ching her sister sleep. Sofia looked pale, her hair spread across the pillow. The l

whispered. "I won't let an

e with a tray of food. "The doctor sa

u," Isabe

her. "Dante told me to tell you breakfast

he didn't want to see him after

head. "You know h

kissed Sofia's forehead before leaving the room. He

g with two men Isabella didn't know. Dante sat at the end, calm as a

Dante

sat down. One of the men, older and dressed

the man said. "She looks

ying to ignore him. Dant

ow but sharp. "You speak once more

nervously. "I

making the table shake. "Doe

man swallowed and nodded

eason for the scene, but part of her felt a str

on her often, but she refused to look up. When the meal ended, the guests left q

't eat,"

ngry," Isabe

said again, his ton

eat

moved toward her. Isabella rose quickly, planning to leave,

o," sh

. "You're mine in every

n't belong to you. I'm her

ough," he said, his

ing. Back in her room, she sat by the window, staring out at

up, unsure if she should answer. The door opened slowly, and Dan

bella asked, clutching

shing. "Because you've b

to see you," s

e side of her bed. "You can run from me during t

ught. "Stay a

her hand, pulling it free from the blanket. His

e said, her v

cheek, thumb brushing her skin. "I cou

head quickly.

e, caught between fear and something else she didn't want to a

e Isabella pulled back, her hand pushing a

e's eyes stayed on her, dark and unreadable

use, Isabella," he said quietly

le. His mouth pressed against hers, stealing her breath. She pushed at

Without another word, he turned and walk

racing. She didn't know if she hated him or hated he