Page 68 of The Don

“My father—your grandfather—was the cruelest man I’ve ever known. My brother was almost as cruel as my father. But Adrian...” I take a sharp breath and shake my head. “Just from the things Eliza told me, I do believe that Adrian would’ve been the worst. Although the others beat their wives, Eliza suffered so much more than a beating.”

Dominic lowers his chin as he shakes his head. He lets an unamused chuckle escape. “How did we turn out so normal?”

“Because we both know that women are to be treasured. Without them we’d be nothing.”

“Besides,” he says with a hint of humor. “We kill people, how normal is that? We all have flaws.”

“Speak for yourself,” I reply without hesitation.

Dominic smirks and shakes his head. “Eliza appears happier since I last saw her.”

“Why wouldn’t she be?” I look at the clock on my phone and know my woman and I need to leave soon. I stand and place my glass on my desk.

Dominic takes my cue and follows. “Is Eliza packed to leave?”

“She won’t be returning to your house, Dominic.”

“She won’t?” He does his best to hold in his smile.

“Do you have something to say?”

“Not at all.” He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’ll let Rosa know.” Dominic starts toward the door but stops and turns to face me. “It’s not my business, Uncle, but she deserves the best.”

“She does.” I fold my arms in front of my chest and cock a brow.

“Understood,” he replies before leaving my office.

I follow him out to find the girls still outside, huddled together and speaking in low voices. Storm is sitting beside Eliza, and she’s absentmindedly stroking his fur. Rose sees us and smiles toward Dominic. Her entire face transforms when she sees him, and when Eliza turns to see who her sister is looking at, her eyes lock onto mine. A small smile tugs at her lips, and she lowers her head and tucks her hair behind her ear.

God, she’s so beautiful. If Dominic and his bride weren’t here, I’d take my woman up to my room and ravage her with my mouth.

“Rosa,” Dominic says.

“Yeah?”

“Time for us to leave.”

“What?” Rose’s smile instantly fades. Her eyes widen and she looks between Dominic and me. “Now?”

“Yes, Rose. Eliza and I have plans,” I say.

Rose’s shoulders sink as she averts her eyes. “Oh,” she says.

“You’re more than welcome to return another day,” I say in an attempt to ease her worries. “Or Eliza can come to you.”

“She can?” Rose seems surprised by my offer.

“Absolutely. I’d never stop sisters from seeing one another.” Rose’s face erupts into a massive smile. Adrian must’ve used the girls’ bond against them. This is something I’ll speak to Eliza about when the time is right.

“Rosa,” Dominic repeats as he takes a step toward the front door.

The girls stand and embrace one another for long moments before Rose pulls away and runs her hands up and down Eliza’s arms. “Call me, okay?” This reminds me, I need to get Eliza a phone.

“Of course.” Eliza’s smile is so bright it transforms her face into something even more angelic. “Thank you for all my presents.”

Rose flicks her hand and rolls her eyes. “Happy birthday.”

“Rosa, come,” Dominic instructs and holds his hand out for his wife.

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