SCARLET VOWS

Scarlet Vows

A Romance of Love, Betrayal, and Revenge

-----

1. The Standoff That Changed Everything

The room held its breath.

Rafael stood in the doorway, gun raised, his dark eyes locked onto Dante.

Celeste could see the rage in his stance, the storm brewing inside him.

Dante, ever composed, smirked. "Rafael. You're late."

Rafael's grip tightened around the trigger. "Let. Her. Go."

Dante's fingers ghosted over Celeste's wrist. "And if I don't?"

A gunshot split the air.

Celeste gasped as Rafael fired—

Straight at Dante's chest.

The bullet tore through the air—

But Dante was faster.

He shoved Celeste aside, dodging just in time. The bullet grazed his arm instead.

He barely flinched. "Tsk. Always so dramatic."

Santino growled. "Enough games. Kill him."

Chaos erupted.

---

2. The Fight in the Dark

The lights flickered out.

Someone had cut the power.

Gunfire exploded in the darkness.

Celeste dropped to the floor, covering her head as bullets ripped through the air.

She couldn't see—only hear—

Heavy footsteps.

A body hitting the floor.

A sharp gasp of pain.

Then—fingers grabbed her wrist.

She yelped, struggling—

"Celeste, it's me!"

Rafael.

Relief flooded her.

She clutched his shirt, barely able to see him in the dim light. "We have to go!"

He didn't hesitate. "Stay close."

They moved fast, weaving through the shadows.

But then—

A hand yanked her back.

Dante.

His grip was strong, unwavering. "You're not leaving, love."

Her heart slammed against her ribs. "Let me go!"

Rafael spun, gun raised—

Dante pressed a knife to her throat.

The room froze.

---

3. Between Two Devils

The cold steel against her skin sent a shiver through her.

Dante's voice was low, steady. "Put the gun down, Rafael."

Rafael's jaw clenched. "I swear to God, if you hurt her—"

Dante smirked. "Relax. I just want to talk."

Celeste struggled against his grip. "Liar."

He exhaled softly. "You still don't trust me?"

She glared at him. "You kidnapped me."

He chuckled. "You say 'kidnap.' I say 'borrow.'"

Rafael took a step forward. "Dante, if you want to leave this room alive, you'll let her go. Now."

Dante's eyes flickered with something unreadable.

Then, slowly—

He released her.

Celeste stumbled away, straight into Rafael's arms.

His grip was strong, protective. "Are you okay?"

She nodded shakily.

Dante sighed. "You always were good at stealing what's mine."

Rafael's expression darkened. "She was never yours."

Dante smirked. "Are you sure about that?"

The way Celeste stiffened told Rafael everything he needed to know.

There was unfinished business here.

And it was dangerous.

---

4. The Escape That Wasn't

Rafael pulled Celeste toward the exit. "Let's go."

But before they could move—

A dozen armed men flooded into the room.

Santino's men.

Celeste's stomach dropped.

They were trapped.

Santino dusted off his suit, smirking. "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?"

Dante sighed. "Honestly, I was hoping for at least five more minutes of drama before this."

Rafael tensed. "Celeste, stay behind me."

She wanted to argue, but she saw the way Santino's men raised their guns.

This wasn't just a fight.

It was a massacre waiting to happen.

And she was right in the middle of it.

---

5. A Deal with the Devil

Dante raised a hand, stepping between them and Santino. "Easy now."

Santino arched a brow. "Switching sides already?"

Dante smirked. "Not quite."

He turned to Rafael. "You want to walk out of here alive? Then listen to me."

Rafael glared at him. "Why should I trust you?"

Dante's expression darkened. "Because if you don't, Celeste won't make it out alive."

Celeste's heart pounded. "What are you saying?"

Dante exhaled. "I know Santino. He won't let you leave unless you give him something."

Rafael's jaw tightened. "And what do you suggest?"

Dante grinned.

"We make him an offer he can't refuse."

Santino chuckled. "This should be good."

Dante stepped forward. "You want revenge on Rafael, don't you?"

Santino's eyes gleamed. "More than anything."

Dante smirked. "Then let him go."

Santino frowned. "Why would I do that?"

Dante leaned in, whispering something in his ear.

Santino stiffened.

Celeste held her breath.

Then—

Santino nodded.

Rafael cursed. "What the hell did you just do?"

Dante turned to him, smirking. "I just bought you a head start."

Santino gestured toward the door. "Go. Before I change my mind."

Celeste's head spun. "This is a trap."

Dante winked at her. "Of course it is, love. But you'll thank me later."

Rafael grabbed her hand. "We're leaving. Now."

Celeste didn't hesitate.

They ran.

Through the door.

Out into the night.

Leaving Dante behind.

But as she glanced back one last time—

She saw him watching her.

A slow, knowing smile on his lips.

As if this wasn't the end.

As if he knew…

They'd see each other again.

And next time—

It wouldn't be as enemies.

---

End of Chapter Fifteen