Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 163(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 163(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
"That's all it takes, huh?"
Dominic cups my face, stroking a thumb over my cheekbone. "That's more important than anything else. You listen. That's a quality many people your age lack, and you'll go far because of it."
I turn my face towards his hand, closing my eyes and savoring the feeling of his skin against mine. The office is dark, lit only by the candles at the small table set up in the center. The scent of the food is intoxicating, but not as much as Dominic's touch.
"Come and eat." Dominic's voice drops, becoming low and husky. "Marie sent everything up already. I've been waiting for you."
I can't take my eyes off him as I go to sit, watching as he lowers himself into the chair across from me. He's taken off his suit jacket and has the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to display his corded forearms. His collar is open, giving me a glimpse of his chest, and the candlelight dances over his sharp features.
"You're so handsome," I blurt out, and Dominic chuckles.
"Thank you, Daisy. You look beautiful yourself."
I bite my lip, blushing and looking down at the spread in front of us. Marie sent up a whole meal, complete with salad, antipasti, and a platter full of pasta. "This is too much," I say, surprised. "We can't possibly eat all of this."
"Marie doesn't hold back," Dominic agrees, picking up his wine and pouring me a glass. "But trust me, it's delicious, and we'll enjoy every bite."
It's just dinner.
He's Carlo's dad.
I shouldn't be attracted to him.
I should be disgusted with myself.
Dominic, meanwhile, looks completely at ease. He's not bothered in the slightest that just a few hours ago, we were making out in the same office we're currently having dinner in.
Dominic serves us both, and when he settles back in his seat, he informs me, "This is actually my grandmother's pasta recipe. It's what the restaurant is known for. I hope you like it."
I take a bite, and a moan escapes my lips before I can stop myself. Dominic's eyes flash, but he says nothing, his lips twitching.
"Good?"
My mouth is full, so all I can do is nod.
Then, the subject switches so quickly it almost gives me whiplash. "I want to get the difficult talk out of the way. My team has been searching for Carlo and using all our connections to do so. Unfortunately, none of the families that we are on good terms with have heard from him, and neither have the families that we are on neutral terms with. That means Carlo is likely working with a crime family that is a lot more ruthless, which makes him more dangerous."
His words make even the delicious pasta taste like ash in my mouth. "Oh."
"You're safe, Daisy. This might just take longer to resolve than we thought."
He's doing so much to protect me—so much work that must be miserable—and having to admit that his son is a bad person. It makes a lump form in my throat. "How...how did I get so lucky, Dominic? Why would you defend me over your own son?"
Dominic's expression is stony, but his eyes betray what he's feeling. "You know why."
"But Carlo is your family."
"And you are under my protection. Nothing about that will change."
The promise is made with such finality that I shiver, and Dominic meets my gaze. There's a tension in his face and a hunger in his eyes that makes my stomach flip.
"Why do you think I'm protecting you, Daisy?"
It's all too much. I'm terrified to say the wrong thing, afraid that I'm reading Dominic wrong, so I just stay silent.
"Daisy," he demands. "Say it."
I can't lie, and I can't avoid the truth. Not to Dominic. So I whisper, "Because you like me. Because you want me."
"Clever girl." His words are a rumble, a deep vibration that makes me clench my thighs together. "Do you know how much I enjoyed watching you work today?"
I shake my head.
"Do you know how badly I wanted to lift up that ridiculous coat and taste that sweet little pussy?"
"Dominic," I gasp, my cheeks flaring red. Did he really just say that?!
He's on his feet now, stalking around the table, cupping the back of my neck once more and urging me to my feet before slanting his mouth against mine.
My head spins, and I cling to him as his tongue strokes mine, as his hand slides over my hip and down. I can feel him pressed against my stomach, thick and hard, and when he squeezes my ass, I let out a muffled moan.
"Good girl." He nips at my lower lip. "So submissive. So ready. Look at you, Daisy. You're a mess. You've been a mess since we met. Is it the danger, hmm? Or is it me?"
I can't lie, not with his mouth hovering less than an inch from mine. "Yes. You."