Dominic-Leaning forward with my elbows on my knees, I sat quietly for a moment. “My mother was an FBI agent.”“Okay? Why is that a big secret?” Hayden asked as she moved to sit on the step beside me.“It wouldn't be an issue if I weren’t in the Mafia.” I looked at Hayden and saw the confusion on her face. “The best way for you to understand is if I start at the beginning.”Taking my eyes off Hayden, I looked straight ahead, not focusing on anything. “My mother had been an undercover agent when she met my father. It wasn’t until after my father died that I learned the truth about how my parents met.”“Why did it take so long?”“After my father died, an FBI agent approached me and asked me to join the FBI. The man had worked with my mother and had kept an eye on us. When my mother went undercover it was to investigate my father, but she hadn’t found anything. They ended up falling in love, and my mother gave up her career to stay with my father.”Hayden rested her hand on my arm, and I
Hayden-Over the following two weeks, I trained with Dominic. He had his stitches removed, and we returned to work. Our relationship hasn’t progressed, but it wasn’t bad either. At least now I didn’t feel awkward around him.Even if he didn’t talk much or smile often, I could sense he was slowly letting his defenses down around me. Instead of worrying about things between us, I used my free time to write my novel and work on my training. I stopped pestering him with acting cute and decided to let things develop naturally.“After training, I have an appointment I need to go to.” Dominic said as we entered the shooting range.“Is there anything I can help you with?” I picked up the gun that had been hidden in the boots.“Not this time.” Dominic helped me load the gun and place a few extra boxes of ammo on the table where I would be standing to shoot.“Am I just doing target practice today?” I didn’t bother arguing with him because I knew it wouldn’t do me any good.For the past week, he
Hayden-Tripping over my own feet, I fell to the ground in the most ungraceful way possible. At some point, I must have twisted my ankle as pain spread around it, and a sharp pain traveled up my calf. Sprawled out on the ground, I quickly sat up and wrapped my hands around my ankle.“Are you okay?” Dominic rushed to my side, kneeling beside me.“I think I twisted it.” I hissed.“I should have made sure you were ready.” Dominic wrapped his arms behind my back and under my knees. “I will take you back and have the doctor come to examine you.” He lifted me bridal style in his arms and awkwardly carried me through the ropes of the boxing ring.While in his arms, I didn’t care that I was injured. If anything, it had been worth it. The pain had nearly dissipated completely until he placed me on the bed. Thankfully, Maria wasn’t home, or I would have been embarrassed.Since Dominic started training me, he had asked Maria to move out and only show up while we were working to clean and prepare
Hayden-“What happened?” I asked Tristan as I followed them into the bedroom so they could lay Dominic on the bed.“We were supposed to meet with Valerie to put an end to everything.”Dominic let out a groan as he was placed on the bed. Rushing past Tristan and Maria, I sat on the edge of the bed. My hands reached out to touch Dominic, but I hesitated before they came into contact with him. His white shirt was practically saturated in blood, with rips and cuts in various places.“Why didn’t you go to the hospital?” I started carefully unbuttoning the shirt.“He wanted to return home. He was conscious until we were getting out of the elevator. I already called for the doctor to come here.” Tristan helped me take off the shirt once it was unbuttoned.With the shirt off, I had a better visual. His wounds didn’t look as bad as I thought they would, but it didn’t make me feel any better. Turning toward Maria to ask her to bring in a bucket of water, I was relieved when I saw she had just r
Dominic-“Jump the fence!” Tristan yelled from behind me as bullets flew at us.Running across the yard, I pushed off the ground as hard as possible when I reached the four-foot chain-link fence. Grabbing the top of the fence, I tucked my knees in and propelled myself over. Once I was over it, I let go and landed on my feet on the other side.I didn’t need to look over my shoulder to know Tristan was following me because I could hear his heavy breathing. Dodging between two trees, I entered a small forest that divided Valerie’s villa from the next house. Maneuvering through the trees and avoiding branches, I kept running as quickly as my legs could carry me.I only had one thought running through my head: Get home to Hayden. I wouldn’t have left her side tonight if I had been wiser. When I had heard there was a chance to stop Valerie from claiming the life debt Hayden owes her, I hadn't considered that I was entering a trap.The thing is, I should have known better. This wasn’t my fir
Hayden-Thinking Dominic was lying in bed next to me, I rolled over and threw my arm on his side of the bed. When it landed against the pillow, I blindly felt around but didn’t feel Dominic. Opening my eyes, I noticed Dominic standing with his back to me.“Good morning.” I said as a blush crept across my face.“Good morning.” Dominic echoed, but he didn't turn to face me.I didn’t know what was happening, but I felt he was a little colder than usual. I recalled everything that happened last night, including the night he kissed me in the garage. I couldn’t help but think that he wasn’t satisfied with me. Sitting up, I wrapped my arms around my legs as I pulled them to my chest. From the reflection in the window, I watched as Dominic buttoned his shirt. A portion of his chest was showing, and I couldn’t help but think of what we did last night.“Where are you going?” I asked.“To work.” Dominic said in a flat voice“Don’t you need more time to rest? You were injured, after all.”“I’m f
Hayden-I had been in high school during that time and had arrived home late after cheerleading practice. Practice had run a little longer than expected, and I had forgotten to take my phone and wallet to school. Since I had been the last to leave, I couldn’t borrow anyone’s phone to call someone to pick me up.I thought walking home would be fine, but I got caught in a rainstorm. When I arrived home, Dominic had been waiting for me. Our parents weren’t home, as they were out looking for me. Dominic and his father had only been living with us for a few weeks at that point.Before they moved in, I never thought anyone would worry about me if I arrived home late. My mother had worked long hours, and it wasn’t the first time I returned home late. That night, however, was different.“Where have you been?” Dominic demanded when I returned home.“I had cheerleading practice.” I rolled my eyes at him and pushed past him to go to my room.“Do you have any idea how worried we have been?” Domin
Hayden-“No.” Dominic dropped his gaze to his phone as it chimed.“What do you mean no?” I slammed my palms onto his desk. “You can’t keep me caged!”“I don’t have time to argue with you. You know the reason I won’t allow you to go. End of discussion.” Dominic tapped his phone a few times before standing up and placing it in his pocket.“I thought after you taught me how to protect myself, I would be able to have a little more freedom!” I didn’t care if anyone else in the office overheard me yelling at Dominic.“You thought wrong.” Dominic walked around his desk.“This isn’t fair!” I screamed. I knew he was trying to keep me safe, but I was tired of hiding.“Life isn’t fair, but at least you will get the chance to live your life.” Dominic walked to the door.“This isn’t living. All I do is work and go home. I can only see Lily if she comes to the apartment, but you also limit that. I have a chance to make friends at work, but you are being unreasonable!”Dominic paused at the door, wi