by L. P. Dover
Brows furrowed, I quickly glanced over at Isaiah and then back to him. “Do I need to be worried about something?”
Reed shook his head. “Not at the moment. Just promise me you’ll leave town if I think things are getting out of hand.”
I didn’t know what to say. It was obvious there was more going on than I was led to believe. Did it scare me? Yes. But I trusted Reed. As much as I shouldn’t, I actually felt safe around Dominic too. How? I had no clue, especially with everything I knew about him.
“Okay,” I answered. “I trust your judgment.”
Isaiah cleared his throat. “The boss is waiting for you two,” he called out. Reed winked and we started down the hall.
“That sounded so mafia-ish,” I joked, whispering the words in Reed’s ear. After I found out about Layla and her family, I always wondered what it was like growing up in that mafia setting. Their lives were literally the kind you saw in movies. I couldn’t imagine it. Now I was in the middle of it. And honestly, I wasn’t sure what to think about that, but oddly enough it didn’t scare me.
Reed squeezed my arm, and whispered back. “This is real, Faith. Don’t forget that.”
Chills ran down my spine, but I couldn’t deny how exciting it felt. Isaiah opened the door to the presidential suite and Reed and I walked in. Dominic was in the living room, holding a glass of amber liquid in his hands. As always, he was dressed impeccably in an expensive suit. The only time I’d ever seen him in normal clothes was after he’d worked out in the gym. I liked seeing him like that; it made him more human. He always exuded perfection, but I knew he was far from it. Dominic turned to look at us, and his gaze dropped down to my hand holding Reed’s arm. For a moment, I could’ve sworn there was a flash of jealousy on his face, but it disappeared quickly. A part of me hoped I didn’t imagine it.
“Hey,” I said, gently sliding my hand away from Reed. “The food smells amazing.”
Dominic’s lips tilted slightly and he nodded toward the dining room. “Let’s eat then.” I walked down the two steps into the living room toward him and he ushered me into the dining room. The smell of rosemary chicken and potatoes filled the air. There were several covered dishes on the table and my stomach grumbled. Dominic pulled out my chair and I sat down. “How was your morning, Faith? You look as beautiful as always, I trust the girls from the spa did a good job?” He shook Reed’s hand and took his seat at the head of the table.
I rolled my neck and there was no stress pain. “They did amazing, Dominic. Thanks for setting it up. I needed it.”
Francis strolled in, wearing his white chef’s coat and hat with his blonde curls hanging out the side. He was forty-five years old and from Paris. He’d been the Corsinos chef for years. “Good evening everyone,” he said as he walked to the table and took the covers off our plates. “Bon appetite. If you need anything, just let me know.”
Reed watched Francis leave and then peered down at the food. The chicken, potatoes, and steamed broccoli looked like art on the plate. He smiled over at me. “Fancy. I like it.”
A snicker escaped my lips. “Wait until you taste it. Francis is the best.” I took a bite of my chicken and it practically melted in my mouth.
Dominic sat back in his chair, his gaze going from me to Reed. “I didn’t know you two knew each other so well.”
Nodding, I finished another bite of my food. “When I visited Wyoming for those few weeks, Reed was pretty much my tour guide. He took me horseback riding and hiking through the Grand Tetons.”
“I see,” he said, staring curiously at me. “I didn’t know you liked that kind of stuff. I knew you grew up at the beach.”
I shrugged. “Neither did I until I got out there and did it. Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach, but those mountains out west are gorgeous.” I grew up in Belle Haven, Virginia, right at the coast. My mother owned a book store but had to close it down once the e-reader became popular. No one wanted to buy hard copies anymore. It all worked out in the end because my Dad had a small hardware business that was bought out by a huge conglomerate which set my parents for retirement at an early age. My whole life had been nothing but the beach, not mountains. Wyoming was definitely a change from what I was used to, but I did miss home.
Reed cleared his throat. “I keep telling her she needs to move to Wyoming. Layla definitely misses her.”
Dominic glanced down at his food. “I’m sure she does.” He ate a couple bites of his chicken and then sat back in his chair, lifting a glass of whiskey to his lips. “There’s something we need to discuss. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it to either one of you yet.”
I set my fork down and focused on him. Reed did the same. “What is it?” I asked.
He took a sip of his whiskey. “The annual gala’s this weekend. I have to make an appearance.” His attention turned to Reed. “I’m sure your brother already told you what goes on at them. It’s where all the mafia families in town get together to discuss business. I need you there.”
Reed nodded. “Done.”
Then Dominic turned to me. “I’d like you to come too.”
My heart stopped. I’d heard about those galas from Layla. Only the mafia families and their close friends were allowed to be there. “As what exactly? Your assistant?”
Dominic studied me. “Is that how you want me to introduce you?”
How the hell was I supposed to answer that? “Sure,” I answered, not knowing what to say. “What if people try to talk to me and I have no clue what to say? I don’t know all the politics.”
Dominic smiled. “Just be yourself. If I have to leave you for any reason, I’ll have either Reed, Micah, or Connor to keep you company.”
I didn’t know Micah or Connor personally, but I knew they were good guys from what I’d heard. I nodded and continued to eat my food while Dominic went over who all the different families were and what kind of businesses they ran in the city. It was a lot to take in. The more I heard how dangerous they were, the more I started to realize what kind of world I’d stepped in to. Dominic’s father had killed numerous people, many innocents, but I never saw that side of him. It made me wonder what kinds of things Dominic had done that I didn’t know about.
***
Once dinner was over, Dominic and Reed disappeared into Dominic’s office while I sat in the kitchen with Francis. I couldn’t pass up a cup of his famous chocolate mousse and raspberries.
“More?” Francis asked.
I ate the last bite of my chocolate mousse and pushed the glass dish aside. “No. I’ve already had two bowls of it,” I replied, laughing.
He tossed a raspberry into his mouth and smiled. “I’ll make you more tomorrow. It’s nice having you around. You remind me so much of Layla.”
That made me smile. “I miss her so much. It’s been hard not having her here, especially, with all the shit going on with my ex.”
Francis nodded. “I understand. She has a way of making things better.” He nudged me in the side. “She keeps telling me to move to Wyoming. I’ve thought about it numerous times, but Mark loves it here in New York. It’s where his job is.”
Mark was his partner and a well-known fashion designer for men’s clothing. I could see how moving to Wyoming could be an issue for him. “She says the same to me,” I said, nudging him back. “I love New York, but I also love where she’s at too.”
Francis snickered. “It’s also where a very handsome young man lives as well. I noticed the way he looked at you tonight.”
I took a sip of my water and almost choked. “Who? Reed?”
Francis nodded. “The man wants you.”
As much as I cared about Reed as a friend, I didn’t see him that way. I couldn’t deny the feeling of disappointment that washed over me. Deep down, I wanted to hear that Dominic had looked at me like that.
There was something polar opposite about Dominic and my exe that attracted me. Oh yes, Philip was the charmer at first— he tried really, obviously, hard. And at the time it flatter
ed me. But Dominic just does things, seems to take charge like with the whole spa thing, he’s kind of dominant or protective in that way. It’s mysterious and exciting all at once.
I shook my head. “Reed is just my friend. He knows that.”
Francis snorted. “Whatever you say, sweetheart.”
The echo of footsteps sounded down the hall, and it wasn’t long before Dominic and Reed walked into the kitchen. Reed glanced down at his watch and nodded toward the door. “It’s getting late. Want me to walk you to your room?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Dominic called out, meeting my gaze. “I need a few minutes alone with Faith. I’ll make sure she gets to her room safely.”
Reed cleared his throat and smiled, but I could sense the tension. He looked at me and I nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, grinning back at him to let him know I was okay. Reed was just like his brothers … overprotective. With Dominic’s history, I could see how Reed would be uneasy leaving me alone with him. What he didn’t know was that I had history with Dominic. I’d been around him for years, and never once did I ever feel uncomfortable around him.
Reed nodded in understanding and walked out the door. I honestly hoped and prayed that Francis was wrong about Reed wanting me, especially when my feelings didn’t go beyond friendship. Dominic looked at me, and tilted his head toward the living room. “Do you mind?”
I shook my head. “Not at all.” I followed him into the living room and sat down on the brown leather couch. He took the seat across from me, his eyes never leaving mine. The man could seriously make me tremble under that stare. “What do you need to talk to me about?” I asked, averting my attention away from those hypnotic gray eyes of his.
“It’s about tomorrow. I have movers scheduled to get everything out of your condo and moved into a storage facility in town.”
Gasping, I focused back on him. “Seriously?” With only five hundred dollars to my name, I didn’t know how I was going to afford getting someone to help.
He nodded. “They’re all paid and ready to go.”
“Do I need to meet them over there to let them know what’s mine?” I asked. Philip had stolen all my money I’d saved, but I wasn’t about to let him take everything from me.
A sardonic smile spread across Dominic’s face. “No need. They’re going to take it all.”
My heart stopped. “All? How’s that going to be possible?”
He leaned back in his chair. “The only thing your ex said was that you had until the end of the week to get your things cleaned out, right?”
“Yes,” I replied, trying to figure out his motive.
His brows lifted. “And did he give exact specifications on what those things were? Was it written down anywhere what’s yours and his?”
It didn’t take long for me to understand his plan. “Nope. Not at all,” I said, feeling the excitement flow through my veins.
Dominic’s grin widened. “Payback’s going to fuck him in the ass. As I see it, you’re entitled to everything in that condo. We clean it out and sell his shit off. He owes you a hell of a lot more than that.”
That was for damn sure. “Think we can pull it off?” I questioned. There was a level of confidence in Dominic that I’d never seen in any other man. It was exhilarating and completely sexy.
“I have no doubt,” he said, his voice dark and smooth. “Because you see, while my movers are at the condo, you and I will be at the firm cleaning out your office.”
I swallowed hard. “You’re seriously coming with me?”
He nodded. “I’m not letting you go there by yourself. Besides, I want to pay Philip a little visit.”
As much as I wanted Philip to pay for everything he’d done to me, I was afraid Dominic’s tactics would be too rough. “What are you going to do, Dominic?”
His grin faded and he held up a hand. “I just want to have a few words with him, Faith. That’s it.”
I blew out a nervous breath. “Okay. I trust you not to do anything stupid. He’ll get what he deserves once Layla figures out a way.” I sure as hell hoped she figured something out soon.
“And she will,” he agreed. “Until then, you’re set as far as money. I had some put in your bank account this morning.”
I huffed. “Dominic, no. You don’t have to do that.”
He shrugged. “Consider it a loan then. You can pay me back.”
“And I will,” I said, getting to my feet. “I hate feeling like a charity case. I have my own money; money I worked hard for.” I was not a damsel in distress and I didn’t want him seeing me as one.
Dominic stood and stepped closer to me. “Faith, I know that. You’ll get everything back, I promise. But right now, you need help.”
In all reality, he was in the same boat as me, only he didn’t need money. He needed people he could trust. “Guess you and I aren’t so different, huh? You need help too.”
He nodded. “You’re right. I had to set aside my pride to ask for it. My family’s legacy was at stake.”
I looked right into his eyes. “How do you plan on keeping that legacy, Dominic? We all know what your father was capable of. I’m not going to lie, I’ve often wondered what kind of parts you played in all of it.”
He stared right back, but then turned away and walked toward the window that looked out at the bustling city streets below. “I’ve made mistakes, Faith, and did things to protect my family, but I never took part in those atrocities my father did. I would never kill innocent people.”
But he had killed people in the past. Bad people from what Layla told me about it. One day I’d find the courage to ask him, but from the look on his face, he wasn’t ready. It should scare me, but in a way he was no different from Reed or any of the other Chandlers. They killed bad people too, only they did it for the FBI, and they were good people. Dominic could be good too … if he wanted to be.
“I should probably go and get some rest,” I said, waiting for Dominic to face me. When he did, I pointed toward the door. “Tomorrow’s going to be a rough day for me. It’s going to take all I have not to kill Philip when I see him.”
He growled. “I know the feeling.” He started toward me. “I’ll walk you down the hall.”
We walked out of the kitchen and he opened the door. I figured Isaiah would be standing guard, but he wasn’t there. “Where’s Isaiah?” I asked.
Dominic gently placed a hand against my low back as he closed the door behind us, but his touch didn’t last long. “He’s either at the bar downstairs or in his room.”
“Oh,” I replied, shocked. “From what I remember, your father always had him around.”
He snorted. “I don’t need a bodyguard, Faith. I can take care of myself. Isaiah had nowhere else to go after my father died so I let him stay on. It’s his choice to be here.”
When we got to my door, I slid the room key through the slot and opened it. Dominic leaned against it to keep it open. “So … what’s going on between you and Reed?”
Eyes wide, I laughed. I wasn’t expecting that question to come out of his mouth. “Me and Reed? What about us?”
There was no smile on Dominic’s face, just pure and utter seriousness. “Is there something going on between you two?”
If I wasn’t mistaken, I could’ve sworn there was a hint of jealousy in his tone. Maybe it was me just being optimistic. Crossing my arms over my chest, I leaned against the doorframe. “Why do you ask?”
Dominic’s gaze never wavered. “You’re a beautiful woman, Faith. I need to know where his focus is going to be.”
“Reed is my friend. We spent a lot of time together after I left Philip. I was in a dark place at that point.”
Dominic looked away. “Did you two …?”
I knew what he was asking, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh yeah, all the time, day and night,” I joked, hoping to lighten the mood. Dominic jerked his attention back to me and I laughed harder. “I’m just kidding. Nothing ever happened like that between
me and Reed.”
He nodded. “Good.”
“What if we had?” I asked curiously. Instead of answering, he smiled and started down the hall. “Dominic,” I shouted. He opened his door and glanced down the hallway at me. “What if we had? Would you be sending him back to Wyoming?”
Dominic sighed. “Would that bother you?”
I didn’t want Reed going anywhere. Having him in New York was like having Layla with me. I needed a friend I could trust. “I feel safe with him, Dominic. You need him and so do I.”
There was a look of pain on his face I’d never seen before. “Do you not feel safe with me?” he asked, his voice low.
Even with knowing who he was and his past, I’d never felt anything but safe around him, among other things. “I do,” I answered. “I always have.”
He must’ve been satisfied with my answer because his lips tilted slightly. “Goodnight, Faith. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Dominic.”
I slipped inside my room, and leaned against the door. What the hell was going on between us?
Chapter Seven
Dominic
All through the night, I couldn’t get Faith out of my mind. She was just down the hall and all I wanted was to feel her body wrapped around mine. Watching Reed and her together infuriated me in ways I didn’t know I could feel. I’d never been jealous over another man in my entire fucking life. My fists hurt from punching the punching bag all morning.
I slipped on my suit jacket and grabbed my car keys off the kitchen counter. Our morning had been sidetracked by Faith’s bastard of an ex-husband. Instead of being at the law firm, Luca said he was seen going into his and Faith’s condo and stayed there the entire morning. My guess was so he could see Faith. He knew she was going to be showing up there at some point this week. Fucking douche bag. I wasn’t about to let him anywhere near her, especially alone.
“You about to leave?” Isaiah asked from the kitchen doorway.
“Yep,” I said, slipping my wallet into my jacket pocket. “Now that that cocksucker is out of the condo, my movers are on their way there. I’m taking Faith to her office so she can clean it out. I need you here for when Micah and Connor show up. Show them their rooms and then take them down to the pit. Bryce told me they were good fighters so I want them to work with Taylor and Darius. As soon as I get back, I’ll go down to them.”
