“I just need sleep,” I insisted, forcing a small smile. “And perhaps some water.”

Dante watched me for a long moment, his gaze shifting down to my hands, which were clenched at my sides.

“You are hiding something,” he said.

The silence in the room grew heavy, punctuated only by the crackle of the fireplace.

“I am hiding from Marcus,” I said, using the truth to mask the deeper lie. “And from the people he owes money to. Isn’t that enough?”

His expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained sharp.

“You are safe here,” he said. “Nobody enters this estate without my permission.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

“I have instructed my staff to bring you a hot meal,” Dante said, walking toward the door. “Eat. Then sleep.”

“I will,” I said.

He paused at the threshold, his hand on the brass doorknob.

“We will discuss Marcus tomorrow,” he said. “I have my men searching for him.”

He closed the door behind him, and the lock clicked into place.

I let out a long breath, my knees trembling as I sank onto the edge of the large bed.