Chapter 5 - The ReckoningJulian’s grip on my arm instantly dissolved. He stumbled backward, looking wildly around him as three tactical operatives swarmed him, slamming him face-first against the side of the carousel ticket booth with ruthless efficiency.
“Get your hands off me! Do you know who I am? I’ll sue this entire city!” Julian shrieked, kicking his legs as heavy steel zip-ties were locked around his wrists.
Dominic didn't even look at him. He walked straight toward me, his dark eyes scanning my face with intense, rapid scrutiny.
“Are you hurt?” Dominic asked, his hand coming up to gently cup my cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear I hadn't realized I’d shed.
“I’m... I’m okay,” I breathed, leaning into his touch for a fraction of a second before the adrenaline finally drained out of my system, making my knees buckle.
Dominic caught me instantly, his arm wrapping securely around my waist, pulling me against his solid frame. He looked over at his chief security officer, nodding sharply. “Take him to the warehouse on the river. Make sure federal prosecutors have all the digital files ready by morning. I want him tried, convicted, and locked in a federal penitentiary before the week is out.”
“Understood, boss,” the operative grunted, hauling Julian up by his coat collar and dragging him toward a waiting black SUV parked near the path.
“Harper! You bitch! You set me up!” Julian screamed, straining against his guards as he was shoved into the back of the vehicle. “Moretti’s going to ruin you! He doesn't love you, you idiot, he owns you!”
The heavy door slammed shut, cutting off Julian’s rant, and the SUV melted away into the foggy Manhattan night.
Silence descended upon the carousel once more, broken only by the gentle rustle of autumn leaves in the wind.
Dominic pulled me slightly closer, his hand resting warm and firm against the small of my back. “Let’s take you home, Harper. It’s over.”
We drove back to my apartment in quiet companionship. Dominic walked me all the way to my front door, standing guard in the dimly lit hallway while I unlocked it.
Inside, the apartment was warm, quiet, and peaceful. I peeked into Lily’s bedroom; she was curled up on her side, one small hand resting protectively over Mr. Buttons’ floppy ear, breathing softly in deep, dreamless sleep.
When I stepped back out into the living room, Dominic was standing by the window, looking out over the city skyline.
“She’s safe,” I whispered, walking over and standing a few feet away from him. “Because of you.”
Dominic turned to face me. The hard, untouchable mafia boss exterior seemed to have melted away, leaving behind a man who looked tired, vulnerable, and profoundly human.
“I told you I’d protect her,” Dominic said softly. He took a slow step toward me, his dark eyes filled with an unspoken question. “And what about you, Harper? Who protects you?”
I looked up into his eyes, feeling the steady, comforting weight of his gaze. For three years, I had built walls around my heart, convincing myself that I didn't need anyone, that I could survive every storm alone for Lily’s sake. But standing here with Dominic, I realized I wasn't alone anymore.
“Maybe,” I whispered, a small, genuine smile touching my lips, “I don't need protection. Maybe I just need someone who wants to share my hot chocolate.”
May you like
Dominic’s lips curved into a rare, breathtaking smile that reached all the way to his eyes. He reached out, taking my hand in his, his fingers interlacing with mine.
“Consider that a permanent arrangement,” he murmured.
