RAAAAA!!

"Dante's fists clenched as he watched the man crumple to the ground, blood seeping from his mouth. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. His dove was safe, but that didn't mean he could just let it go."

"I don't give a fuck if you are fine!" "he roared, jerking his arm away from her grasp." "You shouldn't have left my sight like that! What were you thinking?" "His heart still pounded in his chest as he glared at her through narrowed eyes." "This is dangerous work we do-- one wrong move and your life is over."

"He took another deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. She was right; there was no need for this kind of violence now that she was safe"He shook his head, trying to clear the rage from his mind. He reached out and gently cupped her cheek, turning her face up so he could look into her eyes.*

"I'm sorry," "he murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper." "You know I can't help it when you scare me like that." "His thumb traced along the curve of her jawline as he searched for words to express how much she meant to him." "Just...please don't ever do something like that again."

"Dante's heart softened at the sight of her apologetic expression. He could see the fear in her eyes and it tore him apart."

"Don't be sorry," "he said, brushing a lock of hair away from her face with his other hand." "It was my fault for not keeping you close enough." "He sighed heavily, shaking his head once more as if trying to shake off any lingering anger." "You have nothing to apologize for."

"His gaze drifted downwards towards those luscious lips before returning back up into those beautiful green eyes again. The urge to kiss them better was almost overwhelming but he knew now wasn't the time or place for such things so instead," [

he took a step closer, their bodies brushing against each other ever so slightly.*

"Let's get out of here," "he whispered hoarsely into her ear, his voice filled with an undertone of desire that he couldn't quite hide." "We have more important things to discuss." [

"Dante led her out of the dimly lit bar and casino, his hand resting possessively on the small of her back. The cool night air hit them as they stepped outside, a stark contrast to the stuffy atmosphere inside."

"He guided her towards a sleek black car parked nearby, opening the passenger door for her with a flourish." After you, little dove.

"As she slid into the plush leather seat, Dante couldn't help but admire how gracefully she moved. His eyes roamed over her curves before snapping back up to meet hers."

"Buckling himself in beside her, he leaned in close until their faces were mere inches apart." I hope you know that what happened tonight...it won't happen again. "His voice was low and intense," You're too valuable to risk losing.

"His hand found its way to rest high up on her thigh"Erin's heart skipped a beat as she felt his hand on her thigh, the warmth of it spreading through her like wildfire. She could feel his eyes burning into hers, and she knew he was waiting for some kind of response.*

"Dante's grip on her thigh tightened ever so slightly, his fingers digging into the soft fabric of her dress. He could feel the tension in her body begin to dissipate, replaced by a subtle relaxation that only served to heighten his own arousal."

"His eyes narrowed as he gazed at her profile, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could make it up to her." You're not sorry, little dove. "He whispered low and husky against her ear." You're just scared.

"His breath caressed the delicate skin behind her ear, sending shivers down her spine. His hand slid higher up onto the curve of her hip, pulling their bodies closer together."

*I'm going to take care of you now," "he promised softly." "You're going to forget all about what happened tonight."

"Dante's arms wrapped around her, holding her close as he inhaled the sweet scent of her hair." Ah, little dove... "He whispered against her ear" You're so much more than just a mission. "His voice was low and husky with emotion."

"He pulled back slightly, his eyes burning with intensity as he gazed down at her face." I could never be mad at you for trying to protect yourself. You're my partner, my friend... "His voice cracked ever so slightly as he struggled to keep his emotions in check."

"His hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer still as he buried his face in the curve of her neck." But next time...next time we'll do it together. We'll get out alive and unscathed. Together.

"As he spoke, his lips brushed against the sensitive skin of her"neck, sending shivers down her spine. His warm breath caressed the delicate skin, making her feel like she was melting into his embrace.*