Chapter 34: Valentina

Valentina's POV

The rumble of Dante's motorcycle vibrated through me as we followed Matteo's car to The Devil's Forge. I held onto Dante's waist tightly, feeling every shift of his muscles through his leather jacket.

When we finally arrived, my legs felt like jelly as I climbed off the bike.

"First time on a motorcycle?" Dante asked, steadying me with a hand on my arm.

"Is it that obvious?" I laughed nervously.

"You squeezed me so hard I could barely breathe," he said with a smirk.

"Sorry."

"Don't be. I liked it."

My cheeks heated at his words. Before I could respond, Sheila bounced over, Matteo close behind her.

"That was amazing!" she gushed. "Matteo, you drive so fast!"

Matteo grinned, clearly enjoying her enthusiasm. "Wait till you see inside."

We approached the entrance where two massive men stood guard. They straightened immediately when they saw Dante.

"Boss," one of them nodded.

"Rex," Dante acknowledged. "These two are under our protection. Make sure everyone knows."

"Got it," Rex replied, giving Sheila and me a once-over.

The moment we stepped inside, I froze. The club was packed with bikers and half-dressed women. Music blasted from speakers, and the air smelled like cigarettes, booze, and perfume. A dancer worked a pole on a small stage while men hooted and hollered.

"Is this where we're staying?" I whispered to Dante, anxiety creeping up my spine.

Matteo overheard and laughed. "Don't worry, princess. It looks rough, but we run a legitimate business here."

"Legitimate?" I raised an eyebrow. "This looks like a sex club."

"It's a place for the MC to blow off steam," Matteo explained. "Some guys drink, some guys fuck. But it's all consensual and above board."

"Great," I muttered, watching as a couple disappeared down a dimly lit hallway, their hands all over each other.

"Nobody will bother you," Matteo assured me. "You're family now."

As he spoke, a blonde in a tight dress sauntered up to Dante.

"Dante," she purred, placing a hand on his arm. "I've missed you."

My stomach dropped. Of course he had women here. Why wouldn't he? He was gorgeous, powerful, and clearly experienced.

"Not now, Amber," Dante said coolly, removing her hand.

She pouted but backed away after shooting me a curious look.

"Who was that?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"Nobody important," he replied.

"Didn't look like nobody."

Dante's eyes narrowed. "Why do you care?"

"I don't," I lied. "Just curious about my brother's sex life."

His jaw tightened at the word "brother."

"We have rooms upstairs," Matteo interrupted, clearly sensing the tension. "Much quieter up there. Come on, I'll show you."

Dante placed his hand on my lower back as we climbed the stairs. The simple touch sent electricity through my body.

"You're thinking too loud," he whispered in my ear.

"What do you mean?"

"I can practically hear your thoughts about Amber and the other women here."

"I'm not thinking anything," I said defensively.

"Bullshit. You're jealous."

"Am not."

"Are too."

I rolled my eyes. "How many women have you brought up these stairs, Dante?"

He stopped, turning to face me. "Is that what you want to know? My body count?"

"No, I—"

"Because I could ask you the same question. How many guys have you fucked, Val?"

I glared at him. "That's different."

"How?"

"It just is."

We reached a door at the end of the hallway. Dante unlocked it and pushed it open.

"This is your room," he said. "You and Sheila will stay here."

The room was surprisingly nice—clean, with two beds and an attached bathroom.

Sheila brushed past us, dragging Matteo with her. "Show me where you stay," she said to him with a flirtatious smile.

"With pleasure," Matteo replied.

"Thank you," I said, meaning it. "I appreciate you both looking out for us."

Uncle Matteo smiled, the expression softening his weathered features. "Get some rest, kid. It's been a long day."

He departed, leaving me alone with Dante.

"Will you be okay?" he asked, his voice softer than usual.

I nodded. "I think so. This is definitely better than I expected."

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "We're not complete animals, despite what you might have heard."

"I never said you were," I replied, then hesitated. "Dante... how do you deal with it all? The pressure, the danger, the constant looking over your shoulder?"

He considered my question for a moment. "Everyone has their way of releasing tension. Some drink, some fight..." He shrugged. "Some find other outlets."

My mind flashed to the blonde downstairs, the familiar way she'd approached him, and the countless other women who must have done the same. I'd been naive to think otherwise. A man like Dante—powerful, dangerous, undeniably attractive—would have women lining up for his attention.

"I see," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.

His eyes narrowed slightly, studying my face. "Get some sleep, Val. I'll check on you in the morning."

After he left, I stood in front of the door, my thoughts churning. The image of Dante with other women played in my mind like a horror movie I couldn't turn off. His body pressed against theirs, his hands in their hair, his lips...

I shook my head, angry at myself for the jealousy bubbling up inside me. It was irrational, inappropriate. He was my stepbrother, for God's sake. What right did I have to feel possessive?

But I couldn't shake the hollow feeling in my chest. He must have other women, many women. I had no right to feel jealous, but that didn't mean I had to like the feeling.