Chapter 60- Breaking Point
Lucia “I need to discuss something with you My voice remained steady as I stood in Dame’s home office, though my heart raced beneath my carefully composed exterior. Morning light streamed through the floor–to–ceiling windows, casting long shadows across his massive desk.
Dante barely glanced up from the stack of transition documents before him. “The harbor development reports can wait until after the press conference.”
This in’t about busness. The words came out sharper than intended, making has dark eyes finally fix on me with that predatory focus I’d grown to both crave and fear. “Or rather, or just business.”
“Go on.” He set down his pen with precise control that spoke of carefully restrained power.
“First, I want to thank you.” I forced myself to meet his gaze directly. “What you’ve done for my family, for our shipping operations, the alliance has been more successful than we could have hoped.”
His expression shifted slightly – a micro–tell most wouldn’t notice. “Gratitude doesn’t usually require private meetings at seven AM.”
“No, it doesn’t.” I moved to the window, needing distance from his intensity. “But what I need to tell you does.”
“Lucia.” My name carried waming on his lips. “Stop circling and say what you care to say.”
Tim going to Oslo,” The words rushed out before I could lose my nerve. The University’s Master of Public Policy program. I’ve already applied.”
The silence that followed felt charged with dangerous possibility. When I finally turned back. Dante had gone absolutely still – then lethal sullness that preceded explosions.
“Norway.” His voice held deadly calm. When exactly were you planning to inform me of this decision?”
*I’m informing you now,” Llifted my chin, refusing to be intimidated by the growing darkness in his eyes. The program starts next fall, after our
Conifaci
“No.”
“Excuse me?”
“I said no.” He stond with fluid grace, power radiating from every line of his body. “You’re not going to fucking Norway.
Hear rushed to my cheeks as anger finally cracked through my careful composure. “You don’t get to make that decision.”
“Don’t “He moved around the desk with predatory intent. “Last I checked, you’re still wile.”
“On paper!” I shot back. For a carefully negotiated business arrangement that’s served its purpose. You’ve won the election. The alliance is secure
There’s no nam-
“No reason?” He backed me against the window, raging me between his arms. “Is that what you tell yourself to justify running away!!
“I’m not running!” But even heard the lie in my voice. “Toi pursuing educational opportunities that will benefit both fundies – ”
“Bullshit.” His face lowered until I could feel his breath on my lips. “Try again, cara. Tell me the real reason you want to flee to another continent.”
“Don’t” I pressed my hands against his chest, needing distance before I shattered completely. “Dnest use that name like it means anything beyond
political convenience.
“Political convenience His laugh held no humor. “Is that what you call what happens between us? What happened in that office last week? Or in our
bed the night before?”
“Mistakes.” My voice cracked on the word. “Complications that confused what should have been a simple business partnership.”
His hands tightened on the glass beside my head. “Simple.”
“Yes, simple!” Fury and pain finally exploded as I shoved against his chest. “Clean lines, clear terms, carefully negotiated boundaries – that’s what you’re good at, isn’t it? Reducing everything to contract clauses and tactical advantage!”
“You think that’s what this is Real anger colored his voice now, Just another business arrangement
“Isn’t it?” I met his dark gaze, testing him see all the hurt I’d been trying to hide. The perfect political wife, chosen for maximum impact. Another ave in your carefully controlled empire.”
“You have no idea what you are to me.” His voice droppeil dangerously low.
“Then tell me!” The words burst out like gunfire. “For oner in your life, stop calculating angles and just tell me the truth”
“The truth?” His hands caught my face, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You want to know why I won’t let you run away to Norway?”
“Yes!” I grabbed his wrists, not sure if I wanted to pull him closer or push ham away. “Tell me why, Dome. Tell me one thing that isn’t about business. or politics or carefully maintained appearancesd”
But he just stared at ine, that musele jumping in his jaw as he visibly fought for control. Always control. Always careful calculation instead of re
honesty
“That’s what I thought I pulled away, grief making my verslake. “You can’t even say it, can you? Can’t admit anything that perfectly ordered world.”
doesn’t
fit into your
Chapter on Breaking Point
“I love you.” The words fell like bombs between us. “God help me, but I do. I love you, and it’s killing me because you don’t know how to love anything beyond tactical advamage.”
He went absolutely still, shock cracking through his careful control for just a moment before shields slammed back into place.
“So yes, I’m going to Oslo.” I straightened my spine, gathering what remained of my dignity. “Because I can’t keep letting my heart break watching you reduce everything to business terms. I won’t survive it.”
“You can’t” He started but Teun him off.
Sometimes loving someone mean walking away before they destroyed you completely.
Even if every step felt like dying
“I love you.” The words fell like bombs between us. “Dante Romano, I love you, and a’s killing me because you don’t know how to love anything. beyond tactical advantage.”
He went absolutely still shock cracking through his careful control. The silence streiched between us, heavy with everything he couldn’t – or wouldn’t say
thing. Tell me I’m wrong. Tell me you feel-
“Say something.” My voice cracked as I searched his face for any reaction. “Anything.
“Love“” He finally spoke, the word coming out like it burned his throat,
I stepped back as if he’d stick me. “Don’t dismiss this like another business problem to manage.”
“What do you want me to say?” His voice carried carefully controlled fury. “You knew what I want you to say. But you can’t.” A bitter laugh escaped
רוד
“So you run.” His voice dropped dangerously low
Yes.” Insurmured
Chapter of Lost Control
