders blocking out the sunlight.

The laughter died in my throat.

A cold chill ran down my spine as I squinted up at him. At first all I could see was the outline. The hard stance. The fists clenched at his sides.

Then he stepped forward.

My blood turned to ice.

Dante.