HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC'S STORY Page 17

  “Just a little overwhelmed that’s all. But nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Yeah, I’ll let you get back to it.”

  “Talk to you later.” The fake smiled was plastered across my face until he walked away.

  Clenching my eyes shut, I exhaled. I was breaking down. I glanced at my last unanswered text I sent to Dominic. Studying for your PHD and maintaining a steady relationship with a gorgeous boyfriend didn’t go together.

  Lying in Dominic’s bed later that night, I stared at the ceiling again. “Drastic measures needed to be taken, Carmen.”

  Maybe I should have called Paisley to talk me out of flying to New Jersey in the morning. Fuck, that. I needed to know if Dominic was all right.

  ~

  Brian and Hugo sat behind me in first class. I gazed out of the window taking in the big beautiful fluffy clouds. Brian and Hugo tried to talk me out of going. I told them I was leaving and that was final. Brian said I should use the emergency credit card Dominic gave me. He said if I didn’t, he’d be in trouble with Dominic. So, I ordered our tickets.

  I’d never been to New Jersey. Brian and Hugo led me through the airport to the rental car area. Brian rented a Suburban. Riding through the streets of Newark I gazed out of the window.

  Hugo peeked over his shoulder from the front seat. “Carmen, Dom won’t be happy you flew to New Jersey.”

  “I don’t care. He should have called. I shouldn’t be worried sick about him.”

  I leaned against the window, staring at the buildings in passing. This is what happened to women whose boyfriends were handling their crime family’s affairs. Sliding my hand along my bare legs, I cringed at the thought of something happening to Dominic. The truck rolled to a stop outside the Westin.

  “Brian, why are you stopping?”

  “I told you to make reservations here,” he grimaced through the rear-view mirror.

  I rubbed my brow. “Oh yeah, I decided to go straight to Dominic’s parents’ home.”

  He turned in his seat. “Carmen, are you crazy?”

  I folded my arms. “Maybe. But I want fucking answers. I have to find Dominic. You two need to call whoever and find out where the fuck my man is,” I growled.

  “Now drive to the Magarelli’s or I will catch a cab.”

  “Fuck.” Brian slammed his hand against the steering wheel, then merged into traffic.

  In the back of my mine I knew I was behaving irrational. Fuck, what was I supposed to do? Sit in his oversized condo and hope he came back home. I couldn’t. I needed to be here.

  Brian approached the large wrought iron gates. He spoke to security, then waited for the arm to rise. He drove toward the mansion in the middle of the cul-de-sac.

  A few minutes later, I marveled the mansion as we walked toward the front door. The butler opened the double doors and greeted us. We strolled inside. I took in the massive decorative atrium.

  “Mrs. Magarelli, Carmen Drake is here,” the butler announced.

  Brian ran his hand over the back of his neck. The look of uneasiness on their faces made my stomach churn.

  “Harold, who?” the woman asked strutting toward us.

  Her beautiful bouncy brown hair danced against her shoulders. The red dress that halted at her knees was gorgeous. She stretched her hand out. “Mrs. Magarelli, Ms. Drake.” Her brown eyes squinted.

  “I’m sorry. How can I help you?”

  I shook her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Dominic has told me so much about you.”

  Her eyes widened. “I don’t understand. How do you know Dominic?”

  “I am his girlfriend. We attend Stanford together.”

  Her smile rose and fell. “I again apologize. Dominic, never mentioned a girlfriend.”

  “I understand. We haven’t been in a relationship long. I should apologize. I understand this is strange now that I am standing before you.” I placed my hands over my eyes.

  “We weren’t supposed to meet until Christmas, but Dominic hadn’t called in two days. He’s never done that before. I will get out of your hair. Brian and Hugo can take me to the Westin. Again, it was nice to meet you.” I turned on my heels.

  “Nonsense.”

  I glanced at her. Mrs. Magarelli’s eyes darted between Brian and Hugo Dominic’s overbearing protection.

  “If they have accompanied you from California, you must be very important to my son. You can stay with us.”

  “Carmen, I’ll grab your bag.”

  I peeked at Brian. He was still brooding.

  “Ok.”

  Mrs. Magarelli grabbed my hand. “Carmen, join me in the kitchen. I was preparing dinner.”

  We strolled through the sitting room. The beautiful gold antique sofas spoke elegance. It dawned on me I was walking through the governors home. Goosebumps pricked my skin.

  “Have a seat, Carmen.”

  I climbed into the tall chair at the marble counter. Resting my white sneaker on my calf I glanced around the large kitchen. “Were you expecting, Dominic for dinner?”

  “Yes.”

  My eyes brightened. “Oh, so you’ve seen him today?”

  “No, I haven’t seen him in a couple of days.”

  “Hm, the business he had to attend here must still have him detained.” I wrung my hands and bit my lip.

  “What business? He visits his friends when he comes home, but that’s all.”

  Oh, shit! His mother wasn’t aware he was handling the family business. She had to know about the business though, right?

  “I’m sorry. Dominic, didn’t elaborate.”

  Her brown brows rose. She walked over to the fridge and retrieved a large package of chicken. “Carmen, what’s your major?”

  “Chemistry.”

  “Undergrad?”

  “No, I’ll graduate with my PHD next year.”

  She grinned. “Impressive. I can’t believe Dominic’s kept you under wraps. I’m so rude. What would you like to drink?”

  “A glass of water, please.”

  She whisked through the kitchen, grabbing a glass out of the custom cherry wood cabinets. She filled the glass with ice and water then sat it before me.

  “Dominic and I have seen each other off and on for months. We didn’t become a couple until this summer. Dominic wanted me to focus on my classes at the end of last semester. We’ve been inseparable over the summer.” I twirled my fingers around my long ponytail.

  “My son was single forever. He said he wanted to settle down one day.”

  “He’s a very determined man.” I blushed bringing the glass to my lips sipping the ice-cold water.

  “Just like his father. He’ll be here soon.” Her New Jersey accent was thick.

  The tiny hairs stood on the back of my neck. It might become a little overwhelming before the day was over.

  “Mommy, I’m home.”

  “Alexandria, I am in the kitchen.”

  She strolled into the room, staring at her cell. “What’s for dinner?”

  “Alexandria, get off the phone. Be polite. Say hello.”

  Her eyes widened as her eyes met mine. “Oh, my god, Carmen you’re here!” she ran over and wrapped her arms around me.

  “Yes, I am. It’s so good to see you in person instead of on Face Time.” I held her tight.

  “I thought I wouldn’t see you until Christmas.” She peeked up at me.

  I brushed a few brown strands of hair out of her eyes.

  “That was the plan.” I peeked at her mother then back at her. “But I’m here now. How was school?”

  She slid into the chair next to me. “It was cool. Oh, Carmen you have to see my room. We should paint each other’s nails.”

  “That would be fun.”

  Mrs. Magarelli smiled. “You girls go on. I’ll prepare dinner.”

  “No, I can stay and help.”

  She smiled bright. “You mean a lot to my son. If you didn’t, he would have never allowed you to meet his sister. We’ll catch up later. Go ahe
ad.” She motioned with her hands for us to leave.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  CARMEN

  Alexandria and I ran up the wide wooden staircase into her bedroom.

  “Your room looks so much cooler in person.”

  She grinned. “Thanks, Carmen.”

  Her pink and white princess bedroom was perfect for a tween. We sat along the window seal selecting our colors.

  I unscrewed the green nail polish.

  “Carmen, when do you think you and my brother are getting married?”

  I slid the first coat of polish over her nails. “I don’t know. First we have to finish college.”

  I held her hand, blowing her nails.

  “Are you moving to Jersey?”

  I brushed the polish over her thumb nail. “Maybe.”

  “Yes, she is.”

  Our eyes darted across the bedroom to the deep voice. My stomach tanked. Dominic leaned against the door frame hands stuffed in his gray suit pants pockets. His red eyes met mine.

  I continued painting Alexandria’s nails.

  “Dominic, you’re home!” she exclaimed.

  He strolled across the room and planted his lips on the top of his sister’s head.

  “How was school?”

  “Good. I have a test on Friday. I need to study tonight.”

  I slid the brush across the last nail on her other hand.

  “Alex, I need to borrow Carmen for a moment.”

  “Ok.”

  “I’ll be back.”

  Dominic intertwined our fingers as we walked out of the room. I was livid. My blood was boiling under my skin. He pushed open a bedroom door, I stepped inside. Dominic closed the door behind us. I snatched my hand away.

  “I know you’re upset, Carmen.” He dropped on the bed running his hand over his unruly dark hair.

  He was right, I was hot. Folding my arms across my chest, I paced.

  “Dominic, do you remember what you told me?”

  He sighed meeting my gaze. “No.”

  “You said, I wouldn’t go more than a day, two at the most without hearing from you.”

  He stood, peeling off his jacket, tossing it on the bed.

  “You know what I was doing?”

  I peered up into his dark angry eyes.

  “Shit, Dominic, I received that message Monday then I never heard from you again…” I placed my hand over my mouth and a single tear rolled down my face. “I didn’t know if you were dead or lying in the hospital.”

  “Don’t cry, baby.” Dominic pulled me into his arms. His clothes reeked of cigarette and cigar smoke. I didn’t care despite how mad I was, I wanted to be close to him.

  “I am sorry. There was nothing I could do. For the past three days I’ve been knee deep in a fucked up situation. There was nothing luxurious about this trip. I smell and need a shower.”

  I attempted to shove him back. He didn’t budge. “Your mother doesn’t know what you do. Not to mention she didn’t know who I was.”

  Dominic caressed my face. “She doesn’t know anything. If she does, she’s never brought it to my attention. And no, I didn’t tell her who you were. I would have before Christmas.”

  “Ok, well, I am flying back to San Jose. I just wanted to make sure you were alive. And your guards don’t need to accompany me. I’m a big girl. They said you would kill them if they let me out of their sight.”

  “Yup, I would have.”

  I rolled my eyes, darting to the door. He slammed his hand against the door before I could open it and turned the lock. Dominic pulled me back into his arms. His lips melted against my neck as he unsnapped my jean shorts.

  “I am horny as hell.”

  “Dominic, you never talk like that. What changed?”

  “I haven’t had sex in a little over a year. I was at a strip club the other night with another boss. Made me want to fuck you so good, you’d need assistance to walk for a week.”

  His hand slid into my panties and he circled my clit. “Do you feel how hard I am for you?”

  Moans escaped my lips as I gripped his forearms. “What would you have done if I wasn’t here?”

  “Face Timed you Carmen, and let you watch me stroke my dick until I came.”

  His tongue slid across my earlobe. I was sinking fast. Shit, his tongue felt so fucking good. Not to mention those fingers working their magic over my clit. I wanted him bad. I always wanted him from day one. My eyelids lowered.

  “Did you fly commercial or private?”

  “Dominic, how would I fly private?”

  He halted his movements. “I gave you a credit card with and unlimited balance. You call the air strip and inform them you need to charter a flight.”

  “Dominic, I didn’t have time to do that. I purchased three first class tickets to Newark.”

  He stepped back turning me to face him.

  “Brian knows how to charter a private jet. You are never to fly commercial again.”

  “Dominic, you’re being irrational.”

  “No, I am not.” He grabbed my face. “I mean it, Carmen.”

  “Ok.” I marveled his sexy chiseled face. “I feel silly for coming here. Are you mad I came?”

  “Not at all. If your class load wasn’t so demanding I’d bring you with me all the time.”

  “Dominic, your class load is grueling too.”

  “Yeah, I know,” he exhaled.

  “What other clothes did you bring?”

  “Jeans and a blue jean jacket.”

  “Carmen, I bought you an entire wardrobe. When you are in New Jersey, you have to dress elegant.”

  My eyebrows wrinkled. “Dominic, there are so many rules.”

  “Remember, I am the governor’s son.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Jesus, Dominic, I wouldn’t have had to come to New Jersey if you were able to call me back.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’ll have my mother’s stylist select a few outfits for you. The maid will take your duffel bag to one of the bedrooms down the hall. I’m hopping in the shower.”

  “I’ll return to Alexandria’s room.”

  “Ok we’ll walk down to dinner together.”

  Dominic stared into my eyes. “I missed you so much.” His lips slammed against mine and his hands slid down the back of my shorts, gripping my ass.

  I pushed him back. “Dominic, get ready for dinner.”

  He clutched my face and closed his eyes. “Shit, ok.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  DOMINIC

  I walked into a shit storm Monday afternoon. A motherfucker from Newark put a crew together and thought he and his buddies would hijack two eighteen wheelers from the Esposito family territory. I remembered Marco called early Monday morning.

  Dominic, it’s Marco. How you doing?

  I’m doing all right. The only time I hear from you is when I’m in town on business and we hit the strip club.

  Yeah, I know. I have a huge problem. I don’t want to alert my father. I’d rather handle it with your assistance asap.

  All right. I’ll be there in six hours.

  Thanks, Dom.

  No problem.

  I disconnected the call.

  Marco was Dillon’s best friend. After my brother passed away, Marco and I hung out from time to time.

  I knew if he called the situation was catastrophic.

  Anytime I flew home to handle business I never knew how long I’d be there. Carmen was supportive. She only asked that I call or text to let her know I was ok. I darn sure hated to leave without kissing those sweet lips.

  Before the fall semester began, we made a deal. Carmen could only sleep over if she wasn’t studying for an exam.

  At night, she’d cuddle up in my arms and fall asleep. Her ass caressed my cock over and over again. Next thing I knew I was ripping her panties off and freeing my dick from my boxers.

  “Raise your leg, Carmen,” I whispered, holding her thigh in my hand.

  My teeth clenched her shoulder.
>
  “Dominic, what are you doing?” her voice was groggy.

  “One second, baby.” I rubbed her pussy until she was wet. I pushed the large head of my cock against her tight hole. But it wasn’t budging. She was too tight.

  “Ouch, Dominic.”

  “Shit!” I yelled in a whisper, hopping out of bed. Dipping into the cold shower, I stroked my cock until I came.

  Swiping the towel across my body, I stood at the foot of the bed and watched her sleep. Sometimes Carmen slept so deep, she didn’t budge at the blaring sirens racing through the streets. She was exhausted. Maybe she wouldn’t remember what I tried to do. Slipping on a clean pair of boxers, I walked into the living room and fell asleep on the sofa. After that night, if Carmen spent the night, I’d turn in first and lie on my stomach clutching the edge of the bed.

  That was the only way I could sleep with my woman without having sex with her before I planned.

  Standing in the kitchen, I poured the steaming coffee into my travel cup.

  Soft fingers slid over my chest from behind.

  “Good morning, Baby. How did you sleep?”

  Her lips pressed against my skin.