Dominic: The Protectors Trilogy - Book one

by Anne Marck

  “Certainly! Remember Katy, my friend?”

  “Yup—”

  “We’re going dress shopping then to get coffee. Do you want to come with us?”

  I take a deep breath, not sure if that’s a good idea.

  “She’s here. She says to come.” She laughs, speaking to me and her friend simultaneously.

  Any help is welcome, Luna.

  “All right, I’ll come. What’s the address?”

  I take down the address then tell them that I will meet them in an hour. I refuse their offer to pick me up and do the right thing. I call Dominic.

  “Luna?” His concern fills me with guilt.

  “Dominic,” I whisper.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, yeah … I-I’m just calling to tell you that I’m meeting Gabrielle and Katy for coffee …” I rub my foot along the floor. “You know, for a little while.” I shrug awkwardly.

  A sigh of obvious relief sounds from the other side. “That’s good …” Silence. “I’ll be by to pick you up.”

  “No! I mean, you don’t have to. I can—”

  “I’ll be there in ten minutes,” he says, leaving no room for argument.

  “Okay.” I take a deep breath. “Dominic?” I sigh again.

  “Yes?” His voice sends shivers through my body.

  “I love you very much.” I bite my lip, feeling my cheeks flush.

  Infinite silence on the other end makes me think he hung up, but then I hear heavy breathing.

  “Me, too, baby. I love you, too.”

  If he could see my smile and the embarrassing little dance amid the tears, he would probably withdraw those words.

  “We’re going to be fine, right?” I risk asking.

  “I hope so.”

  I shake my head in a mixture of sadness and joy; hope does that to people. I draw a few breaths so I don’t cry.

  Everything will work out. I just need to have faith.

  Disconnecting, I stare at the phone, searching for a magic solution to fix this mess.

  • • •

  Dominic turns the key then opens the door to find me standing a few steps away, waiting. I don’t hold back as I reach toward him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

  At first, he doesn’t respond. Then I’m engulfed in the warmth of his embrace, his face pressed to the curve of my neck amid my mess of hair.

  “Luna …” The tired murmur vibrates my skin.

  “Don’t leave me,” I beg almost inaudibly, not knowing if I want him to hear or not.

  In response, he squeezes me tighter.

  The light at the end of the tunnel is right here. I just need to get closer to it.

  Dominic

  The cafe where Gabrielle and Katarina are meeting Luna is located in the northern part of the city. I confess that I’m relieved not to be in the neighborhood. Dirty must be looking for her and the more I keep her away, the better, although Luna’s idea of meeting with these women is a bit terrifying. Alone, she’s already trouble. I can’t imagine how she’ll be in their company. She’s already responsible for aging me ten years in a matter of days.

  Earlier, I walked around the neighborhood, looking for Dirty, but no one’s heard anything from him. Not even Raid and his friends have any idea where he is. I wish I could take Luna out of town for a while until everything settles, but hell, I can barely stay a few hours away …

  As I guide my motorcycle, she clings to me. I park next to Katarina’s car, and as soon as the girls notice our arrival, they drag Luna off. If there’s something about them that I really appreciate, it’s their friendship and loyalty to each other. I have the impression that my girl is being drawn into a good group.

  Luna

  I take off my helmet as the two lush women rush toward us.

  God, be merciful and let neither of them be interested in Dominic! I wouldn’t stand a chance.

  “Luna!” Katy is the first to say. “Dominic!”

  Dominic gives her a sincere, breathtaking smile. “Katarina, Gabrielle.”

  I leap off the motorcycle, watching the two of them looking at him with stupid faces.

  “Hi, girls,” I say timidly.

  I’m instantly folded into a double hug so tight that I think my Raideys have been pushed into my heart.

  “You look great!” Gabrielle says in the tangle of our hair.

  “Nothing close to you.” I smile, pulling away and finally catching my breath.

  These women are intense and inspire confidence.

  I turn to Dominic, handing over his helmet. “I’ll call you to tell you what time to come get me.”

  “All right, baby. Take care of yourself,” he replies, only looking at me.

  I can’t help it. I take advantage of the moment to kiss him, pressing my lips against his, my hands on his shoulder.

  “Kiss me,” I plead against his lips when he doesn’t return the kiss.

  His resistance doesn’t last. With one hand wrapped around my waist, he pulls me closer and easily finds passage with his tongue. His kiss is hard and demanding, both to punish me and to take me. It’s so perfect.

  “Don’t leave me,” I beg breathlessly, receiving his forehead against mine.

  “I won’t do that, baby.”

  We’ll be fine. I need to believe this.

  Suddenly, a strange chill runs down my spine, the same feeling I felt once before. I wrap my arms around myself then take a step back.

  Lord, what is this feeling?

  Luna

  I sit down in the corner seat, with Katy beside me and Gabrielle across from us. Coffee turns into a several donuts topped with cream and sugar, and sandwiches accompanied by French fries. I analyze the two women, who are in great shape, and wonder where all this is going. Their appetite could easily rival that of a bodybuilder.

  Despite the good company, the bad feeling remains. I don’t like it. It’s the same overwhelming chill I got the day of the crash when I clicked my seatbelt in the driveway and saw my mother’s deep panic when she was about to drive for the first time in a while. At that time, I thought it was a common fear, since I was used to being with an experienced driver. In the end, it was more the instinct that something was inexplicably wrong.

  “All right, little Luna, what’s bothering you?” Gabrielle tosses her chin at me, struggling to talk through all the sugar and dough.

  “Sorry, we don’t quite understand what you’re saying with your mouth full.” Katy shrugs good-humoredly, pointing at Gabrielle. “Luna, we need to save some of these for you before it’s too late.” She pushes the dish toward our side of the table.

  Gabrielle simply picks up a napkin and wipes her fingers and mouth. “Don’t criticize me. I need good food in the morning.” She winks. “You know I have to keep up my energy somehow.” I have a feeling we’re not talking about food anymore.

  Katy laughs and, for a moment, I forget the warning bell hammering on my brain and laugh with them.

  I want to be like them—beautiful, fun, and assured. Maybe it would help my current situation with Dominic.

  “So, Luna, what’s the problem?” The subject returns to me, leaving me with no alternatives but to respond.

  I shrink a few inches and move some fries around my plate. “I don’t know. It’s just … It’s complicated.” Oh crap, I don’t like being the center of attention, especially when I’m on the verge of tears with the whole “How to lose a man in seven days” monologue. “I kind of … Shit.”

  Katy pushes her plate forward. “Damn, if you’re cursing, it’s because the situation is serious.” She focuses her attention entirely on me. “Believe me, Luna, I have a PhD in complicated situations.”

  I bite my lip, overcome with laughter and nervousness.

  “Come on, tell us,” Gabrielle encourages me with a nod.

  “I’m afraid of losing Dominic,” I admit.

  They look at each other, blank-faced.

  “Because …?” Gabrielle asks, not understa
nding. “What’s changed since that ridiculously passionate kiss you two shared only minutes ago?”

  Deep breath. “I kind of did some unthinkable things, which he doesn’t approve of … you know?” I stare at my fries that are beginning to cool.

  Katy clears her throat. “Well, from what we saw, I think he approves a lot.”

  I raise my eyes and stare at the two women who have looks of anticipation. Then I begin to tell them everything. I speak of the transformation of my monotonous life, which has become chaos because of that monster’s greed, how I came to Dominic’s house, my feelings about what we did together, and finally why I’m about to lose him if I don’t fix this mess.

  Katy and Gabi just listen to me without judgment, sharing distressed glances during some points of the story, melting at my love for Dominic, and patiently listening to the problems I have created in his life.

  In the end, it feels like a truck rolled over me as emotional exhaustion sets in.

  “He’s the most incredible person in the world,” I say with a low sob.

  The women nod.

  “Luna, after everything you said, I know Dominic will never leave you. Trust me.” Gabrielle takes on a conciliatory tone. “I told you what I think of him. In fact, the girls share my opinion.”

  Katy nods.

  “He’s just upset by everything that went down.”

  Katy bites her lip, eyes narrowed. “He loves you, Luna. Don’t be afraid.” She holds my hand.

  “Honestly, I never thought Vincent Wine was that psycho of a fucking bastard,” Gabrielle mumbles.

  “I’m so afraid of what he can do to Dominic, you know? That’s why I did what I did.”

  “I understand.” Gabrielle nods. “But if Dominic said he’ll help you and not leave, believe him. I’ve never seen anyone do half the things he does for others. He’s incredible. He’s take care of this.”

  I draw a huge breath, allowing myself to relax a little at her words. I just needed to get everything off my chest.

  The women also relax, sending me the silent message that they’re here for me. Strangely, I feel good about them; it’s like I already know them.

  Katy slides her finger across the cream of the donuts on her plate, stuffs it into her mouth, and then studies me. “Now, about something equally important; you can’t leave out all the sordid details when you finally have sex.” She nudges me. “You know that, right? Your man is hot as hell …”

  I can’t help smiling.

  “You’re a lucky bitch.” Gabrielle stuffs a whole slice of honeydew in her mouth.

  We spend more time talking, and I listen to them talk about the wedding details they’re preparing for a friend of theirs named Priscilla, who is pregnant with twins and lives in Russia, and about the trip Gabrielle is about to make.

  A while later, Katy’s cell phone vibrates on the table, my cue to relieve my bladder.

  “I need to use the bathroom,” I say, getting up slowly, my belly swollen from so much food.

  “I’m coming with you.” Gabrielle pushes her chair back, rising.

  Katy reads the message then gets up, too. “Luna, Dominic just said it will be a little while before he can get here, so we can go to Shultz across the street. What do you guys think?” She waves her phone, not hiding her excitement at visiting the shoe store that is famous for having some unique brands. “Not that I can buy anything there. Daniel, my fiancé, thinks I have too many shoes already.” Her eyes shine, happy at the mention of the man’s name.

  “All right,” I say simply.

  And here comes that strange feeling again.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” Gabrielle says to a guy that she accidentally bumps into on her way to the bathroom.

  I open the bathroom door, and before I understand what’s going on, Katy pushes me in, followed by Gabrielle.

  “What …?” I say in surprise, looking back.

  “Fuck, Gabi!” Katy mutters, also looking back.

  We find Gabrielle’s pale faced, her smile gone, and her eyes wide. Behind her is one of the men I have been hiding from … Dirty.

  “Get in and shut your damn mouths, you sluts!” he growls. You don’t have to be smart to know that Dirty has something pressed against Gabrielle’s back.

  One quick jerk, and the three of us are thrown in. Then he quickly closes the door, locking us all in.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” Katy snaps with a look of death at him. “If you want to rob us, our bags are at the table.” Her disgusted tone does nothing to alter Dirty’s dark expression toward me.

  “Shut up, bitch. I want your little friend here.” In two short steps, he’s squeezing my arms.

  “To hell with what you want!” Gabrielle daringly pushes Dirty aside.

  “I won’t tell you again, and I’m not joking. Any sudden movements and your brains will need to be scraped from the ceiling.”

  “Let them go, Dirty,” I whisper, fear in my voice. “Your business is with me.”

  A scornful smile curls up at the corner of his lips, while the sweat pouring off him betrays his nervousness.

  “You”—he points the gun at me—“take this.” He lifts his shirt and pulls out a roll of tape. “Tie your friends’ hands.”

  “Please don’t do this,” I beg, putting myself in front of them.

  “Dumb bitch, do as I say or Blondie here will be the first to die.” He waves the gun between us.

  Hands shaking, I take the tape then turn to face them. I feel cold metal against my back.

  “Do as I say, and I leave your friends alive and only take you. Otherwise, you’ll come with me anyway, and they’ll leave here in body bags.”

  “I’m sorry,” I murmur, mortified for putting them in this mess.

  Both have raw concern on their faces.

  “You can’t go with him, Luna,” Katy whispers, begging me with her eyes.

  “I have no choice.”

  Not knowing what I’m doing, and with his gun pointed at me, I wrap a generous amount of tape around Katy’s fists then cut it with my teeth, avoiding her gaze.

  “Don’t do what he wants, Luna.”

  I ignore Gabrielle’s distressed request and fasten her wrists together, my eyes overflowing with tears.

  “Now put tape over their mouths.” Dirty shakes the weapon like a madman.

  Another murmured apology, and then I leave Gabi and Katy with tape over their mouths. If I could define this moment with a word, it would be dread.

  “Give me your cell phone,” he demands.

  “I don’t have one.”

  “Grab theirs.”

  After a beating, Katy’s cell phone is now a heap of rubble.

  Pushing them into a stall, Dirty leaves Gabrielle and Katy locked up, and then I have his full attention.

  “You’re going to behave and leave here with me without anyone noticing. Anything cute, and I’ll shoot you and all the people outside. Understood?”

  My whole body turns into Jell-O. I can’t even respond.

  “Dammit, do you understand, bitch?”

  I nod in confirmation. Shit.

  “Come on, then, my love. You will be my winning ticket.” Entwining his arm with mine, Dirty opens the door and walks us out.

  A casual smile cuts across his dark face, while all I do is look at the floor and pray that he won’t do anything stupid with so many people here.

  Luna

  We walk side by side, my body glued to Dirty’s. He keeps his grip firmly on my elbow and the cold barrel of the gun against the side of my ribs, so discreetly that we don’t get a single look on the way out. I don’t know if I’m angry or about to cry at the ignorance of all these people.

  We hurriedly walk through the parking lot toward a white van that has seen better days. Unlocking the locks, Dirty opens the back door then abruptly pushes me inside. In a matter of seconds, we are driving down the avenue.

  “Where are we going?” I ask, forcing calmness.

  “To get my reward.
” A cold smile stretches along the side of his face that I can see from where I am.

  Oh shit! Dirty is delivering me to Vincent.

  The realization makes me sick.

  “Don’t do this, please. If it’s money you want, we can do it another way, Dirty, but please let me go.” The sudden dryness in my throat doesn’t help settle the panic in my voice.

  A sudden braking throws me forward like a sack of potatoes. My face hits the back of the driver’s seat.

  “Oh?” he says, sounding curious. Then he looks back, and I see the imminent danger in his eyes. “Don’t make me come back there and tape your mouth shut, too, you dumb bitch. I’ll be happy to tear off your pretty face.”

  I swallow the bitter taste of vomit and crawl out of his reach.

  Dominic

  I leave the bike in front of the café and walk to the front door, seeing Katarina’s car is still here. I sent her a message telling her that I would be late, but I didn’t receive an reply and she didn’t answer when I called, the phone going straight to voicemail.

  My two motorcycle tires that were slashed in Simon’s church parking lot wasn’t by chance. It was a message. And the pastor had no information about the whereabouts of that damned trafficker. Something is out of place.

  I head into the full coffee shop and look all over the place for the women. Shit, no sign of them. The tightness in my gut isn’t a good sign.

  “Excuse me.” I intercept a waitress’s path. “I’m looking for three women. A tall redhead, a brunette, and another with blonde hair. They were here a couple of hours ago. They came in that black SUV.” I point to the vehicle. “Have you seen them?”

  She follows where I point then faces me again. Her eyes make that damn meander down my body as she bites her lip then sighs, stuffing her breasts forward.

  Not having time for this, I raise an eyebrow impatiently.

  “They were over there.” Fluttering her eyelashes, she looks at one of the corner tables. No one is there, yet the cups and food are still there. And as I approach, I see their bags resting on the chairs.