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Dante appears from around the corner, offering his arm to me. Everyone stares at him like he is a god, and he is. He is my version of a god, if god were the Devil.

“I always miss you.” I give him a wink and take his arm in mine.

“What do you do while I am in class?”

“I wait for you,” he says as if there is no other possible answer.

“That cannot be all that you do. Seriously, tell me.”

“You’re right. I wait for you, and sometimes I will look at pictures I have of you. This one’s my favorite.”

He pulls out a photo of me sleeping on his bed, completely nude. I gasp, covering his phone with my hand.

“Someone could have seen that!”

He chuckles at me, “I’d have to kill them if they did.”

He winks at me, and my cheeks heat.

“Don’t forget about dinner tonight,” I smile up at him.

“What dinner?” He has an annoyed expression fixed on his face.

I slap his chest playfully, and he chuckles, kissing the top of my head.

A week ago, I was on the verge of ending it all. I saw no hope, no future. Now that is all I want— a future with Dante.

* * *

I had Dante take me to get a new dress, and I picked out his outfit for the evening. I love how he looks when he is all dressed up. My dress is black and silk. The sleeves hang off the shoulder, and the floor-length gown features a slit that extends up the thigh. I am pairing it with my gold heels that I adore. I have done my make-up minimally, which is what Dante likes. I did add a red lip, though. I love how red lipstick really makes the look.

Dante is wearing black dress slacks and a black button-up shirt. He wears a gold tie to match my shoes and a black sports coat. His face is clean-shaven, but his hair is still messy. I don’t mind it, though. He looks perfect.

I head downstairs to show Dante the completed look. I step out of the elevator, and his eyes meet mine from across the room.

“You look fucking gorgeous.” His tone is dark and possessive.

I do a spin for him, and he whistles at me, taking a drink of his bourbon. He places his drink down and walks over to me, cupping my head in his hand.

“I can’t wait to ruin this make-up later,” he brings his lips to meet my neck, and he places a soft kiss, but it doesn’t feel like a threat. It feels like a promise.

* * *

We arrive at my parents’ house, and he escorts me to the door. He looks like a true gentleman right now. Sergio greets us, and we make our way to the formal dining room.

The scent of rosemary and garlic permeates the air around us. Memories rush back to me from when I was a child, and my mom would cook for our family around the holidays. She always loved hosting dinners.

She has really gone all out. She has set the table with her finest china and prepared one of her best dishes: braised short ribs over creamy garlic-mashed potatoes. It is one of my many comfort foods, and I can’t wait to hear what Dante thinks of it.

My mother emerges from the kitchen, accompanied by my father.

“Oh, honey, how are you?” She pulls me in for an overdue embrace.

“I am good, Mom.” She gives me a curt smile, and my father snakes his hand around her waist, pulling her into his side.

“Ev,” he gives me a nod and shoots his gaze towards Dante, who is looming over me, “Dante.” He gives Dante a nod as well, and he gestures towards the table.

I take my seat next to Dante, and my mother and father sit directly across from us.