Chapter 8
Gia
M y body still tingles from Dominic's touch as I slip out of bed and pad to the bathroom. I splash some cool water on my face, trying to calm my racing heart. What just happened was... intense. Unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I know we had that one-night-stand I can’t forget. But tonight was different. Tonight was deeper.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror, noticing the flush in my cheeks, the slight swelling of my lips from Dominic's kisses. My hair is a mess, and there's a small mark on my neck that will definitely need concealer tomorrow. I can't help but smile at the memory of how it got there.
Shaking my head, I reach for my favorite silk robe. As I slip it on, the cool fabric is a stark contrast to the heat still coursing through my veins. I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself before facing Dominic again. Part of me hopes he's waiting for round two. Another part is terrified of what this all means.
Taking one last look in the mirror, I open the bathroom door, half-expecting to see Dominic lounging in my bed, his dark eyes full of promise.
Instead, I'm greeted by the sight of him standing with his pants already on, buttoning up his shirt with his back to me. My heart sinks.
"Leaving so soon?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light despite the disappointment settling in my stomach.
Dominic turns, his eyes raking over me in a way that makes me shiver despite myself. "You look beautiful," he says, his voice low and husky. Then he glances at his watch just as his phone dings. "Shit. It's Sal. I've got something I need to take care of."
I feel my face fall, unable to hide my disappointment. Was this all just a game to him? A conquest to be won and discarded? I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling vulnerable in just my robe.
He must see the hurt in my eyes because he crosses the room in two quick strides, cupping my face in his hands. "Hey," he says softly, his thumbs caressing my cheeks, "this isn't what you think. I can’t wait to see you again. Tomorrow, let’s have lunch."
I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "Oh?" I try to keep my voice neutral, but I can hear the doubt creeping in.
"Yes," he says, his thumb tracing my cheekbone in a way that makes my knees weak. "How about the Central Park Boathouse? I want to spend the day with you. If you're free, that is."
I search his eyes, looking for any sign of deception. But all I see is sincerity... and something else. Something that looks a lot like longing. It makes my heart skip a beat.
"Okay," I hear myself say before I can think better of it. "Lunch sounds good."
He grins, that devastating smile that first caught my attention at the bar. Leaning in, he kisses me softly, his lips barely brushing mine. It's tender, almost reverent, and it makes my head spin. "Perfect. I'll meet you there at noon."
And then he's gone, the sound of my front door closing echoing through the apartment. I'm left standing in my bedroom, wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into.
I sink onto the edge of my bed, my mind whirling. On one hand, the night was incredible. The way Dominic looked at me, touched me... it was like he could see right into my soul. The memory of his hands on my body, his lips on my skin, makes me flush all over again.
But on the other hand, he left so abruptly. And what was this mysterious "something" he had to take care of? I can't shake the nagging feeling that I'm getting in over my head. Dominic Esposito is not just any man. He's dangerous, powerful, with connections to a world I've always tried to avoid.
I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need a second opinion.
Grabbing my phone, I text Sofia: "Went on a date with Dominic tonight."
Her response is almost immediate: "WHAT?! How was it? Details, now!"
I chuckle despite myself, typing out a response: "It was... intense. Amazing dinner, incredible chemistry. He wants to put the feud behind us for good. Ended up back at my place."
I hesitate before sending the next message: "But he left pretty abruptly. Said he had something to take care of. I'm worried I might have made a mistake. What if he was just using me?"
Sofia's reply comes quickly: "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. But don't jump to conclusions just yet. Did he say anything about seeing you again?"
"He wants to have lunch tomorrow. Spend the day together," I type back.
"That's a good sign!" Sofia responds. "Listen, Gia. I know it's complicated with our families and everything. I know I told you to stay away from him. But if that’s true about the feud, and you really like him, give it a chance. Just be careful, okay? And keep me updated!"
I smile, grateful for my sister's support. "Thanks, Sof. I will. Love you."
"Love you too. Now get some sleep!"
I set my phone aside and crawl into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin. As I lie there in the darkness, I can still smell Dominic's cologne on my skin. I close my eyes, remembering the way he looked at me, the way he touched me…
But then I remember him checking his watch, the abrupt way he left. The doubt creeps back in, gnawing at the edges of my contentment.
What am I doing? Getting involved with Dominic Esposito is dangerous in more ways than one. Not just because of our families' history, but because of who he is. What he does. I think about the whispers I've heard, the rumors about his business dealings. Can I really be with someone like that?
And yet... the way he looked at me. The way he kissed me. It felt real. It felt like more than just a game. There was a vulnerability in his eyes when he asked to see me again, a softness that seemed at odds with his tough exterior.
I toss and turn, my mind replaying every moment of our evening together. The way he laughed at my jokes over dinner, the intense look in his eyes when we discussed ending the family feud. The gentleness of his touch contrasted with the passion of his kisses.
As I drift off to sleep, my mind is a swirl of conflicting thoughts and emotions. Part of me is excited for tomorrow, eager to see Dominic again. But another part is terrified of what might happen if I let myself fall for him. Of the consequences that could come from getting involved with someone like Dominic Esposito.
As the morning light filters through my curtains, I wake with a mix of anticipation and nervousness churning in my stomach. I glance at my phone, half-expecting to see a message from Dominic, but there's nothing. Just the usual notifications and a good morning text from Sofia.
I try to push away the nagging doubts as I set up my easel. Painting has always been my solace, my way of processing emotions, and today is no different. I squeeze out bright yellows, vibrant oranges, and cheerful pinks onto my palette, determined to channel positivity into my work.
As my brush dances across the canvas, I lose myself in the act of creation. The painting takes shape – a joyful burst of color, reminiscent of a summer sunrise. It's hopeful, optimistic, everything I want to feel about this budding... whatever it is with Dominic.
Time flies, and before I know it, I need to start getting ready. I shower quickly, washing away the paint splatters and the lingering scent of Dominic from the night before. As I stand in front of my closet, I debate what to wear. I settle on a flowy sundress, perfect for a lunch date and a potential walk in the park.
I arrive at the restaurant right on time, my heart fluttering with anticipation. I send Dominic a quick text: "I'm here." I wait for the immediate buzz of a reply, but nothing comes.
Shrugging it off – he's probably driving – I approach the hostess. "Hi, I'm meeting Dominic Esposito. Table for two?"
The hostess looks confused, checking her list. "I'm sorry, I don't have a reservation under that name. Are you sure it's for today?"
A small knot of unease forms in my stomach. "Yes, I'm sure. Could you check again, please?"
She does, but the result is the same. No reservation.
"It's okay," I say, forcing a smile. "Can I get a table for two anyway? He's probably just running late."
The hostess nods sympathetically and leads me to a small table near the window. I sit down, my eyes constantly flicking between the door and my silent phone.
I order a glass of water, then a glass of wine. I check my phone obsessively, refreshing my messages, making sure it hasn't somehow lost signal. But there's nothing from Dominic.
The minutes turn into an hour. The sympathetic glances from the waitstaff are becoming unbearable. I've long since finished my wine, and the bread basket is empty. Still, no Dominic.
As the lunch crowd thins out, I finally have to face the truth. He's not coming. I've been stood up.
Humiliation burns through me, followed quickly by anger. How could I have been so stupid? To think that someone like Dominic Esposito would actually be interested in more than just a one-night stand?
I signal for the check, my hand shaking slightly as I sign the receipt. As I walk out of the restaurant, I hold my head high, refusing to let anyone see how deeply this has affected me.
Once I'm on the street, I let out a shaky breath. The beautiful day that had seemed so full of promise now feels like it's mocking me. I start walking, no real destination in mind, just needing to be in motion.
My phone buzzes, and for a split second, hope flares in my chest. But it's just Sofia, checking in.
"How's the date going?" her text reads.
I stop walking, staring at the message. How do I even begin to explain this?
Finally, I type out a response: "He didn't show. I waited for over an hour, Sofia. I feel like such an idiot."
Her reply is immediate: "Oh, Gia. I'm so sorry. Where are you? We’re coming to get you."
As I send Sofia my location, I can feel tears starting to well up. I blink them back furiously. I will not cry over Dominic Esposito. I won't give him that power.
But as I wait for Sofia and Luca, I can't help but replay every moment of last night in my head. The way he looked at me, the things he said... how could it all have been a lie?
As I stand on the sidewalk, trying to keep my composure, I see Sofia and Luca's car pull up. Sofia jumps out before the car even comes to a full stop, wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Oh, Gia," she murmurs, stroking my hair. "I'm so sorry."
I allow myself a moment of weakness, burying my face in my sister's shoulder. Then I take a deep breath and pull away, forcing a smile. "It's okay. I'm okay. Let's just go."
We climb into the back seat together, Luca nodding at me in the rearview mirror. As we pull away from the curb, Sofia takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Want to talk about it?" she asks gently.
I shake my head, then change my mind. "I just... I don't understand. Last night was..." I trail off, glancing at Luca in the front seat.
He meets my gaze. “Speak freely in front of me. I owed Luca a debt, but not any more. Not if this is how he treats you.”
I nod back, appreciating the solidarity from my brother-in-law before turning to Sofia again.
"Last night was amazing, Sof. The way he looked at me, the things he said... it felt real. And then this morning, nothing. He didn't even have the decency to cancel or make up an excuse. He just... didn't show up."
Sofia listens, her face a mix of sympathy and anger. "That bastard," she mutters. "I can't believe he would do this to you."
"I can," I say bitterly. "I mean, what was I thinking? Getting involved with someone like Dominic Esposito? I should have known better."
"Hey," Sofia says firmly, "this is not your fault. You took a chance on something that could have been great. He's the one who messed up, not you." She strokes my arm. “I saw the way he looked at you that night at Luca’s party. That was real.”
I nod, not entirely convinced but grateful for her support. We spend the rest of the ride talking it out, Sofia alternating between comforting me and cursing Dominic's name.
Suddenly, Luca's phone rings. He answers it, his voice low and serious. "Yeah? ... What? When? ... How bad is it? ... Okay, I'm on my way."
He hangs up, then turns to look at us, his face grave. "That was Sal," he says, his voice tight. "Dominic was shot last night. It's... it's not good. I need to go to his house."
The world seems to tilt on its axis. I feel like I can't breathe. "Shot?" I manage to choke out. "But... but he was with me last night. He left my place around midnight..."
Luca's eyes widen slightly, but he doesn't comment on that information. "It happened later than that, apparently. Some kind of ambush. That's all I know."
Sofia grabs my hand, her face pale. "Oh my God, Gia. That's why he didn't show up. He wasn't standing you up, he was..."
As Luca pulls out of the garage, heading towards Dominic's home I feel like I'm in a daze. Moments ago I was angry, hurt, feeling foolish for believing in Dominic. Now, all I can feel is a gnawing fear.
Please, I think, not sure who or what I'm praying to. Please let him be okay. Please don't let that be the last time I see him. Please give me a chance to understand what's really going on.
As we speed through the city, I realize that despite everything, there's only one thing I want right now: to see Dominic, alive and whole. Everything else... we can figure out later. If there is a later.
The thought sends a chill down my spine, and I close my eyes, willing us to get there faster. Hold on, Dominic, I think. Just hold on.
As we pull up to Dominic's condo building in Queens, my heart is pounding so hard I can barely hear anything else. Luca leads us through the lobby and into the elevator, the tension palpable as we ascend.
When we reach Dominic's floor, Luca walks to the corner unit and knocks on the door. A moment later, it opens to reveal an attractive older woman who bears a striking resemblance to Dominic. Her eyes, the same deep brown as his, survey us with cool detachment.
Her gaze softens slightly as it lands on Luca, a small smile playing at her lips. "Luca, thank you for coming," she says, her voice warm but tired.
Luca nods, then gestures to Sofia and me. "Mrs. Esposito, this is my wife Sofia, and her sister, Gia Romano."
I brace myself for rejection, sure that the name Romano will be enough to have us turned away. But to my surprise, Mrs. Esposito's eyes widen at my name. Before I can react, she's pulled me into a tight embrace.
When she pulls back, she cups my face in her hands, her eyes searching mine. "Gia," she says, her voice thick with emotion. "I know all about you, cara. Dominic has told me so much."
I blink, stunned. From the sharp intake of breath behind me, I can tell Sofia and Luca are equally surprised.
Mrs. Esposito smiles, a hint of mischief in her eyes despite the worry lines etched on her face. "Come in, all of you," she says, stepping back to let us enter.
As we file into the apartment, Mrs. Esposito takes my arm gently. "Gia, dear," she says softly, "Dominic is in his bedroom. Why don't you go in first? I think... I think he'd want to see you."
I swallow hard, nodding. As I move towards the bedroom door, I can feel everyone's eyes on me. A gasp from the corner of the room makes me freeze, and I turn to see a beautiful dark haired girl with swollen red eyes staring at me with a huge grin on her face. I give her a tentative smile back as I make my way to his bedroom. I pause with my hand on the doorknob, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
Then, steeling my nerves, I turn the handle and step into Dominic's room, not knowing what to expect.