Page 56 of Dominance

Especially since my date is sweating pure gasoline.

“Gloria, have you met Senator Collins?” Dom rests his hand on my back, gently pushing me forward to shake the older man’s hand. He’s regal, distinguished. Handsome, in that poster politician sort of way.

“I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure.” In other words, someone I never would have, or ever would have wanted to meet otherwise.

“It’s all mine, Miss Vipera. Your father’s contributions to my last election cycle proved the deciding factor for my win.”

“He certainly keeps me busy with all of his generosity,” I smirk, sharing a phony, conspiring moment with Collins.

“And she’s a whiz with numbers too? No doubt the real brains behind the operation.” Senator Collins winks at me.

“Just a loyal daughter, doing her due diligence.”

Dom sniffs, pretending to not be offended by the man’s words and gives us a nod before wandering off to another table. One crisis avoided.

Only to turn my gaze to the man standing next to me.

Adriano’s been quiet, watching everything.

Staring right at me.

“Oh! And this must be your fiancé I’ve heard so much about.”

“Adriano Diamante.” He smiles and I can almost feel his teeth grinding.

“Ah. Of course. I was so sorry to hear about your brother. Alessandro was a good friend.”

Good friend, my ass. The way Adriano’s eyes cloud over gives me images of his fist connecting with the Senator’s face.

“Honey, you look a little peaked…have you had any water today? Excuse us Senator.”

“Of course, we’ll speak again later.” The salt and pepper head tilts, hitting me with a pearly white smile that probably works all the time. “I hope.”

Another crisis averted …

Until my father’s man, Cal, catches us heading toward the pool.

“Come here. Now. Dom’s flipping his shit.”

A thrill of panic whips through me. What did we do?

Adriano shakes his head once, pulling me along.

The gazebo is off a ways, just out of earshot from the rest of the gathering, but I make out sharp words halfway there, shouted words.

“You think you can sneak one past me, Vito, you fucking prick?” Dom’s voice rises.

“I would never?—”

“Bullshit. I saw you talking to the district attorney!”

“Because he is a member of this club, I was being polite.”

“Oh yeah. Real polite. That’s why several hundred thousand dollars were transferred to him without my approval last week?”

“Dom, please, let me explain?—”

Adriano’s stepping forward as we arrive, placing a hand on Dom’s shoulder. “Sir?—”

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