Dominic: The Protectors Trilogy - Book one

by Anne Marck

  “How do you feel?” he asks softly.

  “Much better,” I say, not being honest at all.

  I watch his tired face, lines of expression marking his forehead, eyes holding up little bags, seeming not to have rested for a minute. He looks at me as if I were someone important to him.

  I feel my heart break at the satisfaction that thought causes me and have to reproach myself. This feeling isn’t sensible. Gratitude is all I should feel for him.

  “You need to see a doctor, Luna.”

  “No. I-I can’t …”

  He gently holds a strand of my hair, pushing it behind my ear as he interrupts me. “I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you, but you need to see a doctor, get examined.” He slides a hot finger across my cheek. “These fevers are dangerous, baby.”

  Baby? Did he call me baby? Strange tingles crowd the pit of my stomach. It sounds so … intimate.

  I clear my throat, trying to smile and struggling to pretend it doesn’t affect me. “I’m fine, truly,” I lie. “You don’t have to worry.” No way can I go back to a hospital. Vincent would find me, and he’s already had me attacked in one.

  I notice him suck a deep breath that makes his nostrils flare, so I decide to change the subject.

  I wrap my fingers in the soft sweater. “I was waiting for you for dinner.”

  His face contorts, his Adam’s apple moving up and down. Intuitively, I feel like I’ve touched a sore subject.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” I hurriedly say.

  He looks away, seeming uncomfortable. “Don’t worry about it. I had some things to take care of, so I was late.”

  I bite my lip and wonder what “things” he had to take care of. Would it be with a woman?

  I straighten the sleeve of the warm sweater, avoiding looking at him. Nevertheless, I hear his heavy exhalation and realize that my physical health isn’t all he wants to talk about.

  “Luna, there’s something I’d like to ask you.”

  Ready. Here it comes. I swallow hard, clinging to the navy blue fabric.

  “You said yesterday that someone is after you. Who is it?”

  Direct.

  What should I do? Open up to him?

  Vincent buys them all off; that’s how he performs. What if Dominic decides to hand me over for money?

  I study his face. Everything in him shouts trust. His eyes are kind, and he has the face of a righteous man.

  I don’t know what to do.

  “I thank you for taking me into your home, Dominic. You have taken care of me like only my …” I bite my tongue, not wanting to mention my mother. “Anyway, that doesn’t matter.” I shrink, feeling the pain of her loss. “The point is that I am thankful for you letting me stay … but …”

  Dominic frowns, his golden-brown eyebrow perfectly drawn. “Just say it.”

  I sigh. “This is not easy for me to say … A very dangerous man is after me. And he wants me …” I can’t say it.

  God, this situation is so surreal. A few months ago, the idea would have been absolutely inconceivable to me, so how could he believe me?

  Dominic’s body hardens. He grinds his jaw so hard that I think I hear his teeth cracking.

  “Who is he?” he growls.

  I sit on the bed with my back to him. “My stepfather,” I whisper. “I can’t say anymore, Dominic. Please, I hope that you can understand and respect that.”

  I don’t believe this man would give me up. No, he wouldn’t. But if Dominic carelessly tells anyone, that person could look for Vincent and demand money that he would surely pay.

  He rubs his face, breathing loudly. “Look at me.”

  From over my shoulder, I do what he asks.

  “I’ll respect that, Luna. At least for a while. But I want you to know that you can trust me. I would never harm you or negotiate with someone who is a danger to you. You understand?”

  I turn toward him then stand in front of him, looking into his eyes. “Yes,” I say, believing every word that comes out of his mouth.

  • • •

  Dominic showered then left. I feel responsible for his exhaustion.

  I hug his sweater, different than the one from yesterday, and inhale the scent of soap and something citrus. Alone, I’m haunted by unwelcome thoughts. Where was he so late at night? And why was he embarrassed when I asked? He had to be with a woman. Maybe a girlfriend? Of course a man like him has someone.

  A light knock on the bedroom door pulls me out of my reverie.

  “Can I come in?”

  “Simone!” I can’t hide my happiness at seeing her. In recent days, she has come over sometimes up to twice a day. I don’t know how to thank this woman for all she’s done for me.

  “How are you today, my child?”

  “Better,” I answer with a smile, not revealing that the chest pains when I breathe are sharp. I can’t run the risk of her deciding to take me to a hospital. Dominic, I can convince, but Simone is a nurse who knows what she’s doing.

  She narrows her dark eyes like a wary eagle. “You don’t look better.” She doesn’t believe me.

  I wrap my fingers in the sleeves of the sweater. “Just a little pain, but much less than before.”

  “Dominic told me about your condition this morning, Luna. And I see it in your face that you aren’t recovered yet.”

  I sigh and tell the truth. “My chest hurts a little, and I’m feeling very weak and sleepy all the time.”

  She approaches, sitting on the bed and letting her big purse land beside her. “I can imagine, child. I took this from a colleague.” She shows me a stethoscope. “You were in the rain, the cold, had inflammation in your wounds, a fever … I have a suspicion.” She asks me to lift my pajama shirt then puts the cold thing on my chest, connecting the other part to her ears. I stay still as Simone also listens at my back, asking me to take a deep breath and cough. Her expression isn’t good. “I suspect you have pneumonia, child. But I’m not a doctor; I’m a nurse. I need a colleague to take a look at you, do more exams.”

  My immediate reflex is to grab her arm. “Simone, please, I really can’t go to a hospital. Someone will look for me there.”

  She looks at my face, resigned. “The someone who did that to your body? Did he hurt you?” Her concern shows with each word.

  I shake my head, denying it. “No. I had a serious car accident, but it was this man’s fault. And if he finds me, he’ll try to finish the job. So I can’t go to a hospital, understand?”

  She turns her eyes away, silent, pensive, until she looks at me again. “Pneumonia is serious, Luna. This needs to be treated.”

  There’s nothing to say. I can’t even argue.

  “You were very negligent leaving that day, my child. Dominic found you in the rain, unconscious. You could have died, and you probably worsened your situation.” She grabs my hand. “Dominic has been very worried.”

  I bite my lip, still without words, because she’s right.

  Simone checks my blood pressure and says that it’s low. Then she starts to gather her things. Watching, I can’t help asking, “Simone …? I … uh … I’d like to ask you one thing.” Lacking courage, I keep my eyes on her movements.

  “Yes?” she responds.

  “Dominic … he, um … does he have a girlfriend?”

  The woman stops and looks at me with curiosity.

  “I-I ask this because I don’t wanna disturb his life, you know? What if she wants to come here, or doesn’t like that I’m here, or he hasn’t told her that I’m here …?”

  “There’s no one, Luna,” she interrupts, unable to hide her humor. “Not that I know of, at least. The boy is very reserved.”

  I must be red-faced. “Oh, yes. Yes, of course.” I look like a stupid child now.

  Laughing softly, she closes the zipper of her bag and stands up, giving me a motherly kiss on the forehead.

  I pull her into a strong hug, like I would give my mother or Baba, feeling pain in my heart for h
ow things have fared recently. “Thanks, Simone. Thank you for everything.”

  “No need to thank me, my child. No need,” she responds, pressing me against her soft, warm body.

  • • •

  Alone without much to do, I collect the dirty clothes in the corner of the bathroom and put everything in the washing machine. I wash Dominic’s garments separately, trying not to contaminate them with the mess I made in mine. I then clean the house to pay him back. I don’t want to be a dead weight to him.

  Dominic is a very organized and tidy guy, so it’s not hard to clean it.

  After a few hours, the pain in my chest returns and forces me to lie down for a while. I pick up his sweater and breathe deeply with my nose glued to it. His scent calms the anguish of the nightmare that I’m living.

  My heart tightens at knowing that, not that long ago, I had my mother with me, and afterward, I couldn’t even go to her funeral.

  I need to get well soon to face Vincent and make him pay for everything he has done. I have a trump card up my sleeve. I just need to recover for a few more days here, and then I can go back to my house.

  My house. It’s strange how I feel at home in this place, with a stranger.

  Dominic … a beautiful name for a handsome man with intense gray eyes.

  Luna

  “Luna.” The soft voice suddenly wakes me from a strange dream.

  I stretch slowly. “Dominic,” I whisper, adjusting my eyes to his worried gaze. “What time is it?”

  “Eleven,” he answers quietly.

  The softness of his voice caresses my skin in an improper way, just like the dream that I had of him.

  I blush at the direction of my thoughts.

  “You’re early,” I note, sitting up and organizing the mess that I call my hair.

  He simply smiles, but that soon ends when he looks around. “You cleaned the house.” It doesn’t sound like thankfulness, but more like disgust.

  “Yes, I was bored,” I tell him, barely concealing my disappointment at his reaction.

  He runs his hand over his beard in what is clearly a patience exercise. “Luna, Simone told me about your condition, and how you’re struggling physically.”

  I raise my chin and stare at him, ready to defend myself from being treated like a child. Then I stop when I catch his serious expression and wrap the sweater trimming around my fingers.

  “I need you to get dressed. We’re going to see a doctor.”

  His resolve chills me. I can’t go anywhere public. Vincent’s looking for me. I told Dominic. I told him that I’m running away, and now he wants to deliver me like this?

  No way.

  “Forget it,” I reply, standing up. “I knew I shouldn’t have stayed here.”

  I take two steps before he takes hold of my arm, but not tightly enough to hurt me. Then Dominic brings me back to him. The abrupt movement makes me dizzy, forcing me to rest my hands on his chest.

  “Take your hand off my arm,” I whisper, weak and distracted by the intensity of his angry gray eyes.

  “We need to get some things clear here, Luna.” His hot breath touches my face, and I close my eyes briefly so it doesn’t distract me. “First of all, I don’t like you turning your back on me.”

  I open and close my mouth, unable to speak under his intense gaze.

  “I would never break your trust in me. I understand the threat to your safety. I hope we’ve settled that point. Now, about the doctor. I’ve arranged it with a guy who will take care of you without putting your name in the system. I need to take you now when there aren’t many people there.” His tone is hard, his words hitting me like a slap.

  He was careful in planning this … for me. Dominic isn’t just leaving me to chance.

  I breathe deeply, ashamed. “I’m sorry. I-I thought you were ignoring what I told you,” I murmur, embarrassed, turning my eyes to his neck. I watch the agitated movement of his carotid and listen to the breath that leaves his chest.

  “Okay, go get dressed,” is all he says.

  It takes a few seconds for me to realize that I’m still touching his chest. I drop my hands quickly, embarrassed, and can’t help noticing the lack of heat. What’s happening to me?

  Dominic

  Damn! What the fuck? There’s something about her that gets to me, and it’s not getting any better. Her stubbornness and distrust in me shakes my balance. Still, I didn’t miss the innocent glow of her eyes when she clung to my chest with her small hands. Hell, Luna doesn’t even know how she affects me.

  After Simone told me of her concern about Luna’s health, I made some calls to get a private consultation. Secrecy comes at a price, but it doesn’t come close to what I would do to see that girl well. Better not think too much about what that means.

  She returns to the living room quickly, wearing my sweater. What is it with these sweaters, anyway?

  “I’m ready,” she says shyly, not looking at me.

  I shake my head, looking her up and down. “Okay, wait here a minute.”

  I go into the bedroom and grab a hoodie from my closet then head back into the living room. She’s in the same position. Looking at her, anyone would think she was obedient. Happy illusion.

  “You better put this on. It’ll keep you warm and the hood will help cover your face.” I help her put it on.

  Luna arranges the sleeves while I work on closing the zipper up to her neck. I feel her eyes on my movements and try to ignore my body’s reaction. Then I carefully push her soft hair back and hide it inside the jacket. After that, I pull the hood up to cover her head.

  A low sigh leaves her lips, too innocent for her own good, and it hits me directly where it should not.

  I touch the tip of her freckled nose. “You’re protected now.”

  Those blue eyes are on me, huge and alive. Then, destroying all of my willpower, I watch her tongue slip down her slightly parched lips. Hell, this girl will be my ruin if I don’t watch myself.

  I step back and look away. “Let’s go,” I say, the dryness in my throat bursting the bubble between us.

  • • •

  I don’t move a foot from her side, much less leave the doctor’s office when she asks me. I understand the discomfort on her face the second the doctor spots all her contusions.

  “How did you get these wounds, Luna?” he asks professionally.

  She doesn’t answer, casting a glance at me.

  “Don’t worry; I’ll keep it secret,” the guy assures her, understanding the reaction. “With the money your friend here is paying me, it certainly won’t leave this room.”

  Her eyes widen, cheeks flushing.

  Stupid bastard!

  I give him a look that would reduce him to a grain of sand if it could.

  “It was a car accident,” is her almost inaudible whisper.

  The guy looks at me, and I look at her, waiting for more, but see her resistance to tell the story.

  “Luna, tell him. This is important for your health,” I say.

  She clears her throat, head down, hands hidden in the sleeves of her jacket. “The car’s brakes failed, and I went down a cliff.” Her pain is transparent. “I was rescued and hospitalized for a few days until I had to … leave the hospital.”

  The doctor coughs discreetly. “In the hospital, did they examine the extent of your injuries? Can you tell me if any vital organs were affected? Because, if so, I will have to refer you for more testing.”

  She shakes her head. “No. It was only superficial cuts. The airbag opened and stopped the impact. It wasn’t my side of the car that …” Her breathing picks up.

  I clench my fists and use all my willpower not to lift her from the chair and bring her lean body into my arms.

  The doctor does some tests, takes x-rays of her chest, and diagnoses the onset of pneumonia, exactly as Simone suspected. We leave with a prescription for antibiotics and some recommendations for care.

  We drive home in absolute silence, Luna lost in thought.
I feel restless, wanting to know what’s going on in her head. I have a feeling the story is more serious than I can imagine.

  From my peripheral vision, I observe the sad glow on her face and watch as a flash of something like rage runs through her features, but it dissipates quickly. I’m afraid of what it means.

  While I can, I will protect her, but … then what? How much longer will I be able to keep her with me?

  In the parking lot in front of my building, she puts the hood up again then looks at me. “Thank you for what you’re doing for me, Dominic.” The intensity of her gaze sinks into my chest. “When I have my money back, I’ll pay back what you spent on me.”

  What the hell is she talking about?

  “You don’t have to give me back anything,” I grumble, not hiding my displeasure.

  “Yes, I do,” is her petulant answer, pushing me to my limit.

  She senses this. With her hand on the door handle, she quickly gets out of the car and hurries up to the front yard. Before I can stop myself, I intercept her and pull her by the arm.

  Her lean body hits my chest with a thud. Her plump lips make a small O. I barely understand my own reaction as the feel of a sledgehammer strikes my ribcage.

  I stare at her eccentric, dilated irises. “I’m not doing you any favors, Luna, and I don’t want the fucking money back. I just want you safe. Can you understand that?”

  Her dark eyes vibrate with irritating stubbornness, while a ferocious growl echoes through my chest. We’re in a staring contest.

  I want to bend her over my knees and smack her stubborn ass until all this petulance is gone. And then, I want to bury my dick deeply into her warm flesh and make her beg.

  Fucking shit! What am I thinking?

  As if her touch burns, I remove my hand from her and clench it, wanting to punish myself for thinking dirty things about an innocent girl.

  I take a deep breath and turn my back on her, my body shaking violently.

  “Where are you going?” she asks faintly, her voice trembling.

  “To drive around. I’ll be back soon.