Relucatanaly Ruined & Owned By The Mafia Novel

The Mask He Never Removed by Ariana Drew 23 Summary In Chapter 23 of "The Mask He Never Removed," the tension between Dante and Lucia escalates dramatically after a confrontation with Sophia, a maid who has been flirting with Dante. Lucia's calm yet threatening demeanor as she orders Sophia to leave reveals her fierce protectiveness over her marriage, which Dante finds both amusing and intriguing. As Sophia storms out, Lucia directs her anger at Dante, questioning his lack of action. Dante, enjoying the moment, asserts his claim over Lucia, highlighting the jealousy that flares between them.

The chapter delves into the complex emotions surrounding their forced marriage. Lucia's defiance and pride clash with Dante's possessiveness, creating a charged atmosphere filled with unresolved desire. As they navigate their relationship, Dante's attraction to Lucia grows stronger, despite his initial disdain for her family. He finds her alluring, especially as she stands before him in a revealing nightgown, which heightens the tension and his desire to claim her fully.

Despite the palpable sexual tension, Dante exercises restraint, wanting more than just physical intimacy; he seeks Lucia's complete surrender. Their dialogue reveals Lucia's vulnerability and fear, as she grapples with the reality of their marriage. When she pleads for him not to force intimacy on her that night, Dante agrees, but he makes it clear that their boundaries will soon change. This moment of vulnerability from Lucia showcases her internal conflict, as she struggles with her feelings toward Dante while also recognizing her attraction to him.

As the chapter progresses, the two are forced to confront their situation head-on. Lucia's reluctance to share a bed with Dante leads to a power struggle, but ultimately, Dante asserts his authority as her husband. Their banter reveals a mix of tension, attraction, and distrust, as Lucia questions Dante's intentions while also acknowledging her own desire. The chapter ends with them lying together, a physical closeness that belies the emotional distance still present between them, leaving readers anticipating how their relationship will evolve in the future.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 23** **DANTE** Sophia stood frozen, her mouth agape in shock. I couldn't blame her; I was equally speechless. "Get. Out." Lucia's tone was chillingly calm, a storm brewing beneath her words. "Now. Before I do something we'll both regret." Sophia glanced over at me, likely hoping for some sort of reprieve, a knight in shining armor to come to her rescue. But instead, I leaned back in my chair, a sly smile creeping onto my lips.

"You heard my wife." As Sophia stormed away, her champagne spilling and her pride bruised, Lucia turned her furious gaze toward me. The towel she wore had loosened during their confrontation, and I couldn't help but notice the enticing curve of her breasts peeking out from the terry cloth. "Enjoying the show?" she snapped, her anger palpable. "Immensely," I replied, relishing the moment. "She was flirting with you." "I noticed that too." "And you just let her." "I was curious to see how you would react." Her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"What would I do about you trying to sleep with a maid on a honeymoon you practically forced me into?" "I was testing to see if you'd assert your claim." "My claim?" I rose from my chair, closing the gap between us in just a few strides. To my surprise, she didn't back down. Instead, she raised her chin defiantly, droplets of water still glistening on her skin. "You're my wife, Lucia. Whether you like it or not, that makes me yours.

And judging by your reaction to little Sophia, you clearly don't enjoy sharing." "I don't like sluts throwing themselves at married men." "Even those married men you despise?" "Especially those married men I despise." **ATA** I reached out, letting my fingers trail a droplet of water from her collarbone to the edge of her towel. She shivered under my touch but didn't pull away. "You realize what you've done, don't you?" "Gotten rid of a problem?" "More like made an enemy. Sophia's been working here for two years.

She knows this island like the back of her hand, knows the staff, knows how to make your life a living hell." "Let her try." She swatted my hand away just before she vanished into the closet. With a resigned sigh, I returned to my whiskey, contemplating the absurdity of my situation. Five days of celibacy felt like an eternity. After thirty years of clawing and fighting for everything I ever desired, I finally possessed something that was legally, undeniably mine. Something that no one could take away from me.

"Dante?" Her voice filtered through the door, tentative, as if she were ensuring I had given up my scrutiny of her. "Yes, rabbit?" A sigh of resignation floated through the air. There was a brief pause before the door creaked open, and I nearly choked on my whiskey. "This dress is too revealing!" she complained, her voice laced with indignation. God help me, it was. She stood there in a silk nightgown that clung to her body like liquid moonlight. The fabric was so sheer that I could see the outline of her nipples, the gentle curve of her hips, the shadow between her thighs. Mrs.

Cullen had impeccable taste-this was designed to drive me absolutely insane with desire. And it was working. My wife was breathtakingly beautiful. Her dark hair cascaded in waves around her shoulders, still damp from the shower. A soft pink hue graced her cheeks, and I could see the rapid pulse at the base of her throat. She looked like a virgin sacrifice, innocent, terrified, and utterly perfect. Every ounce of testosterone in my body urged me to take her. Right then and there. Pin her against the wall and show her what it meant to be mine.

I could have her naked and spread beneath me in mere seconds. She was small enough for me to overpower her easily, especially with the fear coursing through her veins. But I resisted. Because I craved more than just her body. I wanted her complete surrender. "Come here," I commanded, testing her willingness to comply. She remained still. Smart girl. "I said come here, Lucia." "No. And stop looking at me like that." In an instant, I was standing before her. "I'm your husband.

Looking is part of my job description." "Your job?" "Among other things." My thumb brushed against the hollow of her throat, feeling her pulse race beneath my touch. She smelled of expensive soap and blooming flowers-a scent that made me yearn to taste every inch of her skin. "We need to discuss the sleeping arrangements," she said, attempting to create distance. "I'll take the couch." "Like hell you will." "Then you take it." "This is my room, rabbit. My bed. If you want to sleep elsewhere, there's always the beach." "You can't be serious about...

about us sharing a bed." "We're married." "In name only!" "Not for long." I watched as realization dawned on her, the flicker of fear evident in her eyes. "No," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Yes." "I'm not ready." "You'll never be ready. That doesn't mean it's not going to happen." "Please." The word slipped from her lips, a soft plea that momentarily halted my resolve. She was begging me. Lucia Nyx Moretti-now Cummiskey, who would rather breathe fire on my grave than share my bed-was imploring me not to exercise my rights as her husband. "Please what?" "Don't.

Not tonight." I studied her face, searching for any hint of manipulation. Instead, I found genuine anxiety and fear. "Not tonight," I finally agreed. Relief washed over her features. "Thank you." "But soon, rabbit. Very soon." I stepped back, granting her space to breathe. Her nipples seemed to taunt me, and I made a conscious effort to divert my attention from her chest, summoning every ounce of self-control I possessed. "Get one of my shirts or hoodies. Unless you want to sleep naked." "With you in the room?" "I'll be here all night, every night.

Get used to it." She clutched her chest in an instinctive attempt to cover herself. "Where will you sleep?" "In my bed." "But I-" "You will sleep next to me. Like a wife." "I can't." "You can and you will." I moved to the dresser, pulling out a pair of sleep pants before removing my shirt entirely. Lucia watched me, captivated despite her better judgment, as I slowly undressed. "See something you like?" I teased. She flushed, averting her gaze. "I see something that confirms you're dangerous." "I am dangerous. To everyone except you." "How can you say that?

You killed my brother, forced me to marry you, brought me to this island against my will-" "You don't seem to have much fondness for your brothers," I noted, "seeing as you're not exactly mourning him." She batted her lashes in guilt, but it was only a fleeting moment before her defensiveness returned. "And what would that change? The bottom line is I need protection from the man who killed my brother." I slipped into the sleep pants and moved toward the bed, pulling back the silk sheets. "You don't need protection from me, rabbit.

You need protection from yourself." "What's that supposed to mean?" "It means you want me just as much as I want you. You just don't want to admit it." "That's ridiculous." "Is it? Then why did watching Sophia touch me ignite such fury in you?" "Because she was disrespecting our marriage." "A marriage you claim to want no part of." "I..." She faltered, clearly caught in her own contradiction. "Exactly." I climbed into bed, making no effort to hide my satisfaction.

"Now, are you going to stand there all night, or are you going to get dressed and join your husband?" She disappeared into the bathroom again, emerging moments later in one of my shirts. I realized too late that I had made a mistake in asking her to wear it. It was modest by design but clung to her curves in a way that left my mouth dry. "Better," I said, watching as she approached the bed as if it were a creature ready to bite her. "Lucia." "What?" "Come here." "No." "Come here, or I'll come get you." She scooted closer, stopping just out of reach.

I could smell her shampoo, could see the pulse point in her neck where I longed to press my lips. "Closer." "This is close enough." I reached for her, pulling her against my side before she could protest. She went rigid, every muscle tense, but she didn't fight me. "Relax." "I can't." "Try." "You're practically naked." "So are you." "This isn't what I wanted." "But it's what you have." I could feel her heart racing against my chest, the warmth of her skin seeping through the thin silk. She muttered something under her breath, a note of genuine distress that made me pause.

"Go to sleep, Lucia." "I can't." "Why not?" "Because I don't trust you." "Smart girl." "Will you... will you try anything while I'm sleeping?" The vulnerability in her question tugged at something deep within me, making me roll my eyes toward the ceiling. "Not tonight." "Promise?" "I don't make promises I can't keep." "That's not reassuring." "It's honest." She fell silent for a long moment, and I thought she might have drifted off. Then, almost too softly to hear: "Why are you being... less terrible tonight?" "Lower your expectations.

Tomorrow might be different." "Why?" "Because my self-control has limits, rabbit. And you're testing every single one of them." She turned slightly, and I caught a glimpse of her profile illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the windows. "What happens when you reach those limits?" "You'll find out." I tightened my arm around her, pulling her closer until she had no choice but to rest her head on my chest. "Good." She shivered, but she didn't pull away. Even though my desire was still raging, holding her soothed my nerves.

And even though I still loathed Lucia and everything her family represented, there was no denying she had a body that could drive a man wild. And seeing as all of that was legally mine now, I felt no guilt about wanting her. After all, we were on our honeymoon. Conclusion As the tension in the room began to dissipate, a fragile understanding blossomed between Dante and Lucia. Their tumultuous relationship, fraught with animosity and desire, had reached a pivotal moment. Lucia's initial fear and defiance slowly transformed into a tentative acceptance of their circumstances.

By allowing herself to lean into the warmth of Dante's embrace, she acknowledged the complexity of their bond, recognizing that beneath the layers of resentment lay an undeniable attraction. With every heartbeat, the walls she had built around her heart began to crack, revealing the possibility of something more than just a marriage of convenience; it was a chance for connection, for vulnerability, and perhaps even for love. Dante, too, found himself grappling with the shifting dynamics of their relationship.

The thrill of dominance and control was tempered by an unexpected longing for intimacy and trust. As he held Lucia close, he felt a flicker of hope that their union could evolve beyond mere ownership. The realization that he desired her not just physically, but emotionally, was a revelation that both excited and terrified him. Together, in the stillness of the night, they stood on the precipice of a new chapter-one where they could either succumb to the darkness of their past or embrace the light of a shared future.

Will Lucia finally confront her feelings for the man she is bound to, or will her resolve harden against the man she views as her captor? Expect a rollercoaster of passion and conflict as they navigate the fine line between desire and animosity, each moment fraught with unspoken words and unresolved tensions. Moreover, the introduction of Sophia as a potential threat looms large over their fragile relationship. Will she become a catalyst for change, pushing Lucia to confront her fears and desires?

The simmering jealousy and possessiveness displayed by both characters hint at a deeper connection that neither is willing to acknowledge. As secrets unravel and vulnerabilities are laid bare, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, wondering if Dante's dark charm can truly win over Lucia's guarded heart. Prepare for a chapter filled with heated exchanges, unexpected revelations, and a tantalizing glimpse into the depths of their tumultuous bond.