Page 13 of Dominance

I should have second-guessed his intentions.

But the opportunity to settle my accounts and set up my sister safely for several more years was too tempting. So I threw caution to the wind. Took the job. Took the flight.

Little did I know at the time how right that man from the FBI was. Or how deep I would become involved and how fast.

“Good morning, Miss Gloria.”

“Good morning, Nina.”

“Don Vipera is waiting for you if you want to take breakfast in the study.”

As if it’s optional, a suggestion.

One thing about my father that I learned very quickly, was that he rarely commands anything. He asks. But you’re expected to know how to respond in a way he approves of or insinuates.

Much like the nature of his organization and parts of the business I now effectively manage, he is subtle, invasive, and demanding of every ounce of loyalty and attention. Which is especially worrisome for someone with a secret.

Like me. And my little sister in France.

Every day I’m thankful that I didn’t tell him about her, that I’ve always been careful about who I tell. I was also extremely careful when I sent the rest of the money for her boarding school covering the next few years, making sure that the money would be untraceable.

At least there are benefits to having access to a worldwide underground crime syndicate.

Of course, Dad still plays things off like we’re a legitimate business.

Exports.

Shipping.

Investments.

Like I haven’t seen the duplicates, the shredded files, the falsified manifestos covering guns, drugs, and the careful laundering of all of those funds associated with both the businesses and the collections made by his army of street gangs.

“Gloria, have a seat. How did you sleep?”

“Good. Great.” I step into the room, quick to smile. Next, I cross to him, leaning down to kiss his cheek, then his ring. Daughter, but never just his daughter.

We all work for Dom.

“Where’s mine?” a deep voice mutters from the other side of the table, making me nearly jump out of my slippers.

Adriano’s cool gaze locks onto mine as I look up, schooling my features into a coy little smirk before I circle the table toward him. Take me off guard will he?

He’s not the only one who can play at this.

Until I reach him and he stands, wrapping his arms around me without warning, pulling me into an embrace, followed by a quick stolen kiss at the corner of my mouth.

It’s everything I can do not to melt in his arms.

Or yelp in shock at the casual touch and kiss.

Oh. He’s making me pay for last night, alright.

The look in his eyes as we pull apart confirms my suspicions, as well as the tight-lipped smile plastered across his strong-jawed face.

Connard.

I almost say it to his face, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. But I clamp down on my emotions, smiling back and taking my seat next to him.

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