Always Been You

~Dante’s POV~

I took a seat and waited for June Blackwood, but in all honesty, she was just there to talk about the Lolitta hotel and not love, and I don’t like women who are that desperate. I had the impression that the woman had moved on from the fixation she had on me, but learning that she and her brother had planned it all was a royal pain in the ass. The picture that was sent to me wasn’t a mistake; Mason knew all about it and acted innocent all along. June, right from the beginning, was very forthright about her goals, which is one trait of an overly ambitious woman that I have never liked. I looked over and saw Candice picking up her flute and beginning to walk in my direction.

Let the game begin.

Because I despised her with such a burning rage, I made sure that I sat in a location that was a great distance away from where she was seated. Just the sight of her makes my stomach turn.

“Mr. Monroe, you continue to exude an air of sophistication.” She was kind enough to offer a compliment. When I looked up at her, I had absolutely no expression on my face at all; however, I had to keep reminding myself that I was doing it for the sake of my family. My wife, my children, and the children who will follow after them.

“You don’t look bad yourself, Candice.” I kept my expression neutral and watched as she smiled and pulled a chair out for herself while I remained seated.

“Waiting for someone?” She inquired, and my response was to give her a look that was meant to convey the question, “Why the fuck would you care?”

For my family

“Yeah, I’m waiting for my girlfriend.” she furrowed her brows at me.

“Girlfriend?”

“Yea, June Blackwood,” I answered.

I didn’t miss a chance to see her menacing face; she looked like she was about to explode, but what does it matter?

“In that case, I’ll excuse myself. Have a lovely day, Dante.” After saying that, she got up and went back to her table.

~Candice’s POV~

I could literally feel the anger rising in the pit of my stomach. It took everything I had not to scream out, everything that was building up inside of me at the same time. Behind my eyes, I could feel my own tears beginning to glisten. I had no control over the muscle cramps that were ripping through the headache that I was carrying on the inside of my body. I couldn’t believe it; I just couldn’t. Because I have been constantly digging my nails into the table in front of me to muffle a scream or convince myself not to go out and buy a gun and shoot someone, my nails are getting dangerously close to bursting through my skin. I hate being double-timed. I made it abundantly clear to June Blackwood how I felt about Dante; I stated that I would kill for that man, and right now, the idiot is asking for it. June Blackwood was aware of my feelings. I hate being tested. How did I get here?

Uninvited, a man stood in front of me, adjusting the jacket of his suit, and then sat down.

“Jealous much?” He inquired, and my response was a fit of hysterical laughter, as though he had just said something so hilarious that it wet my panties. Have you ever been in such a desperate need to be distracted from the reality that the only thing you could do to keep your adversaries from realizing you were defeated was to laugh out loud? That is exactly what is going on with me, and I have no control over the situation in the slightest. The man in front of me bore into me, making me feel nervous, and he spoke again: “I can make it all go away.” Then he settled one hand on the table while the other was in his pocket.

“Sorry, who are you?” I asked, and he continued to bore me. “What is it that you can make go away?”

“Tesoro, everything-the pain, the rage. You can be free of it all. I am that good.” This individual exudes death, danger, and everything else associated with the sentiment “Don’t fuck with me.” His eyes are opaque, which makes it difficult to decipher the expression on his face. He had a strong jawline, something that wasn’t difficult to notice. His characteristics were exceptionally dominant. It’s as if he doesn’t have a heart or a soul. Everything about him screams “Devil, evil, Diablo.” He is the embodiment of all three. And yet I am dining with him; maybe he could help me end June Blackwood.

“Candice.” I introduced myself by extending my hand for a handshake, and the man quickly said,

“No.” The man had a harsh look, almost stern, and there wasn’t the slightest welcome on his face. I continued to extend my hand, but the man got even angrier: “Non mettermi alla prova.”

Translation: Do not test me.

I took my hand back and asked, “How are you going to help me?” He gave me a friendly smile before drawing a silver gun from his pocket and passing it to me.

“Kill her; the dead won’t have sex, won’t they? It’s like she just wants to jump him to prove a point. If she’s dead, she won’t get a taste of his cock, would she?” He continued, “The Blackwoods were playing you,” which caused my eyes to widen further. He extended a hand, and a man shoved a file into his hand, and he slid the file my way. “You were never in the game; they were playing you. Everything was about them all along.” After making that statement, the man stood up and started moving in the direction of the exit.

“Please, let me at least have your name,” I said as I stood up, but the man continued to walk away with power oozing from every stride he took. I have no idea, but even if it were just for a night, I would enjoy running my hands over every muscle that he possesses. I don’t know why.

Focus Candice!

I slowly sat down. At least in the midst of all this drama, I still remembered who I wanted: Dante Monroe. I made mistakes, but I would do anything for that man. Even if it resorts to killing someone. I will do it!

A light breeze ruffled the napkins on the table and kissed my exposed nose, blocking my view, just as I removed the napkin. I observed June putting her breasts forward in an attempt to attract attention. She intended for his gaze to be drawn to her breasts, and it appeared to be working. I completely lost it when the man licked his lips. I was losing him. I am losing Dante to that country girl. My blood pressure skyrocketed, and I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my entire body. I opened the envelope the man gave me, and there I saw Mason’s call history and messages. His messages to me and other people, Mason and June, were playing with me this whole time. I looked at the silver gun the man handed me, and I couldn’t control my anger.

First, he slept with me just so he could get his way; now he’s betraying me for his sister. I despise acts of treachery. I hate it with a passion. I got up, aimed the gun at June Blackwood, and pulled the trigger seven times, ending her misery of life. No one could ever have what was meant to be mine-not June and not even Lola.