HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC'S STORY Page 11

  I was coming undone under his touch in front of strangers.

  “Dominic, you’re intimidating. It started that day in the lab when you cornered me.” I didn’t want him to turn me loose.

  He chuckled. His deep vocals vibrated through my body. “You wanted us. I wanted us. I wouldn’t let you destroy us before we had the chance to get to know each other.”

  “We don’t know much about each other.”

  “Carmen, that’s why I’ve chosen this festival so we can talk.” He released me. I stood a second longer wishing never to be stripped of his hands again. Falling at his side, we scanned the art filled tent. My fingers grazed a colorful canvas.

  “Do you like it?”

  “Yes, it’s pretty. I love the broad strokes of the blue and yellow.”

  “I need to feed you.”

  He turned and nodded Brian over. He whispered in his ear.”

  “Ok,” Brian stated.

  We walked toward the row of food trucks and tents to our left. My eyes fell on the jewelry tent to our right.

  “Oh look.” I grabbed Dominic’s hand and darted inside. The beads and charms held my attention. I tried on several bracelets. Twisting my arm gazing at the works of art. “What do you think?”

  “They’re pretty. You should get those three.”

  I flipped over my arm and glanced at the price tag. I gasped. They were expensive. I couldn’t afford them.

  “No, not today.”

  I slipped them off my arm and slid them onto the wooden circular bar.

  Dominic removed the bracelets and two more at the opposite end of the bar. “I think these pink bracelets are nice too.”

  The sales lady smiled. He placed the bracelets in her hand.

  “We’ll take these.”

  “Dominic, I was just looking.”

  He kissed my forehead. “I know.”

  He paid cash for the jewelry.

  “Thanks for shopping at Charmed Cutie.”

  We smiled and nodded at the sales lady before walking toward a food truck.

  Dominic removed two pink bracelets from the silver bag.

  He grabbed my hand and slipped the bracelets onto my wrist.

  “See perfect.”

  I flicked my wrist admiring the colors against my white tank. “These should be worn when I am not wearing blue jean shorts. They would look nice with a maxi dress I have at home.”

  “I’d like you to keep them on.”

  “Thank you for the beautiful bracelets.”

  “You’re welcome. Now let’s eat.”

  Two heaping trays of food later, we found an umbrella table and sat.

  “Dominic, we could never eat all of this food.”

  “Speak for yourself,” he laughed. “I was shocked you ordered amber beer.”

  “Oh, what I can’t know anything about good beer?” I bit into the seasoned corn on the cob.

  He shrugged. “Women often turn up their noses at beer. It’s cool, you like beer.” Dominic dug into the Italian sausage.

  “Would you like a bite?”

  “It might be too spicy.”

  “A small bite.” He extended the bunned sausage across the table. I bit into the juicy peppered sausage. Holding my hand over my mouth, I nodded. “That’s good.”

  He smiled biting into the sausage.

  “Carmen, what made you choose to attend Stanford?”

  I sipped a plastic cup of water. “I was accepted to several colleges but I narrowed it down to three. Stanford had the best PHD science program. When I was younger, I always created these elaborate science projects. My teachers were impressed. I’d ask my mom if she could enter me into a science contest. She did. And I either won first prize or came in second. I think my glow in the dark volcano was my personal favorite.”

  “Sounds cool.”

  “I wish people didn’t call me nerd in high school because I loved science.”

  “Intelligent people intimidate others.”

  I smiled. “That’s a nice way to look at it.” I dug my fork into the Greek salad. “What about you?”

  “I was accepted into Columbia, Princeton, Yale, and Harvard. I wanted eight years of warmth and sun. Stanford has a great law program also.”

  We chuckled.

  I glanced at our trays. “You ate the spicy sausage and lobster roll.” I scrounged up my nose. “Your stomach will be twisted later.”

  “Nope, I have a stomach of steel.”

  I snorted. Dominic laughed too.

  We strolled through the festival with beer in hand.

  “You mentioned eight years of warmth. Are you moving back to New Jersey?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you moving back to Miami?”

  I glanced at him. “No, I’m staying here.”

  “Oh.”

  We walked in silence. “I guess I thought you planned to stay.”

  “Can’t you research anywhere in the world?”

  “Yes, but I’ve grown to love sunny California.”

  “You can visit. I won’t let thousands of miles come between us.”

  My eyes widened. “Dominic.” I halted. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Yep, I am. After graduation, I want you to move with me to New Jersey. I didn’t plan to discuss this now. We need to continue to get to know each other.” He smirked.

  I swallowed hard. “Who said I’d like you that much?”

  He stepped closer sliding his hand over my hair. “You don’t like me?” The way he asked the question was like he knew how much I liked him. He was daring me to be honest.

  I cocked my head to one side. “Yes, I like you. Not enough to move to New Jersey.”

  His lips curled at one end and he winked. He intertwined our fingers as we walked.

  Cocky asshole.

  “What’s your true idea of fun? And don’t add me into the equation.”

  “Oh, ok. So, scratch hanging with you.”

  I grinned.

  He massaged his clean-shaven face. “I’d say hanging out with my friends here or in Jersey. Drinking beer or whiskey, smoking cigars, and talking shit about sports.”

  I smiled. “Are you Italian?”

  “Yes. My mother is Caucasian and my father is Italian. Can you cook?”

  We halted and sat on a bench.

  “Yes, I can. My mom and I grilled ribs for my Nana the day before she passed away. It still hurts knowing she passed away on my birthday.”

  He pulled me into his chest. “I know it hurts.”

  “Nana said when she heard I was coming home she perked up and they released her from the hospital. I keep thinking she held on for me.”

  “There’s not a doubt in my mind she needed to see you one last time.”

  I sank into his arms, wrapping my arm around his chiseled abs.

  “The sun set is beautiful.”

  “It is,” he sighed.

  Spending time with Dominic was better than I imagined. My cheeks heated as I stared out the window in route to my apartment. Staying up all night, talking to him crossed my mind.

  We strolled up the stairs to the second-floor halting outside my door.

  I turned to face him.

  “Thanks for taking me out for my birthday.”

  I chuckled. “All I did was accompany you today. You didn’t like the Tin Pot Creamery.”

  He smiled. “I’ll take you back to the ice cream shop. I needed a full day with you.” His smile disappeared and his serious, sexy green eyes gazed into mine.

  “Mi scaldi il cuore.”

  My eyebrows wrinkled. “What does that mean?”

  He tilted my chin upward. “You warm my heart.”

  Prickes attacked my skin.

  His lips over powered mine. Dominic gripped my face and I clutched his shirt.

  “Dominic,” I whimpered.

  He didn’t let up. My pussy vibrated against him. I didn’t care who saw us kissing. His tongue slid past my lips invading my mouth. I moaned.
<
br />   My apartment door opened behind me. We stepped back from each other.

  I glanced at Paisley.

  “I’m so sorry, Carmen. I had no idea you were home. I was just leaving.”

  Dominic slid his hand over his lips, removing my lipstick.

  “Don’t be. Paisley, I’d like to introduce you to Dominic.”

  They shook hands.

  “Nice to meet you, Paisley.”

  “You are friends with Ryan Boudreaux, right?” Paisley asked.

  His eyebrows wrinkled. “Yes. You ladies have a goodnight. Carmen, I’ll talk to you later.”

  I smirked. “Ok. Goodnight.”

  Ugh. Talk about timing. I strutted through the door and down the hall to my bedroom. I heard the door slam.

  “Carmen, I really am sorry.” She ran to my window. “Whoa, he drives a Lamborghini.”

  I didn’t reply. All I could think about was how soft his lips felt against mine.

  “Hello, Carmen. Carmen.”

  “Yeah.” I bit my lower lip.

  “That must’ve been some kiss.” She plopped on my bed.

  “It was. The kiss was so worth the wait. I had the best time today.”

  Paisley’s phone vibrated. “Shit, I forgot. John is downstairs waiting. See you Sunday evening. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she snickered, running out of the room.

  “Have fun,” I yelled.

  The door shut.

  If I thought my dreams were intense about him before, now that he’s wrapped me in his big strong arms and kissed my lips, they will be magnified times ten. I kicked off my sandals, snuggled into my pillow and sighed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  DOMINIC

  I’d waited so long to crush those fucking soft delicious lips. I didn’t want to break our kiss but her friend opened the door and ruined our moment. I couldn’t believe her friend was Ryan’s best friend. I knew he was pining away for a Paisley. But he never showed me a picture of her.

  I’d have to bust his balls and let him know I finally knew what she looked like.

  Back to Carmen. I didn’t want to think about how long it would be before we made love. If we ever made it to that point. We meshed well. Better than I thought. Which is why our serious conversation today will be difficult to discuss.

  Again, I didn’t want to crowd Carmen. I kept our conversations light. I brought her lunch every other day and studied at her station while she researched several times in two weeks. Brian and Hugo bought groceries and delivered them to her apartment last week.

  I hadn’t kissed her lips in two fucking weeks. It was killing me. Knowing the possible outcome of our discussion today I needed to keep my distance. I reframed from taking her on anymore dates. Her decision today couldn’t be clouded by expensive dinners and my tongue deep down her throat.

  I glanced at my vibrating cell. Brian sent a text.

  Dom, we’re here.

  My heart plummeted. I didn’t want to lose Carmen so soon. Fuck, I didn’t want to lose her at all. I stood at the long white dining table, pouring myself a glass of ice water. Brian opened the door, allowing Carmen inside.

  She glanced behind her as the door closed.

  “Hello, Carmen.” I met her at the door, pulling her into my arms. “My chef prepared brunch.”

  She strolled over to the table. “An intimate meal.” She smiled.

  “I like. Which way to the bathroom? I’d need to wash my hands.”

  “Sure, down the hall to your right.”

  She disappeared down the hall. I probably didn’t look my best. My hair was disheveled and my beard was unruly. I ran my hand across the blue T-shirt. While sucking down the glass of ice water, I peered into space.

  “Dominic.” Carmen came into view and placed her hand against my cheek.

  “You’re miles away. What’s wrong?”

  “Have a seat. Let’s eat.” I couldn’t even fake a smile.

  She sat at my left, sipping a glass of ice water.

  “Carmen, dig in. I’ll tell you what’s on my mind.”

  She exhaled. “Ok.” Carmen loaded her plate with turkey sausage patties, scrambled eggs and grapes.

  “Everything smells delicious. I didn’t see anyone in the kitchen. Did they leave?”

  “Yes, about fifteen minutes ago.”

  She chomped on the patty. “I love these.”

  “I know.”

  “Dominic, you take good care of me.”

  “Baby, that’s what I plan to do until the end of time.”

  Her smile brightened. “Dominic, you haven’t even asked me to be your girlfriend.”

  “I know. I plan to.” I leaned over kissing her cheek.

  “I love seeing your beautiful face every day. Those brown eyes of yours get me every time.” I stood. “I forgot would you like a Mimosa?”

  She placed her hand over mine. “No, sit and tell me why you’re on edge.”

  I blew out a breath. “I’ll start from the beginning. My great-great-great-grand father came to America in the early nineteen hundreds at age fifteen. He originated the numbers racket in New York. He also began bootlegging liquor. His two sons took over the business after he was killed in nineteen twenty.

  They also immersed in narcotics trafficking, gambling rackets, labor racketeering, and loan-sharking.

  They were great at extorting money.”

  She nibbled on a strip of turkey bacon. “Sounds like the Godfather movie.” I smiled. “It’s similar to the movie because it’s a part of Italian history. My grandfather carried on the business.” I paused.

  “Carmen, do you understand what business I am speaking of?”

  She gazed into my eyes. “Yes, organized crime.”

  “Right my family the Magarelli’s are a crime family. The mafia.”

  She shook her head and waved her hand. “I thought you were explaining your family’s history. Their origin. There is no way your telling me the mafia still exist till this day.”

  I ran my fingers through my hair. “Yes, that’s exactly what I am telling you. My grandfather moved our business to New Jersey when his children were small. His brother remained in New York. One of my uncles’ controls territory in Rhode Island. Before I entered college, I asked my grandfather to give me a role in the family.”

  She flew to her feet. “Dominic, you did what? What does that mean?” Her eyes bulged.

  I stood gripping her arms. “I am telling you all of this because I am to become the new Don when I graduate from law school.”

  “The Don?”

  “Yes, the boss of the family.”

  She broke free of my grip and ran toward the door. I cut her off.

  “Carmen, I understand everything I’ve stated is a lot to take in.”

  “Dominic, you dated me with what intention? That I become your wife who looks the other way while my husband commits crimes every day?”

  I didn’t answer her.

  Her eyebrows rose like she had an idea. “That Angelita person. She knew who you were didn’t she?”

  “Yes.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “And she still wanted to be with you?”

  “Yes, because her father is in the business-”

  “You two sound like a match made in heaven. You and I were doing so well until today. I liked you so much, Dominic. Now I wish you never spoke to me.”

  “You don’t mean that, Carmen.”

  “I can’t breathe. I need to get out of here. Let me leave or I’ll scream. No one will hear you. I own every condo on this floor.”

  She dropped her face in her hands. “Please let me leave. Ok, on one condition. You’ll allow Brian to drive you home.”

  She glared at me. “Are you sure he would drive me home? Or would he kill me, because I didn’t do what the boss wanted?”

  “Baby, no one will kill you.”

  Her arms crossed her chest. I opened the door. She darted out and mashed the elevator button. I stood behind her. I could feel the steam rolli
ng off of her skin. She was beyond pissed. We rode the elevator to the first floor in silence. Brian opened the Maybach door the second Carmen stepped outside. She slid across the seat. I slipped in next to her.

  “No, I don’t want to see you ever again, Dominic.”

  She reached for the door handle and I wrapped my arms around her.

  “Brian, lock the doors and roll up the partition.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “God, Dominic, why are you doing this? I just don’t understand why you’d pick me.”

  “Baby, you are everything I want in a woman. I’ve fallen for you over the past several months. Our kiss. Our connection. I know you felt it.” I sank my lips in the crease of her neck. “I know you want us.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  I pulled her up into my lap forcing her eyes on me. Tears flooded her face. “You tricked me.”