Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 229

Gianna's POV

Later that evening, Dante and I were back in our room, standing on the balcony. The sun was beginning to set, casting everything in shades of gold and amber.

He stood behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist, and I relaxed against his chest, looking out over the beautiful estate and the trees beyond.

It was peaceful and perfect.

But my mind would not stop racing.

"So," I began casually, trying to keep my tone light. "What did you and your uncle talk about?"

I felt Dante stiffen slightly behind me, though his arms did not loosen their hold.

"I guessed it was about me," I continued when he did not immediately answer. "He does not trust me, does he?"

Dante sighed, his breath warm against my hair. "He can be difficult."

"I understand," I replied, and I meant it. "He is looking out for you. I do not blame him for being cautious."

"Gianna..."

I turned in his arms so I could look up at him. "It is okay, Dante. Really. I get it."

But Dante's expression was serious. He cupped my face in his hands, his thumb brushing across my cheek.

"I told my uncle that I trust you completely," he said firmly. "I made sure he understood that. And after a lot of back and forth, he decided to trust my judgment. You have nothing to worry about."

Warmth spread through my chest, easing the tension I had not realized I had been carrying. "Thank you," I whispered.

"Always," he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I leaned into him for a moment, then pulled back with a small smile. "So what did you and Vera talk about?"

Dante raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement crossing his features. "You are really interviewing all my conversations now? Is it going to be like this? Reporting every speech to you?"

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "That is how trust is built. So I do not drive myself crazy wondering. When I am curious, I can ask and know the truth."

Dante smirked, shaking his head. "You are truly something."

"And you are just realizing this now?" I shot back with a grin.

He chuckled, then his expression grew more serious. "I spoke to Vera about setting up an appointment for you. With a gynecologist."

I blinked, confused. "A gynecologist? Why..." And then it hit me. My eyes widened. "Oh God. We did not use anything last night."

"No," Dante said carefully. "We did not."

Panic flared in my chest. "Does that mean I could be..."

"Pregnant?" Dante finished. "Probably not. But it is possible."

"Oh my God," I breathed, my mind racing. How could I have been so careless? How could I have completely forgotten...

"Gianna," Dante said firmly, his hands gripping my shoulders. "Breathe. Do not panic."

"How can I not panic?" I asked, my voice rising slightly. "I could be pregnant, Dante. I am not ready for that. I want to finish my degree. I want..."

"I know," he cut me off gently. "That is why I asked Vera to set up the appointment. For contraceptive options. So we can prevent this from happening again."

I stared at him, my panic slowly giving way to shock. "You did that?"

"Yes."

"But... I thought you wanted a baby."

Dante's expression softened. He brushed his thumb across my cheek, his touch gentle. "Not at your expense. You told me you are not ready, Gianna. So we will wait until you are."

Emotion welled up in my chest, overwhelming and intense. I surged forward, pressing my lips to his in a passionate kiss.

Dante made a surprised sound, then kissed me back, his arms tightening around me.

When I finally pulled away, breathless, he was staring at me with dark, heated eyes.

"Whoa," he murmured. "Slow down."

"Why?" I asked, my voice breathless.

"Because I am trying to hold back," he said, his voice strained. "Until after the appointment."

My heart sank. "So we cannot... we are not going to have sex tonight?"

"Not if you do not want to risk getting pregnant," Dante said, though I could hear the reluctance in his voice.

"You are not desperate," he said fiercely. "You are honest. You are brave. And I want to know exactly how I make you feel. Always. Do you understand me?"

I nodded, breathless.

His thumb moved to my lips, tracing the curve of my bottom lip before pulling it down slightly. "I need to hear you say it, pretty doll."

"I understand," I whispered.

"Good." His hands slid from my face to wrap around my waist, pulling me flush against him. "Because I have wanted you all day."

He pushed his hips forward, and I felt the hard length of him pressing against my stomach.

Heat shot through me instantly.

"Do you feel that?" he growled in my ear. "That is what you do to me. That is how badly I want you too. So do not ever think you are alone in this."

God, the way he talks to me. The way he makes me feel wanted, desired, needed.

"You should always tell me how you feel," Dante continued, his voice rough with need. "I do not care if you think it makes you sound desperate. I want to know when you are thinking about me. When you are aching for me. When you need me so badly you can barely think straight."

"Dante," I breathed, my hands clutching at his shirt.

"Tell me, Gianna. Right now. Tell me what you want."

"I want your hands on me," I confessed. "Your lips on me. I want..."

His mouth crashed against mine, swallowing the rest of my words. The kiss was hungry, consuming, all teeth and tongue and raw need.

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard.

"I love that I can be myself around you," I said softly. "That I do not have to hide what I feel. That you want to know."

A fierceness flashed in Dante's eyes. "You never have to hide from me," he declared. "Not your thoughts, feelings, or desires. I want all of you, pretty doll. Every desperate, needy, beautiful part."

A smile tugged at my lips. "Even when I interrupt your conversations and demand full reports?"

"Especially then," he said, his own lips curving. "You are a load of defiance and trouble. It is one of the most infuriating and favourite part about you.."

I laughed, breathless and giddy.

Dante's expression shifted, turning wicked. "Now," he murmured, his hands sliding down to grip my ass, pulling me harder against him. "Let me show you exactly what I can do to that smart mouth of yours."