Chapter 2 - The Storm on the DocksThe silence following his confession was broken by the sharp, high-pitched chime of Dominic’s encrypted satellite phone resting on the glass coffee table.
Dominic didn't break eye contact with me, but his chief lieutenant, Marco—a broad-shouldered man in a dark tactical suit—stepped smoothly through the double penthouse doors.
"Boss," Marco reported, his voice tight with urgent, controlled alarm. "Don Salvatore Moretti just pulled six armored SUVs into our primary shipping terminal at Pier 42. He brought forty armed men. He knows you refused the covenant."
Dominic slowly lowered his hands from my face, turning his head toward Marco with an unshakeable, lethal stillness.
"Did he bring his daughter?" Dominic asked deadpan.
"Julianna is in the lead vehicle," Marco confirmed. "Don Salvatore is demanding your presence on the docks by midnight. He says if you don't show up with the signed covenant... he will seize the entire eastern shipping supply line."
I stood frozen beside the fireplace, my heart hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. "Dominic... no. Don't go because of me. You can't start a war over a pediatric nurse!"
Dominic turned back to me.
A dark, breathtaking smile touched the corners of his sharp lips—a look of pure, sovereign confidence that made my pulse take a wild, dangerous leap. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a small, heavy brass key, and placed it gently into my palm, folding my fingers over it.
"This key opens the private elevator to the underground garage, Claire," Dominic instructed softly, his baritone dropping into a low, protective rhythm. "If I am not back by two in the morning... Marco’s men will drive you to a safe house in Wisconsin."
"Dominic, please!" I pleaded, my fingers clutching his sleeve. "Don't go!"
Dominic leaned down, pressing his broad lips softly, fiercely against my forehead in a deep, unhurried kiss that took my breath away.
"I spent twenty-seven years living as a ghost in my father's war, Claire," Dominic whispered against my skin. "I am not letting them dictate who I love."
He pulled away, buttoned his dark charcoal suit jacket, and walked toward the door.
May you like
Before he stepped through the threshold, he stopped, looking back over his broad shoulder at Marco.
"Bring the heavy motorcade, Marco," Dominic commanded cleanly. "And tell my guards that if anyone touches a single hair on Claire's head while I am away... they won't live to see the sunrise."
Related Stories
