by Ginger Ring
“Some things are best left to others. The police would have contacted next of kin and there would have been an investigation. I’ve never asked who that guy was. Would you rather have told them?”
“No, of course not.” Suddenly, the air in the room got heavy. Her shoulders slumped. It was more than fatigue from the long day. She was worn out. The years of hiding had taken their toll. How did one take a vacation from their life?
She rested her head on her fist and tried to ignore the hustle and bustle of everyone rushing around her. She should have been just as busy, but right now, all she could do was sit. Maybe it was time to tell Roman, or Dominic, the truth, but not tonight. Stephanie took a deep breath and sat up straight. She could do this, all she needed was some rest and time to write. Putting things down on paper made it seem like it was just a story, something that had happened to someone else.
“Miss Barclay, we have everything put away and the dishes in the dishwasher. Just have to finish sweeping the dance floor and vacuuming the carpet, and we’ll be done.” Janey, one of the waitstaff, now stood by their table. “Is there anything else we need to do before we go?”
“No, I will just wait for the band to leave and then lock up. Roman is sending someone for the gifts in the morning. You can go as soon as you’re done, and thanks for a great job this evening.”
Janey nodded and nervously glanced at Dominic. “Do you need me to wait with you? I can stay and help close.”
“No, I’m good. Thanks for asking.” Stephanie got to her feet.
“Okay. Well, I’ll be here another ten minutes if you change your mind.” The young woman stood her ground.
Stephanie placed a hand on her shoulder. “Thanks, but Dominic will see me out so I’ll be fine. Have a good night.”
“Thanks. You too.” Janey’s face lit up. “I have a date so I’d better hurry.”
“This late at night?” Oh, to be twenty again and be able to stay up all night long. She was twenty-five herself, but some days she felt seventy-five.
“Yeah, we’re meeting for drinks at the Pier.” It was a nice place on the lakeshore. The Pier had tables and chairs out on the sand for their guests. It would be a great night to sit by the water and gaze at the stars. Janey was giddy and it darkened Stephanie’s mood even more.
“Well, have fun and be careful.” Just thinking about the guy who might be out searching for her had Stephanie wishing she could lock up and keep safe all the women in town. It wasn’t that long ago that a serial killer had been on the loose. Ryan saved Valentina from being the next victim. People were still locking their doors and looking over their shoulders.
“Don’t worry, I will.” Janey wiggled her fingers goodbye and hurried to the kitchen.
“How much longer?” Dominic’s deep voice hummed next to her ear. His breath tickled the nape of her neck. She didn’t usually wear her hair up and she quickly covered her tattoo with her hand and turned to face him.
“About fifteen minutes. Will that work?” She said it more gruffly than intended.
“Fine. I’ll wait by the bar,” he grumbled and marched off.
Guilt knotted in her gut. How could she treat him that way when all he’d ever done was help? She took a step to follow but was interrupted. “We’ve got everything loaded. Thanks for the gig. See you next time,” the manager of the band said as he passed by. He had an extension cord coiled between his hand and his elbow. “I left more business cards up front also.”
“Thanks. Great job.” She waved and took one more look around. Janey started to turn the lights off and section by section the place went dark. Soon, the place was empty except for by the bar. Stephanie stopped by the kitchen next. A cleaning crew would be there in the morning but it was pretty well picked up for the night. She flicked the light switch and the exit light cast a red glow on the stainless steel appliances. With a frown, she turned around and headed back out into the ballroom. Someone grabbed her arm and her heart stopped.
“Ready?” It was Dominic.
“Jeez, you scared me half to death.” She placed a hand on her chest and leaned against the wall to catch her breath.
“Everyone’s gone. We should go,” he said impatiently. The guy was probably just as tired as she was after the long day and yet he stayed to see her safely home. It wasn’t his fault she was in this situation.
“I just need to grab my purse. It’s in the office.” Their shoes echoed on the tile as he followed her down the hallway to the back offices. She shivered and rubbed her arms. Now that everyone had left, her summer dress was chilly. Searching in her handbag, she found her keys. She couldn’t wait to get home and out of her dress shoes. What a relief it would be to finally wiggle her bare toes in the thick rug next to her bed.
Dominic waited and then accompanied her to the front door. He held it open for her as she set the alarm and locked up. The cool lake breeze made her shiver and she rushed to her car. As Stephanie unlocked her door, she was enveloped in a warm coat. Dominic had dropped his suit jacket around her shoulders and she turned to refuse. For so long she’d relied on herself. It would be too easy to get used to the comforts of others.
“Keep it. Do you want me to drive?” He’d let his hair down and it blew in the light wind.
“No, I’m fine, and you really don’t need to follow me home.”
Dominic started to disagree but she stopped him with a touch to his arm. “But I’m glad you are. Thank you.”
He just nodded and glanced at her backseat. The guy never overlooked anything. If there had been anyone hiding back there, they’d be mincemeat in no time at all. The touchy, warm feeling she’d felt back in the building whenever he was near returned. He may have scared others, but he thrilled her, made her feel alive for the first time in a long time. Dom knew she had secrets but accepted her anyway. He made her feel safe. He was also a loner just like her. Someone she could never have, not that she had any interest in a long-term relationship. Everyone knew Dominic Scarlatti was a lone wolf and a recluse. His loyalty was to the Caponellis and no one else.
The man waited until she was in the car and then headed to his truck. She drove slowly down the street to her place and parked in the closest spot. It was darker than normal out front and just the thought of going in alone sent a chill down her spine. Dominic had kept driving and she frowned. He’d done his job and seen her to her place, but now she had to go in alone. Unconsciously, she pulled the jacket tighter and his outdoorsy scent of pine and some spicy cologne encircled her. In the dark, her apartment building looked like something out of a slasher movie, but it was home. She could do this. She had to unless she planned on sleeping in her car.
Stephanie gripped her keys in one hand and her keychain of mace in the other. Cautiously, she opened the car door and studied her surroundings. All was quiet, except for the sound of heavy footsteps coming down the sidewalk. She tightened her hold on the keys and her finger hovered over the mace trigger.
The footsteps came closer and her grip loosened when Dominic came into view.
“I thought you left.” She walked toward the building.
“I had to park my truck down the street.” He took the keys from her hand and unlocked her building’s front door.
“Why?” She handed him his coat back and he slipped it on.
Dom stepped into her apartment lobby and flipped the light switch. “Because I didn’t think you would want everyone to think I spent the night in your place.”
“Why would they think that?”
“Because that’s what I’m going to do.”
Chapter Five
Dominic
Stephanie’s mouth dropped open and her eyes grew huge. He had no intention of staying the night but he’d done it to throw her off balance. To give her something else to think about instead of the fear she’d shown ever since he mentioned the biker.
He rubbed the back of his hand against his chin. Who was he kidding? He really wanted to see if she would object. The green-eyed blond
e had taken root in his thoughts from the moment they’d first met. It was just last summer that he’d gone to Madison’s bridal shop of all places to fix up the mess left behind when a maniac trashed her store. Dresses were slashed, beads and veils were thrown everywhere.
The bastard had smashed a display cabinet and glass had gone flying. A shard had embedded in Stephanie’s cheek. He still remembered Roman commenting on how she’d refused to go to the hospital but instead sought care from the “family” doctor. Now he knew the reason why. Hospitals asked questions and wanted personal information. That was something that she wouldn’t share.
The mystery surrounding her just intrigued him more, but her quivering lip made him pause. The woman had many things to worry about and he didn’t need to add to her stress. She may have a past, but he was not a part of her future. No decent woman would be able to forget or forgive everything he’d done in his life. No decent woman would be able to live the life he did.
“I meant that I am staying until I make sure you’re safe. I need to check out the back too.” It was really dark out front and in the morning he’d be sure to fix that damn light. The bulb had probably just burned out but it still wasn’t good.
Stephanie lived in an older style apartment building. At least the front door locked, and then once inside, each apartment had its own secure door. He followed Stephanie up the stairs. It was hard to not appreciate the view from behind. She had nice long legs and a round ass. Just the way he liked them. Her skirt swayed with each step.
The stairs creaked as they climbed. At the top, a heavy ammonia smell filled the air. “Do they allow pets here?” It stunk like cat piss.
“Uh, no. Not that I know of.” Her voice echoed in the hallway. “It’s probably the only thing they don’t allow, but only because the owner’s afraid of dogs and hates cats.”
“It burns your nose.” Even his eyes watered.
“I think it’s some kind of disinfectant or something. I’ve just noticed it the last few days.” She stopped in front of the door at the end of the hallway.
He cringed at the sight of it. One easy kick by the doorknob and it would easily open. Granted, crime in Genoa was pretty rare, but the thought of her staying here alone didn’t sit well. The walls were so thin, he could hear the laughter from some late night talk show playing in the next room.
“What’s wrong?” Stephanie brought him out of his thoughts.
“You shouldn’t be living here.” This place was a dump and a fire hazard.
She set her fists on her hips. “And why not?”
“It’s not safe.” He fidgeted with her keys until she grabbed his hand and pointed at the right one. Her fingers were like ice.
“I’ve lived here a long time and nothing’s ever happened.” She stepped back and rubbed her arms with her hands.
He knew for a fact that Madison had encouraged her friend several times to get a new place, but she’d always turned her down. Money was always the excuse but he knew it was the same reason she hadn’t wanted to go to the doctor. It was the paper trail. The owners of this place took cash and didn’t ask any questions.
Dominic shed his jacket and draped it around her shoulders again. He expected her to throw it back at him but Stephanie pulled it tighter. She was a tall girl but it still dwarfed her. Someone opened the front door downstairs and her eyes met his. Neither wanted to see who it was as loud boots started up the steps.
Dom stuck the key in the lock and opened the door. With a gentle hand to her back, he ushered her in and flipped the light switch. Stephanie walked over to the plain tan La-Z-Boy, took a seat, and yawned. “Any idea who that was?” He motioned to the door.
“No, and I don’t want to know. People come and go. A lot of them work nights so it isn’t surprising to hear doors open and close this late.” The last few words were slurred.
Stephanie must be exhausted. He had no idea what time she started her day but he’d heard Madison mention that Steph had been at the rehearsal dinner last night, then she’d helped set up some things for the reception before going back to work at the bridal store. Valentina wasn’t the only one who had a wedding today and the poor girl was working overtime to keep up with everything.
“I’m going to check your windows. Is this your only door out?”
All she did was nod and even that seemed to take effort. Just minutes ago she’d been ready for a fight, and now she seemed to be fading fast. Her eyes closed as he walked over to the windows. Damn, they had no locks and no fire escape either. How in the hell did this place passcode? What if there was a fire? They were only on the second floor but a fall from that distance would still do some damage. Son of a bitch. Dominic pushed a strand of hair behind his ear and shook his head. He didn’t like this one damn bit.
Leaning against the windowsill, he surveyed the room. Something just didn’t fit. It was a studio type apartment where everything was in one room with the exception of the bathroom and what looked to be a closet. Stephanie had lived here for how many years and yet it was pretty much empty. The kitchen was sparse. Over the counter, cabinets showed only a few dishes, some cans, and a round container of oatmeal. A small coffee maker, toaster, and microwave were the only things on the counter. Obviously, Stephanie’s coffee making skills were better than Valentina’s as she had a real coffee maker and not a single cup one. Valentina could kill a person with that java junk she served.
The closet door was open and there were very few clothes in there. The bathroom was bare also. A few cosmetics and a toothbrush lay by the sink from what he could see in the small space. The only area in the whole apartment that even looked lived in was in the corner. There sat a desk with piles of books, notepads, and a laptop. He remembered hearing that Stephanie wanted to be a writer but had no clue what that was about. She had some framed poems at the art center but he’d never bothered to read them.
Glancing back where she sat, he noticed she was out like the bulb out front. Her chest gently rose and fell with each breath. It was nice to see her at peace and not ready to jump out of her skin. Ever since what happened that night in the bridal store two months ago, she’d changed. Before that, whenever he’d seen her, Stephanie had just appeared shy or timid. But now she’d turned from timid to terrified. Nearly jumping out of her skin at times, except for when she was working, like tonight, and then the woman was all business.
Stephanie still had his jacket wrapped around her shoulders. Spying a nearby blanket, he draped it over her lap and legs. Even though it was stuffy in the room, the humidity made it damp and he didn’t want her to get a chill. With her keys in hand, he left her apartment to check out the rest of the building. There was a back stairway so that was the first place he was going to head. Dominic stepped lightly but it was doubtful anyone would hear him over the loud television sounding from the apartment at the top of the stairs.
The horrible smell was worse in the back. He couldn’t put his finger on it but that was no cleaning smell. It was something else. Tomorrow, he would check with Roman about anything illegal going on in this place. Surprisingly, the rear parking lot of the building was brightly lit. There were a few cars, one pickup truck, an old-style van, and back by the trees was a motorcycle. Bikers would never park their bikes under a tree because of bird shit, sap, and leaves, but this one was covered.
Letting his eyes adjust to the bright light, he looked around to see if anyone was in view, but all was quiet. Dominic slowly approached the bike and lifted the tarp. It was a high-end crotch rocket. Way out of the price range of anyone he would expect to live in this apartment complex. He pulled out his phone and lit up the license plate. Quickly snapping a picture of the numbers, he then put the tarp back in place. The number of the other plate he snapped before escaped him but this one was in-state. He rubbed his chin. Nothing seemed to add up right.
Using her key, Dominic slipped back into the building. He sneaked a quick look in the downstairs laundry room, and then stopped by the tenants’ mailboxes, hoping
to find some names on the plaques. Nothing. A few had a first initial and last name, but very few. Nothing stood out as odd.
He hadn’t planned on staying the night, but after seeing this place, it just didn’t seem right to leave. What if something happened that he could have prevented? Guilt kicked in. Was he just trying to convince himself he needed to remain? Stephanie never fussed about living there that he knew of. The woman never complained and never freaked out over the bad things that happened to her. She was stronger than everyone thought and he admired that.
Dom took the stairs, careful to step closest to the wall where the steps were strongest and not likely to make as much noise. His eyes burned at the top.
“Dammit, what is that fucking smell?” He should know it, but for some reason, he just couldn’t think. Probably because his main concern was Stephanie. Someone had to look out for her. Her vulnerability in the world spoke to him like nothing ever had. The urge to keep her safe came out of nowhere and sucker punched him in the gut.
Walking past the door with the loud television, the only thing that stopped him from putting a fist through the wall and telling them to shut the damn thing off was that he knew it would wake the sleeping beauty down the hall. Since when did he care what others thought? He still didn’t, he just wanted her to get some much-needed sleep.
Quietly as he could, Dominic entered her apartment again. She slept soundly. It was a done deal—he would stay until the morning and then slip away before she woke. It was late, so it’d only be a few more hours. He eyed her desk again. There was a bookshelf behind it, and he did like to read. After removing his boots, he wandered over to the desk.
Judging by the titles, they were all romance books. Was that what she wrote? On the wall by the shelf was a bulletin board with Heroes and Heroines across the top. There were various photos of handsome men and beautiful women that must be the inspiration for the characters in her stories. Some had names under them or notes. He turned toward the books again and then did a double take back to the board. Dominic leaned in. What in the hell? Right in the middle of the board was a picture of him.
