by Melissa Jane
“What’s his stupidity got to do with me?”
“Well, you see, since he’s unable to pay us back and with the interest owed, we’re forced to get creative.” Dominic reached behind his back and pulled out his Glock. “Creative in the sense that, while he’s escaped death row once, your father isn’t getting away with it now, especially since the price was high.” Dominic stood at an arm’s length and held the Glock’s barrel to my father’s temple, who only now started to realize things weren’t going to plan.
“So tell me, Lucy. Do you think he deserves to live?”
I looked to the man who’d become a blubbering mess. He had the nerve to stand in front of me, pleading for mercy. All those years I did the same only to be rewarded with a punch to the face. When I didn’t answer, Dominic took that as his cue, smiling knowingly. “Darlin’, I totally agree with you.”
He pulled the trigger, blood violently spraying from the exit wound. I watched my father fall in a heap onto the polished warehouse floor. I wasn’t crying because I was mourning for him. I was crying because the man I hated with all my soul, was now responsible for ruining my life a second time because it didn’t matter whether he was alive or dead, my outcome was still the same.
Dominic lowered before me, his hand cupping my cheek. “Congratulations, Lucy, you just inherited all your daddy’s debt.”
~~~
Dominic Salvatore had finally lost control.
For days, I laid naked cuffed to the bed. For days, Dominic paced back and forth contemplating everything he wanted to do to me. For days, he considered whether me becoming a used toy would be a suitable punishment. After he shot my father through the head, he’d dragged me by the hair back to his apartment, shoved me face down on the mattress and violently tore off my clothes. With his cock tenting his pants, he stood back, rolled up his sleeves and waited for me to attempt escape. This had him excited, relishing the chase.
When I scrambled to put the bed between us, he’d grabbed my ankles and dragged me back. Each time, he’d follow it with a sharp backhand across the cheek. When I gouged four fingernails along his neck leaving behind streaks of blood and torn skin, Dominic threw his head back and laughed maniacally, like the pain I caused him only turned him on and fuelled his desire and hatred. He was a madman on a path to destruction. He played with me as a cat does with its prey, slowly breaking down my resolve. He made his harassment look effortless.
Some toys are meant to be played with. To be used and abused.
His actions reminded me of his warning only days ago. If he finally decided to take me, what would be my fate then? And did I care?
Other toys are collector items. They’re never to be touched. Never to tarnish.
A dark war waged in Dominic’s soul. He struggled with the decision to tarnish something he held so dear, and kept me on a knife’s edge wondering if and when he was going to attack. Dominic never once left the apartment, and only when needed did he leave the room he kept me captive in.
With a bottle of whiskey and glass in hand, Dominic stationed himself in the corner armchair, shrouded in shadows, sipping at his liquor. He remained deathly silent, watching my bare chest rise and fall. Watching my pull at the restraints. Smiling when he spread my legs open and roped them to the bed. He got off knowing I was dying on the inside. Ignoring my pleas and cries for mercy, they fell on deaf ears.
Only when I changed tack and cajoled him, did he seem remotely interested in my words. Still, he remained silent, watching, drinking, contemplating.
I’d hurt him.
Hurt him or hurt his ego, I didn’t know.
My privileges didn’t extend to food. And for that matter, Dominic didn’t eat either. Instead, the dark space he fell into was fueled only by alcohol and his obsession for me.
His constant lurking presence kept me on edge. Every time I closed my eyes, giving into fatigue, I was abruptly awoken, my psyche screaming at me to stay awake. Finally, with having eaten nothing, or slept a wink in going on six days, sleep finally claimed me. Being deprived of something so necessary was the ultimate form of torture and that’s what Dominic depended on. He knew I always found the strength to fight him. He knew what I had been doing my whole life. This was his way of stripping me of that. And he won.
I woke with him on top, his whiskey breath breathing down my neck, his body encasing mine. Forgetting I was shackled, I jerked away only to have the cuffs cut into my skin.
“What are you doing?” I gasped, frightened. It was late at night, only a small dim lamp illuminating his face, accentuating his intimidating, dark features. Dominic was shirtless, his toned, tanned skin pressing against my naked body. His eyes were lost in desire, hooded and lustful.
“Do it,” I encouraged, utterly defeated.
His eyes smiled. “Do what?”
“Fuck me.”
Dominic licked his lips. “You want me to fuck you?” he asked, voice husky with desire.
I raised my hips to meet his hard cock and he hissed in response, eyes closing against the sensation.
“Lucy, you wouldn’t survive what I wanna do to you. I’ve had plenty of time to think of how I could destroy you. I have so many ways.” This time, he thrust between my legs, smiling at my gasp. “And each one leaves me rock hard, and each night I wonder if it will be the moment I bring you to your knees and watch you take your last breath.”
“Do it. I’m dead anyway. I feel nothing.”
He seemed intoxicated by my words. Intoxicated because while I gave my permission for him to destroy me, he could feel my pounding heart against his chest.
“You lie to me, Lucy.” He grazed his lips over mine, lingering and showing a restraint that wouldn’t last. “But, I’ve decided something.” He kissed me hard, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth, his tongue finding mine. “I’ve decided there’s no point in owning something if I can’t enjoy it.” Dominic exhaled heavily. “And I want to enjoy everything your body has to offer. His hand snaked between my legs, his fingers sliding inside. “Every inch of you. Even if it means I lose you.”
A musical tune rang from Dominic’s pocket. He moved away, biting his lip in annoyance, his nostrils flaring. Pulling out his cell, he glanced at the screen and held my gaze while he answered. “Sol,” he greeted. Dominic listened intently, never breaking his hold. As the one-sided conversation continued, his eyes narrowed, jaw tightening. “We’ll be there,” was the only thing he said before ending the call. Repocketing his cell, Dominic gripped my face, fingers digging deep. I flinched, squirming in pain but he didn’t relent.
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “You survived another night, Lucy. Only just.”
Chapter 17
NOW
I survived because of three mobster men.
That was something I didn’t think I’d ever say. But it turned out, Sol, Charles, and Xavier were ready to settle the deal with Dominic, and in doing so, had requested my presence. This request seemed to rattle Dominic, and in truth, me also. The wrath from the last encounter was still raw, yet a part of me was excited to see Xavier again.
Knowing I needed to be in fine form, Dominic had uncuffed my wrists and removed the ropes from my ankles. Without saying another word, he left the room, locking the door behind him. For a long time, I sat against the headboard, rubbing my bruised wrists, and watching the door for when he’d come bursting in. It didn’t happen. I had no idea where he’d be sleeping since I was in his room, and worst of all, I had no idea what was going through his unstable head.
Hungry and fatigued, I tucked myself into bed, closed my eyes, and not having enough energy left to cry, I fell into a much-needed slumber. It was a tormented sleep, filled with lurking monsters from the past and present—Blaze’s bloodied face moments before being shot in the head, the sickening sound of Jonny’s neck snapping, and little Jillian as she called out my name, crying and begging I come find her.
I woke the next day with the sun warming my face. That was the first indicat
or. The blinds had been drawn the entire time I’d been chained to the bed, including when Dominic left me last night. Now, they were wide open, revealing the beautiful day and the other buildings in the distance. The second indicator was the scent of a warm breakfast.
The third was the sound of Dominic clearing his throat. I bolted upright and scooted to the other side of the bed. He sat perched on the edge, looking casual in jeans and a tight, black shirt, food set on the side table.
“What are you doing?” I asked, second-guessing everything.
“Bringing you breakfast,” he replied as if it were a conversation a couple would be having.
I swallowed hard, looking between Dominic and the beautiful black rose on the breakfast tray.
Was this yet another demonstration of his split personality, or his attempt at winning me on-side prior to his settling his illegal arms deal?
He patted the side of the bed. “Come on,” he urged. “You need to eat.”
The delicious aroma of bacon and eggs was making me salivate, but I was still on guard, cautious not to get close.
“Lucy,” he said sternly. “Get your ass here.”
Who was this Dominic?
Sliding to the side of the bed, I pulled the comforter over my naked breasts and waited. Dominic took control of cutting up my food, and I gathered because he didn’t want me using the cutlery as weapons.
In the strangest turn of events from the night before, Dominic Salvatore fed me breakfast, and without an ounce of malice. He always had a motive and this time was no different.
“If you’re worried about me ruining your deal, you have nothing to be concerned about.”
Dominic’s eyes flicked to mine and then back to the food. “I know,” was all he said. His tone was ice cold. Final.
“They requested you. Seems like you made quite the impression last time.”
It was obvious what he was implying, and I didn’t contradict. I’d let him sit on it.
I chewed my food in silence until he continued the conversation, the black rose twisting between his two fingers. “Xavier is not to touch you tonight,” he warned, all sense of hospitality long eroded. “If he does, or you let him, I’ll shoot you both dead.”
~~~
“Well, don’t you two look so sweet together?”
Both Dominic and I met Anton’s humored reflection in the lift mirror. Both unimpressed, both rolling our eyes. Anton stood behind us as we shot back up to the sixty-sixth floor. He was to ensure Dominic made it out alive in case the deal turned sour.
Dressed in an elegant ruby-red gown Momma G had brought over, I studied my full-body reflection in the lift mirror. I’d lost a lot of weight, my face gaunt with dark circles under the eyes. I was still hungry, my stomach having vomited up breakfast, refusing the sudden intake of food.
“You look beautiful,” Dominic said softly, avoiding my eyes. It was a generous comment given every other time they’d been crass and derogatory. Dressed in a Gucci suit, he too looked handsome, but I had no desire to tell him.
We came to a stop on the penthouse floor, and when the doors opened, we were greeted with the same warmth as last time.
“Look at you two,” Sol said jovially, making his way over to us, arms outstretched in welcome. “All arm-in-arm like that, you look a beautiful couple.”
I stiffened and Dominic noticed, keeping me by his side. The men shook hands and Sol kissed my cheek. “You look even more radiant than last time,” he said, eyeing me for longer than expected. I smiled, feeling a strange vibe emanating from him. He appeared a kind man, older and experienced, someone I imagined donning a sailor’s cap and sailing around the world.
Since I wasn’t high this time around, I could see everything plain as day and that included Xavier standing by the bar. Dominic followed my gaze while still conversing with a talkative Sol, his arm squeezing mine in warning.
“Come in, come in,” Sol said. “I do have one condition, however.”
“And that is?”
“We’ve asked our security for space tonight, I hope you’ll extend the same courtesy. After all…” Sol laughed, “… we’re all friends now. Right?” He clapped Dominic’s arm, but Dominic seemed less than impressed, taking a few moments to answer. He turned to Anton.
“Wait down in the car?”
He frowned. “Are you sure?”
Dominic nodded and as Anton left, Sol ushered us into the living room.
The city lights through the large windows looked absolutely stunning, and I was thankful they offered the distraction I needed in avoiding Xavier’s stare. I felt giddy on the inside, my skin flushing before he even greeted me.
“Diamond, you remember Charles and Xavier,” Sol said, gesturing to the men.
“Of course.” I smiled, swallowing hard when I met Xavier’s intense gaze. “Hello, again.”
Charles replied a hello while pouring us a drink and Xavier winked, sending my heart into a flutter. I stole a moment to take him in. He was much younger than Charles and Sol, but with his facial hair, his age was deceiving. Xavier was around the same height as Dominic, but with much broader shoulders. His eyes were kind and blue like the ocean. Eyes I could happily fall into.
The last thing I needed was to fall into the arms of another mobster.
Charles handed out the drinks, and we came together with our glasses raised. Xavier strolled over and I grew instantly wet between the legs. Even the manner in which he walked was a turn on, or it could have been the fact he still hadn’t taken his eyes off me.
Beside me, Dominic’s jaw twitched, his agitation growing with the more attention Xavier gave.
“To new friends,” Sol began. “Beautiful women…” he turned and smiled at me, “… and to finally getting what we all deserve.”
Perhaps I noticed it because I was on edge, questioning everything I saw. Perhaps I was cynical in nature. But as the last toast was mentioned, a strange glance passed between the men. I followed their lead, drinking the whiskey and catching Xavier’s eye as he did the same.
“Tonight is a night for celebration,” Sol said, clapping his hands drawing everyone’s attention back to him. Everyone but me. I was now focused on Charles. A little man, with a round body, bald head and a mustache. He was rather unassuming which was why it was easier for him to go unnoticed. I watched as his eyes moved from the lift doors to me, while I started to back away from the group, and to Dominic. He did this a few times, all the while remaining engaged in conversation.
“So,” Sol said, gesturing me to step back into the group. “Last time you were here, Dominic, you mentioned Diamond had been with you from a tender age. How long have you known each other?”
Shit!
My heart thudded at the sudden inquiry into my past, and I swallowed hard, hoping Dominic would take the reins. It was never safe for me to answer questions directed at my past because it could incriminate Dominic. Xavier noticed my sudden discomfort, a subtle frown marring his otherwise perfect face.
Fortunately, and as expected, Dominic took charge. “Diamond’s upbringing was rather, shall we say… colorful.” When the men stared, waiting for elaboration, Dominic shifted weight and continued, albeit reluctantly, his words carefully selected. “And it was more a case of right time, right place when we bumped into each other again. I thought she’d be perfect for the club and she’s been my lead girl ever since.”
Seemingly unconvinced, Xavier stroked his jaw, hanging on to every word.
Could he see straight through Dominic?
Sol nodded, looking between us. “I’m sorry to hear about your early life, Diamond.”
I nodded, unsure how to respond. Thanks? Don’t be fooled?
“I can see she must be the favorite, Dominic. You watch her like a hawk,” Sol continued, unrelenting.
Dominic smiled. I knew that smile. He too was fed up with the persistent questions. But he played ball, all for the sake of his deal. “With someone as beautiful as Diamond, it’s necessary to keep t
he vultures away. There’s a lot of bad people out there.”
“That there is,” Sol concurred, wearing a shit-eating grin that had me… curious?
Dominic cleared his throat, unsure of the vibes all three men were emanating. “Should we save the pleasantries until later and get down to business?”
Sol clapped his hands together once more, a habit I noticed of his. “Yes!” He gestured for everyone to take a seat. “You talk money and we’ll talk guns.”
I leaned in close to Dominic so the others couldn’t hear. “I’m going to freshen up.” He slowly looked me up and down, his jaw tense, a telling sign he wasn’t happy. Why would he be? Just last night he was talking about ending my life after he had his way with me. And now here I stood, him unable to touch me in front of these men. For now, I was safe.
“Don’t be long,” he warned, with no ounce of warmth.
I walked down the dark hall to the one place I’d find momentary peace. Closing the door behind me, the room already softly lit, I sat on the edge of the bed inhaling and exhaling controlled breaths. I had no idea what Dominic would tell me to do with the men, or how the night would end.
The door opened, and I panicked.
Who’d followed me?
Xavier.
Shutting us away from the rest of the world, Xavier stood before me, taking note of my chest rising and falling. There was no smile, no banter to put me at ease. Instead, he let his eyes do the talking. There was a familiarity between us that caused an involuntary tremble, lust that weakened my knees, concern which hurt my heart, and something else I couldn’t quite place. There was a force between us, one that had me so swept up in the moment, I didn’t care about the consequences.
His tongue darted out, wetting his bottom lip. Before I could rush to him, Xavier closed the space between us, scooping me in his arms, his mouth crashing on mine in a hungry, passionate kiss. His lips felt like heaven on mine, and I became greedy. Xavier backed me against the wall, my body responding to his in the most dangerous of ways.