SrCuervo
patreon
114
🕑 Added 2025-01-17 10:33:02 +0000 UTCWind in the Smoke
Chapter 114 - A Peace I Deserve
The pub lights dimmed slightly as Dante sat beside Susie, who was surprisingly very close to Beth, who seemed to be quite friendly.
"Did you expect them to get along so well?" Rip also had his doubts.
Dante shook his head and said, "I didn't expect it, but it's a relief not to have to deal with my sister's rejection."
"In that, we share the same thoughts." Rip wasn't surprised by Beth's siblings' opinions about her behavior—he knew her just as well as they did.
At the same time, the band members were about to take the stage again.
Lloyd, who had returned with a woman, held her hand and smirked at the other cowboys who hadn't been as lucky.
This time, the band wanted to play a few love songs to set the mood, so Dante's thoughts about enjoying a calm evening were not to be fulfilled.
Maybe it was the alcohol, but his mind wasn't entirely focused, and his eyes wandered to the crowd now and then.
Thinking to himself, perhaps he could get things to settle without too many problems along the way.
During the first song, he noticed Susie singing softly among the audience, her fingers unconsciously moving to the rhythm.
It's impossible for someone who loves music as much as she does to completely resist performing under its sound.
Dante knew that opportunities might dwindle in the future. Ghost’s proposal to take down Felipe Lobos didn’t benefit Dante in the slightest, as Felipe had always been there to help him whenever he had trouble.
Though it wouldn't be his problem if Felipe died abroad, here, in his country, he had to ensure that trafficker could keep breathing.
The issues with the feds were escalating, and they were closing in on Felipe Lobos, which was putting Ghost in their crosshairs. But if Ghost decided to sell him his share of the business and work with Tommy, he might get off that radar.
"What’s on your mind?" Rip, beside him, couldn’t help but notice Dante's unusual silence as he drank.
Dante looked at Rip and said quietly, "I want you to take care of my sister, Rip. We all think you two should try taking the next step."
"What are you talking about?"
"We all know you have a special bond, and I want you to know you have my approval. Besides, my father told me he has a few words for you." Dante knew this man needed to advance within the family—after all, he was the one handling many of the most important tasks on the ranch.
He was like another son to John, and the only reason he hadn’t adopted him was because of his wife's death. Unfortunately, she had been the glue that kept the Dutton family strong and united.
A woman—who would’ve thought?
"I appreciate your words." Rip felt a lot of respect for Dante, unlike his brother Kayce, who, in Rip’s eyes, was an ungrateful son to their father, who had struggled to give him everything.
"Then I’ll leave my sister in your care tonight," Dante said as he stood, took Susie's hands, and said to her, "Come on, let’s dance."
Susie followed him to the dance floor, and Dante gently embraced her, swaying slowly to the rhythm of the song.
She didn’t resist but instead relaxed against him, wrapping her arms around his neck and softly playing with his hair using her fingertips.
"Though this isn’t the first time we’ve danced, you’re not completely drunk," Susie whispered, having formed a much closer relationship with the man who was now her fiancé.
Dante rested his chin on Susie’s shoulder, inhaling the scent of her hair deeply.
The people and noise around them faded away as if this moment belonged only to the two of them.
Dante whispered in her ear, "I hope tonight shows you that I will always be here just for you."
Susie's body fit perfectly against his chest, with soft curves, a relaxed expression, slightly closed eyes, and a smile on her lips.
She smiled faintly but didn’t comment.
Glancing to the side, Dante saw Rip holding Beth and the other cowboys who had found a partner.
This time, Dante didn’t want life to slip through his fingers. For the first time in his life, he loved living.
Comments
Nato J
Great chapter, finally people coming together, only Lee and Jaime left.
