Chapter 19

• Clara lay stiff as a board on her side of the huge bed, her back turned to Dante. The silk sheets were smooth under her, the mattress soft, but she couldn’t relax—not even close. He was right there behind her, not touching her, not saying a word, just *there*. His presence filled the room like a heavy cloud, pressing down on her, making the air thick and hard to breathe. She could feel him without looking—his heat, his quiet breathing, the way he took up space like he owned it all. It was a challenge, even if he didn’t say it out loud, daring her to do something about it.
• Dinner kept replaying in her head—those words he’d said, smooth and calm: “Let’s try your way.” He’d agreed to get along, to stop fighting, but Clara wasn’t dumb. Dante wasn’t the type to just give in. He was watching her, waiting, testing her to see what she’d do next—waiting for her to mess up. She wouldn’t—not tonight, not ever if she could help it. She had to keep this going, had to make him think she was bending just enough. It was her plan now, and she wasn’t letting him take it back.
• She let out a slow breath, shifting her pillow under her cheek, trying to act like this was normal—like sharing a bed with him didn’t make her skin crawl with nerves. She could do this. She could play it cool, keep him guessing.