Chapters 2: The Uninvited

From the shadows, Dante saw Elena enter the poorly lighted alley with a stiff posture but clear defiance. She was a sharp contrast to the surroundings—clean lines and quiet determination amid a landscape of urban ruin. Her presence seemed out of place in his environment, yet here she was, risking all to confront the same dangers he battled to underwrite.

Dante's instincts screamed for him to act, to seize control, to guarantee no damage came her way. He held back, though, observing her and wondering how someone so inexperienced and obstinate could be so brave in front of actual peril. And why couldn he look away from every rule he had ever set for himself?

The first footfall announced the entrance of the DiGregorio enforcers echoing down the small hallway. Three men appeared, their motions methodical, the arrogance of invaders believing they were unbeatable. Dante identified the commander right away—a tough man with a perpetual scowl and enough muscle to make most men uncomfortable.

"Turn around, girl," the man growled, moving toward Elena. "You are not fit here."

Elena ground herself, her chin raised to meet his eye. "I don't answer folks like you."

Dante observed and felt both respect and annoyance. She had no idea what she was facing. Still, she stood unwavering.

The commander laughed, clearly indicating his men to disperse. "bold, aren't you?" Embarrassment. Might have avoided a lot of trouble.

Rising from the shadows with a cool, under control wrath that froze the guys in place, Dante moved before he made a conscious decision. His reputation spoke for itself; his presence alone would have changed the rules.

"Step away," he said, his voice low and slanted toward danger. As he approached, his eyes stayed on the leader, so guiding himself between Elena and the enforcers.

The arrogance of the leader faltered as he identified Dante. "Moretto?" We were unsure—"

You did not need to know. Dante's tone broke no dispute, his eyes fixed nonstop. "I advise you to consider this to be your only warning."

The men paused, their conceit rapidly giving way to terror. But the leader, obviously trying to preserve face, pushed his luck and made the fatal mistake. He advanced, a scowl on his lips. "Moretti, this is no more your area. The things are shifting.

Dante slanted his head slightly, a perilous flash in his eyes. "So you believe you can rewrite the policies?"

There was no response; only a brief, tense stillness preceded the man giving his men a subdued signal. Drawing weapons, they lunged forward.

Dante answered with deliberate efficiency, his motions lethal and exact. The first assailant was crippled with one blow; the second, well-placed elbow forced the unarmed and confused attacker back-off. Dante tightened his hold in seconds, his cruel smirk playing on his lips as the leader was crushed against the wall.

"Run back to your boss," Dante said, his voice poisonous. Tell him he has lost by his carelessness.

He released the man with a last, deadly stare, letting his battered friends and he stumble off. Except for the echo of rushing feet as the enforcers vanished into the evening, the alley became quiet.

Turning to Elena, Dante expected either wrath or terror. She just crossed her arms, nevertheless, with a steady eye.

"Thank you," she responded, her voice lacking appreciation. But I had no need for saving.

Smoking, he folded his arms and watched her. Is that indeed? Because it seemed as though you were about to be in far over your reach.

Elena rolled her eyes, stepped back, and shrugged fiercely off her jacket. Maybe. But I need someone like you to guard me.

Dante felt a twingle of annoyance mixed with a flutter of delight. She was impossible, tenacious in a way he had not seen. And he couldn't determine whether he thought it fascinating or frustrating.

"People who undervalue their enemies don't last long," he remarked, his voice calm but tinged with warning. " Elena, this is not a game. You are engaging in fire play.

"I know exactly what I'm doing," she said, her voice cutting. "You suppose I lack understanding of this planet? I notice it daily. The only distinction is that I am striving to improve rather than control it.

He arched his eyebrows, a sarcastic smirk pulling at his mouth. "Is that your impression?" That you can correct all of this?

She answered, steadfastly, "Yes." "I'm not ignorant to what Dante here does. Not only do you care about our city. Others also do.

Dante laughed, even if the sound had any comedy value. "Be careful, Elena." Your naivety is clear.

He expected her to snap, to storm off or at least object. She looked at him instead, though, her face softening. "Perhaps you have forgotten what caring is like. Still, that does not mean everyone else has.

Her comments connected with me for the first time. Dante experienced a sensation he could not quite define—perhaps a recollection, maybe a ghost of a feeling he had long buried. He did not enjoy it.

Elena stepped forward, her voice lowering to a near whisper, before he could reply. "Dante, you're not as merciless as some would have people believe. I notice that.

Dante's smile wavered, then fluttered with vulnerability he rapidly covered. Nobody had ever ventured to look behind his front. None except her.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Elena," he whispered softly, his voice tinged with a warning he hardly felt himself.

She gave a little smile, her eyes fixed on nothing. Then are you?

She turned and went without another word, leaving him by alone in the alley. Dante observed her withdrawing form, her words echoing in his head.

A sharp cold enveloped him as he stood there, the familiar sense of control sliding through his fingers. He was not sure he wanted to stop his meticulously created universe from blurring for the first time.

Dante sat in his office the next day, lost in Elena's comments. Though he attempted to concentrate on business, her stubborn look, the way she had viewed him, lingered like an unwelcome shadow.

"Moretti?," asked Enzo's voice broke him back into reality.

Dante glanced up and saw Enzo's gloomy countenance.

"We have a problem," Enzo stated, setting a file on the desk. The men from DiGregorio did not treat yesterday night's threat lightly. They intend to launch a countermove.

Dante's jaw locked, his annoyance boiling beneath the surface. The DiGregorios were working harder than he had projected. Still, he knew their techniques and he wasn't one to be surprised.

Enzo said, "They're targeting her," his voice low. Elizabeth. Getting to her will, they believe, weaken you.

As Dante worked through the material, the air became charged. A part of him wanted to pretend Elena's safety had no bearing on anything else. But he was smarter. She had slipped into his consciousness, and the idea of her in danger set off something basic in him.

"What do you want me to do, boss?” Enzo questioned, his voice eager.

Dante stopped, his choice sharpening his eyes. "We forward to them a note. Make it abundantly obvious she is untouchable.

Enzo turned to show a flutter of surprise. You really are sure about that? You know the DiGregorios; they are not easily backoffable. Making her off-limits could cause problems.

Dante's determination just grew more intense. "I have no idea. She is forbidden.

His words' finality left no space for debate, hence Enzo nodded knowing the weight of the instruction. Dante leaned back as he left the room, a dark thrill coursed throughout him. Though they had no idea who they were dealing with, the DiGregorios reasoned they might use Elena against him.

Cold and deliberate, a smirk flashed at the edge of his mouth. He knew the hazards and the ramifications. But for the first time he experienced an unusual drive outside of power and control.