by L. P. Dover
She walked off and shut the door behind her, giving us the entire roof. Faith stood by the edge of the building, her eyes twinkling with the glow of the city lights. As soon as I stopped next to her, she blew out a sigh and smiled. “You are too much right now, Dominic. I can’t believe you brought me here.”
“Why?” I asked.
She shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s got to be a reason, although I can’t think of anything you’d need from me.”
There were a lot of things I wanted from her, only I didn’t know if she’d give them to me. “I’m not bribing you for anything, Faith,” I said in all seriousness. “I just think it’s time someone showed you what you’ve been missing.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Really? How many women have you brought here and said the exact same thing to?”
I stepped closer to her. “None. You’re the only one.” And that was the truth. Yes, I’d been with a lot of women, but I never had to wine and dine them. I didn’t care about them. Faith was different. All of those old feelings of long ago were resurfacing and the woman she is today, stronger after all she’s been through, was seeping into my heart once again. I regretted not telling her how I felt all those years ago before she turned to Philip.
Grinning, Faith crossed her arms over her chest. “You expect me to believe that? I’ve seen you with countless women on more than one occasion.”
I shrugged. “And that was the past. Things change.” I pulled out the seat for her and she sat, looking at me as if she’d never seen me before. “Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked.
A small smile lit up her face. “I don’t know. I mean, I’ve known you for years, but the past couple of days you seem different.”
I poured us both a glass of red wine. “How so?”
She lifted her glass and took a sip. “Take Greta, for instance. She absolutely adores you. Guess I can’t blame her, you do have a certain charm about you.”
That made me laugh. “I grew up with her grandson. I love her like my grandmother.”
Faith cleared her throat and leaned closer over the table. “Are the Violantes part of the mafia too?”
I shook my head. “Not at all. They’re good people who do things the right way.”
“And you don’t?” she countered.
Picking up my wine, I watched it swirl around in the glass. I didn’t know if I was capable of doing things completely the right way. Corsino blood flowed through my veins. My father was an evil man. His wrongdoings would forever follow me around. “I’m working on it,” was all I could say.
Maybe one day I could say more. Things would be different. One thing I knew, I would do things differently for her if I had that chance.
She reached over and placed a hand over mine, but it was brief. “I can tell. You should hear your sister talk about you. Deep down, I always knew there was something different about your family.”
“It never seemed to scare you though,” I stated, wishing she hadn’t taken away her hand.
She shook her head. “Not in the least. It was actually kind of intriguing. I still remember the day Layla told me about Bryce and his brothers being assassins for the FBI. It shocked me, but it interested me more than anything. Reed explained it all to me.”
That pang of jealousy came back with a vengeance. It was the way she smiled when she said his name. “So he took you horseback riding and hiking?” I asked, drinking more of my wine.
Her face lit up. “Every day I was in Wyoming. I didn’t realize how much I loved the mountains until I went there.”
“What is it about him that you like?” I wondered. “You get this look on your face when you talk about him.”
Gaze narrowed, she studied me. “Reed and I are just friends. I told you that.”
I nodded. “I know. It’s still an answer I want to know.”
Sighing, she averted her gaze to the bridge. “Reed’s the type of man you don’t see very often. He’s easy to talk to, and he also listens. I married a self-centered man who only cared about one thing … himself.” When her eyes met mine, I could see her pain. “It kills me that I chose the wrong man. Reed helped me to see that there are good men in the world.”
“Why aren’t you with him then? It’s obvious he thinks more of you than a friend.”
I didn’t know that for sure, but judging by the expression on her face, it proved my assumption was true; he had feelings for her. I just hoped he’d back down once he saw she was mine.
Faith smiled. “You want to know what I love about Reed?” I nodded and her smile widened. “He’s honest. He told me about his job and how many people he’s killed, even though he was afraid I’d see him differently. What his honesty really did was make me see that I could trust him. Trust is really important in a relationship and I trust him with my life.”
That was where Reed and I differed. I wanted Faith to trust me, but she wouldn’t if she knew the truth of who I was and what I’d done. Reed worked for the FBI; he was supposed to be one of the good guys. I was far from it. The only honesty I could give Faith was a watered-down version of it. It was the only way.
“I understand,” I replied. “It’s important to have people like that in your life. Luckily, I have a sister who likes to be brutally honest with me.” We both laughed because she, of all people, knew how my sister was. “Besides hiking and horseback riding, what else do you like to do?” I asked, hoping to change the subject.
Grinning wide, she lifted her glass and swirled her wine around. “Why the sudden interest in me, Dominic? What do you want?”
I stared straight into her eyes. Faith was a smart woman. She knew exactly what I was doing. “I think you know,” I told her.
She looked toward the sky and bit her lip as she smiled. My dick hardened at the sight. I wanted to kiss those lips more than anything. “I don’t know,” she said, turning her seductive blue eyes to mine, “I might need you to tell me.”
The roof door opened and Greta walked out. I leaned my elbows on the table, my gaze never wavering from hers. “Don’t worry. I will.”
***
Once dinner was over, we headed on our way back to the hotel. Per Faith’s request, Greta spent most of the dinner with us, talking about the restaurant and her memories of me as a child. They were memories of what I used to be before the real Corsino life took hold. It was hard to remember myself in those days. Seeing them through Greta’s eyes gave me hope. Maybe it’d help Faith see that I wasn’t completely a bad guy, or at least I didn’t start out that way. The last thing I wanted was for her to think I was going to turn out like my father. He had demons, ones I didn’t see until it was too late.
I pulled into the parking garage, and opened Faith’s door. Our dinner conversation ended on a tense note and we had yet to discuss it. There were many things to consider with getting involved with Faith. She knew what my life entailed, but she hadn’t lived it. That was why a lot of marriages between my type of people happened within the different mafia families.
Faith walked beside me to the elevators, her arm brushing against mine. If she was any other woman, all I’d have to do was say a few nice words and I’d have them spread out on my bed. I couldn’t do that with Faith. There was no way in hell she’d give in that easily, even if she did want me.
Once we reached the pent house floor, the elevator opened and we turned down her side of the hallway. “So,” she said, her voice low and sexy, “when exactly am I going to start being your assistant? All you’ve done is help me. It’s supposed to be the other way around.”
We stopped at her door and she made no headway to open it. I leaned against the wall, and smiled. “You want honesty, right?”
She giggled and crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh, good Lord. Can’t wait to hear this.”
I chuckled. “Hiring you as an assistant was just to get close to you.”
Her grin faded and a look of uncertainty filled her eyes. “Why?”
Tension filled the air and it felt
like an electric spark had just ignited between us. I stepped toward her, my body right up against hers. “For the past ten years you’ve been untouchable for me. My sister didn’t want you to be a part of our world. Not that I can blame her, but things are different now. I’m trying to do things right.” It was a lie, but I had her in my grasp … and I wanted her. I lifted a hand to her cheek and she sucked in a breath. “I’ve always wanted you, Faith. Now that you’re free I see it as a chance.” She opened her mouth to speak, but I clasped her face in my hands and kissed her. I didn’t want to hear her say no, at least not yet, not before I’d had the chance to kiss her. If I only had this one chance, I wasn’t going to waste it. Her lips tasted sweet, and I wanted more. She squeezed my arms and lifted up on her toes, opening her lips further. I deepened the kiss and pressed my hips into hers so she could feel what she’d done to me. All I wanted was to kiss every inch of her body, but it wasn’t the right time. Slowly, I broke from the kiss, and stepped back.
Faith’s chest rose and fell with her breaths, but she had a smile on her face. “I was not expecting that.” The elevator dinged down the hall and Isaiah stepped out. He looked at us and nodded toward my suite. “Do you have to go?” Faith asked.
I focused back on her. “It’s probably for the best. It’ll give you time to think about what I’ve said. Tomorrow you’ll have your money, and you can decide where you want to be. Either here or Wyoming.” I brushed my thumb across her swollen lips. “I want you here with me, but it’s your choice.”
On those words, I walked away. Layla was going to kill me, but it wasn’t up to her on what her best friend did with her life. Isaiah opened my suite door, and I looked back once to see if Faith was still there. She smiled and waved before disappearing inside her room. Isaiah followed me into the suite and I loosened my tie.
“What’s going on?” I asked, tossing my jacket onto the kitchen counter.
Isaiah cleared his throat. “Micah and Connor are on their way up. Your uncle stopped by earlier and said he’d see you tomorrow.”
I could hear the elevator open out in the hall. “Perfect. Where’s Reed?”
Isaiah nodded toward the door. “Headed to his room to make a phone call.”
Had to make sure he wasn’t on his way to Faith’s room. I didn’t like the thought of him being alone with her. “Tomorrow I want you take Faith to find a dress for the gala. That’ll keep her busy while I tend to everything here.”
“Will do,” he said, backing up to the door. He opened it just as Micah and Connor were about to knock. Isaiah stepped out of the way so they could come in.
“Good evening gentlemen,” I called out. “Thanks for coming up. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here when you arrived.” Bryce had sent me a file on Micah so I already knew which one he was. Dressed in a black T-shirt and jeans, Micah was tall and muscular with light brown hair and tattoos covering his whole left arm. Bryce was right. He had the look I needed, especially one of a fighter. Connor, on the other hand, was about six years older than me with chestnut colored hair and dressed in a suit. He was just as muscular as Micah, but I could tell he’d had a harder life from the various scars on his face. I remembered his family well when they came hunting for him. Connor looked exactly like his brother.
Grinning wide, Micah stepped closer and held out his hand. “You missed a good fight downstairs. I put Darius on his ass.”
I shook his hand, definitely impressed. “Hate I missed it. He’s one of the best.”
Connor snorted. “He’s okay. He’ll be the best when I get done with him.” His Irish accent was thick. “You’re probably better off putting that one in the ring,” he said, nodding over at Micah.
We shook hands and I turned to Micah who had a sly grin on his face. “You down for that?” I asked.
He chuckled. “Fuck yeah. I love a good fight.”
As much as I wanted the best in the ring, I couldn’t risk him like that. I needed him with me. “If it comes down to it, you can, but for the moment, I need you on the sidelines.” Micah nodded in understanding. They followed me into the living room and I poured us all a glass of whiskey from the bar. “I don’t know what all Bryce told you, but things might get a little ugly around here. I just want to make sure you’re prepared.” I turned around and handed them their drinks. “I don’t anticipate much animosity from some of the other families, but the Cartwrights are different. Their leader has always tried to one up my father. With him gone, there’s no telling what the Cartwrights do. I think he’ll try something; I just don’t know what yet.”
Micah sat down on the couch and tossed his drink back. “No worries from me. I’m ready for anything.”
Connor sat down on the brown leather chair, his expression hard and unrelenting. “So am I.”
I raised up my glass. “And so it begins.”
Chapter Eight
Faith
Before going to bed, I called my parents to check in and made sure to leave out everything that was going on so they wouldn’t worry about me. They’d seen the news about Layla and her family, and how they had ties to the mafia. What they didn’t know was how involved they were. Luckily, it didn’t change their opinion on them. My parents loved Layla and had met Dominic a couple years ago when they came up to New York to visit. My mother absolutely adored him. She’d even made comments on how I should’ve married a guy like him instead of Philip. If only I’d listened to her sooner.
All through the night there were replays in my head of the kiss. I’d been kissed by several men in my life, but nothing compared to the way Dominic made me feel. I didn’t want it to end. What I really wanted was to drag him into my room and rip off his clothes. That thought had crossed my mind more than once. What really caught me by surprise was what he said. He wanted me, and it was my turn to decide what to do with that information.
Looking out the window to the city below, everything seemed so simple, but yet, it wasn’t. I felt like I knew what I was getting in to, but what if I didn’t? I didn’t know the first thing about mafia life, the politics, or the dangers. Yes, I’d seen plenty of movies, but I didn’t know how accurate those were. A part of me had a feeling it was a lot worse outside the movie screen.
A knock had sounded on the door and my heart raced. I’d gotten up early to take my shower and get dressed. I didn’t know what the plan was for today, but I dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a flowy floral tank top with a pair of brown wedges. I wanted to be ready, even if I wasn’t exactly ready to see Dominic. I didn’t have an answer for him yet. Did I want to be with him? Hell yeah, but it was a big decision. My life would be altered in ways I couldn’t even imagine if I agreed to stay.
Taking a deep breath, I ran a hand through my hair and opened the door, only it wasn’t Dominic. “Isaiah,” I said, trying to hide my disappointment.
Dressed in his usual suit, he nodded once and held out an envelope. “This is for you. Give me a call when you’re ready.” Turning on his heel, he headed back down the hallway.
I glanced down at the envelope that had my name hand-written on the front. It was from Dominic. Closing the door, I slid my finger under the flap and sat down at the kitchen bar. When I pulled out the letter, a credit card with Dominic’s name fell out onto the counter along with a slip of paper with Isaiah’s phone number on it.
Faith,
Good morning. I hope you had a good night. I have some business to take care of today, but Isaiah is going to take you to get a dress for the gala. Feel free to get whatever you like, no matter the cost.
Dinner will be at six tonight if you want to join me.
Dominic
I pushed Dominic’s credit card away and shook my head. He’d already done too much for me. Not to mention, I had fifty thousand of his dollars in my bank account. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, only I wasn’t a hooker.
My phone rang and I rushed into the bedroom to grab it. It was the one person I’d desperately wanted to talk to, only I couldn’t call her
last night because it was too late.
“Layla, oh my God, isn’t six in the morning where you’re at?”
“Yeah, but I couldn’t sleep. Morning sickness is no joke. Plus, I have some things to tell you.”
“Me too,” I replied excitedly. “I’ve been dying to talk to you.”
She giggled. “You first then. I have to hear this.”
“Well, to start with, your brother’s going to drive me crazy. He put fifty thousand dollars in my bank account.”
Layla burst out laughing. “Wow. That’s a lot.”
I looked over at Dominic’s credit card on the counter. “He also gave me his credit card to go shopping. Does he do this a lot with women?”
She snorted. “Good God, no.” That was a relief. She obviously heard my sigh. “Why do you ask? Is something going on between you two?”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I laid my head on the counter. “What would you say if I said maybe?” The line went silent, but then I heard her snicker. My head snapped up and I stood. “Why did you laugh?”
Her laugh echoed through the phone. “Because I knew you two wouldn’t be able to resist. I’m not blind, Faith. Dominic’s always had a thing for you, and I know you did for him before you got married. It was only a matter of time before something happened.”
“It was just a kiss,” I said. “He took me to Violante’s last night, and when we got back, he kissed me. He said it’s up to me to decide what happens next.”
“Violante’s, huh? That’s a special place for him. He’s never taken anyone there.” The more time I spent with him, the more special he made me feel. “What are you going to do?” she asked. “Do you want to be with him?”
“Yes,” I answered wholeheartedly. “But I’ve been worried about what you would say. I know there was a time when you didn’t want me involved with your family.”
“That was before you knew what my family was, Faith. I love my brother and I want to see you both happy. You’ll be good for him. He told Bryce that one day he plans on leaving New York and leading a normal life. I keep hoping for that to happen.” I couldn’t imagine Dominic anywhere but in New York, but it’d definitely be a lot safer if he did. Even though I wasn’t afraid of his lifestyle, it’d make me feel a lot better about being with him. Layla cleared her throat. “However, if he ever hurts you, we’re going to have problems.”
