Page 52 of Dominance

“Adriano, my nephew. Still the sullen boy you’ve always been, even with such a rare jewel on your arm this evening.” His flat stare hides the ice in his words. It’s a warning to mind myself.

Like we all have to play nice for this world to keep working under Dom.

Well, fuck you too, Vito.

“In regard to the numbers, you are too kind, Gloria. I am a humble man, who just wants to make a fine product, the same as my forefathers.” Vito’s always been so damned diplomatic.

“They would be proud of such humility and of your success, Uncle Vito.”

“You are your father’s daughter indeed, such a smooth talker.” Vito’s eyes twinkle at that, a test and a veiled insult. “Truly a delight to meet you finally. Congratulations on your engagement and your rising star in such a promising administration. Give your father my regards, please.”

Vito shakes her hand again and departs, glancing off toward the rabble of inebriated guests encircling Domenico.

His eyes flick to me for a second, concern clear in his expression. Is that shame? Or simply fear that I’ll retaliate someday.

Yeah. When he least expects it.

And just like that I’m sick and tired of all of it. Wandering around, I snatch another glass of champagne from a passing waiter, then a shot from a group of guys with bottle service. They all cheer me on as I stumble off, the remainder of the bottle tucked under my arm, trying to find a corner to hide in.

By the time I spot Gloria on my way out a side door, I’m feeling pretty damned good.

“You wanna dance, hot stuff?”

“Wow. You are hammered.”

“Nah. I’m just loosened up, finally.” I grin, turning on the charm.

Gloria frowns.

Damn. She must be immune to my wit and charisma.

“Charisma?”

Shit. I said that out loud?

“Come on, just a couple of spins. This is a good song.”

“I think we should go get some water.”

“Water? You need to have another drink!” Dom appears out of nowhere. “Your fiancé told you to dance, you better dance, girl!”

“No one else is dancing,” Gloria snips, glowering at him, then back at me.

“Yeah, they are, at least I saw Tommy Veera’s wife dancing with some dude…” I snicker. Probably shouldn’t be running my mouth. Acting a fool.

Gloria glances at me, then away.

I’m missing something. The way she’s standing. Not right.

Is she mad?

Or uncomfortable?

Now that I notice, lots of the remaining guests are cutting loose, getting out of control. More than that, lots of them are breaking things, some fighting outright.

A table smashes to the floor across the room, screams and laughter adding to the commotion.

“Nonsense, there’s always someone dancing! You!” Dom shouts at three women nearby, who all look back with varying looks of glassy-eyed surprise before approaching to Dom’s waving hands. “Dance with me, all of yous.”

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