Chapter 20
Beatrice looked down at the silver pocket watch clutched tightly in her gloved hand.
The anger that had consumed her for the past three days began to evaporate into the cold night air.
She realized that holding Dante accountable for his father’s sins was no different than people judging her for her background.
“My father loved this watch,” she murmured, tracing the worn silver edges with her thumb.
“He used to say that time was the only asset you couldn't buy back once you lost it.”
“He was a wise man,” Dante said quietly.
“Why didn't you just give this to me from the start?” she asked, looking back up into his dark eyes.
“Because I wanted you to build your own empire first,” Dante explained with a faint, genuine smile.
“If I gave it to you when we met, it would have felt like pity or a bribe.”
“Now, you stand here as the CEO of Gallagher Financial, owing nothing to anyone.”
Beatrice stepped closer to him, closing the distance between them until she could feel the heat radiating from his body.
“You called me your queen in front of hundreds of people, Dante.”
“I meant every word,” he replied, his tone suddenly intense, stripped of all corporate armor.
“In my world, a king doesn't choose a ornament. He chooses a partner who can stand beside him in the storm.”
She looked up into his fierce, dark eyes and realized that she didn't want to go back to her quiet, hidden life.
She had tasted power, truth, and passion, and there was no returning from it.
“The storm isn't over, is it?” she asked softly.
Dante reached out and cupped her cheek, his thumb gently smoothing her skin.
May you like
“With you by my side, Beatrice, let the storm come.”
He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers, a deep, possessive kiss that consumed everything else in the universe.
