30. Chapter 30 Dante

Chapter 30 Dante

T he taste of victory is sweet on my tongue as I watch Natalie sleep. Her skin glows in the early morning light, marred by the marks I've left - proof of my claim, my ownership. She's been more compliant lately, a broken doll remade in my image. It should satisfy me, but a nagging doubt lingers.

Why the sudden change? Is this another of her games?

I push the thought aside. I've won. She's mine. End of fucking story.

Victory should be sweeter than this. But there's an unfamiliar ache in my chest, a longing for something more than just possession. Am I falling for her? The idea is as terrifying as it is exhilarating.

No. Love is weakness. I can't afford weakness, not now.

And yet... the thought of truly losing her, of her slipping through my fingers, sends a jolt of panic through me. I need to bind her to me in every way possible. Legal, spiritual, visceral.

The idea crystallizes in my mind. A wedding. A sacred vow that even she, with all her fire and defiance, won't be able to break. It's perfect. Twisted, yes, but perfect.

"Wake up, solnyshko," I murmur, nipping at her earlobe. She stirs, those storm-cloud eyes fluttering open. The cocktail of emotions swirling in their depths sends a jolt of electricity straight to my cock.

"Dante?" Her voice is rough, edged with wariness. "What-"

I silence her with a bruising kiss, swallowing her gasp of surprise. When I pull back, her lips are swollen, a flush creeping up her neck. "Get dressed. We're going out."

Confusion furrows her brow, but she obeys. I watch as she slips into a flimsy dress, drinking in every curve, every mark I've left on her alabaster skin. Mine. The word echoes in my head, an obsessive mantra.

The drive to the village church is thick with tension. Natalie fidgets beside me, stealing glances from beneath her lashes. I allow myself a smirk. She has no idea what's coming.

"Why are we here?" she asks as I pull up to the ancient stone building.

I turn to her, savoring the apprehension in her eyes. "Well, moy voron, since you seem so fond of seeking solace in chapels lately, I thought we'd make it official."

Realization dawns, her face paling. "You can't be serious."

"Dead serious." I grasp her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "Time to seal the deal, sweetheart. In the eyes of God and man."

My heart races as I lead her into the church. This is more than just another power play. It's a desperate bid to keep her, to make her truly mine in a way that transcends the physical. The depth of my need for her is staggering, almost frightening in its intensity.

But I can't show weakness. Not now, not ever. So I mask my desperation with cruelty, my longing with dominance. It's all I know how to do.

As we stand before the altar, Natalie trembling beside me, I feel a strange mix of triumph and trepidation. This is it. The ultimate claim. But will it be enough?

The priest begins the ceremony, his Latin incantations washing over us. I barely hear the words, too focused on the woman beside me. My woman. My wife.

When it's time for the vows, I turn to Natalie, my voice low and intense. "I, Dante Corleone, take you, Natalie, to be my wife. To possess and protect, to cherish and control, until death do us part."

Her eyes widen at my twisted version of the traditional vows. When it's her turn, her voice shakes, but she doesn't falter. "I, Natalie, take you, Dante, to be my husband. To obey and endure, to love and fear, until death do us part."

The words send a thrill through me. She understands. She knows exactly what this means.

As the priest pronounces us man and wife, I claim her mouth in a searing kiss. She tastes of salt and surrender, and something else... hope? The thought is unsettling.

Back at the villa, I watch Natalie, she's putting on a brave face, but I can see the turmoil in her eyes. Good. Let her feel off-balance. It's when she's uncertain that I can mold her best.

But there's a part of me, small but growing, that wants to comfort her. To tell her that this isn't just about control, that there's something more between us. I squash the impulse ruthlessly. Sentiment has no place in my world.

Enzo raises a glass of champagne. "Congratulations," he says, concern poorly masked. "To the happy couple."

I tighten my grip on Natalie's waist, feeling her lean into me. It's working. She's accepting her place. "Yes, to us. And to new beginnings."

"We leave for Accel City tomorrow," I announce, setting down my glass. "Time to remind everyone who's in charge."

Enzo's expression darkens. "The Corsinis have been making moves. They think you've gone soft."

A laugh rips from my throat, harsh and cold. "They're in for a rude fucking awakening. Isn't that right, Mrs. Corleone?"

Natalie meets my gaze, something unreadable flickering in her eyes. "Yes," she says softly. "They have no idea what's coming."

Pride swells in my chest. This is what I've wanted - Natalie by my side, a queen to my empire of shadows. Together, we'll paint Accel City crimson.

As night falls, I lead my bride to our bedroom. She comes willingly, her earlier resistance seemingly evaporated. I should be triumphant. This is what I've schemed for, killed for.

So why does it feel like I'm missing a crucial piece of the puzzle?

I push the thoughts aside as I lay her on the bed. There's no room for softness in this game we play. Only hunger, only need.

"Dante," Natalie whispers as I hover over her. "I-" I silence her with a bruising kiss.

Words are meaningless now. Only this matters - the heat of her body, the softness of her skin, the way she yields to me like clay beneath a sculptor's hands.

I trail kisses down her neck, relishing the way she arches into me. My hands roam her body, relearning every curve, every dip. When I enter her, it's with a single, powerful thrust that has her gasping beneath me.

But as I claim her body, as I lose myself in her heat, I can't shake the feeling that something fundamental has shifted. That in trying to bind her to me, I've somehow bound myself to her as well.

The realization is terrifying. Exhilarating. And as we fall asleep, tangled together in the aftermath of our passion, I find myself holding her just a little tighter than necessary.

What have you done to me, Natalie? And more importantly, what am I going to do about it?

Her eyes lock onto mine, pupils blown wide like she can read my thoughts. I fuck her harder, driven by an insatiable need to possess, to consume, to obliterate any thought but me from her mind.

When we finally collapse, spent and panting, I pull her close. She curls into me, her head resting on my chest. For a moment, everything is perfect.

But as sleep claims me, that nagging doubt returns. Is this real? Or just another move in our endless game of predator and prey?

Morning comes too soon, bringing with it the harsh light of reality. We're on a plane back to Accel City before the sun fully rises, leaving behind the illusion of marital bliss.

Natalie sits beside me, her gaze fixed on the clouds outside. She's been quiet since we left the villa, lost in thoughts I can't begin to fathom.

"Second thoughts, Mrs. Corleone?" I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

She turns to me, her expression carefully neutral. "Just wondering what's waiting for us back home."

Home. The word sends a thrill through me. It's the first time she's referred to Accel City - to my world - as home.

"Nothing we can't handle," I assure her, taking her hand. She doesn't pull away. Another small victory. "The Corsinis think they can challenge us? They'll learn the true meaning of terror."

A ghost of a smile flits across her face. "And how do you plan to teach them?"

I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear. "With blood and fire, moy voron. We'll burn their empire to the ground and dance in the ashes."

She shivers, but not entirely from fear. There's a darkness in Natalie that calls to my own, a potential for cruelty that I'm only beginning to unlock.

"And what's my role in all this?" she asks, her voice low.

I pull back, studying her face. There's a hunger there, barely concealed. It makes my blood sing. "You'll be by my side every step of the way. My queen, my partner in all things."

Natalie nods, something like resolve settling over her features. "Alright then. Let's show them what we're capable of."

The rest of the flight passes in a haze of planning and anticipation. By the time we touch down in Accel City, I'm itching for action.

Alonzo meets us at the private airstrip, his face grim. "Boss," he greets me, eyes flicking to Natalie. "Welcome back. We've got a situation."

I feel Natalie tense beside me. "What kind of situation?"

Alonzo hesitates, clearly uncomfortable discussing business in front of my new bride. I wave him on impatiently. "Spit it out. She's one of us now."

He nods, still wary. "The Corsinis made a move on the Casinos. Hostages taken."

Rage boils in my veins, hot and familiar. "Those fuckers think they can waltz in and take what's mine?" I snarl. "They've signed their own death warrants."

Natalie's hand on my arm surprises me. "What are you going to do?" she asks, her voice steady.

I turn to her, expecting to see fear or reproach. Instead, there's a cold calculation in her eyes that sends a shiver of desire through me.

"I'm going to remind them why I'm the king of this fucking city," I growl. "And you're going to help me."

We drive straight to the compound, the air thick with tension. Natalie sits beside me, her fingers drumming a restless beat on her thigh. I catch her hand, stilling the nervous movement.

"Having second thoughts, solnyshko?" I ask, searching her face for any sign of weakness.

She meets my gaze, her eyes hard as flint. "No. I made my choice when I said 'I do.' I'm in this with you, Dante. All the way."

Pride and possessiveness surge through me. This is what I've wanted all along - Natalie, fully committed to our dark union. "That's my girl," I purr, bringing her hand to my lips.

The compound is a hive of activity when we arrive. My men move with purpose, preparing for the coming storm. Enzo meets us at the door, his face grim.

"The Corsinis are mobilizing," he reports as we make our way to the war room. "They've called in reinforcements from out of town. Looks like they're gearing up for all-out war."

I laugh, the sound harsh and cold. "Let them come. We'll show them what happens when you fuck with Dante Corleone."

Natalie's silence draws my attention. She's taking everything in, her eyes sharp and assessing. For a moment, I see her as she truly is - not just my captive bride, but a force to be reckoned with in her own right.

"What are you thinking, moy voron?" I ask, curious despite myself.

She meets my gaze, a hint of steel in her voice. "I'm thinking we need to hit them where it hurts. Take out their infrastructure, their supply lines. Cut off the head of the snake."

Enzo raises an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "She's not wrong, boss. A targeted strike could cripple their operation before they have a chance to fully mobilize."

I consider their words, a plan already forming in my mind. "Alright," I say, turning to the map spread out on the table. "Here's what we're going to do."

The next few hours are a blur of strategy and preparation. Natalie surprises me with her insight, pointing out vulnerabilities in the Corsinis' defenses that even I hadn't considered. By the time night falls, we have a plan that will bring our enemies to their knees.

"You've done well, solnyshko," I murmur as we retire to our bedroom. "I'm impressed."

Natalie allows herself a small smile, the first genuine one I've seen in days. "I learned from the best," she says, her voice low and husky.

The compliment sends a surge of heat through me. I pull her close, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. She responds eagerly, her body molding to mine as if we were made for each other.

"Tomorrow," I murmur into her hair, "we take back what's ours. We show the world what happens when you challenge the king and queen of Accel City."

Natalie nods, her fingers tracing idle patterns on my chest. "Tomorrow," she agrees, her voice heavy with promise and something darker, more thrilling.

I allow myself a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph. I have everything I've ever wanted - power, control, and Natalie by my side. Nothing can stand in our way now.

The acrid stench of gunpowder and blood fills my nostrils as I stride through the chaos of what was once the main casino of Club Lusso. My heartbeat thunders in my ears, a primal rhythm that drowns out the screams and gunfire. Natalie walks beside me, her face a mask of cold determination that sends a thrill of dark pride through my veins.

"Clear the floor," I bark at my men, my voice carrying over the cacophony. "I want every last rat flushed out."

The metallic taste of victory is already on my tongue, but I won't be satisfied until I see Leon Corsini, Luca's sniveling younger brother, on his knees, begging for mercy he won't receive.

"Dante," Natalie's voice cuts through my bloodlust. "The hostages. We need to secure them first."

I turn to her, drinking in the sight of her – hair wild, eyes blazing, a smear of blood across one cheek. She's never looked more beautiful. "You're right, solnyshko. Always thinking ahead." I press a bruising kiss to her lips, tasting gunpowder and adrenaline. "Take Enzo and clear the VIP rooms. I'll handle the main floor."

She nods, a predatory smile curving her lips. "Don't have all the fun without me."

As she disappears into the labyrinth of the casino, I feel a momentary pang of – what? Fear? Concern? I push it aside. Natalie's proven herself more than capable. She's not some damsel to be protected. She's my queen, my equal in this bloody game we play.

I refocus on the task at hand, my senses heightened by the intoxicating rush of violence. The gaudy opulence of the casino – crystal chandeliers and gold-leafed pillars – is a stark contrast to the brutality unfolding within its walls. My men move with practiced efficiency, dispatching Corsini thugs with ruthless precision.

A flash of movement catches my eye. I spin, my gun already raised, and find myself face to face with Leon himself. The bastard's trying to slink away like the coward he is.

"Going somewhere?" I drawl, savoring the fear that flashes across his face.

"Dante," he stammers, hands raised in a pathetic attempt at placation. "Please, I'm not like Luca. I never wanted this war. We can come to an arrangement-"

I silence him with a backhanded slap that sends him sprawling. "The time for talk is over, you spineless fuck. Your brother started this, and now you'll pay the price. Did you really think there'd be no consequences?"

I haul him to his feet, my fingers digging into his throat. The urge to squeeze, to watch the life drain from his eyes, is almost overwhelming. But no. Death would be too quick, too merciful.

"On your knees," I snarl, forcing him down.

The sound of heels clicking on marble makes me look up. Natalie approaches, flanked by Enzo. There's a coldness in her eyes that sends a shiver of desire through me.

"Hostages are secure," she reports, her gaze fixed on the sniveling wreck at my feet. "What do you want to do with this one?"

I smile, slow and vicious. "I think it's time we showed Mr. Corsini here exactly what happens when you cross the king and queen of Accel City. What do you say, moy voron? Care to help me make an example of him?"

The look she gives me is pure, wicked anticipation. "I thought you'd never ask."

What follows is a symphony of pain and terror. Leon's screams echo through the blood-spattered casino as Natalie and I take turns breaking him down, piece by agonizing piece. She surprises me with her creativity, her willingness to get her hands dirty. It's intoxicating.

By the time we're done, Leon is a quivering, sobbing mess. But he's alive – barely. He'll serve as a warning to anyone else who thinks they can challenge our rule.

I pull Natalie close, uncaring of the blood that stains both our clothes. "You were magnificent," I growl, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. She responds with equal fervor, her body molding to mine as if we were made for each other.

When we break apart, both panting, I see a familiar hunger in her eyes. It mirrors the fire burning in my own veins. "What do you say we take this celebration somewhere more private?" I murmur, my hand sliding down to grip her ass.

She grins, all teeth and dark promise. "I thought you'd never ask."

We leave the carnage behind, my men already moving to clean up and solidify our control. The drive back to our penthouse is charged with electric tension. I can barely keep my hands off Natalie, the intoxicating mix of violence and victory making my blood sing.

The moment we're through the door, I have her pinned against the wall. Our kisses are bruising, desperate, fueled by the adrenaline still coursing through our veins. Clothes are torn away with frantic urgency.

I lift her, her legs wrapping around my waist as I thrust into her in one powerful stroke. She cries out, her nails raking down my back hard enough to draw blood. The pain only spurs me on.

"Fuck, Natalie," I growl, setting a punishing pace. "You were incredible tonight. So fucking perfect."

She moans, meeting me thrust for thrust. "We both were," she pants. "We showed them, Dante. Showed everyone what happens when they challenge us."

The possessive pride in her voice sends a thrill through me. This is what I've wanted all along – Natalie fully embracing her place by my side, reveling in the darkness we create together.

I carry her to the bedroom, never breaking our connection. We fall onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, both fighting for dominance. I let her win, curious to see what she'll do.

Natalie straddles me, sinking down onto my cock with a satisfied groan. She sets a relentless rhythm, her hands braced on my chest. The sight of her above me, wild and uninhibited, is almost enough to undo me.

"Touch yourself," I command, my voice rough with need. "I want to watch you play."

She complies, one hand snaking between us to circle her clit. I watch, mesmerized, as she chases her pleasure. When she comes, it's with a cry that sounds like my name and a prayer all at once.

The feeling of her clenching around me sends me over the edge. I come with a roar, my fingers digging into her hips hard enough to bruise. She collapses onto my chest, both of us panting and slick with sweat.

For a long moment, we just lie there, basking in the afterglow. I run my fingers through her hair, marveling at how right this feels. How complete.

"We did it," Natalie murmurs, her voice heavy with satisfaction. "We won."

I tilt her chin up, meeting her gaze. "We're just getting started, solnyshko. The Corsinis were just the beginning. Together, we'll build an empire that will make the world tremble."

She smiles, slow and wicked. "I can't wait."

As sleep claims us, I allow myself a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph. I have everything I've ever wanted – power, control, and Natalie by my side. The nagging doubts from before have been silenced, at least for now.

The war may be over, but our reign of terror is just beginning. And with my queen by my side, I'm fucking unstoppable.