Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Dantes POV An insistent ringing jolts me out of sleep , pulling me from hazy dreams of red lips and tangled sheets . My eyes open , adjusting to the faint light filtering through the thick curtains , and I blink in confusion , taking in my surroundings . This was my hotel room the place I always came to clear my head and rape pack obligations for a bit . Yet something felt different . The air was thick with an unfamiliar scent something floral and sweet , with a hint of spice like jasmine but richer . Memories came rushing back , crashing over me like a freight tr . The woman from last night . Her deep auburn hair , eyes like a smoky whiskey , the freckles that danced across her cheeks and nose . And the way shed looked at me , her face a mix of fear and yearning . I could almost feel her touch still lingering on my skin . The persistent ringing snapped me back to reality , and I cursed , grabbing my phone off the nightstand . Someone better be dying . I muttered into the receiver . Someone is going to die , and its going to be you if you dont get back here like an hour ago , a sarcastic voice shot back . I didnt need to check the caller ID to know it was my little brother , Caius . What do you mean ? I replied , rolling my eyes at his theatrics . Dante , he sighed , the weight of a lecture already hanging in his voice , the old mans pacing , and its all because his eldest son ran off mid discussion last night . Hes not exactly pleased with your disappearing act . I groaned , running a hand through my hair as I dragged myself out of bed . Every muscle felt worn , but in a good way Id spent hours working off every bit of tension I carried . There was an unusual energy humming through me , a strange feeling of being sated that I couldnt quite shake . My mind drifted back to her , my mysterious partner from last night . like I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror , and a flash of her face swept over me : those expressive eyes , shining with something I couldnt place . Her slight hesitation , her conflicting vulnerability , and the way shed clung to me as if needing more than just a simple one night reprieve . Shed been different from anyone Id ever been with . Innocent , ves , but not in the traditional sense . She was holding something back , something deeper than just nerves . Then the memory of her whispered plea floated back : More . Shed begged , nearly breathless , with a desperation that hit me harder than I wanted to admit . And thats when I remembered shed been a virgin . Id been with plenty of women , but this ? Id never been the first for anyone , much less someone like her . Dante ! Are you even listening to me ? Caiuss annoyed voice broke through the haze . Not really, I replied flatly , knowing it would rile him up .. Do you even understand the mess youve left me to deal with ? Dads not going to force you into a marriage ; he was just- the shower , letting cold It doesnt matter , I cut him off , clenching my jaw as I walked into the bathroom and turned on water shock me back to full clarity . The fact that hed even mention an alliance with the Wolfes is enough . Out of everyone , I thought hed understand . Hes the one who always talled them our enemies . And now he wants to hand me over like some bargaining chip ? You know hes doing it for us , Caiuss voice softened . I could hear him pacing in the background , his usual sarcasm replaced with a rare seriousness . The Wolfe pack is a shadow of what it used to be , and theyre just using this peace talk to avoid a full on war . Theyre weak , and you know Dad cant resist an opportunity to play savior . I clenched my jaw . Our father , Raiden Steele , was a force of nature , but he was also one of the most stubborn , righteous men alive . He had instilled in us the value of strength and sacrifice , but he hadnt been shy about his hatred of the Wolfe pack . Not after theyd played a part in our mothers death 81 % Chapter 8 I shook my head , trying to dispel the frustration that came with houghts of home . Instead , my mind circled back to last night . As I shut off the water , walked out the bathroom and grabbed a towel , I caught a glimpse of the bedside table , and there it was : a fifty dollar bill and a small , neatly folded note . Frowning . I picked it up , my confusion growing as I read the message scrawled in looping handwriting : Thank you for your services Take care , and good luck . I stared at the note , incredulous . Shed paid me ? The woman ha left money on the nightstand and wished me good luck like I was some hired company . The absurdity of it hit me in waves , followed by a reluctant chuckle . Caius , I called into the phone , my voice measured . Yeah ? he replied , clearly still annoyed . Hypothetically speaking , what would it mean if a woman you spent the night with left you fifty bucks and a note thanking You for your … services ? I kept my tone casual , but I could almost hear him holding back his laugh . He paused , then he burst out laughing , a full , unrestrained laugh that echoed through the speaker . Youre kidding right ? She obviously thought you were a call boy . I rolled my eyes , gritting my teeth against the embarrassment creeping up . Shut up , I muttered , tossing the note and cash . back onto the table , irritation bubbling beneath my skin . Seriously , Dante . Guess you found a new career path ! he teased clearly reveling in my discomfort . Oh man , wait till dad finds out Enough , you wont speak a word of this to him . I said , rubbing hand over my face as I felt a begrudging smile tugging at the corner of my mouth . Wheres Dad ? In his study , Caius replied , still chuckling . Pacing and muttering to himself about stubborn sons and ruined reputations . You know , the usual . I sighed , bracing myself for the inevitable lecture . But my mind kept drifting back to her . To Valencia , I hadnt even asked for her full name . I hadnt needed to . Wed met at that bar , both there to forget something or someone , but her haunted eyes hinted at wounds deeper than mine . There was something about her , something that called to me in a way I didnt understand . Hell , I didnt know what I was feeling , but one thing was clear : she was far from the forgettable encounter Id thought shed be Better get moving , Dante . Dad wont wait forever , Caius said , amusement still lacing his words . I nodded to myself , pulling on a fresh set of clothes and slipping the note into my pocket , almost without realizing it . Im on my way . Just let him know Ill be there soon . Sure thing , big brother , Caius replied , his tone lightening . And hey , next time you get laid , try not to get paid . We dont want to tarnish the family name . I groaned at the stupid joke and ended the call . But despite myself I couldnt help the chuckle that escaped me . Title: Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation In CrushReel's ongoing romance novel, "Assigned A Billionaire Husband By The Nation," a young woman finds herself without a home after a heart-wrenching breakup with her boyfriend of four years. Following state policy, she is unexpectedly matched with a billionaire spouse, forever altering the course of her life. Amidst themes of love, resilience, and newfound wealth, readers are drawn into a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary. 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