Page 57 of The Temptation

Romeo shows up with love. His mother shows up with an agenda.

He gives to build. She takes to survive.

He speaks a language of loyalty and care, but no one around him wants to understand it. Not even her.

But I do.

She treats him like a convenience. Her affection is conditional. And he’s left in the aftermath, asking himself, “Is there something wrong with me?”

There is nothing wrong with him. Having a soft heart comes with consequences. He’s misused and overlooked bythe one person who should love him the most. His mother. His flesh and blood.

She uses his love for her as a weapon. If my father taught me anything, it was to stop expecting people with shallow intentions to handle your heart like it’s something sacred. The only thing wrong here is how the world treats people like him.

I’ve figured out how to guard my heart without feeling guilty. He needs to do the same. This man deserves more than the scraps life has handed him. He deserves everything.

He doesn’t have to stop caring about that woman, but he has to stop carrying the load for that waste of fucking air.

I open the front door with narrowed eyes, already prepared for what I’m about to face.

“Lucia,” Dante growls when his eyes lock with mine. “Why are you answering the door?”

“Romeo is in the shower. He told me you were on the way over, so I knew it was safe to answer.”

“I was nearby when we spoke.”

“Hmm,” I hum, unimpressed.

“Are you going to let me in?”

“That depends,” I reply, lifting my chin slightly.

“You remind me of your sister when you do that.”

“Do what?”

He points at my face. “Give me that ‘don’t fuck with me’ look.”

I straighten my spine and pull my shoulders back. “I learnt from the best.”

“I can see that,” he replies, followed by a chuckle.

I stand there, stoic, still debating whether I’m going to let him inside or not.

“Well?” he asks.

“Well, what?”

“Can I come in?”

“Like I said, it depends.”

“You do realise I own this house, right?”

“That is irrelevant. Are you here as friend or foe?”

“Fucking hell, Luc. Do you honestly think I’m here to hurt him?”

“If you are, you’ll need to get through me first.”