CHAPTER 10

I jolt awake, feeling something pressing on my neck. I open my eyes and see the nurse, her eyes cold and impassive, trying to suffocate me with the oxygen line. In a panic, I hit her with a blow and she falls to the floor. My heart races and adrenaline rushes through me. Without a second thought, I run out of the room and down the corridor in desperation. My mind is a mess. I try to understand what is happening to me, who I am, but nothing makes sense. I look over my shoulder as I run and notice two men following me. They try to disguise themselves, but they hurry on. They're dressed in lab coats, but something about them is disturbing. I'm gasping for breath and the urge to escape takes over. I open the emergency exit door and start down the stairs, each step faster than the last. I'm frightened and confused, a feeling of deep fear envelops me. Halfway down, as I open an emergency door, I bump into a tall man. His eyes meet mine for a moment and he tries to grab me. I dodge out of the way by reflex, kicking him and heading back down the stairs with my heart in my throat. Every step feels like an extreme effort as I try to escape from this insane situation. I can't understand what's going on, but I know I have to get out of here.

Finally, I reach the first floor and open the door leading to the parking lot. I run as fast as I can, but my feet feel heavy, as if the ground is sucking away my strength. I look back and see eight men armed with various SMGs crossing the parking lot. The terror intensifies. I try to hide behind random cars, trying to control my panting, but the distress is overwhelming. Suddenly, I spot a BMW X6 with its headlights on, ready to go. Without thinking, I run towards it, my last hope of escape. I'm so close, I can almost feel the relief, but before I can reach the door, I hear loud metallic sounds. I feel a stabbing pain run through my body as I'm hit by dozens of bullets...

I open my eyes suddenly, gasping, my heart beating so hard that it feels like it's about to explode. I quickly raise my torso, still gripped by the despair of the nightmare. I rise from the bed and almost trip over my own feet, trying to find my balance. Cold sweat drips down my forehead and my breathing is rapid and irregular. I look around, confused, trying to get my bearings. The familiar walls of the hotel room begin to bring a little relief. My head throbs with the intensity of my emotions, a mixture of residual fear and relief at being awake. The room feels desperately claustrophobic, the walls closing in around me. With quick steps I walk to the bedroom door and open it, seeking some fresh air. Arriving in the lounge and running outside, I feel the wind whipping through my hair. My eyes find Dominique sitting on one of the sun loungers by the pool. His muscular body is glistening, still wet from his recent swim, with drops of water running down his skin. The water in the pool still shimmers slightly.

I wasted no time in hurrying towards him. As I approach, I throw myself into his arms, wrapping my arms around him tightly, my legs wrapping around his waist.  I squeeze him with all the desperation and relief I feel, digging my nails into his back as I curl up against his chest.

“Don't throw me…”, I mutter.

Dominique holds me firmly, but there is a lightness in her tone that is almost provocative.

“Ah, it will depend on what I get in return”, he replies.

I lift my face from his shoulder and stare directly at him, my eyes searching for his, the resemblance of a smile crumbling as he looks at me closely. For a moment, the silence between us is thick. Dominique's expression closes and I find a mixture of concern and determination. He seems to be trying to read my every expression, my every gesture, as if he's trying to search my insides for answers.

“You didn't come all the way from Monaco…”, he says, his voice low but full of suspicion, “Don't tell me it's nothing, because I'm not an idiot”, his tone becomes firmer, “You've got this strange will of wanting to leave, fighting with everyone.”

I deny it, shaking my head from side to side.

“There's nothing to worry about. I've already told you that I'm not leaving, and I just had a fight with Blanca. I'm just waiting for her to arrive so we can talk. It's all right…”

I slide my fingers gently down his chest, drawing invisible lines on it. I lean forward and kiss his neck, nibbling lightly, feeling him shiver under my touch and he lets out a sigh, slipping his hand around the back of my neck, pulling me into a rough kiss, the kind that leaves me astray. The heavy, enveloping grip of his hands, which slide down my body, squeezing and digging his fingers into me, makes me boil. His tongue invades mine shamelessly, leaving me breathless, moaning into his mouth, desperately looking for more. Dom slips his hand under my dress, kneading my ass and I slowly roll over onto his boxer-covered cock, feeling it harden. We keep kissing, the heat circulating freely through me and I realize I'm out of my mind. For a brief moment, it's as if we're the only ones on this roof, without the possibility of anyone else showing up. The friction of our bodies rubbing together is exciting and I go crazy with the movements, making me grab his erection under the fabric, moving it up and down, making him grunt with arousal.

“Fuck…”, Dominique gasps, bringing his hand up to untie the knot on the front of my dress, which is at the nape of my neck

I stop when I hear Maurice's deep voice enter the lounge:

“Jolie, listen, daughter!”

I pull away from Dominique, kissing him one last time before rising from his lap. His gray eyes are heavy on mine, shining with arousal, but also with annoyance. I feel frustrated that I have to stop now, but imagine if Maurice saw this? I walk back into the lounge, out of the outdoor area, and find Maurice next to the sofa, looking angry.

“The only whore I know is your mother, and I forbid you to repeat that word, Jolie! Stop crying! I can't understand anything because of your phlegms, go blow your fucking nose. I don't even need to see it to know that it's all running out.”

I roll my eyes, walk past him and go to my room. I close the door, but I don't lock it, I want to talk to Blanca. I take out my cell phone and send a message, saying that the door is unlocked. She'll need a shower and a change of clothes. If Blanca is calmer, maybe we can talk and set the confusion from earlier today. I put my cell phone on the bed and go into the bathroom, closing the door. The walls are covered in Italian tiles in soft shades of cream and gold, matching the decor of the room. There's a large double sink with gold taps and light wood-framed mirrors, and I turn on the shower. I throw away my tampon and get rid of my dress. I try not to think about Dominique, patting my face lightly, ordering my mind to pull itself together, which is impossible. My heart is still racing and my body is one step away from begging for more. I step into the shower and feel the warm water fall over me. I run my hand through my hair, close my eyes and enjoy the water, take the shampoo and massage it into my hair, then apply the moisturizing mask. I wash my entire length without haste, feeling the citrus fragrance envelop the space, while I'm struggling not to think about Dominique and despairing, because I can't, it's unbearable. Flashes of what happened outside, plus the day in the sauna, leave me slightly disturbed. I rinse my hair and suddenly I feel strong arms wrap around me and turn me around.

Surprised, I look up to find Dominique standing in front of me, her gray eyes shining with a hard-on. The steam from the hot water surrounds us, creating a mist. The atmosphere is charged, the heat of the steam mixing with our tension. The hot water rushes around us, intensifying the connection between us and the electricity that surrounds us, sending shivers down my spine. Dom pulls me by the waist, picking me up off the floor, and I wrap my legs around his hips. I hold his face with my hands and kiss him with desire, losing myself in his tongue that meets mine, sucking, thrusting and tasting my mouth with force. He pins my body against him and the wall with an abrupt impact. With one hand holding my ass and the other slowly thrusting his member inside me, my belly contracts as I feel its length invading me in a delicious way, I roll over, looking for more. With every touch from Dominique, the intensity of what I feel increases. With every thrust, I feel him slide deeper inside me. I let out an uncontrollable moan as his hands squeeze my ass, slapping me with a slap that makes me roll my eyes.

“Fuck!”, Dominique sucks on my breast, leaving a bite and pulling the piercing lightly with his teeth, circling it with his tongue.

I close my eyes, immersing myself in the sensations that overwhelm me and raise my hard-on to almost unbearable levels. It's so intense that I feel crazy, unable to control my body that begs for more. I squeeze Dominique tightly, my nails digging into his back, while my hips move frantically, seeking more contact and pleasure. I hear Dom curse, his sound full of desire and frustration mixing with the fast pace of our movements. Each thrust is an explosion of sensations, and the internal pressure is almost unbearable, pushing me towards a climax. I kiss his mouth in desperation, lick his face, bite his ear, going down to his neck and biting it hard with a hickey, while pulling on his drenched hair, making him growl low. Pressing me harder against the wall, fucking me hard, slapping my ass, I kiss him again, pulling on his lower lip. In the midst of this torrent of unbridled sensations, I feel a fierce impulse. I slap him hard across the face, the impact resounding. The sound of my palm against his skin mixes with the heat of the moment and the movement catches his attention. Holding his face, my gaze meets his with intensity. My voice, hoarse and full of possessiveness, whispers between our close lips:

“I'm fucking yours!”

Dominique's response is a roar of horniness, approval and satisfaction.

“You bitch!”

My body seems to vibrate out of control, with the intensity of the pleasure becoming intolerable. I feel myself contracting little by little, the sensations spreading involuntarily and relentlessly. The heavy breathing of both of us reflects this desperate agony and when all the accumulated tension explodes, we burst at once into a maddening orgasm. Dominique joins me in coming. He squirts inside me and his hand wraps around my neck with a force that leaves me briefly stunned, but ecstatic. When Dom releases his hand, I wrap my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder. I feel satisfied and exhausted, with little spasms still running through my body, merely sated and surrendered.

Dominique pulls out of me after we've recovered and lowers me to the floor, my legs feeling shaky. I lean against the wall as I watch him take a quick shower, keeping his gaze fixed on me, looking all over me, as if he were recording every part of my body and with satisfaction on his lips at seeing the new marks.

“You look beautiful in them.”

I approach Dom, raising my gaze.

“Never make them synonymous with punishment again.”

Dominique doesn't say anything, just leans over me, kisses my mouth and leaves the shower. I go back under the hot water, feeling strange. I don't know exactly why I'm feeling frustrated. I just hope I'm not getting carried away with some cheesy action, because I'm not like that and neither is he. It's okay. I say, mentally, returning to my second shower.

I dry off and put on a pair of navy shorts and a lacy top, returning to the bedroom to find it empty. I walk over to bed, feeling a fusion of shame and broken expectation. I put my hand to my head. I told you it was his! My God... what was I thinking? Deep in horniness, of course. Before, I was able to control my body and my head to a minimum, trying to avoid the thoughts, actions and feelings that upset me about Dominique. Not now, it's as if a barrier has broken down and I have no control over anything else. As I sit up in bed, I realize I'm out of water. I check the time on my cellphone, and it's midnight. I get up, cross the room and open the door. I see Dominique sitting on the sofa in the lounge, his torso bare and wearing only black pajama pants. In one hand, a glass of whisky that he slowly swirls, the liquid amber. His gray gaze meets mine and suddenly becomes a storm of disbelief and anger, his eyes scanning every inch of my exposed body.

I walk towards him, keeping my gaze steady, without turning away.

“What's wrong? You're not going to sleep, are you?”, I ask ,with a hint of defiance in my voice.

“You've got to be kidding me”, he replies, almost as if he's trying to contain an outburst.

I frown, confused...

“Why?”

Dominique stands up quickly, leaving the glass of whisky on the table with a sudden movement. In two strides, he's in front of me, his big hand gripping my waist tightly, pulling me against his body and leaning in. I feel his heavy breathing against my face.

“Maurice and Vlad could show up at any moment and you're walking like this? You're fucking crazy!”, he growls.

I shrug, feigning indifference, even though my heart is racing.

“I don't see any problem, I'm just going to get some water and go to sleep, since you've gone”, I reply, trying to loosen my grip on him, with a slight teasing acidity.

Before I can completely disentangle myself, Dominique, with one agile movement, lifts me off the ground with one arm, carrying me back to the bedroom. My body collides with his as he carries me inside, his strength and determination clear in every step. The door closes with a bang behind us. And from the anger in his eyes, I'm sure no one will be sleeping in this room tonight...

I wake up with a start, the clock strikes six in the morning. Still a little groggy, I see Dominique coming out of the door, his tall, strong figure walking away in silence. My whole body feels the pain radiating from my muscles down to the last strand of my hair, like a reminder of that early morning. Dominique has spared no effort, every part of my body is sore, as if I've been pushed to the limit, and I have. Despite my tiredness, I can't help but smile a little as I remember the many incredible rounds that kept us awake until 3:30 in the morning, until sleep finally overcame me.

I get up and go straight to the bathroom, letting the hot water of the shower relieve some of the tension in my muscles. The tiredness persists. After showering, I take off my bed linen, rolling it up as the white sheets look more like a crime scene. I throw everything into the dirty clothes basket in the suite. I hate periods! I choose comfortable jeans that hug my body without being too tight. The long-sleeved white blouse, which is tight, leaving a strip of skin from my ribs and has a high collar, offers a touch of sophistication while keeping my body warm. Fortunately, the weather has turned and it's cold outside, so I won't need to apply foundation to hide the new and old marks. I put on the pair of sneakers Dominique gave me. I do light make-up, just enough to soften the traces of exhaustion, a touch of concealer, mascara to open my eyes, and nude lipstick to add a little color and finish by tying the top of my hair up in a black bow, leaving a few strands loose. When I'd finished, I leave for my room, opening the door to find Maurice in the lounge talking on his cell phone, dressed in a navy dressing gown. I glance around the room, finding Blanca in the outdoor area, sitting at the coffee table, typing on her cell phone, with a straight face. I hasten my steps, heading towards her, who’s wearing the same dress as yesterday and is wrapped in a blanket.

“Not even to send a fucking message saying you were fine? I was worried.”

“So worried you closed the door, huh? You cynic”, Blanca retorts, “I knocked on the door, shouted, called you and nothing!”

I blinked several times, realizing that I was in reality. I didn't hear when Blanca hit me, probably because I was in the shower with Dominique or afterwards, when he was on top of me. I couldn't pay attention to anything else, just him fucking me like crazy.

“But it's okay, Kiki. No hard feelings. If it hadn't been for you, my life wouldn't have changed”, Blanca says.

“What has changed from yesterday to today?”, I ask, curiously.

“A lot. I'll change and we'll go to the salon today, I've made an appointment. Let's get everything done”, Blanca says, standing up

I confirm, but without understanding anything. Apparently, everything is fine, we don't even need to talk about the rather exaggerated fight we had. But it's strange, what an unexpected change of personality. Hm, there's something there.

I see Dom walk through the door, also coming into the outdoor area, trying to knot the tie around his neck. His suit is complete, made up of a lead gray suit and his blond hair is straight. Our gazes meet and the tie no longer seems to be his target, looking me up and down. He pulls out the chair next to me and sits down.

“Cancel everything you have to do in two weeks' time. You're going with me to Marie Chérie's birthday”, he says, at once, picking up the pot of coffee and putting it in his cup.

“Me???”, my tone is perplexed, “No... I don't even know how to behave in a family environment.”

“And who says it's a family environment? Kiki, if you build walls around it, it's a madhouse, if you cover it, it's a circus. I'm not giving you a choice, you’re coming and that's it. It's a trip to the French countryside”, Dom tries the coffee and puts it in front of me.

I take a sip, feeling the hot drink go down my throat.

“I thought it was very chic.”

“The family has a property there.”

Dom says, focused, trying to tie the knot deftly, but his fingers seem to get tangled with every movement. He throws the tie over his shoulder, pulling the ends from side to side, but the knot doesn't take shape as he would like. Clearly nervous about the subject.

Without saying a word, I put my hand over his, pulling his fingers away from the tie.  I undo the clumsy knot carefully, loosening the fabric and starting again, this time with patience. As I redo it, my fingers move with precision, pulling the ends of the tie until they line up, then tucking them against the collar of his shirt. When I finish and look at him, I notice his gaze sinking to me, the air carries a silent tension, he doesn't look away. I feel my heart beating fast, making all kinds of feelings I didn't want to feel manifest. Dominique slides her index finger from my forehead to the tip of my nose.

I swallow, looking away.

“This coffee is delicious. I'd like some more”, I say, turning the cup over and placing it back in front of him.

I take a croissant from the basket on the table and hand it to Dom.

“Bite me.”

He looks away.

“I won't evengive you more coffee for three fucks.”

“Damn it, Dominique. Just one more. I'm going to spend the whole day at the salon with Blanca, I need to be in the mood.”

“We know how you get when you drink coffee, don't we? Even I don't sniff like that.”

I open my eyes in amazement.

“I can't believe it... you sniff?”

“No, Kiki. He sucks it up”, Maurice enters the outdoor area, “By the way, I don't think you know this animal without illicit and dubious contents in its blood.”

“How you like being an eternal pain in the ass. It's impossible, Maurice”, Dominique says, picking up the knife and smearing the jam on the toast.

“You're killing yourself with drugs and talking about my preservatives? Very hypocritical.”

Dominique raises her index finger.

“There is a difference, Kiki. If I'm going to slip up on one side, I'll make up for it on the other. It's the law of balance.”

Maurice agrees, biting into his pear. Blanca approaches, dressed in gray pants and a long coat, pulling out a chair and sitting down next to me.

“Kiki, I have to update you”, Blanca takes a bunch of grapes and puts them on her plate”, Various events.

“And we're going to the meeting. Come on, Maurice”, Dominique leans a little closer, her voice deep between us, as his hand slowly moves down to my thigh.

Before he stands up, he squeezes it tightly, his fingers digging into my skin. His touch makes me close my eyes briefly, a sigh escaping my lips as I feel a delicious wave. I place my hand over his, holding it. The firm pressure of his fingers contrasts with the softness of the gesture, creating a mixture of pain and pleasure that makes me take a deep breath, trying to contain the reaction he arouses in me. Dom removes it and I watch with my eyes as he leaves.

“What kind of events?”, I say to Blanca, putting my hand to my chest.

Blanca gives a slight smirk, glancing at a black credit card between her fingers and putting it back in her wallet.

“Where did you get this?”, I ask.

“My daddy’s going to pay for us to go to the salon today”, she winks.

“Are you crazy? It's not possible. What? Or rather, where?”, I say, perplexed.

“I can't say, I’ve signed an NDA.”

“My God... what if he's a madman? Blanca!”

“You can be sure he is”, she says, taking a bite of the green apple

After Blanca's coffee, I'm still in shock at what she said to me. What do you mean? She's fucking crazy! It's unbelievable. There's a difference between getting into a guy's car because you're being stalked and signing a contract without even knowing the person. Crazy! Anyway, we’ve arrived at the salon, with its view of the Tuscan hills. The interior is a fusion of Renaissance tradition and contemporary design. The carrara marble floor reflects the soft light that filters through the huge glass windows, providing a breathtaking view of the Italian gardens. The walls are adorned with delicate frescoes and reinterpretations of classical Florentine art, and the lighting hangs from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm golden glow throughout the space.

I'm sitting in the leather chair, watching my hair reflected in the mirror in front of me, while Giovanni, the hairdresser, talks about the options for cuts I can have. My hair is long, falling in soft waves past my ribs. I'm tempted to cut most of it off, something radical.

My cell phone beeps and I find a message from Dominique that says:

Disproportionate misunderstanding and slander against me in front of not only Eva, but the entire restaurant inside my casino = 2,000 Є.

Made my niece cry, debt aside = 2,000 Є.

Entered my arcade without permission wearing a bum wig, thinking he had a right to be there = 2,000 Є.

Fooled Vlad to go to the arcade = 2,000 Є.

Didn't look at me. Reason? Nonexistent, so far = 2,000 Є.

You didn't let Vlad into the office with you, because HE HAS TO GO WITH YOU EVERYWHERE = 2,000 Є.

Total: 12,000 euros.

With the exception of the day I didn't speak to him, because Dominique asked for it and still thinks it's right, because he has the nerve to think it was my mistake, I thought the bill was fair. It really was wrong, it could have been a lot worse. Another message arrives.

Payment will be settled if you return with the hair at the length it was. If you cut it, the amount doubles.

Oh, Dominique... honestly. I look at the hairdresser, saying I'll just moisturize, opening the notepad on my phone and reaching for the "Dom's debts" folder and typing the messages committed to washing my soul clean.

Orgasm deprivation in the playhouse = 2,000 Є.

Nastiness throughout the week, including the argument in the bedroom that crossed the line = 15,000 Є. (Counting all the insults I said)

Trying to make a fool of me and not going home because I knew you drunk or would stay = 2,000 Є.

Mark me as punishment and still think it's right = 2,000 Є.

I didn't eat 4 meals (2,000 euros per meal) = 8,000 Є.

Total: 29,000 euros.

I send it.

I want to go to Disney Paris to see Mickey with you, and there's no other option. Deadline is next month.

Dominique sends me the printout of the tickets he's bought and I stifle a scream, then pull myself together. Oh my God!

We spent the whole afternoon at the salon, doing everything we could, hydration, nails and spa, all paid for by Blanca's new daddy. It's four in the afternoon, I haven't even had lunch. I'm just drinking water and starving. Vlad is waiting for us outside the salon, I open the door of the BMW and sit behind the driver. Blanca turns around and gets in on the other side.

Vlad approaches the car to get in, but something in the room makes him wary, his gaze is as if something is out of place. Before he can react, a man appears, grabbing Vlad from behind and pressing a gun to his face.

 “Vlad!”, I shout.

Dread spreads through my body. He gives me a quick glance, his eyes wide with tension, as he raises his hands in surrender. The attacker, a well-dressed man with curly brown hair, hits Vlad with the butt of his gun, causing him to stagger, almost losing consciousness. The man pushes him aside, takes control of the car and starts the engine, locking the doors. Blanca lets out a high-pitched scream, terrified.

“Help me!”, she begs, her voice trembling and full of despair.

My heart is racing, and I feel confusion overtake me. The car starts abruptly, and the man turns towards us, gun in hand. I take a deep breath, struggling to keep control.

“Shut up, you bitch!”, he snarls, shoving the Glock 19 into Blanca's face, who starts to shake uncontrollably and slumps down in her seat

“Don't do that!”, I shout.

 Then he turns his attention to me, a cruel smile forming on his lips.

 “Shut up!”

Something primal awakens inside me, an intense mixture of fear and adrenaline. My body is panicking, but my mind remains cool, focused. The man turns his attention to the street, accelerating wildly, running red lights and screeching his tires on the asphalt. Blanca looks at me desperately and I squeeze her hand tightly, trying to convey some reassurance, even though the feeling of desperation is consuming me. I know I can't let things go on like this.

Suddenly, I feel a pop inside my head. As if time were slowing down. Despite the adrenaline rush, I can see my surroundings clearly and I know what to do. With a calculated movement, I slip my hand into my jacket pocket and take out the bow tie I've put there. I avoid sudden movements, slipping discreetly to the edge of the bench. Blanca looks at me in awe, shaking her head in the affirmative, her eyes pleading. I am filled with determination and coldly carry out my plan. At the next sharp bend, I seize the opportunity and, with a single movement, slip the noose over the seat and wrap it tightly around the assailant's neck and keep asking myself: who is he? And what does he want?

He reacts instantly, letting go of the steering wheel to try and get rid of the tape, but I squeeze with all the strength I have, planting my foot against the back of the seat to stabilize myself. I tense the seat with my legs and rest my back on my backrest, so that he doesn't drop his seat to free himself. The action lasts seconds, but, in my eyes, it lasted an eternity. My whole body is tense, my muscles burning with effort as he struggles to breathe, his movements becoming more desperate by the moment. I feel sweat trickling down my palms and the sound of his panting echoes in my ears. Despite the fear that invades me, there is a fierce desire inside me, something I didn't know I possessed.

The car swerves dangerously, and in desperation he starts firing his gun. One of the shots goes through the side window, but narrowly misses hitting us. Blanca screams, her voice piercing through the chaos, but I ignore her pleas, focused on finishing what I started. Now it's all or nothing. The effort of holding the lasso makes me feel every fiber of my body in action, the adrenaline burning through my veins. It feels like I've been fighting for days, I can even feel my body faltering, but I know I can't let go now.

The security car arrives in the opposite direction. They close in on us and slam into the car from the side, forcing it to stop abruptly. With one last jerk, the noose tightens even more and the attacker finally collapses. I feel my body shaking, my heart pounding wildly, but I have to act fast. I release the noose and, without hesitating, jump over the console, unlocking the doors. Blanca jumps out of the car and runs. One of the security guards comes up to us, opens the driver's door and pulls the unconscious man out.

“Are you all right, Kiara?”, he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I nod, but my head is still spinning. My body begins to weaken and it's only then that I realize how hard I'm shaking, as the adrenaline begins to dissipate. Everything seems so surreal. What I've just done, the danger we're facing... but, for now, I can only focus on breathing, feeling my heart still beating fast in my chest. I get out of the passenger door, noticing how limp my legs are.

“Oh, Kiki!”, my friend hugs me tightly and I hug back, wrapping my arms around her, “I was so scared, I thought something might have happened to you, my God. Were you hurt?”, Blanca holds my face.

“Everything's fine.”

Blanca takes my hand, seeing the burn from the force of pulling the tape. I watch the attacker being tied up by the security guards, by his legs and arms, being thrown to the ground anyway. Curious people pass by looking, stopping. Whispering questions to each other, making me put my hand to my head. I hear a car brake abruptly near us and Vlad gets out in large strides, coming up to us, inspecting us cautiously, worried.

“Are you all right?”, I ask, distressed, finding his shirt stained with blood.

“I'm…”

I hug Vlad, who hugs me back, stroking my hair. I realize I'm in shock. He holds my face.

“Come on, I need to get you out of here.”

“Who did this? Does it have to do with me?”, I ask, desperately.

“Why should it?”, Blanca asks.

“It's a long story…”

“It's not on you, not this time.”

Confusion flashes across my face.

“Was it like a robbery, a kidnapping?”

Vlad looks away.

“I think you'd better come with me, Dominique is waiting.”

The ride back was silent and I'm still trying to process what happened. Everything was so fast and unexpected that my head’s spinning. Blanca is standing quietly next to me and, not knowing what to say, I lightly pat her leg, trying to offer some comfort. We get into the private elevator with Vlad.

“Blanca, it could have been worse... imagine, you could have died”, I try to sound firm, tapping her lightly on the shoulder.

Blanca turns to me, her eyes squeezed shut and her eyelashes blinking frantically.

“You're so insensitive! It wasn't just me, you were too, you crazy woman.”

I feel my shoulders slump and look away from Vlad as the elevator reaches the penthouse. The doors open, revealing the empty lounge.

“It was surreal. I thought quickly, I was so nervous, but something inside me ignited. The next thing I knew, I had the lasso in my hands and I was going all out.”

Vlad looks at me with wide eyes. Suddenly, I hear the sound of shattering. I look in the direction of the glass doors and see Dom gesturing aggressively at the head of security, who stands his ground and only nods in a restrained manner. Dominique sticks his finger in the man's face and dismisses him with a nod. He watches the guard walk away, picks up a bottle of whisky from the table and, with a calmer countenance, as if he were making a basketball shot, throws the drink over the edge. I'm shocked, my lips ajar at the scene.

I take a step towards him when I see the head of security walk past me, visibly shaken. But Vlad stops me, taking the lead and heading to the outside area, carrying some decorations with him. I lean against the glass door, crossing my arms as I watch.

As he approaches Dom, Vlad hands him a crystal vase. Dominique, without hesitation, throws it as calmly as before. I can't say I'm surprised by this attitude. You'd expect everything from him. But Vlad encouraging it? He should get those things out of the way, they're too expensive to break like that!

The security guard says something that makes Dominique look away from me. His eyes pass over me meticulously, in a silent search. His countenance is serious, irritated, but I notice a glimmer of concern crossing his face, almost imperceptibly, as if it was just passing by. And his posture isn't that of someone who doesn't know anything; on the contrary, he knows everything. I enter the outdoor area, heading towards Dominique. I pass by the pool, where the water moves slightly in the cold breeze. I put my hands in my jacket pockets, approaching them.

“What happened? Who was that guy? Vlad said it wasn't for me”, I shoot all the questions at once.

“It was for me”, he replies dryly, turning his attention to Vlad.

“What?”, I try to understand, but I don't get an answer.

“There will be no talking. Fire all these people and hire real professionals. Take advantage of the fact that we're in Italy and that the guys here are powerhouse.”

Dominique says, taking a statue from Vlad's hands and throwing it downstairs just as calmly as before. He approaches the eaves of the outdoor area, looking down to see if he's hit the right spot. 

“I want quality private security, five guys to each step of hers”, he points at me.

“Mercenaries?”, Vlad asks.

“Yes, the worst kind. The kind that kill and turn you inside out.”

“What's the point? I can handle it, just like I did this time. Dom, I only had a bow tie in my pocket”, I say

Dominique turns to me, clearly trying to understand where a noose comes in the middle of an attempted kidnapping.

“I strangled him, with all my strength. I was almost hit, can you believe it? He stuck the gun in Blanca's face, it was a Glock G19! It was insane.”

I see Dominique's breath become heavier.

“What's it like?”, he glances at Vlad, who closes his eyes briefly

“I just found out, sir. She intercepted him”, Vlad replies

Dominique looks at me in sparks, her concern now evident.

“If you're going to put a troop together, make sure there's no one who looks more like a normal person so they can go undercover, you know? Like a distant cousin who's come to see us”, as I say the comment, I find the conviction of my words strange, and I'm not the only one, because they both look at me with raised eyebrows

“I don't care where this son of a bitch ends up, but it's to get past him, Vlad. Do you understand?”, his voice is cold and definitive, “Good. Let them gut him at prison and be sure to order them to eat his ass first. And you”, he turns to me, “You're not leaving my side. No more fun.”

Before I can argue, Dominique leaves, striding back to the lounge. I enter just behind him, who turns to Blanca, who’s crying but holding a glass of champagne.

“Make sure you don't tell anyone what happened here today, big mouth”, he says, harshly.

“Blanca's not to blame for the shit you do”, Maurice retorts from where he's sitting on the bar stool, clearly annoyed, “So many people to bring into your house and choose crazy woman”, Maurice lets out, his tone full of disapproval.

“That's not your problem!”, Dom replies, firmly.

“It's mine, yes. From the moment you don't think about the consequences of your actions and put other people in danger”, he points at Blanca.

“Are you trying to blame me, you son of a bitch?”, Dominique retorts, incredulous.

“And whose debtor is that? Mine? Whose crazy bitch is that? Mine? That girl strangled a guy with a fucking shoelace, Dominique! Who knows what else she can do with a shoelace?”

“It's self-defense!”, Dom says, seriously, annoyed.

“Who defends themselves like that, Dominique? She's not normal. If she were, she'd be in shock”, Maurice points again at Blanca, who lets out a deep sniffle.

He glares at her.

“Blow your fucking nose, Blanca. I can't stand phlegm or people who pull it out.”

Maurice throws a handkerchief at her and she catches it, standing up and screaming.

“Ogre!”, she says, passing by me, entering the room and closing the door

I put my hand to my lips in disbelief at what I'm witnessing.

“It was just an impulse, Maurice. Anyone would have done the same”, I say, nervously.

“Reacting to a kidnapping and leaving as if nothing had happened to them?”, he asks, skeptically.

“Who says I'm okay?”, I shout, my voice full of frustration.

Dominique looks at me immediately, analyzing every detail as if looking for something wrong.

“Goddamn it, enough of this bickering. Maurice, fuck off!”, Dominique loses patience.

Dominique grabs me firmly by the arm and drags me towards the elevator, his face closed, as if he was blocking out everything around him. I don't dare say a word. The silence between us is heavy. When the elevator doors open into the hotel's busy lobby, he maintains his grip, but now slides his hand to the base of my neck, guiding me with determination towards the bar. We cross the main hall, a place full of life, with people chatting and laughter that catches my attention. As we enter the bar, the space is dimly lit and filled with the soft aroma of drinks and cigars. It's sophisticated, with leather armchairs and shelves full of bottles that gleam under the golden light. Dominique leads me to a table in the corner of the bar, where a dark U-shaped sofa envelops the space in a welcoming way. He positions me in the center and sits down next to me, his presence dominating the whole place. The waiter comes over to us, dressed in his burgundy uniform.

“Good evening, what can I get started for you?”

“Two bottles of vodka and appetizers”, Dominique says.

“And a jar of hazelnut cream, sealed”, I complement.

Dominique gives me a disgusted look.

“What?”, I ask.

He doesn't answer, just agrees. The waiter leaves, leaving us alone.

“Dom…”

His hand covers my mouth.

“Don't say anything, let me drink first.”

Before long, the drinks arrive. Dominique opens the bottle of vodka after checking that it's sealed and pours it into a glass to the brim, turning it over in large gulps. He does the same and hands it to me, pours more into his glass and drinks it all again.

“Who set this up?”, I ask seriously, also taking large sips

Dom slams his glass on the table, looking at me.

“The same guy who organized the beach chasers, only this time he was in person.”

“And who that is?”, I ask.

“t won't make any difference in a few hours. The less you know about that part, the better. But he owed me, he didn't pay. Vlad thought he'd sorted it out, but apparently not. What matters is that you're okay and that this son of a bitch is going to die. The new security won't fail, I won't let that happen”, he says, refilling his glass and he fills mine.

“It's all over now, there's nothing to worry about, right?”, I take Dom's hand and place mine over his, stroking it with my thumb in light circles.

Dominique is still frowning, his thoughts clearly tormenting him. Without hesitation, I cross my legs over his, positioning myself facing him, one leg on either side of his body. I feel his hands automatically slide to my waist, the touch firm, but his gaze remains lost, confused.

“Talk to me”, my voice is soft but firm, as I place my hands on his face, forcing him to face me. His eyes, normally so impenetrable, now look cloudy, as if he's fighting an internal storm, “Are you like this just because of what happened?”, I insist, trying to understand.

He looks at me, a mixture of frustration and disbelief on his face.

“Just?”, he almost growls, his voice filled with restrained anger, “Everything could have gone to shit today. You'd be one of those things and you have the nerve to say ‘just’? Fuck, Kiki”, he stops for a moment, taking a deep breath, as if the words were hard to get out, “Because of me, you know?”

“And since when do you care about others?”, I ask, staring at him.

Dominique rolls his eyes, exhausted, picks up his glass of vodka and takes a long sip. When he looks at me again, there's an intense gleam in his eye, something deeper.

“I don’t give a fuck to people, but the subject changes when it's you.”

The words slip out of his mouth with ease, his eyes, once firm and penetrating, falter briefly, as he says them. I close my eyes and bring my face closer to his, nose to nose.

“Are you really worried about me?”, my tone is surprised.

“Of course not. Do you think the world revolves around you?”, he says, straight

I raise my hands, trying to get out of his lap, but I'm held back by Dom, who puts his hands between my hair, curls it in his hands, brings my face closer, takes another sip and kisses my mouth, sucking my lips lightly. The taste of vodka permeates my mouth, making me nibble on the underside. I deepen the kiss, digging my nails into his shoulder, moving on to the back of his neck and scratching him, hearing a low growl of satisfaction. His hands squeeze my waist tightly, removing the blouse that was inside my pants and running his hands up the side, making my body shiver with the touch.

The world around us doesn't matter at all. So what if we're in a bar and anyone can see us? The most dangerous are Maurice and Blanca, but given the chaotic scene upstairs, I doubt they'll come down, unless they decide to get drunk. But, with the amount of champagne up there, Blanca wouldn't want to come down. Dominique sucks my mouth, eliciting a grunt from me against his lips. We're so involved that we don't even notice the waiter approaching, until the sound of plates being placed on the table stops us. I pull away from Dom, frustrated that we've been interrupted. Who needs appetizers when you've got the whole dinner in your hands?

“Do you need anything else, sir?”, the man asks.

Dom denies it with a brief nod and I quickly turn around, raising my index finger.

“I want a mix of all the drinks and I don't care what comes out”, I say, pointing to all the shelves in the bar, literally all of them.

“Kiki…”, Dom warns in a tone meaning this is going downhill.

“I've had a very difficult day…”

I say it looking into his eyes and without breaking eye contact.

“Bring two.”

“I'll arrange it. Excuse me.”

I kiss Dom, getting off him and returning to the upholstery. He tries the appetizers one by one so that I can eat. I taste each one, enjoying the different flavors. It doesn't take long for the waiter to return with two 500 ml glasses in a brown color, placing them in front of us. Dom and I exchange suggestive glances.

“Try it”, I say.

Dominique picks up the glass and puts it to his lips.

“Tastes like everything and nothing at the same time. I think it's too strong for you.”

“Good, that's the way I want it”, I take it from his hands.

He raises his and we toast, drinking it all in one gulp, feeling the bitter taste on my palate and the alcohol tearing down my throat, burning everything and possibly taking my dignity with it. When we'd finished, we both slammed our glasses against the table in a high-pitched sound.

“Not bad, I've had worse”, says Dominique.

“You know what? This seems familiar”, I say, seriously.

“Weren't you a bar owner? Did you drink the rest so as not to waste money and beat anyone who didn't pay?”

I hold his arm.

“Dom, you're a genius! It can make so much sense. I feel more relieved”, I put my hand to my chest, let out a laugh and look around for the waiter, “I make the 2 sign with my fingers.”

We've been here for almost two hours now, or something close to that. I stopped counting on the third dose, because my senses are no longer at their most heightened. In fact, it would be disingenuous to say that I'm only "a little" drunk. My body is lightweight, and I feel like I'm floating like a feather, the colors seem warmer, more vibrant and the heat inside me is scorching. The idea of control is just a vague passing. Dom is slumped on the sofa, his legs open, his head thrown back and his hand resting on my thigh. I'm leaning against him, my head on his arm.

“I'm going to the... bathroom.”

I stand up at once and everything around me starts to spin. My feet fail me and Dominique grabs me around the waist, firmly and immediately. I lean on the edge of the table, trying to steady my head.

“I'm drunk”, I speak in a slurred voice, the words coming out a bit stumbled.

“I've had enough to drink for a day”, Dominique says, standing up without taking his hands off me.

“I don't want to stop now, I'm fine!”, I narrow my gaze, turning to him.

Dom gives me a look as if I'm not bothered, guiding me off the sofa.

“Oh dear! Everything must be the way you want it.”

“Exactly, dolly. Otherwise, I don't even bother leaving the house.”

“I don't even bother leaving the house”, I imitate him in an annoying little voice, rolling my eyes

He guides me carefully, his arm keeping me on my feet as we cross the road back, leaving the bar and leading me to the elevator. As we enter, Dom presses the button for the penthouse.

“You can't drink coffee, you get electric. If you drink booze, you get boring. I'll remember to leave you alone with the water.”

“Oh, Dominique, don't be like that”, I hold him in my embrace, “I'm going to Portugal, and nor you nor anyone else is going to stop me.”

Dom looks at me in denial, as if he's judging me.

“Oh, yeah? And how do you intend to get there?”, he asks.

“I have a huge boat. I'll show you.”

The elevator door opens into the penthouse, I break away from Dom and rip off my coat anyway, throwing it over the sofa as I pass him, tripping over the corner table, knocking over the lamp and heading for my room, knocking on the door several times.

“Take care, bitch. I'm going to Portugal.”

“What?”, I hear Blanca's voice coming from inside.

I go outside, feeling happier than ever, the cool early morning wind hitting my hot face. With unexpected energy, I walk over to one of the sun loungers, pick up the large cushion and, without thinking twice, throw it into the pool. Then I jump right back in. The icy water envelops me in a shock that makes me shiver from head to toe. I swim to the cushion, gasping as I climb on top of it, trying to keep my balance. I hear voices in the background, but I ignore them. The water is cold, the sensation of soaked clothes weighing me down is uncomfortable, but not enough to erase the euphoria. My strength begins to fail and I reach the other side of the pool, feeling firm hands holding me up. As I raise my head, I find Dominique, crouched on the edge.

“It's been a long journey to Portugal, hasn't it?”, Dominique says wryly.

I'm shaking from head to toe.

“Exhaust... ing.”

He pulls me up easily, lifting me by the collar of my blouse, standing me up and holding me. Blanca comes running with a white towel, wrapping it around me.

“Wow, Kiki, you stink of alcohol. What have you done, Dominique? She stays with you for a few hours and comes back smelling like a gas station?”

“Shut up, Blanca”, Dominique says, angrily.

“Don't talk to my friend like that. She knows gas stations!”, I raise my index finger, feeling very groggy.

“Damn it, Kiki! Shut up, are you crazy?”, Blanca slaps me on the arm.

“Ouch!”

“Come on, you need to take a shower and put on some warm clothes”, Blanca pulls me along and I follow her, my steps not so firm.

Blanca is visibly irritated. Why is that? I don't know. She starts to wash my hair, her fingers working between the strands, while she grumbles about the fact that I went to the salon today only to have my hair chlorinated afterwards. She applies a moisturizing mask, caring for my strands with the determination of someone who wants to fix the damage. Then she leaves me on the floor for a long time, pouring cold water on me in an intensive effort to cure my hangover. Gradually, the cold water begins to take effect and I feel the drunkenness dissipate.

“You know what annoys me?”, Blanca begins, her voice laden with frustration, “You're never going to do that to me. Drink until you drop. I wanted you to trust me.”

She continues, a growing indignation.

“I keep thinking: how can it be? So much trust in him! He's a selfish madman. You go out with him and look how you come back.”

She sighs, her eyes fixed on me, waiting for an answer.

“Blanca... I trust you.”

“Liar! You’re out there, walking with Dominique. You're lying just like him”, Blanca says.

“Don't talk about him like that.”

“Stop defending him. You're both disturbed. How will you be when he gets tired? Have you thought about it?”

“What, everything goes back to normal? I go back to my cans, the contract ends, and I find a place to live. Close to each other, we see each other every day, so you don't even miss me. But see how you are? You got into a fight with me because I was talking about my independence.”

“What's more, I care about you. Dominique isn't the best of people, never has been.”

“Why are you saying that?”, I get up, turn off the shower and grab the towel, wrapping it around my body

“Why? Have you looked in the mirror?”, she whispers between her teeth, “You're all fucking marked up.”

I look at my reflection in the mirror and realize. Fuck! The marks... all of them all over my body. Jeez! As I slide the brush through my hair, each movement is an effort to regain control.

“That's nothing.”

Blanca's eyes widen.

“Kiki, please... use the part of your brain that's left and think with me. This could be a big mistake, and you could get hurt. And I don't mean that literally”, she says, stroking my head.

“There's nothing to worry about, everything's fine. You've seen what I can do with a bow tie, haven't you?”

I look at Blanca, who nods in agreement.

“Now I'm worried about him.”

I give Blanca a wink and go back to my room, thinking about what we talked about. I trust Dominique, it may be shocking for people, but it's not for me, I know that things can change quickly and I'm doing my best not to let these feelings and the whole avalanche get to me, but it's complicated. I don't want to be away from him and it's nobody's business. And if it all goes wrong, I'll know I've made a mistake, but it's all me.