Ned smirked. "You're not stupid, but you are treading on thin ice." Dante let out a bark of laughter. "When Keesha's on the other side of the pond, I'll risk it." His brazen intentions only fueled Ned's rage. "You stay away from her," he thundered. "She belongs to me!"

Dante shook his head at Ned. "You've just shown me why you'll never have her heart, Ashton." He hopped off the cement beam, brushing the dust off his trousers. "Now that I've seen it, I'm sure it won't be long before Keesha does too."

Ned lunged for Dante, grabbing him by his collar. "You listen to me and you listen good," he growled. "I was foolish once before and I lost her and you stepped in, but I'm getting her back and I'm not going to let you get in my way." Dante said nothing as Ned's intense gaze left him unsettled. "So you leave tonight and never come back if you value your health."

Hidden behind a pillar, Keesha watched the disturbing scene unfold before her, a horrified expression on her face. Any illusions about her and Ned's future dissolved instantly. Dante's gaze flicked to hers in surprise, but quickly returned to Ned's. "Fine," he said slowly. "I'll leave tonight."