Zarri left soon after receiving a call from her mother.
That left Kashi alone with Dante, who seemed content to hover around the room like a restless shadow, moving from one corner to another without explanation.
After a while, Kashi grew tired of his silence.
"Dante," she called.
He paused mid-step and turned to her with a smile. "Yes, princessa?"
"Call me that one more time and I'll have your head," Kashi said with a frown.
"Right, right. Still the same feisty mistress," Dante pouted.
Then, reaching into the bag he had brought with him, he pulled out a silver gun and tossed it toward her. Kashi caught it neatly.
She lifted a brow. "What's this for?"
"Your present. You didn't think I forgot about you, did you?" Dante said. "I already gave Zarri hers, the diamond she's been pestering around for." He sighed dramatically and rubbed a hand over his head. "I spoil her too much."
"A diamond for Zarri, and I get a gun?" Kashi asked, her tone edged with disbelief as though testing the depth of his foolishness.
Dante nodded without shame. "Yes. You get a gun."
Kashi shoved the blanket aside with a hiss and rose from the bed, walking toward him with the weapon still in her hand.
For the first time since entering the room, Dante took a cautious step back.
"Now listen here, mistress…" he began, already retreating. If there was one thing Dante feared in life, it was a version of Kashi he couldn't predict.
"You stroll back in here after two years, looking all fancy in a white suit," Kashi said, cocking the gun with practiced ease. "You throw a diamond piece at Zarri and then what?" She lifted the gun and held it to Dante's head. Sometimes even she forgot how frightening she could look when she wanted to. "What exactly am I supposed to do with this?"
"Protect yourself!" Dante said quickly, offering her a sheepish smile. Whoever had claimed his mistress had changed was clearly blind.
Kashi blinked once, then smiled. It was not a comforting smile. "You're a threat now, Dante," she said softly. "Tell me, should I shoot?"
"Now, now, dearie, let's be reasonable." Dante raised both hands in surrender.
"Give me one." Kashi's smile turned downright wicked.
"Uh… you love me?" Dante tried.
Kashi pressed the gun a little closer.
"And I'm sorry," he added quickly.
Kashi closed her eyes, as if giving the matter serious thought. Then she lowered the weapon.
"It's not even loaded," she hissed, tossing it aside.
Dante chuckled. "I like my life way too much, mistress."
Kashi shot him a look, then turned toward the window.
Dante walked over and stopped beside her, his usual teasing air settling into something calmer.
"Ivar sends a message," he said.
Kashi glanced at him. "What is it?"
Dante shrugged. "He says he hopes you're over that man. And if not, he's got tons of pretty boys in his country you can choose from. Otherwise, he'll burn Grey down himself."
Kashi laughed softly. "Typical Ivar."
"He was pretty pissed when he saw the news," Dante added. "You were too nice. Unlike you."
"Mm." Kashi smiled faintly. "You should try it sometime."
"And have my name dragged across the world? No way." Dante gave an exaggerated shiver, but the moment he caught Kashi's cold look, he straightened immediately.
"Tell your boyfriend I have better things to do," Kashi said, her gaze still fixed on the window. "Besides, I've got a new dog on my tail."
Dante raised a brow. "Oh."
But he didn't push. He simply bowed, took the hint, and excused himself from the room, leaving Kashi alone once more.