SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

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1. The Darkness That Swallowed Her

Celeste's head pounded as she drifted back into consciousness.

The world swayed.

No—she was moving.

Her wrists were bound. A blindfold covered her eyes. The scent of leather and smoke filled the air.

She was in a car.

Panic clawed at her chest. She struggled, but a firm hand gripped her arm.

"Don't."

The voice was deep, unfamiliar, and laced with amusement.

"You'll only make it worse for yourself."

Her pulse roared in her ears. "Who are you? Where are you taking me?"

A chuckle. "You'll find out soon enough, princess."

Her stomach twisted.

This wasn't Santino's doing.

This was something else.

Something worse.

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2. A Face from the Shadows

The car came to a stop.

Strong hands yanked her out, dragging her forward. Gravel crunched beneath her feet.

The blindfold was ripped away.

Celeste blinked against the harsh light.

A warehouse.

Empty. Silent.

And then—

A figure stepped out of the shadows.

Her breath caught.

"Dante."

He smirked. "Surprised to see me, love?"

Her heart nearly stopped. "You're supposed to be dead."

Dante laughed. "Clearly, I'm not."

Memories crashed over her.

Dante Salvatore.

The man she had once loved.

The man who had died in her arms.

Or so she had thought.

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3. The Betrayal That Broke Her

Celeste's hands clenched into fists. "How?"

Dante tilted his head. "You didn't really think I'd let them kill me, did you?"

Her body trembled. "I buried you."

His expression hardened. "No. You buried a lie."

She shook her head. "Why would you fake your death?"

A cruel smile played on his lips. "Because I had to disappear."

Her stomach twisted. "Disappear for what?"

His gaze darkened. "For this."

A door opened behind him.

And out walked—

Santino.

Celeste's blood ran cold. "What… what is this?"

Santino smirked. "A reunion, of course."

Dante crossed his arms. "And a business opportunity."

Her breath caught. "You're working together?"

Santino exhaled smoke. "We always were."

Her world tilted.

Dante had never been her protector.

He had been her enemy all along.

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4. Trapped Between Two Devils

Celeste's chest rose and fell rapidly. "You used me."

Dante's smirk never wavered. "Oh, love, you were always just a pawn."

Santino chuckled. "Don't take it personally, Celeste. We all have roles to play."

Rage boiled inside her. "And what's mine?"

Dante stepped closer, brushing a finger along her jaw. "You? You're the queen on this board, love."

Her skin burned where he touched her.

Not with desire.

With fury.

"You're insane."

Dante's eyes gleamed. "Maybe. But I'm also the only one who can keep you alive."

She glared at him. "I don't need you."

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Oh, but you do."

A shiver ran down her spine.

Because deep down—

She knew he was right.

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5. The Call That Changed Everything

A phone rang.

Santino pulled it out, answering casually.

A pause.

Then his gaze snapped to Celeste.

His smirk faded. "Rafael is looking for you."

Her heart leaped.

Rafael.

He was coming for her.

Santino exhaled sharply. "Tsk. I was hoping for more time."

Dante's expression darkened. "We don't need time. We need leverage."

Celeste stiffened. "Leverage?"

Dante grinned. "Oh, love. That's you."

She swallowed hard.

Because in that moment—

She knew she was running out of time.

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End of Chapter Thirteen