Page 34

Dominic

T he headlights of my Cadillac CTS-V cut through the darkness, illuminating the desolate, broken-down place. Jimmy never called just texted me an address along with a plea deal. I replied, feigning interest, saying I might consider it since I was on the lookout for a new fuck toy. As far as he knows, there’s nothing between Gwen and me. Lily never told him otherwise, believing she could get rid of Gwen and have me to herself.

I let a few minutes pass, making Jimmy sweat. Carmin sits in the front seat beside me, waiting for her part in this game. Trey, Santino, and Bash are in the car behind us, each with their role to play. Through my dark-tinted window, I spot Gwen bloodied. My grip on the steering wheel tightens. “Listen, worry about beating the shit out of him once we have her. Don’t let the killer in you out just yet,” Carmin warns.

“We’ve got your back, little brother. Remember what Mama always said La famiglia è tutto.” I nod. “Family is everything.” She smirks. “Adesso o mai più.” “Now or never,” I agree, grabbing the door handle. Stepping out into the night, I take in the sight of Jimmy. When I rip his head off, I’m going to savor the image of him crying for help.

“Jimmy, you’ve given me a run for my money literally,” I say, stepping further into the scene. Bash moves up behind me, the gravel crunching under his combat boots. Jimmy pulls a gun from behind his back, aiming it between Bash and me. His hand trembles. Fear.

“Now, Jimmy,” I say calmly, “I told you I’m here to listen to your proposition. No need to point a gun at me.” “My partner will be here in seconds, then this meeting can begin.” His voice wavers. He thinks he’s in control. Let him. My patience is already running thin.

My girl sits on her knees like she isn’t worthy. Soon, I will put her on top of the world. She will never feel like she isn’t good enough again. I will make sure her high heels are strong enough to step on anyone’s head. They will all be beneath her. Any enemy she has will soon kiss the ground she walks on including this one. Jimmy looks down at his phone in his other hand.

“Tell me, Jimmy, what makes you think I would want this girl?” I look down at Gwen as she sobs. “She’s a dime piece. You could sell her to anyone. Blonde hair and blue eyes bring in big money. I have a few people who know some people who buy women,” he tells me. “Ah, and would those people happen to be Lily?” Jimmy nods, confirming exactly who he’s talking about.

“She gets girls from a man who imports them. The girls she has are trafficked and used as escorts. Gwen here would be perfect for a big buyer. His name is Marco Skylark.” I feel the energy shift in Bash as Jimmy mentions the man’s name. Gwen’s head snaps up as Jimmy spills the information.

“Jamison,” Gwen says angrily. “Shut up, bitch. You better learn your place. I’m sure Dominic here will teach you where you belong,” Jimmy sneers, and Dominic lets out a laugh. She looks up at me, defeat in her eyes. “Oh, trust me, I know how to train a woman,” I say, winking at her. Jamison’s phone buzzes in his hand. Bash lets out a laugh, looking down at the cell in his grip.

“My partner is here,” Jimmy tells me, scanning the area, waiting for headlights but they never come. “I don’t think your boy is coming, Jimmy,” Bash says, not even looking up. His fingers type something on his phone. Another buzz, and Jimmy checks his screen. Bash snaps a picture of himself and sends it over. Jimmy’s expression shifts as he looks up at me. “Ol' Jo isn’t coming, Jimmy,” Bash taunts, sending the selfie. Jimmy locks eyes on me. “Where the fuck is Jo?” he shouts, pistol raised. “Jo sleeps with the fishes tonight, Jimmy,” Bash grins darkly.

No one else notices, but I see the shadows moving outside through the cracks in the barn. The plan is in place. “Well, Jimmy, it doesn’t look like you have much of a choice at this point. Your partner is dead, along with the rest of your recruits who were staying at the homes for sale. Considering they all went up in flames last night.” His eyes narrow.

“Take her for my debt. You’ll double your money back. It’s a win-win for you, Dominic.” He cocks the hammer on the pistol. “See, that’s not how this is going to work. She’s coming home with me, and you are going to pay your debt on your own. Be a man, Jimmy.” Gwen lets out a chuckle. Jimmy turns the gun on her. “Alright, I die, she dies,” he says, pressing the barrel to her head. Gwen’s chest rises and falls in panic.

“I will shoot her right here, Dominic. Don’t test me.” I throw my hands up, feigning surrender. “Alright, alright. Don’t be hasty. How about I make you an offer you can’t refuse?” I step to the side, forcing Jimmy to adjust his aim. “What’s the offer?” he asks, raising a brow. “How about this: I don’t kill you, and I let Gwen take your life instead.”

Fear flashes in his eyes as he turns to Gwen to pull the trigger and his kneecap explodes. Blood splatters all over Gwen and me. Before he even registers what happened, the second kneecap is blown out. Gwen screams, covering her ears from the gunfire. The sound of his bones shattering fills the barn.

Carmin lies on the ground at the barn's opening, one eye shut, focusing through the scope of her P90. Jimmy collapses, screaming in agony. He won’t die Carmin is precise, missing both major arteries in his legs. I jump to Gwen, scooping her into my arms. She shivers, dirty and terrified. Bash approaches, pulling out his black stiletto knife an Italian blade my father gave him when we were boys. Holding Gwen close, I watch as Bash slices through the ropes binding her wrists and ankles. The moment she’s free, she clings to me, her breath coming in ragged gasps. I walk her to my car, setting her on the hood. “Hey, it’s okay, baby. You’re safe now. Look at me, Gwen. Look at me.”

Her breathing grows more erratic. I grab her face, pressing my lips to hers, forcing my way into her mouth. Kissing her like I’ll never lose her again. Her breathing slows. She pulls back, looking into my eyes, her blue irises swimming with unshed tears. “From this moment forward, I will be the light in your darkness. I will take all the pain you have and make it my own. I will fight any battle that comes your way,” I promise, kissing her forehead. She blinks up at me, lips trembling. “You still want me? After everything you know? After all the lies?”

“I fell in love with the girl beneath the lies. But I’m even more in love with the woman you’re becoming.” She smiles a breathtaking, beautiful smile before taking my mouth in hers again. Fireworks explode behind my eyes as our lips meet. From this moment on, she will never leave my side. “Come on, princess. Let’s get you home, yeah?” She nods. I lift her off the hood and carry her to the car, buckling her in. “Give me one second, baby. I need to tell Carmin something before we leave.” She nods again, resting her head against the seat. I jog over to where Carmin and Bash stand over Jimmy, who writhes in the dirt. “I’m taking my girl home. Bring him back to Chophouse. Tomorrow, he’ll be dealt with.”

Bash claps my shoulder. Carmin presses a quick kiss to my cheek. I jog back to my Cadillac, slide in, and glance at Gwen. She’s already lightly snoring. I watch chills creep up her bare legs. Turning the heat up, I unbutton my dress shirt and drape it over her. Throwing the car into drive, I round the building, finally taking my girl home. Where she belongs.