by Ursula Dukes
“Oh and let me guess dad, you figured it’s the least you can do especially considering your own flesh and blood murdered her husband and little boy.”
“Son, I didn’t want her to have to suffer financially as well, I thought that I was doing the right thing.”
“No dad the right thing would have been to turn Brandon and that creep Nick in the moment he called and told you what he'd done.”
“Adam, I can't change what happened and like I said, one day when you’re a parent you'll understand, but for now you've got to trust me, this is the best for our family and for Dominique.”
“Dad if you'll excuse me, I’ve got a lot to wrap my head around. But I meant what I said about Brandon, as far as I'm concerned, I no longer have a brother.”
Adam stormed out of his father's office, and walked past the scrutinizing looks of several employees. He needed air; he couldn’t get out fast enough. Dominique, who was concerned about him, was lingering at Molly's desk when he walked past her.
“Come with me,” he said, grabbing her by the hand. His voice so powerful, Dominique did not dare object.
Adam did not speak, but held a firm grip on her hand as they boarded the empty elevator. The moment the doors closed Adam pulled Dominique close to him and kissed her hard, taking her by surprise. But Dominique did not pull away, even as he pushed himself on her and forced her back against the elevator wall. Finally coming to her senses, she managed to push him away.
Letting out a breath, Dominique said, “Adam! What has come over you? I like it!”
Adam couldn’t help but let out a laugh at Dominique’s attempt to lighten his mood.
“Oh Dominique, you are just what I need.”
“Well I’m glad that I could be of assistance counselor, now where do we go from here handsome?”
Adam momentarily forgot about what he'd just been told by his father but it flooded back the moment he looked into her eyes. There is no way I am going to tell her now, he thought to himself. Adam decided that he could do it; he could hide the truth from her. He'd simply store it in the recesses of his mind like a bad dream, the less attention he gave it, the further from his mind it would go, and eventually escape him altogether. Besides, he thought to himself, I’m a lawyer, hiding the truth is what I’m good at.
Chapter Thirteen
As the week went on so did the rumors about why Nick had showed up at Jonathan's office. Some said it was because Jonathan and the partners were involved with the DiNunzio crime family, some said it was because Jonathan owed Nick money and Adam's personal favorite; Nick Kilarmo was simply looking for a job. If only it were that simple, thought Adam as he finished up at the office.
It was Thursday, the night of the firm's annual Halloween party. This year it was to be held at his parent’s penthouse. He couldn’t wait to see Dominique in her ball gown. So far he'd made it four days keeping his secret and if things continued to go as well as they were going with Dominique, he'd be able to keep it just fine. Even Dominique seemed to be getting better. She hadn’t had a night mare since their weekend on the island, and she hasn't brought up a thing about reopening the investigation. Maybe she's ready to move on too. Adam thought to himself.
Dominique, Molly and a few other co-workers had been allowed to leave work early so they could prepare for the costume party. Dominique and Molly wanted their nails done while others were getting the full works, hair, nails and makeup. Dominique was excited about the party, not only would she be meeting Molly's boyfriend Neal for the first time but she'd also get to see where Adam grew up. He told her he was anxious for her to meet his mother, this made Dominique quite nervous and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. Meeting ones mother usually implied a serious relationship, she still wasn’t sure if she was ready for that, even though Adam certainly was.
There was one thing she was sure of, since she and Adam hadn’t been able to make love in the past few days, she was going to ask Adam to spend the night, and what she had in mind had nothing to do with sleep.
Dominique liked how she felt and looked in her burgundy colored ball gown. She couldn’t help but notice how the low cut bodice accentuated her breasts, and the jacquard patterned skirt held layer upon layer of soft lace underneath the full cut gown. “This is the epitome of romance,” she said out loud as she stood in front of the mirror.
Just wearing it made her feel sexy along with the undergarments she had chosen. She and Molly had gone to a specialty lingerie store where she purchased a lacy strapless bra and matching red lace boy short panties. She wore thigh hi stockings with seams in the back and a pair of sexy satin slides that matched the color of her gown.
She felt like Cinderella, only a much sexier version. Dominique wore her hair loosely on top of her head with curly tendrils surrounding her face. A few spritzes of perfume and she was ready.
Adam knocked promptly at six thirty. When she opened her door, he let out a loud wolf whistle. “Dominique you look amazing.”
“Thank you, so do you Adam,” she said giving him the once over. “Coat and Tails suits you Adam. I say we dress like this every day,” she joked reaching for her velvet wrap and evening bag.
“You won’t get any argument from me Dominique. You can wear that gown every day if you want to,” he said with a sexy grin.
“I have a surprise for you,” Adam said as he opened the door.
“What is it? Oh Adam, a Rolls Royce? It’s gorgeous!” She said giving him a hug and kiss.
“Your chariot awaits my darling.”
This man makes me feel so incredible; she blushed as he helped her into the limo.
When they arrived at the party, Dominique was glad that she had the glass of champagne in the limo. It soothed her nerves. Adam told her that there was no reason for her to be nervous about meeting his mother. “She’s going to love you,” he told her as they stepped into the lavishly decorated front parlor of the penthouse. Dominique smiled as she was introduced to Muriel Caruso. Although she was a very glamorous, sophisticated woman, there was nothing fake about her. Dominique could tell that she was a very warm natured person.
“Dominique, it's so very nice to meet you, I’ve heard a lot about you young lady,” she said with a warm smile. “You my dear have made my son a very happy man.”
“Thank you and it's very nice to meet you Mrs. Caruso, your home is absolutely stunning.”
Dominique pointed to the deep, dark colored potted mums and pumpkins of all sizes that adorned every corner of the house.
“Please, call me Muriel, and let me give you the tour, it looks as though you'll be spending a lot of time here,” she said giving her son a wink. While Dominique strolled off with Muriel, Jonathan had a moment alone with his son.
“How is everything going son?”'
“I never thought I’d be saying this but so far so good.”
“I'm glad son, I’m really glad. Dominique looks absolutely stunning Adam. Tell me, have you had any problems with that other issue I warned you about?” Jonathan asked, concerned for his son and new girlfriend.
“No, things have been quiet and I hope it stays that way dad. Now if you'll excuse me I see some folks I need to say hello to.”
Adam gave his father a nod and went in search of Dominique.
Jonathan was greeting a large group of party goers when Brandon slipped in amongst the group. Jonathan gave his son a disappointed frown when he immediately reached for a drink the servers were passing out.
Patting his father on the shoulder, Brandon said, “Relax dad, it’s my first one, now let’s get this party started,” he shouted to no one in particular.
Jonathan had been hoping that his son would fore go the party and stay out all night like he usually did. I should have known he wouldn’t miss this, he said to himself.
By the time Muriel had finished giving Dominique a tour of the penthouse, she had invited her out for lunch and shopping.
“I like this one,” she whispered to her son before she left to g
reet her other guests.
“Hey little brother,” Brandon came up behind Adam punching him hard in the arm.
“Brandon, what are you doing here?”
“Well it's nice to see you too little brother, and you're looking as lovely as ever Dominique,” he said as he reached for and kissed her hand. Adam fought hard not to take Brandon's hand and rip it from his shoulder.
“Come on baby, I think I see Molly.”
Dominique didn’t question why Adam was so cold to his brother, she couldn’t stand to be around him for obvious reasons. But besides that, he seemed to cause the family nothing but grief.
Luckily Adam was able to keep Brandon at bay for the remainder of the night. He was too busy drinking and making a fool of himself trying to impress the ladies. It got so bad that finally, his father had to pull him aside and tell him to leave or spend the rest of the evening in his room. Pouting like a child, he stomped out of the dining room and slammed the front door behind him.
“What do you say we call it a night handsome, and you bring me home?”
Adam wasn’t sure what to make upon hearing that.
“You tired Dominique or are you upset?” Adam wondered if Brandon had said something to upset her.
“I'm neither Adam, I just would like for you to take me home. I was thinking of letting you ravish my body,” she said with a sultry smile. “But if you'd rather stay....”
“Mom, dad, we're going to be taking off now, we'll be seeing you.”
“Thank you for a lovely evening!” chimed in Dominique as they headed out the door.
“Ah, young love.” sighed Muriel with a smile.
Once the driver took off into the late night traffic, Adam asked Dominique, “Were you serious back there or were you teasing me?”
Dominique leaned close and whispered in his ear, “Oh I was 100 percent serious Adam.”
“Driver, can you go any faster?” Adam joked. Just the thought of removing her gown made him twitch with desire.
“Sir, it seems there is someone very close on my tail.”
Alarm set in as Adam looked out the window and saw a large black SUV hampering down on them. They weren’t speeding but it was quite obvious that they were being followed through the city streets. Adam instructed the driver to stay on course but try to lose him if he could.
“Adam, what’s going on?” asked Dominique who was now worried.
“It's nothing I’m sure, but you're safe with me Dominique don’t worry.”
Dominique could feel the rolls speeding up. “Dominique I’m gonna need you to put your seat belt on.” Dominique did as she was told and wished they had stayed at the party. There was safety in numbers.
Flashbacks of her own husbands accident came into mind as the rolls picked up even more speed and her heart began racing, matching the speed of the car. Adam was on the phone in an instant calling 911 but it would be too late. The SUV sped up alongside of them and Adam knew what was coming next, he grabbed Dominique and covered her as the gunman in the SUV opened fire on them.
Dominique let out a scream as the shots came barreling through the windows. The sound was almost deafening and Adam held her so close she thought he would crush her. The gunmen shot out one of the rear tires of the rolls causing the driver to swerve up and onto the sidewalk hitting a fire hydrant along the way, where he was finally able to come to a stop. The black SUV slowed at first but then roared off into the night.
Bystanders began moving towards the vehicle to check on its occupants. For a moment Dominique wasn’t sure if she was alive or dead. But when Adam started shaking her and looking her over to make sure she was alright, she knew she had survived.
“Dominique are you alright? Dominique look at me. ARE YOU ALRIGHT?”
“Yes I am, I think I am, yes, how about you? Are you Okay Adam? What was that? What in god's name is going on Adam? Did those people just try to kill us?”
“The police are on the way,” someone shouted from the crowd.
By the time the police and ambulance arrived, Dominique and Adam along with the driver were safely sitting on the sidewalk. Once the EMT gave them a clean bill of health, and they gave their statements to the police they were allowed to go home. Adam had ordered another car service and paid for the driver to take a taxi back to his location.
“Dominique are you sure you’re alright?” Adam asked on their way home.
“Physically yes I’m alright Adam, but mentally? I don’t know, I’ve never experienced anything like that Adam.
I am glad that you told the police about that lunatic and the threat he made to your dad, I hope that they catch the son of a bitch. The moment Dominique heard Adam tell the police the name of the would be assailant, she felt sick. I was only an arm's length away from the son of a bitch today at the office. It all makes sense now. But he couldn’t possibly know who I am so why in the hell would he show up at the office and demand to see Jonathan? She wondered. Nick must have some kind of ties with Jonathan, ties that neither man wants Adam to know about.
“Dominique? Are you sure you’re alright? Maybe we should get you checked out at the hospital.”
“Huh? Yeah, I’m fine Adam, I’m fine.” Dominique did not want Adam to worry about her, she quickly changed the subject.
God Adam, who knew that lawyers lead such dangerous lives,” she said with a wink.
“Dominique how is it that you know just the right things to say?” he said kissing her on the cheek.
“Adam, when you've been through what I’ve been through, you learn to deal with everything that life tends to hand you, and this is something we will deal with together.”
The more time that he spent with her the more he began to believe that what his father had told him was true. There was no reason to tell Dominique the secret, it would be like reliving that horrible night all over again and she needed to move on. Dominique did not tell Adam, but once she realized that they were safe and sound, the whole incident excited her, it was like something out of a movie and the way that he had instinctively covered her made her even more attracted to him; he never looked sexier.
Thank god it's Friday, thought Dominique as she nudged Adam awake and slowly got out of bed. She felt as if she was up all night running a marathon, and her body ached, but it was a welcoming ache that she was sure a hot shower would cure. While Adam dozed, Dominique showered and got ready for work.
“Looks like you'll be riding with me this morning,” she said handing him a cup of coffee and giving him a kiss.
“If you could just drop me home so I can change?” Adam said as he returned her kiss.
“What you don’t want to go to work dressed in coat and tails?” Dominique laughed.
“Well I suppose I could but I don’t think the partners would approve.”
“Alright, I suppose I could do that for my man,” she said giving him a wink. “But let’s get going, I can't be late, the boss is a real stickler about being on time,” she joked.
After Dominique dropped Adam at his place, she headed into work. She knew she would have a difficult time concentrating today. She would spend her day thinking about what had happened between her and Adam. And don’t forget about getting shot at, her conscience told her. God I hope the police catch that guy and soon.
The holidays are coming up and I don’t want to have to live in fear each time I go out. Wow, who would have thought that I would be looking forward to the holidays again? I thought that without my boys there would never be a reason to celebrate, yet here I am going to costume parties, thinking about the holidays, calling Adam my man.
Maybe I can get my life back on track and do what I need to do. She thought to herself, but why did that maniac go after us the way he did? He had to be going after Adam, but why? She wondered as she made her way into work.
“Dominique oh my god are you alright? Molly had been waiting anxiously by the doors for her friend.
“Yes thank god, we're both fine. But how did you find out Molly?�
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“Are you kidding me? Everyone knows, Mr. Caruso came in early this morning and told everyone, he also said that if any one of us lets Mr. Kilarmo in the building purposefully or accidental he will fire us on the spot. No questions asked.”
“Wow, he's got it out for this guy; I guess the police haven’t caught him yet.”
“No they haven’t and Mr. Caruso is having his secretary send a memo out that we're to go out to the garage in groups, no one leaves by themselves.”
“But you won’t have to worry will you? You've got your own bodyguard don’t you Dominique?” Molly joked to her friend.
“Well yes, I suppose I do and he's sexy as hell isn’t he?” she laughed.
Adam showed up for work showered, dressed and looking incredibly refreshed. He was glad that he didn’t have to be in court today. Besides needing to get some work done he would also be around in case Nick showed up again. In fact, he decided, I think I’ll take my work over to the file area, there’s more room there, and I’ll be able to get all my work done. He grinned as he grabbed several piles of client files.
Dominique smiled as she saw him place a large pile of work on the long table. She knew what he was doing and she hoped that she too would be able to get all of her work done. She didn’t want his father thinking she couldn’t do her job. Adam sat down to start his work but the moment he did, he couldn’t stop glancing at Dominique who was looking incredibly sexy wearing her glasses.
She smiled every time she caught him staring at her. Adam was glad that no one had bothered to come to the filing area as he casually made his way to her office. Without looking up, Dominique smirked as she told Adam that he'd better get out of her office because she had a ton of work to do and he was nothing but a distraction, a delicious one but a distraction none the less. Smiling, he returned to his work.
Dominique had some files to get, and as she seductively strode past Adam he couldn’t help but reach out for her. He wanted to steal a kiss, “Just one kiss.” He whispered to her as he led her into a secluded corner.