27. Corey
27
COREY
I ran to my room and slammed the door behind me, then sank to the floor as tears poured down my cheeks. I’d let myself fall for Dom, and now he was going off to get himself killed, hating me because I broke a promise just to prevent him from doing something stupid like he was already planning. Why should I even care? He didn’t care enough to tell me about his plan.
Maybe he would have.
No, he would have kissed me goodbye, and I might never have seen him again.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
Maybe it’s Dom.
My breath caught, then I shook my head, angry at myself for the way my pulse had accelerated. I didn’t want to talk to him. Even if he wanted to apologize, what difference would it make? He didn’t want any help, didn’t want to be vulnerable with anyone.
What about last night? He was as vulnerable with you as anyone could be.
And he went right back to being a cold bastard as soon as we were no longer in private.
I can’t live like that. He doesn’t want more than sex with me. I thought I was okay with that, but I’m not. I need to get away from here.
Tears began to pour again as sobs racked my body. I was so fucking angry, but I didn’t want him to die. I didn’t want Lisa to win.
My phone started buzzing again, and I’d ignored it, but as soon as it stopped ringing, I felt a series of text notifications. I gave in and pulled it out to see who it was. Valentino.
Call me. We need to talk.
I didn’t want to talk to Valentino or anyone else. Vito had fucked everything up. I should be mad at him, but he also shouldn’t have to hide his concern for his father. Dom was the one I was truly angry with. He was pushing all of us away. And if he got himself killed…the last pieces of me I was holding together would shatter.
I called Val back.
“Corey, where are you?”
I tensed. He sounded worried. “In my room.”
“Thank God. We were worried our father might scare you into running.”
“He just told me to leave him alone, like he did you. I can’t leave without someone else to take care of me.”
Val sighed. “Pops is wrong about needing backup, but he won’t let anyone hurt you.”
“No, apparently he’s just going to sacrifice himself so everyone can be safe.”
“He’s….”
“Stubborn. Demanding. Terrified.” I would say it even if Val wouldn’t.
“Yes. You really do see him for who he is.”
“I do.”
“And you’re willing to stand up to him. Vito and I were impressed.”
“I’m not afraid of him. I’m just…disappointed.” And so fucking sad.
“I get that. We’ll see what we can do, but don’t leave, no matter how mad he makes you.”
I wanted to, but I didn’t have the nerve. “I won’t. I don’t think he’ll talk to me again unless he has to.”
“We’ll see. He may surprise you.”
I wasn’t going to get my hopes up.