Page 132 of Monster

Yeah, it was a good idea he didn’t smile.

“What are you thinking about, wildcat?”

I shook my head and shrugged, and his blue eyes danced with amusement.

He didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, “Do you want to come out with me to the bar tonight?”

I frowned. “Like the bar from last time?”

He shook his head. “No, my bar.”

“Your bar? Are you sure that’s safe?”

“Things are as safe as they’re going to be right now. I just need to make sure you stay by my side all night.”

“All night?” I asked.

“All night,” he confirmed.

“What if I have to use the bathroom?” I retorted.

“Then I will go in there with you.”

My mouth opened, and I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not. Then he smiled at me, and I relaxed a little.

“I have a shy bladder,” I said.

“Tough,” he responded, his eyes still dancing with humor. I stood from the piano bench, tilting my head back to look him in the eye.

He moved his hand up and cupped my cheek, his thumb swiping underneath my eyelid. “One of these days, you’re going to play a song for me, yeah?”

It wasn’t a question but a command, and there would only be one answer he found acceptable. I nodded, because despite not being able to bring myself to play, I found I did want to play for him.

Perhaps I could choose an easy and quick song.

“And you’re going to tell me who the fuck hurt your hands.”

“How do you know someone hurt them?”

“Because that’s the only fucking explanation.”

“You mean your research on me didn’t tell you?”

Very few knew what happened, but Dominic seemed like a pretty persistent man. I was sure if he wanted, he could have found out the whole story.

His hand drifted down, and he grabbed each of my hands in his own. “Your background check only told me so much. I know you have no criminal records, and I know who your parents are and what they do. Your medical record told me what you broke but not how you broke it. I can make you tell me, but I prefer you to tell it to me willingly. There will be no more secrets between us. Got it?”

I opened my mouth to reply when the front door opened and a man I had never met before walked in, carrying a large black duffel bag and a large black case. I moved closer to Dominic, wary of the new man in this house.

Dominic wrapped his arms around me protectively, but he didn’t seem worried about the man. He smiled at him. “Thanks, Edger. Why don’t you set up everything in my office and let yourself out once you’re done?”

“Sure thing, boss,” Edger replied, his voice rough. He was a mean-looking man, with bulging muscles stacked upon his large frame and tattoos covering almost everywhere, including his neck and face.

“What’s he setting up in your office?” I asked once Edger was out of earshot.

He tapped my nose, and I could have sworn there was a flash of affection in his eyes. But then I blinked, and that affection was gone. All that was left was dark possessiveness and… satisfaction?

“I’ll show you later,” he said, and I debated on whether I should push him. He did say he didn’t want any secrets.

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