Page 101 of Between Love and Loathing

Me: Right. Natya is sure to attend?

The thought of her in the resort he’d worked so hard to build when all she wanted to do was tear it down or be by his side made my stomach churn enough that I rubbed a hand over it.

Dominic: Don’t worry about her. The public really seems to like us, cupcake. Maybe I should keep you for a few months longer.

I was sitting in Dominic’s study, petting Sugar and Spice when I should have been prepping for the night. I told myself everything would be fine even though I didn’t feel it after inviting my mother and sister. The tabloids had been nice already. To them, Dominic and I were meant to be. A match made in heaven. Dominic was calmer, smoother, and more accommodating in interviews about his plans for the HEAT empire. Not only was this resort going to be a success but partnerships after it too.

Me: As if it’s only your choice.

Dominic: So, I need to persuade you?

Me: Let’s focus on what you think the press is going to ask us.

Dominic: They’ll ask if you’re my future wife.

Me: Don’t you have to worry about how people are receiving the aesthetic or something?

Dominic: Nope. My work here is done. We make a show and then leave. Design, invest, manage, and then watch it all work seamlessly for HEAT.

Me: Carl would be proud.

Dominic: Proud that I’m thinking of a way to get us out of this resort gala so I can have you to myself?

My thighs instantly clenched, and I knew I had to stop texting him if I was going to be ready in time. Thankfully, my hair naturally held a decent curl, and so I kept it dry as I popped in and out of the shower, and then stared at my gala dress. The last time I’d worn it, she’d been there, seen us, and had tried to make me feel small.

I took a deep breath and pulled the dress on, letting the heavy fabric glide over me as I stared at myself in the mirror. My cheeks were flushed in a healthy way. No flare-up now, my body felt tired but strong, and still my heart raced.

Tonight was going to be a war. I knew it.

I jumped at hearing Dominic’s throat clearing in the doorway of the bathroom.

“What are you doing here?”

“If I didn’t come, Evie and half my family were going to. Something about girls getting ready together, and then Izzy was with her, mumbling that family was family and if I wasn’t going to pick up my future wife—”

“Izzy’s saying that now?” I squeaked. Although Izzy was Dominic’s sister, she felt like an Armanelli to me—dangerous and beautiful all at the same time. She’d married Cade Armanelli, a man that was so volatile people didn’t even glance in his direction. He could end a life with the touch of a button and supposedly had once or twice. The Armanelli name was one people spoke of with respect, but also fear. “She’s here?”

“Along with Cade and my other sister, Lilah. And her husband Dante.”

“Dante Armanelli?” I breathed out. “Just how many of them are showing up?”

“I think Rome and his wife are in Italy, so they won’t be there. But Bastian will be.” He shrugged and I tried not to gasp at the name. Sebastian Armanelli was the leader of the mob, and I knew my stepfather had done business with them, but not like this.

“Are you… close with them?” How did you ask a man if he knew that his brothers-in-law were killers?

“Close enough.” He chuckled as he leaned against the doorframe of the bathroom. “You scared, little fighter?”

I scoffed and turned back to the mirror where I tried to steady my hand to paint on some lip stain.

Dominic came to stand behind me, his hands sliding up my dress and murmured, “This is my territory, cupcake. You know I’ll protect you right?”

I stopped what I was doing to stare in his eyes. “Do I need protection?” I whispered.

He hummed like he wanted to goad me. I knew he did because his length hardened against my back. It was foreplay for us. “Maybe.” He gazed at me, his eyes seeming to pry into my soul. “But not from them.”

Did he know that I needed protection from losing my heart to him instead?

I looked down and grabbed my lash kit. “I’m just going to finish my makeup, then we can go. My mother and sister are here. I invited them to the beach.”