Chapter 2 Certainly not love.

CHAPTER TWO

DANTE'S POV

I wasn't prepared for her.

Regina Adams-Mr. Adams' daughter-wasn't just pretty; she was drop-dead gorgeous. Curvy in all the right places, with a confidence that could light up the darkest room. Big brown eyes, luscious lips, and that body? Jesus. The lemon dress she wore clung to her like a second skin, and I had to force myself to look away before my thoughts betrayed me.

After Mr. Adams gave me a quick rundown of my duties and the layout of the house, I stepped out of his study. The place was classy-rich mahogany panels, marble floors, and artwork that probably cost more than a car. It was the kind of home that screamed wealth, but still managed to feel warm.

Just as I was about to head outside, I noticed a guy sitting in the lounge on the second floor. He looked like trouble-cocky, relaxed, too sure of himself. Not long after, Regina walked in. The tension between them was obvious.

Then, I saw it.

He grabbed her wrist. Forcefully.

My jaw clenched.

Mr. Adams had told me to only intervene if she left the premises, but I don't do well with rules-especially when they get in the way of protecting someone like Regina. I wasn't just here to guard her. I was here to make sure no one made her feel small, scared, or disrespected.

So I followed.

They headed to the garage, and I stayed in the shadows just long enough to hear everything. He cheated on her. Figures. Regina deserves a king-not some punk who doesn't know what he has.

Then he grabbed her again.

Enough was enough.

"Let go of her. This instant."

My voice was calm, but sharp enough to slice through steel.

He turned, visibly startled. "And who the hell are you?"

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. "Do you really want to find out now... or later?"

The dude backed off so fast I could practically hear his ego deflating. Regina just stood there, stunned, her eyes flicking between us like she wasn't sure what just happened.

I walked toward my car-my matte-black G-Wagon-opened the passenger door, and looked her dead in the eye.

"Get in the car, Regina."

"You're not going anywhere with him," the punk protested. "I'm your boyfriend!"

I shot him a glare. That was the last warning he'd get.

Regina hesitated for a second, then walked over. Our eyes met. Hers were wide, full of curiosity, anger, maybe even... gratitude? She got in the car, and I shut the door behind her.

As I drove off, the tension in the car was thicker than Miami humidity. She folded her arms tightly across her chest-which, by the way, only made her curves more pronounced.

"I'm not a kid," she said finally, her voice low but firm. "I don't want to be followed around like one."

"It's only for three months," I said casually, keeping my eyes on the road. "It'll fly by."

"Three months?" she snapped. "That's forever!"

She turned to the window, arms still crossed, lips pouting in the most annoyingly adorable way possible.

"You aren't gonna ask for directions?" she said with a sarcastic edge.

I smirked. "No need, princess. I'll take you there."

Her cheeks flushed, and I caught a glimpse of her reflection in the rearview mirror-she looked flustered and annoyed, but she didn't stop me. I liked that.

When we pulled up to the boutique, she blinked in surprise.

"Wait... you work here?"

I chuckled. "Nope. I own it."

It was one of the hottest spots in all of Miami, and yeah, I'm proud of it. The place screamed style, elegance, and power-just like me.

"Good afternoon, Sir," one of the staff greeted.

"Not bad," Regina said, pretending to be unimpressed. But I saw the sparkle in her eyes.

"I've got good taste, huh?" I teased. "Go ahead-take whatever you want."

"Don't be silly. I just need one dress. I already have way too many clothes," she replied, eyeing the racks.

"You say that now..." I muttered under my breath, watching her browse.

While she searched, I stepped aside to take a call. It was Lamarck-one of my top men-updating me on a shipment from China.

"You'll handle it," I said smoothly. "That's why you're my right hand."

"But-"

"Unless you want your head separated from your shoulders..." I let the threat hang in the air.

"I got it, boss," he said quickly.

As I ended the call, I turned around-and froze.

Regina had just stepped out of the dressing room.

Her red dress clung to every curve like it was made for her and only her. Her boobs practically defied gravity, and her waist? Snatched. She twirled around, grinning like a kid showing off a new toy.

"So... how do I look?" she asked, all innocent.

I stood up slowly, taking her in with every fiber of my being.

"You look amazing, princess," I said, my voice husky. "But you're not wearing that."

She frowned. "Why not?"

I stepped closer, our bodies just inches apart.

"With those boobs and that ass?" I whispered into her ear. "You really want everyone seeing that?"

Her breath caught. She looked up at me, her cheeks a shade of pink that had nothing to do with blush.

She shook her head.

"Good girl," I said, gently brushing her hair back. "Let me pick something out for you. And if you don't mind... I'll help you get dressed too."

I held her hand, leading her back into the dressing room-where this little story was only just beginning.