C29 A Desperate Gamble

Relief washed over Nadia as they stepped off the makeshift stage. The charade of the wedding was (mostly) over. Dante, however, loosened his hold on her back only slightly, his arm still a constant reminder of her captivity.

"Just follow my lead and smile," he murmured, his voice low and clipped. "You don't have to do anything else."

Nadia bristled