Page 14 of Dominance

“Good to see you two finally making an effort.”

“It’s been hard to find the time, but it was only a matter of time, I suppose.” Adriano shrugs innocently.

Dom doesn’t miss the jab but plays it off.

“Such is our life, Adriano. We’re all busy. You must make time for your wife if you want to have a successful marriage. And I know you two will make it work.”

“I’m sure we will,” I offer, resting my hand on my father’s.

He snatches his out from under it, however, not flagrantly, but fast enough so I know he’s displeased. His face remains pleasant.

“As long as you don’t make it a habit of slipping off for alone time too often at important gatherings.” The words are saccharin, but razor sharp. “Or leaving abruptly.”

“You can blame me for that,” Adriano admits, sounding genuinely guilty. “I was nervous and took too many shots.”

“That explains why half the party caught a flash of the future groom in his shorts running for the door, eh?” Dom bursts out laughing at that, his anger at our slight momentarily forgotten.

Thank goodness for his juvenile sense of humor.

“A practical joke by one of the staff, no doubt.” Adriano sips his coffee, staring at me fondly. Yeah. Like a wolf is fond of a rabbit.

Oh, he’s mad.

And I had better avoid him for a bit if I know what is good for me.

“Oh, and thanks for letting me crash here. I didn’t need to drive in my state.”

“Anytime, my boy. You’re family, always have been.”

Just for a second, I think I see a flash of anger in Adriano’s eyes, a fleeting glint of hate. But it’s gone too fast to be sure. Probably just imagining things.

Being around mobsters starts to make you a bit paranoid when you’re not used to it.

We pass the rest of the meal in small talk, the news, the weather. It’s almost pleasant.

“Well, I have to meet with a colleague at the golf course. You’re welcome to join.” Dom rises, his dismissal clear. As is the insinuation that he does not, in fact, want us to join him.

“Thank you, Dad, but I have plans to get some shopping done.”

“Likewise, I should catch up with some of the guys. I appreciate the invite, Dom. Maybe another time.”

“Ah, you kids enjoy your weekend.” He grins, pulling me into a tight hug.

“Maybe let the governor win this time, huh?” I tease, giving my best Vipera sneer and raising my eyebrows.

Dom tosses his head back, chortling. “Can’t show them weakness, though. They’ll think they can walk all over us.”

“No one would dare. Unless they wanted to increase theirhandicap.”

“Oh, she is wicked, just like her old man.” Dom shakes his head, wandering through the door.

Adriano gestures for me to lead the way after, and I swear there’s a disappointed look on his face despite his calm demeanor. It bites into my chest, making me regret my comments.

Anger roils up to take its place as I head back to my room, ignoring his farewell.

What right does he have to make me feel that way when I’m just trying to weather the storm that is my father?

The benefitof having a driver in New York almost outweighs the irritation of being constantly accompanied. And I will admit that this posh and easy lifestyle holds a certain appeal.

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