Bound To My Mafia Stepuncles novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Arlas’s POV

The air was thick with the scent of roses and champagne. The garden 1 was decorated so beautifully that it looked like something out of a fairy tale. White and gold ribbons wrapped around every chair, twinkling fairy lights hung between the trees, and the scent of fresh flowers mixed with the warm evening air. Everything was perfect. At least, to everyone else.

I had been here since dawn, helping to make sure everything went smoothly. Every ribbon, every flower arrangement, every little detail had to be flawless. Not because I cared, but because Gloria did. My mother’s wedding to Victor was supposed to be a dream come true. For her. For me, it was just another reminder that promises were cheap.

Now, the reception was in full swing. Laughter and music filled the garden as guests moved around, sipping expensive champagne and dancing under the lights. I stood near the bar, swirling the golden liquid in my glass. My dress–long. black, and elegant–felt too tight, too formal, like costume I had been forced to wear. Gloria had made me wear it, saying

I needed to “at least try” to look presentable.

a

The chatter around me had already quieted. People turned, whispering, as if something–or someone–important had arrived. I didn’t have to look. I already knew.

The brothers were here.

Matteo had walked in first, as if he owned the place. His sharp green eyes scanned the crowd, and that usual smirk tugged at his lips, full of confidence. Right behind him was Enzo, unreadable as always, his sharp suit fitting him perfectly, his dark eyes observant. And then there was the third one.

Dante.

I had never seen him before, but even without an introduction, I knew exactly who he was. He was taller than both of

them, broader too. His black suit didn’t just fit–it looked intimidating on him, like a second skin. His face was unreadable,

his dark eyes cold and calculating. Unlike his brothers, he wasn’t smirking or watching the crowd. He was just… there. Silent. Heavy. His presence was enough to shift the entire atmosphere.

Cassandra wasted no time. She practically floated toward them, her red dress shimmering in the lights. Her golden hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves, and her heels clicked softly against the floor.

“Matteo,” she purred, her voice sweet and practiced. “I didn’t expect to

see you here.”

Matteo gave her that lazy, amused smirk. “You know me, I love a good party.”

She giggled, brushing her fingers along Enzo’s sleeve. “And you brought company.”

“This is Dante,” Enzo said simply.

Cassandra turned her most dazzling smile on him. “Nice to meet you, Dante.”

He didn’t respond. Didn’t nod. Didn’t blink. Just stared at her with that same cold, unsettling gaze.

Cassandra shifted slightly. “Wow, you’re really quiet. That’s mysterious.”

Still, nothing. Not even a flicker of interest.

1/3

For the first time, I saw something unexpected in Cassandra–hesitation. But, of course, she wouldn’t let that last lon She straightened and flipped her hair, then turned her sharp gaze on me.

*It must be so exhausting dealing with moody, unfashionable girls like Arla,” she said, her voice loud enough to carry Sh barely speaks, always brooding, and honestly, I don’t even know why she bothered dressing up today.

I clenched my jaw. I should’ve been used to it by now. Cassandra knew exactly how to twist the knife.

I waited for Matteo to laugh, for Enzo to ignore me, for Dante to stay silent. But instead-

“Funny,” Matteo said, tilting his head, “I was just thinking how good black looks on her.”

Cassandra stiffened. “What?”

Enzo, without looking away from his drink, added, “You talk too much.”

Dante… just stared at Cassandra. And this time, something shifted in the air. Cassandra’s usual confidence flickered, and she swallowed, looking away quickly.

I turned, grabbing another glass of champagne, but before I could take a sip, I felt it.

A presence behind me. Heavy. Silent. Unshakable.

I turned slowly, and there he was.

Dante.

Up close, he was even more intense. His dark eyes were unreadable, but something about them pinned me in place. He smelled cold, like rain on asphalt. His suit was crisp, but his broad frame made it look more like armor.

For a moment, he just stared at me. Then, in a voice deep and rough, he said, “You don’t like it here.”

It wasn’t a question. Just a statement.

I swallowed, gripping my glass. “No, I don’t.”

Dante nodded, as if that was enough of an answer. Then, just as silently as he had appeared, he turned and walked away.

I watched him go, my heart pounding for reasons I didn’t understand.

Before I could process it, Matteo leaned in close. “You should smile more. But I like the way you glare too.”

Enzo finished his drink and set it down. “We’ll see you again soon, Aria.”

Dante didn’t say anything. Didn’t turn back. But somehow, I felt like he was still watching me.

And then, they were gone.

I exhaled slowly, trying to clear my head. But Cassandra’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“What is it with you?” she hissed. “Why do they keep looking at you?”

2/3

Chapter 9

I didn’t answer. I didn’t have an answer.

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