Page 144 of Dominance

“Then how do you explain his illicit rendezvous with a certain agent at the cemetery…” Dom holds out his phone, a photo displayed on the screen.

Adriano stands with his hands in his coat pockets, glaring down at a headstone.

And there, in the background, another man, speaking to him. A face I recognize, despite the fact that I only met him once, at night in Paris. It’s unmistakable.

Even so, I shake my head, trying to school my expression.

“How do you know that man is FBI? And even if he is, it’s circumstantial at best.”

“Your poker face needs work, Gloria. I did my homework. And Adriano is selling us all out.”

The words worm their way into my head, seeding doubts. Not that I really believe Adriano was consorting with the FBI.

More importantly, why didn’t he tell me about it?

That the same man approached us both. Regardless of whether Adri gave him any information or agreed to work with him.

Dom steps closer, reaching out but not touching me, feeling me out.

“He needs to be dealt with. For both of our sakes.”

My head whips toward him, my eyes widening.

“What are you saying?”

“I am saying that it’s time to prove yourself to me. Once and for all.” His hand slips out of his coat pocket, holding up a small, discreet pistol.

Before I can react or reach for the weapon, Dom raises his other hand, a sign that he’s not done. Crossing to the door, he opens it, muttering out to someone in the hall.

Stepping back, he smiles, guarded, almost menacing.

Right as a blonde ball of energy in a baby-blue dress bolts through the doorway, throwing herself into my arms.

“Glow!” Anna’s delighted squeal fills the room as she throws her arms around my neck.

And for a second, I’m paralyzed with shock.

Then I’m sighing, laughing, on the verge of tears.

“Anna, what are you doing here?” It’s exasperating. Surprising. Horrifying.

“Your father reached out and explained what’s been going on. He invited me to come and I just had to be here. I can’t believe you kept this a secret from me! What’s he like, tell me everything!”

“I-I will. Once we’re done with the ceremony, okay? Will you stand with me, on the podium? Wait for me there.”

“I will, oh Gloria, I’m so happy to see you.” She clasps my hands between her delicate fingers, kissing my thumbs once and bounding out of the room.

Leaving me dumbstruck.

Shaken.

“Surprise,” Dom croons, having stepped into the background for our reunion.

“Th-this is?—”

“Necessary. To make sure you do what needs to be done.She’syour family.Iam your family. The child inside you is your family.”

“And what about the child’s father?” I ask bitterly.

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