Chapter 43 — Building Trust and Boundaries
The days after their brunch passed slowly, but not painfully.
Auri returned to her work-from-home routine, and Dante continued his constant stream of meetings, trips, and international negotiations. Yet now, the distance didn't feel unbearable—it felt like a bridge they were slowly constructing together.
The Morning Check-In
Auri sat at her desk, reviewing schedules and email threads, when her phone buzzed.
A message from Dante:
"Thinking about you. Call me when you have a moment?"
Her heart skipped.
She exhaled. Slowly.
It's just a call, she told herself, but she couldn't help the small smile spreading across her face.
"Good morning," Dante's voice said softly when she answered.
"Morning," she replied, a little breathless.
"I just wanted to hear your voice before the day starts," he admitted, almost shyly.
Auri's chest tightened.
It was strange seeing this gentle, vulnerable side of him. The same man who fought Adrian, who commanded boardrooms, who seemed untouchable—now quietly craving to hear her voice.
"Dante… you're distracting me," she teased lightly, though her voice trembled slightly.
"I'm sorry," he replied, though his tone held a teasing edge. "Maybe… we can have lunch together later? I'll work around your schedule."
Auri hesitated. "Lunch? Now?"
"No, not now. After your calls, emails… after your work." He paused. "I just… want time with you."
Her heart skipped again.
She realized that being with Dante was no longer a temptation—it was becoming a need.
Setting Boundaries
Later that day, when Dante arrived unexpectedly at her apartment for their lunch, Auri took a deep breath.
This was the moment. She had to set boundaries.
"Dante," she began carefully, "I… I need to talk about something before we go anywhere."
He tilted his head, curiosity and concern mixing in his dark eyes.
"I'm happy we're… together," she admitted slowly, "but I can't let everything… blur too fast. I need time to adjust, to understand what this really is. And I need space sometimes. Even from you."
Dante blinked, a small, rare pause in his usually confident demeanor.
"Space?" he repeated softly.
"Yes," Auri said firmly but gently. "I love being with you. I like you. I want to be with you. But I also need to feel secure without being overwhelmed. Understand?"
His jaw clenched slightly, but only for a moment. Then he softened.
"Okay," he said finally. "I… I understand. But you have to promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't ever pull away completely," he said quietly, stepping closer. "Even if you need space, don't disappear from me. I… can't handle not knowing you're okay."
Auri's throat tightened.
She nodded.
"I promise."
And with that, he smiled—a small, almost shy smile that made her heart leap.
Lunch With Subtle Tension
At a quiet rooftop café, they shared a meal together.
The city stretched below them, glittering in the late afternoon sun. Dante's presence was commanding yet restrained. He didn't try to hold her hand or lean too close. He simply existed beside her, watching her, listening intently, subtly communicating how much she mattered to him without forcing it.
Auri realized how much she loved seeing him this way—vulnerable but controlled, intense but considerate.
"So," Dante said casually, stirring his coffee, "do you want to tell me more about your work today? Or… do you want to tell me about yourself?"
Auri chuckled softly. "You want to know about me? You already know more than anyone should."
His dark eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "I know enough to want to know everything. Even the small things."
She blushed. "That's dangerous."
"Dangerous is part of why it's exciting," he said smoothly, leaning back slightly but letting his gaze linger on her face.
Auri felt her pulse accelerate, but she reminded herself: boundaries. She had to stay grounded.
Learning to Trust
After lunch, they walked along the quiet streets near her apartment.
Neither spoke much—words were unnecessary.
The closeness, the subtle brushing of their shoulders, the warmth of his presence—those spoke volumes.
Dante finally stopped and looked at her with raw honesty.
"You don't have to trust me completely yet," he said softly, "but I want you to know… I'm not going anywhere. Not this time. Not ever, unless you push me away."
Auri's eyes filled with emotion.
She realized that love—or whatever was growing between them—wasn't just about desire. It was about trust, patience, understanding, and respect.
"I… I believe you," she whispered, letting a small, hopeful smile touch her lips.
Dante reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering softly.
"I'll earn the rest," he said quietly.
Auri looked at him, feeling her heart swell with something deeper than before—something stronger.