Chapter 8
~Dominic~
Shit! I couldn’t have managed the situation any worse. My fuckup is made evident by the gulf of space separating us in the back seat of the car that is taking us away from the safe house.
We departed in a convoy of three armored black SUVs.
Dario is in the passenger seat of the first SUV.
Fabio, one of my personal guards is beside him driving.
Jimmy is behind the wheel of the second vehicle, with Dante in the passenger seat and Elle and me in the back.
Finally, the third SUV carries another two guards, Leo and Lorenzo.
When I opened the door for Elle to get into the vehicle earlier, she slid in wordlessly, without looking at me. Moving to the opposite end of the seat almost, leaning against the door.
That was an hour ago, and she hasn’t spoken a word to me since. I’m being ignored, it seems, in preference for the passing scenery outside the window. Being ignored is a novel experience for me, and I must admit that I don’t like it, one bit.
I know that Elle is upset with me, because of how I rushed out of her room after our passionate encounter earlier.
But, she doesn’t understand that I did it to protect her.
An innocent like her, doesn’t deserve to be dragged into my world.
I have blood on my hands—albeit mostly the blood of men who didn’t deserve to walk this earth.
Elle’s chosen career alone indicates that she’s a nurturer. She probably dreams of helping people and changing the world.
I'm filled with remorse for taking advantage of her—after all she’d already gone through on my behalf. I’ve had my share of women in the past, but admittedly, with none of them did I have to battle to retain control.
Elle may attempt to hide her innocence and vulnerability. But it's obvious to me—despite her inexperience with sexual intimacy, she could arouse me more than any mafia princess ever could.
Dressed in a plain T-shirt and sweatpants, she is more beautiful than any of the women of the Cosa Nostra Family, who often parade around in their designer clothes, styled hair, and perfectly made-up faces.
The silence in the car is deafening. Broken only by the beeping of Dante’s phone. He turns to face me. “Everything is set for the meeting with the council later on today, brother.”
“Is there any progress with locating that bastard, Salvatore?” I growl. Elle turns to look at me, clearly interested in our conversation. “We’re working on it. So far, he’s been able to evade us.”
“Our good-for-nothing uncle is receiving help from somewhere.” I make a desperate attempt to keep my temper in check, not wanting to frighten Elle. “When I get my hands on him, there won’t be anything left of him to identify.” I growl, clenching my hands in my lap.
I noticed Elle’s look of surprise, before her face suddenly turned pale. She’s probably wondering what kind of man would speak of killing his uncle so casually. This is why it’s better she isn’t around to find out. I don’t think I could stand having her look at me with disgust.
“Your uncle is the one who did that to you?” She asks, shaking her head, clearly puzzled.
“You don’t need to worry about him, Angel, I’ll deal with the snake, my uncle.” I make a conscious effort to temper my look and to unclench my fists. Elle stares at me blankly for a few seconds, then she turns back to look out the window.
We soon pulled up to her apartment building. Reaching into my pocket, I took out her cellphone—the one Dante had confiscated to prevent her from alerting the police.
“I’ve keyed my number into it, Elle. If you’re ever in need of anything, please contact me.” Our hands touch as she reaches for it, causing the now familiar shock of electricity. She nods in agreement before wordlessly sliding out, when Jimmy opens her door.
I watch as she makes her way into the building, forcing myself to stay put and hold back from rushing after her.
When she disappears from my view, Jimmy pulls the SUV away from the building.
Did her eyes look glassy? Was she holding back tears?
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking—that she is as affected by our separation, as I am.
“Elle will be fine Dominic. Leo and Lorenzo will keep an eye on her until we’re positive that Salvatore doesn’t know about her.
” Dante’s gaze meets mine in the rear-view mirror.
I wonder if he suspects my attraction to Elle?
And which of us was more surprised that I left Elle with a way to contact me, him, or me?
What happened to my decision to cut all contact with her for her own safety? Dante may not say anything, but I know he was surprised that I left Elle a way to reach me. So was I.