Page 117 of Wicked

As moonlight forms, we stand in silence, and I try to breathe. It’s hard, and I feel Dante’s powerful energy at my side. I force myself not to hold him, and I tell myself to calm the heck down.

The areas reserved for gladiator training are below, under the great trees. The polished and gleaming Italian sportscars sit below, and they look glorious. The only car that will not be used is the black Ferrari Dante and I use, and it is safely inside the castle.

In the distance, we see the horses in the stables, and I can just make out vineyards rolling over the Tuscan hills. That is where Dante’s sister will take people riding through the world-class vineyards.

“We’ve done well and thank you. Thank you for everything,” Dante says, turning to me and wiping a hair from my face.

I grin nervously and look into his rich green eyes. “My pleasure.” Dante holds me as we look down the coast and watch the moon rise.

Deep down, as I lean against his chest and feel his arms around me. I know one thing… I feelway too muchand I’m in huge trouble.

49

DANTE

I roll over and I watch Raven’s face. I trace a finger around her perfect curves below, and I run my hand up her thigh to her hip to her chest. I then process why it willnever work.

That I’m too old for her. That she’s too innocent. That I’m likely not good for her. We also live different lives, and she needs a sweet kid. I am not that guy. I’m broken.

“Watching someone sleep is creepy.”

“I’m thinking,” I say as she snuggles around.

“About the next lesson?”

It’s best she doesn’t know I’m thinking about her orus.“Yes.”

Her nose crinkles like a cute little creature. “You’re a bad liar. Also, a terrible lover.”

“Really?” I ask as she opens her eyes and looks into mine.

Raven nods, and I stupidly let it out. “Then … teach me how!”

“You… you want me to teach you. Teach you… how to… love?”

I inhale long and slow, and I try not to show my concern. How the hell has this happened?

Raven sits up, and as I lay on the bed, she moves around. She comes to rest on me, and she lays on my chest.

“Look, I don’t usually do private lessons,” Raven says playfully. “So, I better check if you’re suitable.” She is an inch from my face, and her eyes twinkle.

Here we go.

“First, are you good with lessons?”

I nod, and it’s hard to be my usual serious or grumpy self. Raven, as always, is light and playful. I like that about her, and I’m attracted to that pure and free energy.

“Can you do as you’re told?”

I pause, and I’m slow to cover it up.

“We’ll call that a no,” Raven says fast. “And are you okay with homework?”

I nod slowly, wondering if it’s a trap.

“Okay. Finally, are you a team player?” Raven watches me closely, and I clear my throat.

“I’ve never had a real or lasting relationship!”

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