Dominic couldn’t get used to the idea of bodyguards and staff in general. And this house—it was enormous. “I can’t get over this room and the view.” And the way she was dressed. “I feel like I’m at the Ritz or something.”
“Why don’t you sit down?” She motioned toward the couches. “What do you want to talk about?” she asked, taking a seat.
Dominic sat on the chair next to Brianna. She crossed her legs. Was she even wearing any underwear? If Dominic showed up to a party with her, his friends would be so envious. Claire would definitely hear about it.
“Well?” Brianna prompted.
He forced himself to look at her face when he spoke. “For starters, I’d like to spend some time together—talking. Your father said I should take you out to some fancy restaurant that I’ve never heard of. I don’t want to do that, but I would like to take you out, if that’s okay with you. Your father wants my final answer by tonight. I need to spend some time with you, just to be sure.”
“To be sure of what?” she asked, tilting her head to the side.
“Of my decision,” he said, not intending to reveal it until later.
“Oh, okay. Where would you like to go?” Brianna asked.
“I have a few ideas in mind. You’ll have to change though—they’re all casual. Just put jeans on.” For the love of God, please put jeans on. Although Dominic appreciated the outfit, he could barely speak a coherent sentence. He would never make it through the night with her dressed like that. Besides, could you even wear something like that in public? She’d have men drooling at her feet the entire evening.
***
Brianna was glad to change into comfortable clothes. She decided to wear something simple, like Dominic. Since he had on a white Polo shirt and slacks, she chose her dark blue Dolce & Gabbana jeans and a jersey V-neck shirt. Brianna ran her hands through her hair, leaving it down. Then she went back out to Dominic.
“You look nice—kind of like that night I saw you on the pier,” he said with a grin. Of course he’d like the classic American girl look.
Brianna led Dominic to the family room where Salazar was sitting on one of the sofas, smoking a cigar while reading The San Diego Union Tribune. She didn’t know why he bothered with an actual ink newspaper instead of using his iPad.
She waited until Salazar glanced up at them. “Dad, Dominic and I would like to go out for dinner. Is that all right with you?”
“Of course. Where are you going?” Salazar asked as he set his cigar on the ashtray.
“I haven’t decided,” Dominic said. “I have a few places in mind.”
“I’ll go ahead and make reservations for dinner at—.”
Dominic cut Salazar off, “Thanks, but I have it taken care of.”
“No, really, it’ll only take me a second,” Salazar said. “That way I’ll know where you are.”
“I don’t mean to be rude,” Dominic said, “but I have a few ideas in mind. Brianna will be fine. She’ll be with me.”
Brianna tried not to laugh. It was fantastic to see sweet, innocent Dominic challenge her father. Never in her entire life had she heard someone speak to Salazar that way. If this were any other person, Salazar would’ve killed them on the spot.
“Fine. Have a good time.” Salazar walked over and kissed Brianna on her forehead. Then he whispered in her ear, “Your bodyguards are going with you. Dominic doesn’t need to know about them. Make sure you seal the deal.”
Dominic took Brianna to Dave and Busters—a restaurant located in Mission Valley. He said he went there often with his friends. When they first arrived, Brianna wanted to turn around and leave. The noise level was deafening because there were so many people crammed inside. It seemed like everyone was either playing on one of the video games or standing around watching someone play.
Thankfully, Dominic led Brianna to another section of the restaurant where they were seated in a large booth. Although it was still loud, at least they could have a conversation with one another. Dominic talked all about his family, even the pets he’d had through the years. They discussed college, movies, and books. Brianna was relieved they had similar interests and got along so well.
However, as they sat there, she couldn’t help comparing Dominic to Matt. Matt was much more aggressive and self-assured. He had pulled her in and forced her to be attracted to him before she even understood what was going on. With Dominic, it was more subtle. He gradually revealed himself to her. He was an all-around good guy. It was surprising that Salazar chose Dominic. Dominic didn’t seem capable of running the organization. He was too nice—the opposite of Salazar. Actually, Matt seemed better suited to be in charge than Dominic.
Sitting there, Brianna tried imagining what being married to Dominic would be like. He was attractive. His dark, curly hair was adorable on him. Dominic’s eyes were soft and warm. When he smiled, Brianna wanted to smile with him. She could definitely see them being friends. But intimate? She wasn’t so sure.
After dinner, Dominic drove them to Crystal Pier where they first met. The sun had already set and it was getting cold. They walked past the blue and white hotel cottages to the end of the pier. Standing side-by-side, they leaned on the railing while gazing out at the ocean.
“It’s funny there’s no one else out tonight,” Dominic said.
They weren’t alone. Even though Brianna couldn’t see her bodyguards, she knew they were there—watching her every move. Salazar was probably checking in with them, making sure Brianna was doing her job to woo Dominic. A shiver ran through her body. Time to get to work.
“I’m glad we’re alone,” Brianna said.
Dominic smiled as he reached over and took her hand in his.
Brianna took a deep breath. She could do this. “So,” she began, “now that we’ve spent some time together, what do you think? Will you take the job?” She braced herself, waiting for his answer while planning her next move.
Ducking his head, Dominic mumbled, “Well, there’s no doubt I find you attractive and I enjoy your company.”
“Same here,” she replied. “It wouldn’t be quite the fairy tale wedding that I’ve always imagined, but then again, nothing ever is.”
“I know what you mean,” Dominic said. “Actually, that’s what I want to talk to you about.” He angled his body toward hers so they were looking at one another instead of at the ocean. “I want you to marry the man of your dreams, and I want to marry the woman of my mine. I don’t want an arranged marriage—I want a real one. I want to wake up next my wife and be happy with the choices I’ve made. And I want kids.” Dominic’s eyes focused on his feet. “I want to make love with my wife.”
Brianna’s stomach cramped. There was no way Dominic was going to give up on love to take Salazar’s job. “So you’re going to tell my father no?” she whispered. Her mind was already anticipating Salazar’s response—he would go crazy and blame her for it. If only there was a way for her to escape his wrath. Brianna’s body began to shake.
“That’s not what I’m saying,” Dominic clarified as he removed his jacket.
“What are you saying?”
Dominic draped his jacket over her shoulders. The weight and warmth of it was soothing. “I met you here, on this pier, independent of your father,” Dominic said. “Perhaps we would’ve gone on to date and gotten married on our own. We’ll never know. But what are the chances I’d meet a beautiful woman, that I’m immediately attracted to, right after my almost fiancé dumped me? Then this beautiful woman has a father that wants us to marry and for me to take over his business? It’s fate. Either way, we would’ve found each other and fallen in love.”
Brianna wanted to vomit. Listening to Dominic talk about fate was almost too much for her to bear. Salazar had Brianna following Dominic that night. Salazar wanted them to accidentally meet so Dominic would think exactly what he was thinking right now. Her father had led Dominic right into his trap, and he had used Brianna to do it.
“What I’m trying to say
is,” Dominic said, “I know I can love you—I think I’m already falling in love with you. And that’s what I want—a real marriage.”
Brianna wanted to scream at Dominic—to tell him to run away from Salazar while he still could. Tears filled her eyes but she quickly blinked them away. “Are you sure?” she asked. “I mean, I assume my father’s offer is one a lot of people would want. I thought you’d jump at the job . . . the money . . . but I’d only be an afterthought.” Dominic seemed like such a nice guy. If he took her father’s job and turned into a man like Salazar, she would never forgive herself for the role she played in all of this.
Dominic smiled. “I believe things happen for a reason. I need a job that makes a lot of money. This one practically landed in my lap. I also want to find love and get married. And here you are.” He pulled her closer to him.
“I didn’t realize you felt this way.” Maybe she could help make sure Salazar didn’t corrupt Dominic.
“In order for me to go through with it though, I need to know where you stand.”
“I’m attracted to you,” Brianna said. She needed to tread carefully. If she claimed her undying love for him, it might tip him off that this was all a set up. Brianna wanted to make it seem like she was falling for him too, but in a realistic way. “I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together. You’re an easy person to talk to, and you’ve seen a side of life that I haven’t. But we barely know each other.”
“I think there’s something between us,” he said softly.
“I do, too.”
Dominic put his hands on either side of her face, lowered his head to hers, and tenderly kissed her lips. It was awkward, almost like he was restraining himself. Brianna closed her eyes, kissing him back. Dominic responded by crushing his lips against hers, forcing his tongue inside her mouth. Feeling overwhelmed, Brianna pulled away, needing to catch her breath.
“Well?” Dominic asked. “What do you think?”
Movement caught Brianna’s attention. She saw Ben on the beach and reality came crashing back. It didn’t matter what she did or did not feel. What mattered was getting Dominic to take the job.
Smiling, Brianna said, “I think we can make this work.” Dominic was a nice guy, but he didn’t stir the emotions and excitement Matt did.
Dominic hugged her. “I’ll tell your father I’m taking the job, but I don’t want to get married right away. I want us to date and fall in love first. I want to try and make this marriage as real as possible.”
Brianna didn’t want to allow herself to hope, but the idea of her and Dominic forming a real bond was enticing. If they took things slow and allowed their feelings for one another to develop, then there just might be a real marriage here after all.
Dominic bent down and kissed her again.
Salazar stood on the balcony, smoking a celebratory cigar. He was pleased Brianna had come through and Dominic had agreed to take over the family business. Everything was going according to plan. It wouldn’t be much longer until he had everything he wanted.
Staring out at the ocean, Salazar wondered if his shipment had arrived yet. Whenever one of this magnitude came in, he was always on edge. However, Phillip was overseeing the cargo, and things always went according to plan when Phillip was involved.
“Sir,” a male voice said, approaching from behind. Salazar turned to face Nick, his Chief Security Officer, who was in charge of not only security for the immediate premises, but for checking up on everyone who worked in the organization, making sure they did and said what they were supposed to do.
Nick cleared his throat and said, “A DEA agent has managed to infiltrate George’s organization.”
“When?” Salazar asked.
“Couple of days ago.”
“Why didn’t George tell me himself?”
“George doesn’t know.” Salazar raised his eyebrows. Nick continued, “I was doing my standard weekly check-up and discovered George hired someone I was unfamiliar with. Upon further investigation, I was able to trace the man to the DEA.”
Salazar wished all of his employees were as intelligent and thorough as Nick. “How was the man able to fool George?”
“He told George something about knowing a friend of a friend and asked if George had any jobs available. George checked with his friend and everything appeared to be okay, so he gave him a job at the club.”
Salazar inhaled sharply, trying to contain his rage. He smashed his cigar into the ashtray. “Did George do the standard background check?” Salazar balled his hands into fists.
“No.”
“Fucking asshole.” Salazar was seething with rage. “How can someone I use be so fucking stupid. Get rid of them both. Make a statement, and do it quickly.” Hatred filled him and he had an intense desire to kill someone. To watch the life drain out of someone’s body.
“I haven’t managed to trace what division the agent is from.”
“Assume it’s here in San Diego.”
“Consider it done.”
“On second thought,” Salazar said, “I want to do things a little differently this time. You take care of the agent and leave George to me. I’ll deal with him directly.” Salazar smiled, knowing he’d have George to play with.
***
Walking away, Nick immediately got on his satellite phone and called Randy who was in charge of handling these types of situations. “Randy—I have a job for you. A DEA agent is working undercover at George’s place. He’s going by the name John. Kill him and return him to where he belongs. Salazar wants it done now, and he wants a clear message sent to the DEA.”
“This one will cost you. Terminating a federal agent on U.S. soil isn’t easy.”
“Double the normal rate,” Nick replied.
“I’ll take care of it tonight.”
***
Once Randy hung up, he got ready for the job. He packed a suitcase with clothes, a can of gasoline from the garage, along with a box of matches, and some medical supplies. After throwing everything in his trunk, he went back inside the house. Once he worked out all of the details in his head, he kissed his wife good-bye, knowing he wouldn’t see her for a long time. She was a saint to put up with him.
Randy drove down the street to Vons. He parked next to a nondescript black Toyota Camry. Looking around to make sure no one was watching, he quickly disarmed the alarm then picked the lock. He moved everything from his trunk into the Camry’s. Jumping in the front seat, he hotwired the car and drove away. All of this took less than three minutes.
He texted his brother, telling him to retrieve his car immediately.
Randy took Interstate 5 north until he reached downtown L.A. He pulled into the employee parking lot at Twilight Nightclub and entered the building through the side entrance. Once inside, he found a seat at the end of the bar and ordered a beer, his eyes automatically scoping the place out. He was getting too old for this. Even though it was only eleven o’clock, his eyelids seemed like they weighed a hundred pounds. Most of the people at the club were in their mid-twenties—all young and energetic. Randy laughed to himself; he was probably the oldest one in there at fifty-six. Even with time against him, he was a strong man, standing six feet and weighing 243 pounds. He had to be strong to do his job, but maybe this would be his last one. Of course, no one ever told Salazar no.
A waitress pointed out John, who was training behind the bar. She said his shift was over in an hour. Randy decided to have another beer while he waited. The time passed rather quickly, and soon John was on his way to the employee parking lot. Randy gave him a few seconds head-start before following him to his vehicle.
John stood next to a car, fumbling with his keys. Pulling on black leather gloves, Randy walked up behind him. Just as John pushed the unlock button, Randy rushed up from behind, shoving a needle into John’s arm. John immediately went slack, falling into Randy’s arms, the tranquilizer already taking affect. With no one around, Randy dragged John’s body to the Camry, throwing him across the back seat
. Randy was worn-out and wanted to rest, but he didn’t have the luxury—someone could come by at any moment. He started the car and drove east toward Pomona.
An hour later, Randy reached a deserted location. He pulled John’s body from the car and laid him on the ground amidst the brush. After covering John’s face with a wet washcloth, he poured gasoline over his body. Randy took a match and lit John’s body on fire, doing his best to control the blaze. Thankfully, John was still unconscious as his skin burned. If Salazar asked, Randy would tell him otherwise.
When the fire was out, Randy removed the towel and found John’s face intact. He cut out John’s tongue and placed it on his chest—well, what was left of his chest. Then Randy severed one of John’s charcoaled fingers, sticking it in John’s mouth. Randy took a piece of paper and wrote, John, DEA Agent. Then he stapled it to the tongue with a staple gun.
Satisfied with his work, Randy carefully put the body in the car and drove to the DEA office in San Diego. Before pulling into the parking lot, he slipped a black mask over his face. The parking lot was empty. Slamming on the gas pedal, he pulled in and skidded to a stop next to the front entrance. Randy slid the body out of the car, placed it at the front doors of the building, and adjusted the tongue on the burnt body. Seeing his work sent a chill through him. Randy made the sign of the cross and prayed he’d never anger Salazar and end up like this. At least Randy had killed John as humanely as possible.
Randy jumped back in the Camry, speeding away. He ditched the car in downtown San Diego. Taking his suitcase and passport with him, Randy walked a short distance and boarded a bus. Once Randy arrived at the airport, he took the first departing flight out of the country—he only had a few hours before the DEA was out in full force looking for the person responsible for murdering John.
“Yeah?” Matt asked as he rolled over in bed with his cell phone glued to his ear. He glanced at the clock. It was five in the morning. “This had better be good.”
The Power to See Page 9
