Page 28

Dominic

I t’s almost time for action. I haven’t had a chance to check in on Gwen. Every second counts, and I need to make sure this plan is airtight. Standing in my bedroom, I adjust my tie, smoothing it over my tuxedo. I fasten my cufflinks, my movements steady, controlled. Finally, this is coming to an end. I need my girl. These past few weeks have been hell, but once I put a bullet in that piece of shit, I won’t spend another hour away from her. I take one last look in the mirror sharp, lethal, ready. Sliding my .45 into the pocket of my tuxedo jacket, I check the weight of the bulletproof vest beneath my clothes. It’s time.

When I step into the living room, Bash and Trey are waiting on the couch, dressed in their tuxedos. Carmin stands by the doorway, Santino beside her, a glass of red wine in her hand. The conversation halts as they turn to look at me. "Let the show begin."

Bash and Trey rise to their feet. Carmin downs the rest of her wine. Without another word, the five of us step out the door. Five black cars line the driveway, engines purring like caged beasts. I stop Bash before he reaches his car. "Listen, if anything goes wrong, you get my sister and Gwen out of there. No hesitation."

His gaze sharpens. A long pause. Then, a nod. "You got it, Dom." He claps my shoulder. "I’m heading to pick up Lily. I’ll meet you there. Make sure the boys are in position." Bash nods and slides into his car. Engines roar to life. They take a left. I take a right.

I pull up in front of Lily’s house, my gaze sweeping over the sleek lines of her modern-day mansion. I’ve been here too many times dropping her off, picking her up, even tying her to her own damn bed. But tonight? Tonight is different. Tonight is the end. She thinks I’m here to be her arm candy, to play along with whatever twisted fantasy she’s built in her head. She has no idea I’m about to burn her empire to the ground.

The front door opens. Lily steps out, draped in a tight purple dress that hugs her curves, falling just below her knees. Her blonde hair is pinned in an elegant updo. She moves down the steps, the picture of grace, of control. Leaving the car running, I step out and open the door for her. "Dominic," she purrs, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Lily." My voice is cool, detached. "I’m so glad you came to your senses." She slides a hand along my arm. "We could go far together, you and me. I’ve missed you." She leans in, aiming for my lips. I turn my cheek. Her eyes darken, her expression flickering with something sharp and venomous.

"I don’t want to spoil what I have in store for you after the party," I murmur, smirking as I wink at her. Her features soften, the venom fading, replaced by a slow, pleased smile. "Mmm. I’ve missed that dick too. I can’t wait to have you all to myself after the party."

I smile back, hiding my disgust. That ship has sailed. And there isn’t a single soul on this earth I would choose over the blonde-headed princess waiting for me on the other side of the bloodbath that’s about to rain down on this witch. She slides into the seat, and I shut the door, telling myself this will be over soon. Letting out a breath, I make my way to the driver's seat. Putting the car in drive, I head to my destination.

Cars line the front of the spa and spill down the side streets. My guys’ vehicles are parked right in front. They’re here, in position. I get out, open the car door for Lily, and extend my hand to help her to her feet. She locks her arm tightly around my bicep as we make our entrance.

Inside, men and women are dressed in their finest. A waiter drifts through the room, serving wine and champagne. A large cake sits on a round table in the corner, and soft music hums in the background. At the front of the room, two chairs face the crowd. Romona occupies the one on the left, while the right remains empty waiting for Lily. She pulls us toward it.

Reaching Romona, Lily leans in and whispers something I can’t hear.

“Take a seat, Dom,” Romona orders. I sink into the chair, and Lily plants herself on my lap, throwing her legs over mine. People approach us, one after another, using my presence to bolster her reputation. What better way to command respect than sitting with the king of Chicago the most feared man on this side of the East Coast? I shake hands, acknowledging each one, while scanning the room. Trey stands on one side, Bash on the other. Carmin, dressed in her best, moves through the crowd, conversing with every man here tonight.

Through my earpiece, Bash's voice comes through. “No rat yet.” I meet his gaze and give a slight nod. Carmin’s men are stationed outside, playing the role of security. Not a complete lie they are, just not for Lily. Then Carmin’s voice cuts through my earpiece. “What the fuck is Gwen doing here?” Before I can react, Bash chimes in. “What?” The moment Gwen steps through the door, my breath catches. She’s the most stunning woman here. But she’s not supposed to be here. Maddie and Levi trail behind her.

Bash’s voice comes back through. “Fuck. All three of them are here.” I watch Gwen take in the scene. Her arm loops through her little brother’s as they make their way to the drinks. She picks up a glass of wine, bringing those perfect lips to the rim. I glance at Bash, then back at Gwen. Fuck. This is not good.

She should be home. She clearly doesn’t know that Jimmy is making his appearance tonight. Just as I’m about to stand, a man in a button-up dress shirt and dress pants walks up to her. She greets him, wrapping an arm around him as he hugs her. Maddie giggles, and Levi scans the room. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. My earpiece crackles. Carmin’s voice comes through.

“Dominic, you have to keep cool. This is a slight mishap, but we stick with the plan.” I meet her eyes over the crowd. Then Romona jumps from her chair, making her way to Gwen. Did she know Gwen was coming? I’m sure the bitch did. Her daughter’s life has never been of any concern.

Lily is on my lap, chatting with another woman, when Romona reaches Gwen and whispers in her ear. Gwen’s baby-blue eyes lift, searching through the crowd until they lock onto mine. As she sees Lily on my lap, Maddie follows her gaze, seeing exactly what Gwen does. Lily. On my lap.

Romona grabs Gwen’s arm harshly, snapping her attention back. Gwen nods and walks away, turning her back on her mother. Maddie shoots me a glare before grabbing Levi’s hand, pulling him in Gwen’s direction. The man she was hugging trails after them. My earpiece rings again. Trey’s voice comes through. “We need to get them out of here.” My thoughts exactly.

I scan the crowd, searching for Gwen. Then I spot her blonde hair, the man beside her wiping her tears, gripping her hand, pulling her toward the bathroom. Fuck. I can’t lose my temper. I can’t let Lily get any idea that I’m concerned for Gwen. Bash’s voice cuts in through the earpiece.

“I’m finding Maddie and sending the brother out the door. One of Carmin’s guys can take him home.” I watch as Bash weaves through the crowd toward Maddie. Why the fuck hasn’t Gwen come back out yet? My impatience claws at me with every passing second. I tap my foot against the ground, my frustration growing. Lily is still sitting on my leg. If it wouldn’t ruin the plan, I’d shove this bitch straight onto the floor. What the hell are they doing in there? Why is it taking so long? What the fuck I’m about to lose it. Carmin meets my eyes from across the room. She shakes her head. No.

“Lily, darling I will be right back. I am going to the restroom. Sit here and wait for me. I’ll be right back” as I plant a kiss to her cheek watching her eyes light up. Carmin watching me, tried talking to me through the ear piece. “Dom!” I tap my ear piece twice, turning it off. Fuck this, I say to myself making my way to the restrooms.