Page 55 of Dominance

“I’m kidding …”

My scowl deepens. I hate playing the disapproving fiancée card, but I’m still miffed that he got out of hand last night. That he flubbed our first night sleeping together in the same bed.

“Gloria, I really am sorry. You shouldn’t have had to deal with?—”

“But I did.”

“Yeah, I just mean?—”

“Don’t say it unless you really mean it.” I’m being difficult. Impossible.

He huffs a little growl of frustration.

Ha. Chew on that for a little while.

We’re pulling into the parking lot when he looks at me, his eyes hopeful that I’ve cooled down.

“Well? Are you going to grovel, make promises, swear to make it up to me?”

“I—wha—yeah! No!” He scowls. “Are you really going to hold this over my head?”

I shouldn’t be messing with him so hard. Not like I haven’t made mistakes. Or treated him fairly since we’ve met, either.

On the other hand, I have every right to be frustrated with him leaving me high and dry to not only deal with Dom and his drunken entourage, but babysitting him too.

“No, I don’t think I have to. It’s a sunny day. Hot. Perfect for a brunch social, a picnic. Maybe some outdoor activities on the courts at the clubhouse. The sun willhang overyour head just fine.”

“You’re evil.” And he’s definitely turning a little pale and green at the thought. “If I die, just hide me in the rose bushes and leave.”

“You better not leave me to deal with this party alone. Or the wedding!”

“Speaking of which …”

“Later this week. I’m supposed to go with some girlfriends to look at colors.”

“Oh. Okay.”

I leave it at that, to let him stew on it for a bit. Details are everything to Adriano, and I know planning, or pretending to plan without him will draw him in.

Way to channel your inner Domenico, Gloria.

I hide the flush of disgusted self-awareness as I step from the car, sliding on my sunglasses.

Who the hell thinks like that?

Apparently, me, now.

An hour passes with fake smiles and handshakes at the club, Dom reveling in the exchange of contacts, under-the-table dealing. You’d think he didn’t drink a drop last night.

More than that, he’s borderline jolly, which sends a shiver down my spine in the worst way.

I’ve seen him this way before. This near-manic state.

He thrives in this sort of environment. Putting on airs, conspiring with business partners, making them think they have some secret deal going that no one else knows about.

He loves being the go-to guy.

Which keeps the attention off of us.

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