“I’m the only one home besides Zeus.” Claire waved her arm indicating the dog. “Everyone else is busy making arrangements. I’m still calling people.”
“I know how it feels,” Brianna said. Claire raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “My mother died shortly after I was born.” Brianna’s mind flashed to the news articles she’d read earlier that day. Grief consumed her, but she had to suppress those thoughts until later and focus on Claire. Dominic would never make the first move because he still thought Claire had broken up with him, so Brianna had to nudge Claire. “I don’t think it’s something you ever get over.”
“Fine. Come in.” Claire opened the door wider, allowing Brianna to enter. With Zeus at her side, Claire sat on the living room couch and motioned for Brianna to join her.
“I’m sorry to be here at such a bad time, but I need to talk to you about Dominic.”
Claire put up her hand to stop Brianna. Her eyebrows pulled together and she bit her bottom lip. “I can’t. I’ve dealt with enough.” She grabbed a tissue, blowing her nose.
“Were you blackmailed?” Brianna asked.
Claire’s face hardened. “What did you say?”
“You were forced to break up with Dominic, weren’t you?”
Claire began crying. Her body heaved up and down as sobs broke freely from her body. Brianna moved closer to Claire, rubbing her back.
“It’s okay. I’m here to help you.”
“It was all for nothing . . . now I have nothing . . . I’ve lost my mother, my future, everything.” Claire covered her face with her hands.
“My father, for whatever reason, wanted Dominic to marry me. Nothing stands in his way—ever. So, he found out what you needed, what you wanted, and he made you an offer you couldn’t refuse.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Claire asked. “Why are you here?”
“I’m here for Dominic.”
There was doubt on Claire’s face.
“Dominic still loves you,” Brianna said. She twisted her mother’s wedding ring. Marriage was supposed to be about love, not control and manipulation.
Claire laughed. “He has a funny way of showing it, seeing as how he married you.”
“He didn’t have a choice.”
“Really? I seriously doubt that.”
“Like you,” Brianna said, “he was forced into it.”
“Why are you here? My mother just died. I can only take so much.” She grabbed another tissue, wiping her eyes.
“When I first met Dominic, he was a sweet and caring man,” Brianna said. “But lately, that’s all changed. My father is destroying him, and Dominic is slipping away.”
“Then do something. You’re his wife.” Claire tore the tissue into pieces.
“Dominic doesn’t know my father blackmailed you—he thinks you left him and he’s hurt. You should be honest with him.”
“Part of the deal was that I never tell Dominic the truth.”
“Did my father threaten your mom’s life?” Brianna asked. Claire nodded. “Well, now that your mom has passed, the stakes have changed. I want you to invite Dominic to the funeral. Then tell him everything.”
Having never been to a funeral before, Dominic wasn’t sure what to do. He got out of his car and followed two other people also dressed in black. They went up the walkway behind St. Bart’s to the church’s Columbarium. Approximately fifty chairs were placed on the grass in front of a gray five-foot wall. Looking closer at the wall, Dominic read the names of the deceased. Oh. That’s where they were putting the remains of Claire’s mom—in one of the niches.
It was hard to believe she was dead. Soon her cremated body would be put in a small container to sit forever inside a wall. When Dominic’s life was over, what would people say about him? That he was a loving husband and father? Or a murdering drug lord? What was he doing with his life? How would he answer to God when he died? For Dominic, it all boiled down to survival. He would do anything to keep his family safe—even if it meant destroying his own life. It was a small price to pay, and Brianna was a part of his family now that they were married. When Dominic had to answer for his crimes, his only excuse would be that he was protecting the people he loved.
A harpist played while people trickled into the Columbarium. It appeared like they were going to be short on chairs so Dominic stood in the back. A minister walked to the front, followed by Claire and her family. Their pain was clear.
Dominic couldn’t help but think about George, the guy he’d murdered. George had a family who grieved for his loss, and Dominic was the one who had caused this unthinkable and unnecessary pain. Claire sat in the front row. She wore a plain black dress, her blonde hair hung loose around her face. Her father sat next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
Dominic averted his eyes. He was there for Claire’s mom—not for Claire. Yet Dominic couldn’t focus or think about anything except Claire. Her grief. Her pain. He wanted to be up there, holding her hand. But he was married, and he’d never be close to Claire again.
Someone opened a small cage, releasing white butterflies into the morning sky. Claire’s lips curved into a smile. She stood and placed a container with her mother’s ashes in the wall. Her father closed the door and spoke.
Dominic ached to hold Claire, to comfort her, to be there for her. He still loved her. Pain stabbed his heart. It was difficult to breathe. He stared into the sky, trying to get his emotions under control. Dominic thought Brianna was what he wanted. She had it all—beauty, brains, money. But what he really wanted, really needed, was Claire. He didn’t know why, but he felt it with his whole being.
Dominic left the service and wandered the grounds. Things hadn’t turned out as expected. Life was simpler with Claire. He wished he could rewind time. He wished he had never have met Salazar. He wished he could lead a normal life.
A cement bench sat under a large oak tree. Dominic took a seat and buried his head in his hands. Even though Salazar was his father, Dominic wanted to get away from him. Salazar was changing Dominic into someone he didn’t want to be.
Birds sung in the branches above. The sound of a lawn mower reverberated in the distance. Someone cleared their throat. Dominic turned his head as Claire came toward him. His arms ached to reach out to her. He wanted that life back, the normal one.
“Thank you for coming,” Claire said, sitting down next to him.
“Your mother was a wonderful person. She’ll be missed.”
Claire had puffy bags under her eyes. “I need to talk to you. It’s important.”
There was so much pain in Claire’s voice. Dominic wished he could take it all away. He entwined his hands with hers. “I’m so sorry.”
“So am I . . . for everything. I wish things were different.” She raised her voice even though no one was around. “But we still need to sever all contact.” Tears formed. Her eyes held his. There was love there, Dominic was certain of it.
Something to the side caught Dominic’s attention. Without turning his head, he watched a figure disappear into a bush. He couldn’t be certain, but the figure looked an awful lot like Nick, Salazar’s Chief Security Officer. Had Salazar gotten to Claire? Dominic’s hands balled into fists.
Claire suddenly stood, ready to leave. She hesitated for a moment and then said, “Thanks for coming today. But please leave me alone. Don’t contact me again.” She quickly kissed him on the cheek and whispered, “My family’s safety depends on it. I’m so sorry.” She turned to walk away.
“What if I told you I still loved you?” Dominic asked.
Claire’s eyes darted around, fearful someone overhead. She paused for a moment and then continued walking away from him.
“Because I do!” She never looked back. Dominic wanted to tear Salazar to pieces.
Pulling into the garage, Marie popped open the trunk so she could unload the groceries. Grabbing two bags, she entered the house and headed toward the kitchen. She placed the bags on the counter and went back to the garage
for another load.
Passing through the family room, the shadows shifted.
“Hello, Marie,” Salazar said, his voice as cold as ice.
Marie froze, paralyzed with fear. Salazar smiled. How’d he get inside her home? Was he going to hurt her again? Marie glanced around for something to use as a weapon. The lamp? A vase? Her options were limited.
“It’s time we talk.” Salazar casually sat on the couch, crossing his legs.
Richard wouldn’t be home for at least another hour. Unsure of what to do, Marie held her ground.
After several excruciatingly long minutes, Salazar told Marie to sit down. He appeared in control of himself. Still, Marie didn’t want to take any chances.
“My dear, we need to talk.”
Finally finding her voice, Marie said, “There’s nothing to talk about. Get out of here.” Her feet wouldn’t move.
“I’m not going to hurt you. You’re the mother of my child. Now, I want you to sit down.” Although his voice was calm and collected, there was an underlying threat. If Marie didn’t do as told, she knew he would retaliate physically, and she couldn’t handle that.
Forcing her legs to move, Marie sat on the chair across from Salazar. Amusement flickered through his eyes.
“I’m sure you know what this is about,” he began. “Dominic and I have become quite close. Naturally, I told him about us.”
Marie’s heart felt like it was going to burst out of her body.
“What do you mean?” Marie frantically asked. “What did you tell Dominic?”
“That he’s my son,” Salazar smiled.
Pain exploded in her stomach as if she’d been punched. What did Dominic think? Salazar sat there like any ordinary man, but Marie knew better. Perhaps better than anyone. If the devil took a human form, this would be it.
“What exactly did you tell Dominic?” Marie demanded.
“The truth.”
According to who? Salazar? “I haven’t even told Richard what you did. You threatened me. There’s no way you told Dominic everything—or he would hate you more than I do.”
“Of course I didn’t mention that part. It’s not relevant, and I do expect it to remain our little secret.” Salazar’s voice sounded like an invading parasite that slithers under one’s skin, consuming everything in its path. Marie shivered and wrapped her arms around her waist.
“Get out,” she demanded.
“Now, come on. We’re family. Eventually we’ll have grandchildren. We must get along for their sakes.”
This man was actually, certifiably insane. Did he think he could have a relationship with her family after all he’d done? And grandchildren? Marie hadn’t thought about that one before. It slowly began to make sense. He wanted Dominic and Brianna together so he could have a blood heir—the heir Christina denied him.
“You are one sick bastard.”
Laughing, Salazar responded, “I don’t know why you’re so surprised. But I want you to listen very carefully.” He stood and came over to her. She didn’t attempt to escape. What was the point? Look at what happened the last time she tried to run away.
Salazar knelt down in front of her. Taking hold of her hands, he said, “Shh, it’s okay Marie. I won’t hurt you. You’ve given me such a great gift.”
His hold brought back that awful night that changed everything, the night she refused to remember, to relive. The most horrific night of her entire life.
“Please don’t touch me. Please.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. Bile rose in the back of her throat.
Salazar slid his hands to her knees. Gripping them tightly, he said, “I have your grandson.” Marie began to convulse. “If you do exactly as I say, I’ll let him go. If you don’t, you’ll never see him again.” His hands tightened like a snake squeezing its prey.
Unable to form any words, Marie nodded in assent. Then he released her. Finally finding her voice, she asked, “What do you need me to do?”
“Where’s Richard,” Salazar smirked.
Did Salazar know Richard was working with the DEA? Did he know Richard was there right now?
“No need to answer,” Salazar said. “I’ll tell you what I want and be on my way.” He looked at his watch and smiled. “Call Dominic and forgive him. Attending the wedding wasn’t enough. You need to repair your relationship with him.”
She could do that. “Anything else?”
“Richard was in a car accident,” Salazar revealed, as if taking her grandson wasn’t enough. Salazar always took what wasn’t his, and he would keep chiseling away at her until there was nothing left. “He’s fine. They’ve taken him to the hospital. He’ll be in surgery soon.”
Surely this was her punishment for going to the DEA. At least Richard was alive. Marie stood and found her purse. She needed to get to the hospital.
Salazar continued in a silky voice, “Oh, that’s right. You don’t have medical insurance.”
Marie had forgot about that. Richard was still out of work and her job didn’t pay enough to cover all their expenses. They had to cut something somewhere, and their medical insurance was too expensive. Every time she thought she hit rock bottom, the bottom receded, and she fell even further into the abyss. She pushed everything aside, “I need to get to the hospital.”
“Call Dominic. Ask him for the money to cover the expenses. Otherwise, you’ll lose everything. And I mean everything. Are we clear?”
She had no choice. “Yes. Then you’ll release my grandson, unharmed?”
“Once you’ve held up your end of the deal.”
Dominic loosened his tie as he watched Claire walk away. Salazar would pay for this. Dominic’s cell rang. Checking the screen, it was his mom. He hadn’t spoken to her since the wedding.
“Your father has been in a car accident,” Marie cried.
“Is he okay?” Dominic asked, jumping up, his feet already running toward his car.
“He’s in surgery, but he’ll be okay.”
Relief washed through him. “Which hospital?”
“Dom, I’m so sorry about everything,” she cried.
Sorry for what? Throwing him out of the house? Or was she referring to sleeping with Salazar? “It’ll be fine.”
“No, it won’t,” Marie said. “We don’t have medical insurance. We’re going to lose everything.”
Dominic’s hand tightened around his phone. There was only one person who could help. But was it worth making a deal with the devil?
***
Walking into Salazar’s study, Dominic was enveloped by cigar smoke.
“How was the funeral?” Salazar asked in a clipped voice. Now that Dominic knew Salazar had gotten to Claire, he understood why Salazar didn’t want him to go.
Before Dominic could reply, Salazar said, “Look, son, if you don’t want to work with me, or be a part of my life, you can leave. I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to do. You’re my son, and it’s your choice.” Salazar stood and went to the side table, pouring a glass of brandy.
But there never was a choice, even now. If Dominic walked away, his parents would lose everything. He needed to make sure Richard was taken care of and received the best treatment money could buy. Even though Richard wasn’t Dominic’s real father, he’d acted like one and had been there for Dominic. And Claire—she said her safety depended on Dominic leaving her alone. If Dominic walked away from Salazar, would Salazar retaliate and hurt her? It wasn’t worth the risk. Even Brianna. Dominic couldn’t just leave her to the whims of a madman.
“No, Father, I want to work with you,” Dominic forced himself to say. “And I need your help.” Dominic proceeded to tell Salazar about Richard’s accident and the money needed for the surgery and hospital costs.
“Of course, we’ll take care of everything. It goes without saying. Richard is like family. You go to the hospital and I’ll make all the arrangements.”
“Thank you.”
Salazar stood staring at Dominic, his eyes dark, cold, life
less. He took a sip of brandy. “One more thing, son.” Dominic knew there would be a catch. “You need to work on producing an heir.”
Dominic couldn’t fathom bringing a child into this family—it would be doomed from the start. But Dominic had to take care of his parents. Having no choice, Dominic assented.
“There is one other matter,” Salazar said, finishing off his brandy. He set the glass down and turned to Dominic. “Ben has brought it to my attention that Brianna has been acting . . . irrational lately.”
Dominic hadn’t noticed. He didn’t know her well enough to know what was and wasn’t normal.
“I need to make sure Brianna is still loyal to us.” Salazar moved before Dominic, putting his hands on Dominic’s shoulders. “I want you to test her.”
It was as if a snake wrapped around Dominic’s throat, threatening to squeeze the life from him. “Of course, Father,” Dominic whispered. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
Brianna sat at the bow of the yacht, her hair blowing furiously in the wind, giving the illusion of freedom.
“Hey beautiful,” Dominic said, joining her.
“So where are you taking me?” she asked, not really caring. It felt good to be getting away—even if it was only for a day or two.
“Surprise,” Dominic responded wryly.
“I hate surprises.” Whenever Salazar had a surprise for her, it usually meant she was going to be punished for something.
“Really?” Dominic asked. “Well, hopefully you’ll like this one.” He stretched out his legs next to hers.
Glancing at Dominic, Brianna asked, “How’s Richard doing?” She feared Salazar had something to do with Richard’s car accident, although she’d never admit it. It just seemed like too big of a coincidence that it happened during the funeral, when Claire was supposed to tell Dominic the truth about being blackmailed. Richard’s accident served as a cold reminder of who was really in charge.
Dominic’s eyes sliced over to hers. There was an odd look to his face—almost as if he had swallowed something sour. Did he suspect Salazar was at fault? She couldn’t say anything since Ben was close enough to hear.
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