Hayden-
“Daddy!” The female cried.
Looking up, I saw the unknown female crawl over to the dead man, leaning over his body and shaking him. The more she shook him, the more he bled. As the pool of blood increased, so did the bile in my stomach.
I felt the urge to vomit again, but I couldn’t move. With wide eyes, I watched as the female cried over her father’s body. I should have listened to Dominic when he told me to leave. If I had, I wouldn’t have been responsible for killing someone.
Despite the female’s protest, she was hauled to her feet and dragged to the door. One of the men who came with them picked up the man I shot and carried him away on his back. The female’s red and swollen eyes met mine when they were at the door with a deadly glare.
“You will regret this day.” The female screamed as she was pulled out of the room.
Once they were gone, I looked down at my trembling hands, still clutching the gun. Although I knew I didn’t touch any blood, my eyes played tricks on me. Dropping the weapon, I stared at my hands, and they looked as if I had dipped my hands in blood.
“I shot him. I shot him.” I mumbled, continuously repeating the words.
“Hayden!” Dominic knelt in front of me, placing his hands on my shoulders.
“I shot him.” I reiterated and started hyperventilating.
“We need to get out of here.” Dominic helped me to my feet, but my legs couldn’t hold me.
“I will carry her.” Tristan said as he tried to lift me.
“Don’t touch her!” Dominic shoved Tristan away, pulling me against his side, allowing me to use him as support.
“Okay.” Tristan held his hands up defensively as he backed away.
Dominic wrapped his arms around me, gently caressing the back of my head. I started to calm down, but I still couldn’t steady my breathing. I could still see the pool of blood, and the urge to vomit again was stronger than before.
“We need to get out of here. It isn’t safe.” Dominic said as he unwrapped his arms and prepared to lift me off the ground.
Before he could, I shoved him back and bent over to empty the contents of my stomach again. Dominic helped by pulling my hair out of my face and holding it back. When I finished vomiting, I stood up and wiped my mouth.
Feeling as if I could stabilize myself, I stepped away from Dominic. “I am not leaving until I know what is going on. Who were those people?”
“This isn’t the time to talk about it. If we don’t leave, they might return.” Dominic stepped forward, but I extended my arm to stop him.
“I can explain everything, but we need to leave first.” Dominic tried to grab my wrist, but I pulled it away and moved back a few feet.
“This isn’t going to work.” Tritan sighed. “I will tell you.”
Looking past Dominic, I gave my attention to Tristan. “Then tell me.”
“Dominic is the Mafia Lord, and those people were from one of the many mafia families in the area. They came here to make a deal with us. The girl is Valerie Clint, and she is the daughter of the mob boss you shot.”
I had a feeling he was telling me the truth, but I couldn’t bring myself to accept it. “You are lying. You told me you worked at a publishing company.”
“Fox Ink is one of Dominic's many lucrative businesses. He also owns this bar.”
Shaking my head, I stumbled back as my gaze returned to Dominic. “So, your money is dirty?”
I didn’t know how else to ask. My knowledge of the Mafia was limited. I know what I have seen on television, and it wasn’t good.
“Not everyone in the Mafia is bad. When my father was the Mafia Lord, he tried to change things. I am continuing his work. Every business I own is legit. Many other families have changed their ways also.”
I was afraid to ask my next question, but I couldn’t help myself. “Have you ever killed anyone?”
Dominic didn’t answer as he looked over at Tristan, who was rubbing the back of his neck. Even if they weren’t answering, I already knew the answer. Looking over at the bloodstains, I knew I had no right to judge them.
“I need to turn myself in.” I mumbled as I started toward the door.
“No!” Dominic grabbed me around the waist.
I tried to get away, but I suddenly felt something sharp prick the side of my neck. At first, I wasn’t sure what was happening when the room started spinning. As my vision blurred and my body felt funny, I realized Dominic drugged me before I blacked out.
When I woke up, I was lying on a bed in an unfamiliar place. Looking over, I noticed I wasn’t alone. Dominic was lying on his side next to me, using his hand to prop his head up. There was a softness in his eyes that didn’t last long.
As if he snapped out of whatever was going on with him, he sat up and gave me the same cold stare I was familiar with. “You’re awake.”
“What happened to me?” I asked, sitting up and pressing my palm to my head to try and relieve some pressure from my instant migraine.
“I drugged you.” He stated as if it was something he did regularly.
“Have you lost your mind?” I scoot away, but he grabs my arm and yanks me toward him.
“Don’t even think about escaping.” His tone was dangerous, but his eyes were more so as he narrowed them at me.
“You can’t trap me here!” I pinch his flesh on the back of his hand with my free hand.
It doesn’t seem to faze him, so I dig my nails in and twist. His jaw muscles tense, but he didn’t release me. Refusing to give up, I continued to pinch him until he finally released me. Scrambling off the bed, I trip over the covers and fall to my knees on the ground.
“I can do what I want, and there is nothing you can do about it.” Dominic moved off the bed and stretched his arms over his head.
“Kidnapping is illegal!”
“So is murder.” He shrugged after his arms fell to his sides.
He had a point. Getting off the ground, I hug my arms around me. I could feel goosebumps on my arms, but it wasn’t from the cold. The memory of killing that man caused my stomach to turn. I noticed I was near a bathroom, so I rushed in.
Reaching the toilet, I sat on the floor and tried to vomit, but nothing came out. My stomach was in a painful knot, but since I couldn’t throw up, I pushed on the toilet and stood up. When my gaze lifted, I noticed Dominic was leaning against the door frame.
“Even though you were drugged and passed out, you still vomited multiple times throughout the night. I doubt you have anything left in your stomach.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” It wasn’t until I heard my voice shake that I realized I was crying.
“Your life is in danger, and until I can be sure that you are safe, you are staying here.”
“I killed a man. I should be in jail.”
“Even if you turn yourself in, the only thing that will happen is they will reward you. You took out the most wanted mob boss in the area. He has killed many cops and has never been captured. The mayor would probably even throw you a party.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Dominic shrugged. “By the way, I put a change of clothes on the dresser for you. Why don’t you take a shower and get changed? When you are done, I will have breakfast ready for you.”
Dominic left the bathroom, and a few seconds later, I heard the bedroom door shut. Feeling the need to wash myself multiple times, I did as he said. After feeling a little better, I left the bedroom and was surprised to see all my favorite breakfast foods on the table.
Hayden-“What is all this?” I asked, sitting down at the table.Dominic was still in the kitchen, with his back turned toward me. I didn’t think I would have much of an appetite, but I couldn’t resist leaning forward and grabbing a piece of bacon off one of the plates. As I took a bite, I looked up just as Dominic turned around.Forgetting about the food, I stopped chewing and stared at Dominic. He wore an apron over a black dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves. Balancing two plates, he walked toward the table. Ever since I have known him, I have never seen him cook.This was also the first time he had ever seemed domesticated. At the same time, a dangerous energy was surrounding him, giving off the perfect balance. It took me a moment to realize I was staring.Forgetting the food in my mouth, I swallowed and almost choked on the bacon. Covering my mouth as I coughed, I reached for the water next to my plate. Taking a few gulps, I set the cup down and patted my chest.“I didn’t know wha
Hayden-“Please don’t tell me you hired her to spy on me.” I groaned.“I didn’t. I found out about it after the two of you met. I did ask her to keep an eye on you, but only for your safety. As far as you two being friends, I never intervened. I never had her report anything to me.”This was a bit too much for me to digest. Finding out that Dominic was alive was one thing, but I couldn’t wrap my head around everything else that followed. Without saying anything, I stood up and slowly returned to the room.“Hayden?” Dominic called after me, but I ignored him.Shutting the door behind me, I leaned against it and slowly slid to the floor. With my knees against my chest, I wrapped my arms around my legs. Tears slowly fell down my cheeks, and my breath stalled.“I need to go to work, but I will be back at noon to check on you.” The door muffled Dominic's voice.It wasn’t until I heard the sound of the front door opening and closing that I could finally take in a breath of air. My lungs rap
Hayden-My head felt as if it was splitting in half. Just like the first night I woke up in Dominic’s room, I found him resting on the bed, watching me. This time, however, his eyes didn’t have any warmth or coldness. He was staring at me with an intensity that chilled me to the core.“Why did you drug me again?” I asked as I slowly sat up.“Why did you run?” He countered as he also sat up.Folding my arms over my chest, I let out a huff of frustration. “You won’t let me leave.”“I don’t know how many times I need to repeat myself. Until I can guarantee your safety, you are stuck with me.” He rose from the bed, tucking a section of his shirt into his pants. “Seeing as you can’t be trusted alone, I decided that starting tomorrow, you will be working as my personal assistant.”“You can’t do this to me!” I bolted out of bed. “You aren’t my brother, and you have no right to control me!”“This isn’t up for discussion.” Dominic gaze intensified.Although I have missed my stepfather over the
Hayden-“I took the day off to take you shopping.” Dominic said as he cleared the table after we finished eating.I was tempted to refuse to go anywhere with him. Did I like the idea of leaving the house and shopping? Most definitely. I just didn’t want to feel like I was attached to his hip.Wringing my hands together on my lap, I chewed on the inside of my cheek. I haven’t been here long, and he was determined to keep me as a prisoner, but maybe I could bide my time. I doubt I could escape any time soon since he would likely expect it.It was probably best to go along with what he wanted for now. Maybe after some time, he will drop his guard, and I will be able to escape. In the meantime, I could gain some experience in Fox Ink.“Okay.” I stopped fidgeting and looked up at him.His brows quirked as he leaned against the counter, arms folded over his chest. “You aren’t going to argue with me?”“I thought it over, and maybe you are right. I don’t know much about your life in the mafia
Hayden-One after another, an outfit was thrown at me to try on. I wasn’t sure how long I spent in and out of the dressing room. Every outfit Dominic wanted me to demonstrate. In my opinion, they were all stunning clothes, but Dominic gave the final say.“Next.” Dominic repeated the same word I had heard since the first outfit I tried on.Many of the clothes were put aside for us to buy, while many others were rejected. The first twenty outfits were of different styles, but then the staff started bringing more of a particular style. Most of the clothes I tried on had a sweet and innocent appearance.The colors were white or pastel, a light shade, such as pink, grey, tan, or blue. The business attire outfits that were chosen for me were a mixture of suit jackets in many different colors and textures with matching skirts.Many of the outfits came with their own accessories, such as jewelry, scarves, purses, and hats. He also picked out a lot of casual clothes. Each outfit I tried on did
Hayden-The following morning, I rode in the elevator with Dominic and Tristan. Everything had already been explained to me after I went through the hiring process, but one thing still concerned me. Glancing at Dominic’s back, I wondered if I should say what was on my mind.“Talk.” Dominic demanded, and I wondered if he could read my mind or had eyes on the back of his head to notice something was going on in my head.“I…” I twisted my clasped hands a few times. “I was wondering if we could keep it a secret about knowing each other outside of the office.” I mumbled.“Why?” Dominic and Tristan asked.“I haven’t finished college and don’t want others to get the wrong idea. I want to prove myself independently without everyone thinking I have a backer.”“We can keep it quiet for now, but your safety is my main priority. In the office, I will allow a bit of freedom for you to handle matters on your own, but if anyone tries to jeopardize your safety, I will step in.” Dominic tone was sligh
Hayden-When it didn’t look like he was going to calm down any time soon, I walked around the desk. Slowly resting my hand on his arm, I felt his muscles tense. Dominic stared at the door to his office as if he could burn a hole through it.“Dominic?” I whispered.Suddenly, his hand closed around my wrist, and before I knew what was happening, he pulled me onto his lap. Sitting across his lap, my hands rested on his shoulders. My breath hitched in my throat as I looked into his icy gaze.When his arms wrapped around my waist, he jerked me forward until our faces were a few inches apart. His body felt tense as he stared at me, and his gaze dropped to my lips. For the longest time, I thought he was going to kiss me. I didn’t know if I wanted him to or not, but I didn’t think I would push him away if he tried.“I will come back later.” Tristian’s voice snapped me out of my haze, and I scurried off Dominic’s lap.“I am going to go get something to drink.” I mumbled as I hurried out of the
Dominic-Going into the break room, I filled a mug with hot coffee and placed it in the microwave for two minutes. After it was heated, I grabbed the mug, not caring that the handle was hot to the touch. With a destination in mind, I left the breakroom.Arriving at the small office that Devon occupied, I shoved the door open without knocking. Her friends gathered around her on the couch while one bandaged her finger. Not long after I walked in, her attention shot up.“Dominic!” She jumped up with eagerness and rushed to me.I thought I had contained my anger, but the moment she grabbed my sleeve, I wanted to break every bone in her body. Grabbing her wrist, I shoved her other hand away. Holding her wrist up, I applied pressure and bent it backward.“You are hurting me!” Devon shrieked and tried to pull her wrist free.“What gives you the right to say that I am yours?” I glowered, gritted my teeth, and stepped forward to tower over her.“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Devon