Chapter 4 Is she mad , or jealous .

CHAPTER FOUR

DANTE'S POV

Regina is so comfortable with me now. That's all I've wanted since the moment I laid eyes on her. It's hard to explain the feelings I have-definitely not love, but something raw and consuming. The way she looks at me, the way she agrees with everything I say-she's an obedient one. That's rare.

Then came the call. Mr. Adam. An emergency needed immediate attention. As much as I wanted my princess to take her time, we had to move quickly. I spoke with the boutique manager for a moment-an old employee I promoted when the others left on their own terms. The current staff are all new, but they know the rules. Or at least, they should.

After a short conversation, I strolled to the dressing room. That's when I heard it-someone trying to reveal my identity. My blood boiled. It's only been a week since I "died," but clearly, someone's eager to change that.

I walked into the room, my smirk wide and deliberate.

Regina looked shocked, and that stung more than I expected. I didn't want her to see me like this-not my princess.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice slicing through the room like a blade.

"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," the staff mumbled as she backed away, legs trembling. Lucky for her she had the strength to walk. She nearly tripped over herself as she fled.

"Princess, we need to leave," I said, keeping my gaze locked on her eyes-those eyes that suddenly held too many questions.

"I'll meet you outside," she replied, covering herself quickly with her arms, her top barely hanging on.

I gave her space and stepped out to wait, my mind still boiling. If it had been a stranger she was talking to, maybe I could let it go. But Mr. Adam? And his beautiful daughter-the one I've grown so obsessed with? Unforgivable.

I clenched my fists.

Some rules aren't just guidelines-they're lifelines. That staff member didn't just break a rule; she crossed a line she'll wish she hadn't.

I paced behind the car, fishing a cigarette from the crushed pack in my jacket pocket. Lit it. The smoke calmed the storm in my chest.

Then Regina came out. Her steps were slow but confident, oozing that hypnotic charm she wears like perfume. She smiled faintly, her face unreadable. It was like she didn't trust me anymore-not that I ever expected her to. She took the cigarette from my fingers without asking and lit it with ease.

She knew how to smoke. Not just puffing for show, but like someone who'd practiced pain into her lungs.

She had something to say-I could tell-but I wouldn't force her. Let her take her time. I've already decided: I'm not going anywhere. If I'm here, it's for all the wrong reasons. And I'm staying.

"We can leave now," she said coolly, voice pitched just enough to signal control. She flicked the dying cigarette to the ground and crushed it beneath her heel, then walked to the car.

It would've been better if she'd just walked off without speaking. I'm the one who gives orders, Regina. Learn that early, or you'll pay for disrespect in ways you won't forget.

I smirked, got in the car, and we drove off. The tension was back, but lighter now. Regina leaned her head back against the seat, maybe asleep, maybe pretending.

We arrived early. Armed men surrounded the house-real trained types. Mr. Adam clearly knows what he's doing.

But the man beside him when we pulled up? Different. Deadlier. He had a mark on his wrist that only certain kinds of people wear. Silent, watchful. I know that kind-I used to command them. He was Adam's undercover.

"Dante!" Adam called, standing from his chair. The man-Julian-brushed past me on his way out. Intentional. Testing me.

I walked in, giving Adam a half-smile.

"How's your first day? She giving you any trouble?" he asked, voice sharp, trying to sound casual.

"Not at all," I said lightly.

Regina's definitely a hard nut, but I like mine tough. She's suspicious of me-I can feel it-but that's part of the game.

He nodded, waved for me to sit.

"Regina's mom passed away years ago," he began, tone flat, "and since then she's been reckless. I wasn't there when she needed me most, but I believe she'll find her way."

His words lacked warmth. He wasn't comfortable with me. That much was obvious. But he'd better get used to it. Because I'm going to be the shadow he can't escape-his nemesis in flesh and smile.

"Her birthday's next week," he added. "Please keep an eye on her. Don't let her do anything stupid."

I nodded, forcing another grin. I don't take orders, but I'll play along. Being "Dante" is a role I'm still adjusting to. It's for the mission, after all.

After we wrapped up, I stepped out of the room. One of the house staff crossed my path. She paused like she wanted to confirm something.

"Are you... Dante?" she asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I gave a slight nod.

Her cheeks turned pink. "I'm Samantha. Regina's personal maid."

"A pleasure," I said, stepping slightly away, already preparing to leave the conversation.

"Dante..." she called again, hesitation clinging to her voice.

I turned back.

"Just so you know," she said, lowering her voice, "Regina's into you. She talks about you a lot. And I don't think it's just about your looks. There's something deeper-feelings, maybe."

I sighed, a low exhale.

"Are you confessing your feelings for me right now?"

I stepped in a little closer. Too close.

I already knew Regina had feelings. It wasn't hard to see-her defenses were loose, her reactions too raw. She was careless with her emotions, and I wasn't sure if I liked that or if it scared me.

Samantha's blush deepened. She looked nervous now. There was something in her face-uncertainty, or maybe fear.

I leaned just a bit closer.

"Samantha-" a voice called from a distance.

Regina.