Chapter 5 - The Baker and The Boss
The heavy door clicked shut, leaving Dante and Mina alone. The terrifying mafia boss who had just dismantled an empire in thirty seconds slowly turned around.
The rage melted from his face, replaced by a devastating, raw heartbreak. He walked over to the table, sweeping the diet pills and the plate of lettuce into the trash can. Then, he dropped to his knees in front of Mina, taking her frail, trembling hands in his.
"Mina," he choked out, pressing his forehead against her knuckles. "God, mia vita. I am so sorry. I was so blind."
Mina looked down at him, tears spilling over her pale cheeks. "I just wanted to be what you needed, Dante. You are so perfect, so disciplined. And I... I was just the girl with the soft stomach who smelled like powdered sugar. Camila said you were embarrassed by me."
"Camila is a snake who couldn't stand that I chose the sun over her venom," Dante said fiercely, looking up into her eyes. He reached up, gently cradling her face. "Mina, listen to me. The day I walked into that bakery, I didn't see a debt. I saw a woman who worked fourteen-hour days. I saw a woman who stood in front of me with flour on her apron and more courage in her heart than half the men in my syndicate. I didn't want a starving, hollowed-out socialite. I wanted you. I wanted your warmth, your curves, your wide hips. I wanted the woman who wasn't afraid to ask me what happens next."
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Mina let out a broken sob, finally leaning forward and collapsing into his broad chest.
Dante held her tightly, burying his face in her dark hair. "We are going to fix this," he promised, his voice thick with emotion. "You are going to rest. You are going to heal. And tomorrow, I am sending my men to Belmont Avenue. We are reopening the Johnson Family Bakery. And you will never, ever apologize for who you are again."
