Chapter 6 The puppet master

Chapter 6 The Puppet Master

​The floor-to-ceiling windows of Dante's bedroom offered a view of the entire city, but Elena only cared about the building directly across the street-Thorne Tower. Or what was left of it.

​"You've been staring at his name on that building for an hour," Dante's voice vibrated behind her.

​He was shirtless, his body a map of hard muscle and scars that spoke of a much more violent past than Silas's. He wrapped his arms around her waist, his large hands splaying across her stomach, pulling her back against his chest.

​"I'm imagining the moment the sign comes down," Elena whispered, leaning her head back against his shoulder.

​Dante bit the shell of her ear, his breath hot. "I can make it happen tonight. One phone call, and I'll have a crew dismantling his legacy before dawn."

​"No." Elena turned in his arms, her silk robe sliding open just enough to make Dante's eyes darken with that familiar, predatory hunger. She traced the line of his jaw with a slow, teasing finger. "I don't want it dismantled. I want it rebranded. I want my name where his used to be."

​Dante's grip tightened, his knuckles turning white against her skin. "You're greedy, Elena. I like that. But what are you willing to give me for it? I've already given you his company. I've given you his pride."

​"You haven't given me anything, Dante," she challenged, her voice low and steady. "You bought a debt. You're just protecting your investment. If you want more from me... if you want the 'loyalty' you keep barking about... then show me you can be more than just a buyer."

​Dante growled, lifting her onto the dresser, scattering expensive watches and cologne bottles. He stepped between her legs, his face inches from hers. "You're playing with fire. You think because I'm obsessed with you, I'm weak? I could lock you in this penthouse and never let you see the sun."

​"You could," Elena smirked, her hands sliding into his dark hair. "But then you'd just have a doll. And we both know you didn't pay billions for a doll. You want the woman who can look you in the eye and tell you no."

​Dante's composure snapped. He kissed her with a desperate, crushing intensity, his hands roaming her body as if he were trying to memorize every curve.

​

​The next morning, a courier arrived. Not for Dante, but for Elena.

​Dante intercepted the package in the foyer, his face a mask of pure, unadulterated rage. He threw a velvet box onto the breakfast table. Inside was a tattered, blood-stained lace ribbon-the one Elena had worn on her wedding night with Silas.

​A note sat beneath it: I still have the pieces of you he can't buy. See you tonight. - S.

​"He's in the building," Dante roared, slamming his fist onto the table. "I'll kill him. I'll have my men find him and bury him in the foundation of his own tower!"

​Elena picked up the ribbon, her expression unreadable. She didn't look scared; she looked calculating.

​"He's baiting you, Dante," she said calmly, tossing the ribbon into the trash. "He wants you to lose your mind. He wants you to look like a monster so I'll run back to the 'devil I know'."

​"And will you?" Dante grabbed her shoulders, his eyes wild with jealousy. "Is that what this is? A game to see which of us snaps first?"

​Elena stepped into his space, her hands flat against his thundering heart. "He's pathetic, Dante. But he's right about one thing-he has memories. And memories are the only thing you can't buy."

​"Then I'll make new ones," Dante rasped, his obsession flaring. "I'll make memories so intense you'll forget his name even existed."

​"Then prove it," Elena whispered. "There's a gala tonight. Silas will be there, hiding in the shadows, watching us. I want you to walk me into that room and show him that I don't just belong to you... I own you."

​Dante froze. The power move was brilliant, and he knew it. She was using his obsession as a shield to walk right into Silas's face and spit on him.

​"You're using me," Dante murmured, his voice a mix of pain and admiration.

​"I'm a quick learner," Elena replied. "Now, go find me a dress that makes Silas want to jump off a bridge, and make sure your security is tight. I want him to watch, but I don't want him to touch."

​Dante's eyes turned pitch black. "He won't get within ten feet of you. But Elena... once we get home from that gala... you're going to pay for this manipulation."

​Elena stepped back, a cold, beautiful smile on her lips. "I look forward to the bill, Dante."