Chapter 22 Jealousy
"Don't you think it's too fast for you to be too handsy with Antonio?"
I search his face for any hint of jealousy, and it's clearly shown by the stern look on his face. Based on how his eyebrows are furrowed and his jaw clenches slightly, it seems what happened earlier between Antonio and me finally gets to him. It looks like he is jealous of Antonio, or maybe I'm just delusional, hoping that Dante actually feels jealous.
Dante's concern is quite reasonable, though, at least for someone who doesn't show their affection through physical contact. In my opinion, being a bit more handsy after two months of a relationship sounds pretty normal to me. I mean, some people are already doing more than just hugging each other before their relationship hits a month, so why does Dante think it's too fast? It could be just his jealousy, but let's hear out his reasoning.
"Well, Antonio and I have been technically dating for two months, so I don't think so. Why?" I ask.
"He might take it as a hint that you want to take the relationship further," Dante says.
"Isn't that a good thing? If we get closer to each other, he'll let his guards down around me and make it easier to fish information out of him," I say.
"Well, yes. That's one way to view it, but what if he wants something more than just a touch?" Dante asks, implying something more intimate with the look he gives me.
Oh, so that's what he's thinking. It's confirmed. Dante is definitely jealous. I mean, why would he worry about my sex life if he has no feelings towards me? His reaction is proof that he wants me for himself, and I like it. I wish he were more up front about it and not hiding his true feelings, though. At this point, I think I should be the one who takes the initiative and confesses first because Dante's probably afraid of angering my father if he confesses first.
"More than just a touch? Do you mean sex? Well, if he asks for it, my answer will be no. If he forces himself on me like how Paolo did, then I'll tell my father and dump him. As much as I hate that it will ruin my plan to fight the Romanos, I'd rather break off the relationship than stay and risk my safety. As for the Romanos, I'll definitely find a way to fuck them up without the Ricci," I say.
"Easier said than done," Dante scoffs mockingly.
"Oh, trust me. It is easy," I say.
"If it's truly that easy, what will your plan B be?" Dante asks.
"I'll do the obvious. I'll spy on the Romanos, especially Alvaro. We're one of the most influential and powerful families here in this country. So, it shouldn't be difficult to fight the Romanos. It's time for us to reclaim our power and fight back against the Romanos," I say.
I only now remember that my family literally rules over 50% of Italy's underworld, making us the most influential and powerful crime family out here. The Romanos, on the other hand, only rule the southern territory of Italy. Other than that, we have lots of connections with influential people in the government and law enforcement. I don't understand why my father has always been downplaying his power all this time and letting the Romanos treat us like we're lesser than them. Does he truly forget about all that he has?
"We are indeed powerful, but that doesn't mean we can act recklessly. A plan like that would only end your family in demise," Dante says.
"Then what's your suggestion?" I ask.
"First, keep all the touching at bay. Don't lead Antonio on too quickly, or he'll ask for more from you. Second, be in the Ricci family's favour. If I'm not mistaken, their front company will be holding an anniversary function in three weeks. While you're there, suck up to the family and gather as much info as you can, perhaps by talking with Fabio and Mariano about their business. However, you should tread carefully. They might get suspicious if you ask the obvious," Dante says.
Dante's plan is basically the same as my original plan: stick to the Ricci and gather information about them. About the touching, though, we both know why he doesn't want me to be all touchy-feely with Antonio.
"That's a good plan. Hopefully, they'll invite us to the function. Maybe my father already got the invitation. And anyway, Dante, if you're jealous, just say so," I say with a smirk. Dante stares at me. His gaze is now empty. The hint of jealousy that I've seen has disappeared into thin air. He's definitely jealous. He's trying so hard to hide it, but unfortunately for him, I already know.
"Jealous of what?" Dante asks.
"Antonio, duh," I say, rolling my eyes at the obvious. At this point, I feel like Dante is just playing hard to get. Well, considering our circumstances, it's understandable if he doesn't want to be in a relationship with me despite his true feelings. Who in the world wants to die just because they like someone? I don't think anyone wants it other than Romeo and Juliet.
"You do know I can see your frown getting deeper while I'm talking with you right now, as well as while I was on a date with Antonio, right?" I say.
"The frown is just a proof of my unwavering focus, not jealousy. Why would I be jealous of him anyway?" Dante scoffs. See? He's absolutely playing hard to get. When will he give up and tell me the truth? Maybe after I say it first, but no. On second thought, I'll play this game with him.
"I don't know. You tell me," I say, shrugging my shoulder. Dante cocks his eyebrows. The space between us grows narrow. Dante and I are only a few inches away from each other now.
"No. You tell me," Dante challenges.
Yep. He wants me to say it first. However, I won't do it. No. Not now or ever. I want him to say it first. If he doesn't want to admit it, then let it be that way.
I roll my eyes and push him away. He smirks at me and then puts some distance between us. Cocky motherfucker. He's doing this on purpose. He wants me to slip and confess first. I won't let him succeed.
"Whatever. If you don't want to admit it, then keep it to yourself. Now leave my room. I'm going to sleep," I say.
"Alright. Good night," Dante says. Without wasting any second, he pushes himself up and leave the room, closing the door behind him.
No princess? Fuck it. I'm not letting Dante get to me. If he's brave enough, he better confess first, not me. I'll be waiting for you, Dante.