BIANCA
Dominic’s dad knew how to throw a party. I hadn’t had much say in any of it, so everything was a complete surprise. Dominic pretty much approved it all. The only thing he’d asked me was if I wanted lobster, salmon, or steak.
So that meant chicken tenders were off the menu. He’d laughed and kissed me when I’d asked and had put me down for lobster. I’d cringed. Eating sea scorpions wasn’t on my to do list, but hopefully we’d be out of there before I had to.
And if we weren’t out of there, maybe I could eat a salad instead. The thought of seafood made me want to vomit. But hey, maybe throwing up would get me out of it too. Always have a plan B.
“Is this where you grew up?” I asked in a hushed tone as we stepped through the door where four large men in black suits stood guard.
Dominic’s and Vincent’s weapons had been taken at the door, meaning they were armed with just fists and fury up in this bitch if things went bad.
“Mostly,” Dominic answered, his hand on the small of my back as he led me through the massive foyer. Marble floors. A sweeping staircase. A ballroom down the hall to our left. A sitting room to our right. Even David’s house wasn’t like this. This mansion screamed power and money from the polished floors to the crystal chandeliers. The place was a castle. A fortress. I’d get lost trying to find the bathroom.
“Most of my time was spent between here and our home in Italy,” he continued.
“And at Bolten,” Vincent added, winking at me.
The smile wasn’t on his face like normal. We’d had an incredible time in the limo, but now his game face was on. I couldn’t tell if he was nervous, but if I had to guess, I’d say he was prepared for the worst.
So was I.
“Dominic?” I stopped and turned to him.
“Mia regina?”
“Everything is going to be OK, right?” I stared up at him, my heart racing, needing his reassurance.
He brushed his knuckles along my jaw. “We may have to do some bad things tonight, but it’s all in the name of survival. Just know that no matter what I say or do in this house, it is all to protect you. I love you and will do what I have to. I’ll probably need some forgiveness when the night is over.”
Seemed like a Dominic answer if I ever heard one.
“I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe, wasp. Everything.” He placed an uncharacteristically gentle kiss on my lips before he pulled away, all stern looking.
“Things are different here though,” he said. “Here, I own you. You will behave. Do not speak unless it’s required. Understood?”
I nodded tightly. There was the domineering mafia prince I knew and loved.
“No hard feelings, baby B,” Vincent said as we walked forward to the ballroom. More guards waited at the door. “It’s all business behind these doors. You’ll get used to it.”
I grunted, hating how things were done. I despised I couldn’t have both my guys show me how much they cared about me and vice versa without some asshole using it for power and control. I knew tonight would be bad. The only saving grace was that Levin would be safe no matter what went down. I kept repeating that in my head. I sent a silent prayer that Fallon would manage to make it out alive too. Even Dominic said he didn’t know what Fallon had planned.
“Remember,” Dominic continued softly to me as I twined my arm through his as one of the guards spoke into an earpiece. “Whatever happens, if I tell you to go, I want you to fucking run if you can. Don’t look back. Don’t try to save us if it comes down to it. Find Vasiliev. He’ll know what to do.”
“Did you guys work something out?” I asked, staring straight ahead, my back stiff.
“Don’t worry about it,” he answered right before the doors opened and our name was announced.
I felt like royalty strolling into that room on Dom’s arm. There were hundreds of people I didn’t know, all staring and whispering as they sipped expensive champagne. Their clothes alone had to cost more than my entire life was worth.
This was the big leagues, and I didn’t know how to play. It was the first thought that crossed my mind as we stepped into the room to the ripple of soft applause. My second thought was to say to hell with it and run now. I was a meal in a tank of hungry piranhas.
The men stared at me like I was dessert. The women smiled, a glint of malevolence in their eyes.
Dominic ushered me through the room, nodding curtly to people until we reached a man dressed in black, who bore a startling resemblance to my husband. The older man’s eyes were dark while Dominic’s were green. The sides of his hair sparkled with the silver which was taking shape, displaying his age. He was fit too. I’d say he was in his late forties if I had to guess. He was handsome just like my Dominic. But he was wicked. I could see it in his dark eyes as they raked over me for the first time and in the way his lips curved up into a ruthless smile.
Chills ran down my spine when we stopped in front of him. This man was pure evil.
“Domenico,” he said in a rich Italian accent. He reached out and gave Dominic a hug.
Dominic was stiff and only released me when he had to, clapping his father on the back quickly.
“And his beautiful bride, Bianca D’Angelou,” his dad said, turning to me and taking my hand.
Dominic tensed beside me, a small tell of his anger and jealousy.