you don’t understand why dante’s been acting like this, but with your stubborn nature and hardheadedness, you’re not going to let this go until you get answers.

“why do you care?” you ask him with a scoff, trying to ignore the growing tension in the air between you.

“we’re only together because of a deal you made with my father. what’s it to you if my ex shows back up into my life? you know the wedding will move forward either way.” you say, as if it’s obvious, while also being completely frustrated and still confused, but determined to get said-answers from him.

“are you afraid i’ll break the engagement? run off with him, and leave you looking like a fool in front of your friends? why do you care?” you continue to question him as you step closer to him, your frustration only growing.

“i don’t know!” he snaps, his jaw clenching, clearly growing just as frustrated.

“i don’t know why i care. i just know i do, and i hate it,” he gives you somewhat of an answer, but his words are filled with self-loathing. “i hate the idea of you touching anyone else, or anyone else touching you.“

his words leave you surprised, even more as every word leads him closer to you, until you’re backing up against the wall.

despite the shock and the growing tension, you manage to pull yourself together, enough to answer through a whispered tone, “i don’t know isn’t good enough.”

his jaw clenches again, before he goes on, “he said he still loves you. enough to go against your parents, and me, to be with you. but, you broke up two years ago, and he didn’t do a damn thing about it until he found out you were engaged.”

“you want to know the truth, mia cara?” he asks, before continuing on, “if i loved you as much as he claims to love you, nothing would’ve stopped me from keeping you.”

“if…” you breathe out, your heart racing at what he’s insinuating, but yet refusing to say. “hypothetical.”

“yes, mia cara. hypothetical.” he says back, that tension between you both becoming intoxicating.