Five

The thought struck Isabella like a bolt of lightning, her heart racing as she stared at Dominic's retreating figure. His arrogance was infuriating, but more than that, it was dangerous. This marriage wasn’t just about alliances or peace—it was a leash, one meant to bind her to a life she wanted no part of.

Isabella clenched her fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. Her father’s voice echoed in her head: This union will secure our family’s future. But what about her future? What about her freedom?

She cast a quick glance across the ballroom. Giovanni was deep in conversation with Lorenzo, their body language radiating satisfaction. This was everything they wanted.

But her? She wanted out.

Her mind drifted to Alessandro, he understood her like no one else did—her dreams, her fears, her fiery spirit that refused to be extinguished.

She could picture his face now, serious but kind, his voice calm and steady. We can do this, he would say. We can leave it all behind.

But could they? Could she turn her back on the life she’d always known, the expectations that had been drilled into her since birth? And if they did run, where would they go? There wasn’t a corner of the world where the Valentis wouldn’t find them.

The band struck up a lively tune, jolting her from her thoughts. Dominic had rejoined the party, a glass of whiskey in hand, his expression as unreadable as ever. He mingled effortlessly, his presence commanding, his charm disarming.

For a moment, she felt a flicker of doubt. Dominic Valenti wasn’t a man to be underestimated. He was cunning, ruthless, and undeniably magnetic. She couldn't marry him.

She had to get out of this. Somehow.

Isabella drained her glass and set it on a passing waiter’s tray. She needed air—space to think, to plan. She slipped through the crowd, her emerald gown brushing against polished shoes and the occasional tuxedoed arm.

The cool night air hit her like a slap as she stepped onto the terrace. She gripped the stone railing, her mind racing.

The door creaked behind her, and her pulse quickened. She turned to find Dominic, his hands tucked casually into his pockets, his gaze fixed on her.

“You have a habit of sneaking off,” he said, his tone light but laced with curiosity.

“And you have a habit of following,” she shot back, straightening her spine.

Dominic smirked, stepping closer until he was just a breath away. “I like to keep an eye on things that interest me.”

Isabella met his gaze, her hazel eyes blazing with defiance. “And what makes you think I’ll fall in line?”

His smirk widened, but his eyes darkened, a dangerous glint sparking within them. “Oh, I don’t expect you to fall in line, Isabella. I expect you to fight. And I look forward to winning.”

Her breath caught, anger and something unnameable flickering through her chest. Dominic was playing a game, and she was the prize.

But Isabella Lombardi wasn’t anyone’s prize.

Dominic stepped closer, tilting his head, his smirk softening into something darker, more intent. “You light up when you’re angry. It’s... intoxicating.”

She scoffed, taking a step back, but the cold stone railing stopped her retreat. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, here we are,” he murmured, now so close she could feel the heat radiating from him.

Her breath hitched as his hand rose, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “You have this fire, Isabella. It’s fascinating... dangerous even.”

She glared at him, her defiance unwavering. “Don’t think for a second that you can tame me, Dominic. You’ll regret trying.”

His smirk returned, a glint of challenge in his eyes. “Tame you? Principessa, I wouldn’t dream of it. But if you think you can walk away from me... think again.”

Before she could respond, he closed the gap between them, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was as bold and relentless as he was. It wasn’t gentle or sweet—it was a clash of wills, fiery and electrifying.

For a heartbeat, she froze, caught off guard by the intensity. Then, instinct took over. She pushed against his chest, breaking the kiss, her cheeks flaming with anger—and something else she didn’t dare name.

“How dare you?” she hissed, her voice a low growl.

Dominic’s expression remained unrepentant, his lips curling into a wicked grin. “Consider it a preview, Isabella.”

Her eyes blazed, and she shoved past him, her fists clenched at her sides. “You’ll regret underestimating me,” she said over her shoulder before disappearing back into the ballroom.

As she walked back into the ballroom, her mind was made up. If Dominic thought he could control her, he was so wrong.