Page 48 of Dario DeLuca

Anger simmers in my veins at his presumptuous words. How dare he try to control me and my choices? "‘Allow’ me?" I scoff, my voice tinged with defiance. "I don't need your permission, Dario. This event, this opportunity, means everything to me."

We stare each other down, the tension crackling between us like electricity in the air. Something flickers in his dark eyes—worry? Protectiveness? I soften my stance slightly, hoping he can understand.

"Look, you're powerful, right? Have your men there to protect everyone. It'll be fine," I suggest, my voice laced with a plea for understanding. I have to do this—for my family and for my community."

Brushing past him, I feel the brief contact of our bodies, a spark of electricity that ignites my senses. As I enter my bedroom to change, the weight of his intense stare follows me, burning into my back. Turning around, I drink in his fitted charcoal suit that molds to every ridge of his tattooed body. The man is a walking sin covered in secrets.

"Look, you just worry about keeping everybody safe tonight," I assert with a huff, my voice tinged with frustration and affection. "I'll handle the rest."

I don’t tell him that deep down I agree with him. Going to this opening after receiving another threat might not be the best move. But we’ve spent years working on this community center, and I don’t want to throw that away because someonemightdecide to come after me.

He promised he’d protect me, so I trust in that. Besides, there is no way whoever this is will make a move at something this big.

With a shake of his head, Dario steps back, allowing me to close the door and complete getting dressed. The room fills witha charged silence as I prepare for the night ahead, the weight of our unspoken emotions lingering in the air.

I pull on a pair of form-fitting black pants and a silk blouse and check out my reflection in the mirror, smoothing over my pants. All the while, anticipation builds within me like a storm brewing beneath the surface. To think the endless days, nights, and long weekends are finally coming to an end.

The weight of responsibility presses down on me along with the nerves, but it feels wrong not to be excited about it, too. Even though the tension remains between my dad and I, this moment trumps everything. From the promise of my hand in marriage to a nefarious person like Dario, to the secrets he’s hiding, none of it matters. Today, it’s about the one common bond we share. His idea is becoming a reality. Swallowing hard against the lump forming in my throat, I move through my final touches robotically until I step out fully dressed in kitten heels that click against the marble floor as I walk down the stairs to the living room where Dario waits for me.

We pullinto the parking lot among cheerful citizens and local media. Evelyn is there stumping for her candidate as usual, and there is an increase in protection, thanks to Dario. But I can’t worry about that now. My parents arrive, and the attention is diverted from me momentarily. Dario and Rafael meet my parents at the door of the car, escorting them to my side.

“Mom, you look beautiful,” I say, acknowledging her presence.

“As do you, my love.” She hugs me, and I reciprocate. Dad grabs my hand. “You did it, baby,” my dad beams, framing myface with his soft hands. This center will change so many kids’ lives. You’ll see."

Mom loops her arm through mine. Her pride is evident by the crinkling, soft laughter lines. "We're so incredibly proud of you, Mia."

For now, any lingering resentment over my dad’s deal with Dario melts away as I bask in their affection. Dario joins us, and we turn toward the crowd and wave in the usual political fashion. The city manager brings over the oversized novelty pair of shears, and Dad and I place our hands on the handle.

“The Gordon Community Center is now open!”

Flashing cameras and cheers from the crowd greet us as we slice the ceremonial ribbon. Pride swells in my chest—this is my legacy being cemented before my eyes.

We stroll inside, welcoming those who have gathered to tour the building before the inaugural dedication speeches take place.

The community center is abuzz with excitement and energy. People mingle throughout the ample space, admiring the various rooms. There are sleek computer labs with the latest tech…quiet study nooks tucked into cozy corners…, and even a craft room humming with sewing machines and sculpting tools. This place has everything a kid could need to find their spark.

I work the crowd with a smile, engaging the attendees in conversation and soaking up their enthusiasm. Their joy and gratitude wash over me, fueling my sense of accomplishment.

Spotting my parents across the room, I approach them, Dario trailing close behind me like a silent sentinel. My mother envelopes me in a tight hug, her eyes misty.

"Oh, Mia, just look at what you've done here! It's marvelous," she gushes, squeezing my hands.

Dad beams with pride, though I can still see the shadows of strain around his eyes from our recent disagreement. "You'veoutdone yourself, sweetheart. This is going to make such a difference for so many."

We pose for some photos together, the smiles genuine even if the emotions underneath are more complicated. I'm determined not to let our issues detract from the joy and significance of this day.

As I continue circulating and basking in the crowd's positive energy, I can't shake the awareness of Dario constantly at my back, watching me. His presence both unnerves and thrills me, sending shivers down my spine.

What is this hold he seems to have over me? I both crave his approval and bristle at his attempts to control me. My feelings are a tangled mess when it comes to my dark, dangerous captor.

But I don't have time to unravel them now. Today is about the community center, not my confusing emotional state. I paste on a glowing smile and focus on the beautiful celebration unfolding before me.

As I continue mingling with the enthusiastic crowd, I feel a magnetic pull drawing me toward Dario. Glancing over, I see him standing to the side, talking with his constituents, yet his piercing gaze is fixed intently on me as I wrap up a conversation with the head of the scholarship committee.

My heart stutters as he approaches with panther-like grace, the crowd parting reverently around him. Up close, his chiseled features and blue eyes promise forbidden pleasures.

"I see you're wearing my ring,” Dario says as he materializes at my elbow.

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