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"The safe room is through the back corridors," I reply, glancing around to make sure no one is paying us too much attention.
As we move swiftly through the crowded rooms, I can't help but feel a strange sense of exhilaration. There's something about the danger and the fact that Jasmine is right here by my side, trusting me to protect her, that sets my nerves on fire.
"Are you okay?" I ask her, concerned by the tight set of her jaw and the worried crease between her eyebrows.
"Considering the circumstances, yeah." She manages a weak smile. "I guess crashing a masquerade isn't always fun and games."
"Or maybe," I fire back, reaching out for her lower back to lead her in the right direction. "The fun has just begun."
I think I feel her tremble and she averts her gaze with a blush on her face, holding back a smile.
Chapter 9
The Phantom's Game
Jasmine
As Dario and I walk through the dimly lit corridors of the palazzo, the shadows dance on the walls, playing tricks with my mind as we venture deeper into the heart of the sprawling estate. The guests are behind us now, and we're all alone, yet why do I feel like we're being followed?
Goosebumps rise up and down my arm, and I take in a deep breath to calm myself.
"Are you alright, Jasmine?" Dario asks, his voice a soothing balm against the rising tide of my petrifying thoughts.
I nod, though in truth, I am far from alright. On one hand, Dario's protective presence wraps itself around me like a warm embrace, his strong arms capable of warding off any danger that may befall us.
But on the other hand, the vulnerability gnaws at me due to the lie I've told him about why I'm at the palazzo. A lie that could quickly unravel if he learns the true nature of my mission.
"I'm fine," I say, hoping my voice doesn't betray the turmoil within. "It's just... I'm afraid we're being followed," I give him what truth I can, guilt reeling through me for the lies I spew.
"Don't worry, I'm right here," Dario murmurs, his eyes scanning the dark corners ahead, ever vigilant for any lurking threats.
I glance at him, taking in the strong line of his jaw, the focused intensity in his eyes, and the way his muscles tense beneath his tailored suit. There's no doubt in my mind that Dario Marchetti is a force to be reckoned with, and I find myself wondering how I got so lucky to have him by my side.
But that luck comes with a price, and the weight of my deception presses heavily upon me. I want nothing more than to trust him completely, to confide in him the true reason for my being here, but to do so would put us both in even greater peril.
Perhaps with me here, I could prove him innocent in his father's dealings. Perhaps with him here, he can keep me safe. So, I keep up the facade as we navigate the labyrinthine halls of this ancient fortress.
The comparatively desolate servants' quarters stretch before us, a humbling contrast to the glitz and glamour of the gala. The narrow hallway seems to swallow us whole as we walk side by side, our footsteps echoing off the stone walls.
Flickering bulbs cast eerie shadows that dance with our every movement, taunting me with their silent whispers.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Dario nods, his eyes never leaving the path ahead. "I've been here many times before," he says, his deep voice soothing my nerves. "This is my home, remember?"
I give him a wry smile as he comes closer and places his arm on my back, guiding me forward.
There's something about Dario's presence that makes me feel like a real woman. As a spy, I'm trained to handle any dangerous situation. But with Dario, I realize I don't have any danger to face.
He's here, watching over me, and that gives me the space to be nothing but a woman. There's a sense of power in that, despite what I've been trained to believe, because I know he won't do this for just anyone.
It's me that brings out this masculine urge to keep me safe and that is not a fate I can dismiss. His confidence seeps into me, warming my veins and making me believe that together, we are invincible.
And even though I know that my deception could be my undoing, I can't help but let my guard down around him, trusting him more than I should.
"Keep close," he murmurs, taking my hand in his. His grip is firm yet gentle, providing an anchor in this disorienting maze of dark corridors.
As we round a corner, a sudden gust of wind slams a door shut behind us, causing me to jump. Dario's arm instantly wraps around my waist, pulling me closer to his side. "It's just the wind," he reassures me, his breath warm on my cheek.
