CHAPTER 11

The journey back was uneventful, despite the disastrous hangover. My stomach is churning, and my head is one step away from exploding. It's three in the afternoon and I just got out of bed to get on the jet and head back. Vlad dropped me off at Céline, where I spent the next two hours working, putting together the week's outfits. I don't know how I managed to keep my thoughts coherent, but it worked. Blanca came with me and she's going to be here a while longer. This crazy woman wants to drag me out to a club, but all I want is a comfortable bed to rest in.

I arrive at the mansion, determined to take a long bath and finally go to bed. As I enter the bedroom, I'm confronted with a completely renovated room, which makes me stand petrified in the doorway. I take a step back, returning to the hallway, just to make sure I've entered the right room. When I return, I see my luggage on the floor. The walls are now white with subtle silver details. In the center of the room, a modern chandelier in concentric circles stands out. The king size bed is the focal point of the room, with an upholstered headboard in a metallic silver tone and chic, sophisticated bedding. The furniture is modern in design, with elegant glass bedside tables. The curtains are long and white, adding a touch of lightness to the space. The balcony has also been redesigned, with external furniture that follows the same design as the internal furniture, creating perfect harmony between the rooms. The closet doors, made of white glass, are adorned with the name "Kiara" in silver, in a cursive and refined calligraphy, which shines subtly under the soft lighting. As I push them open, I am faced with a vast space. A navy carpet blends in perfectly and a chic white armchair completes the decor. The clothes are hanging, organized by shade, and, as I browse through them, I notice that they are all Chanel, one more beautiful than the other! Oh my God! An end-to-end mirror takes up the entire wall, allowing a detailed view of any combination. The shoe rack is equally modern and luxurious, stretching from floor to ceiling and revealing a diversity of pairs that I didn't have here. In the center of the closet, there is a magnificent dressing table positioned next to the shelves, with a chair upholstered in fur that matches the color of the room. I open the door into the closet and find a suite with an elegant double sink, a marble countertop and my dream shower with 12 outlets!

I throw my bag on the floor and run euphorically downstairs. As I exit the elevator, I cross the living room and head straight for the other side of the house. As I enter the kitchen, I bump into Berta, who is vigorously shaking a shaker, probably Dom's post-workout.

“Where's Dom?”, my tone is agitated.

Mathilde is focused, cutting the legumes with precision, almost as if she were in a duel.

“Look who's here”, Berta says, staring at me, “What happened to you? I thought Dom had left you there. He's at the gym, by the way.”

“ don't think there was any lack of desire”, I reply.

The two laugh.

“Have you seen my room? It's perfect!”

“Only we know what a mess this house was during those days. It was in and out, dirt everywhere, I don't even like to remember it”, Berta points out.

“But it was worth it, it’s so you”, Mathilde turns to me as she says.

I open the fridge, take out a sealed bottle of water, open it and take deep sips. I walk over to the high stool and sit down, resting my head on my arms.

“Kiki, don't forget that you're seeing your neurologist this week. I wrote it down in my schedule last month. I'll tell Dom so he can go with you”, Berta says.

“No need, I'm not going. Waste of time”, I say, still with my head down.

“No way, Kiki. You can't give up”, Berta insists.

“Said the same person who came up to me last month, calling me a scammer and saying that the doctor was plotting with me, even though it was you who made the appointment. What's the point?”, my voice comes out muffled.

“That's water under the bridge, Kiki. There's no way you can keep a role for so long without failure. I've started to revise my opinion of you.”

I raise my head, looking at Berta on the other side of the bench. Her perfect red hair is in a bun. Her social outfit, impeccable.

“I've also reviewed a few points about you. If you hadn't bought me those angelic outfits and filled me with bows, I wouldn't have the profession I have today. So, thank you.” 

Berta lets out a frustrated sigh.

“I didn't think you'd look so good in that bow tie. The idea was to embarrass you, but now Amélie has told me that you've become an influence. When you walk past, everyone looks at you like you're Le Blanc. Even Eva doesn't look at you like that.”

“You're close to Amélie, right?”

The housekeeper rolls her eyes.

“Haven't you noticed our resemblance?”, Berta asks, “She's my cousin. I needed someone I could trust to organize the other part of Dominique's life.”

“I understand. But I really don't know what you're talking about. I only go there to eat…”

Mathilde turns to us, watching us.

“If I were you, Kiki, I'd take advantage of this fame and everything you can get out of it”, she says with a wink.

I look away, pick up the bottle of water and drink.

“You're wrong, it's nothing like that.”

“Would you like some coffee to go with the gossip?”, Dominique enters the kitchen, parading his irony.

“Please”, Mathilde, who was distractedly looking at me, only then noticed what she had just said, “Oh my God, Mr. Le Blanc!”, she says, straightening her apron and scarf, “That's not what I meant.”

Dominique seems to be amused by Mathilde's embarrassment, her cheeks reddening. Berta is incredulous and picks up a glass, pouring the contents of the cream shaker for Dom. He drinks it in one gulp, places the glass on the counter and walks towards me. His damp blond hair, bare chest, white t-shirt resting on his shoulder and black shorts complement his workout outfit, but what really catches my eye is every muscle and bulge that makes my lips moisten. Tempted by the view.

“I loved the bedroom, the closet and the shower. Perfect! You've changed everything and I wasn't expecting anything like this. Thank you, Dom. It's wonderful... and that obscene amount of Chanel... my God, Dom!”, I put my hand to my chest, gasping.

He smiles at my reaction, shaking his head from side to side with a satisfied smile. A touch of pride creeps in.

“It's fucking amazing, isn't it? I thought so too.”

He walks past me, sliding his hand around the back of my neck and squeezing it affectionately. Without letting go, he points with his head, indicating that I should follow him. We leave the kitchen and enter the hallway. In a euphoric impulse, I hug him with all my might, feeling a contagious joy. He wraps his fingers around my waist.

“Excuse me”, Vlad's voice says.

As I listened, I turned away from Dom and toward Vlad.

“I'll be in the garage, Mr. Le Blanc. Do you need anything?”, the security guard asks with a chaste smile.

“No, thank you. I'll just have a shower and be off”, Dom replies.

Vlad nods briefly and walks away. Dom holds my face.

“I'm going to the casino, but I'll be back for dinner, dolly.”

“Okay”, I say.

His impenetrable eyes meet mine and my stomach freezes almost immediately. Dom bites my cheek lightly and continues down the corridor.

I stayed in the kitchen for a while longer and then decided to take the opportunity to debut my new bedroom. I tried on most of the new clothes and they were all impeccable. The lingerie drawer is depraved, and Dominique certainly had something to do with it. After exploring every detail of the place, I enjoyed a long, relaxing bath in my new suite.

I put on shorts, a comfortable navy silk shirt and go outside to smoke my mint pod. I take the opportunity to reply to Blanca's messages, insisting that we go clubbing. I reply that there's no chance today, but tomorrow for sure. I sit on the sofa and stare at the illuminated garden and the pool fountains. It's such a nice evening and that terrible hangover feeling is finally gone.

“Good evening, Kiki. Is there anything you need?”, Vlad asks as he approaches, with a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Vlad. I'm feeling better. Did Dom come with you?”

The security guard agrees.

“He's on a call. Are you really alright?”

I get up from the sofa and sit on my legs, looking at the security guard intrigued.

“Yes, why?”

“The incident in Italy wasn't easy…”

“I know... it wasn't something that impacted me that much and that makes me tense. I don't get nervous about gunshots, kidnappings, strange people running after me, or being thrown out of a helicopter without a parachute. Vlad, I run towards danger, not away from it. There's something wrong with me, isn't there?”, my tone comes out distressed.

He approaches with a thoughtful look on his face.

“There's nothing wrong with you. Each person deals with unusual situations in their own way and every time you've had defensive reflexes, it's been to protect yourself or save other people.”

“Maybe I acted out of an instinct to defend myself, but... what if it's the other way around, Vlad?”, I stop for a moment, fixing my gaze on him.

Vlad immediately denies it.

“Impossible. You've just been overwhelmed by everything that's happened”, Vlad speaks firmly, but without losing the softness in his voice. He moves a little closer, seeking my gaze, “Kiki, you're incredible. There's nothing wrong with you. Please stop tormenting yourself with these thoughts. Apart from your eating habits, you're a sweetheart.”

I let out a little laugh.

“Kiki!”, I hear Dom calling me from afar as I slide open the glass door to the kitchen and I see him on his cell phone, “You know who you're talking to, you son of a bitch!”, he says into the handset, “Kiki, come on!”, and he continues to yell into the phone.

“Was it difficult there, Vlad?”, I ask.

“It always is, Kiki…”, he lets out a half-smile.

I say goodnight to Vlad and make my way back. When I get to the kitchen, I find Dominique dressed in a black pinstriped suit, still on his cell phone.

“If I hadn't already hired her, advertised her and had a fan club, a recording and all that, this woman wouldn't have entered my casino. Boring! Fucking annoying. Every time she comes up with a different problem... ah, fuck Lolla Grace. I don't care, Amélie. Don't call me about this woman anymore”, Dom ends the call, placing the handset on the worktop, loosening his black tie

“Dom!”

I'm heading in his direction.

“Hey, dolly. It took me a while, didn't it? The thing is, every time I enter the casino, there's more to do and the next thing I know, I'm doing the work of incompetent people.”

“That’s what you get for being good at what you do, right?”

Dom agrees, leading me into the dining room.

“Well, no. The best, you mean.”

The table is set for two. I put my cell phone on the table and try to go to my chair, on the right side of the headboard. But Dom stops me, pulling me towards him and making me sit on his lap, where I make myself comfortable. Dominique wraps his arms around me and his perfume is delicious, his hands roaming my body, sliding possessive touches, squeezing my waist, going down to my thighs, doing the reverse, caressing my breasts over my nightgown, making me breathe heavily, feeling my body heat up and react to every stimulus. Holding me up on his legs, his hand tosses my hair aside, gaining access to my neck and his close breathing causes a stir, making me even more unsettled when his teeth bite into my skin, along with a kiss and a lick that goes all the way to my ear, where he nibbles. I feel a wave of pleasure run through me. I try to move, but he holds me firmly against his chest, keeping me immobilized. I close my eyes briefly, surrendering completely to the crazy, intense feelings overwhelming me. 

Instinctively, I spread my legs as I feel Dominique slide his fingers up my thighs, squeezing and digging them into my skin. I'm totally involved, but I'm snapped back to reality by the ringing of my cell phone echoing through the room. Dominique stops moving, and I notice his body stiffen behind me. I look down at my cell phone and see Lohan's name. I take a deep breath. It's as if a floodgate of disgust has opened inside me, a bitterness invades my mouth.

“Aren't you going to answer it? He must want to talk about the Maldives. After all, the day is coming”, Dominique says coolly, releasing me.

I curl up on his lap.

“No”, I answer, dropping the call.

“Why was that? You were excited.”

“I don't feel like going anymore... you know?”

“No, I don't know. You didn't tell me.”

I stay silent, reliving that day in my mind and all the hatred I had forgotten comes back with force. Oh, shit! I can't tell Dom about this. His reaction will be a rollercoaster, from arousal to disappointment. Imagine the confusion. Just think!

“I forgot to tell you... it was crazy what happened in Italy. But the point is, I don't want to go.”

Dominique turns my face, staring at me deeply. I feel my heart beating frantically.

“Great.”

“Can we eat?”, I ask, trying to break the heavy silence that has settled in

“Of course.”

Dinner is as usual, with a variety of fresh fish, shellfish and crustaceans cooked in a tasty broth. As a side dish, they serve thinly sliced potatoes, baked with fresh cream and topped with gratin cheese. A glass of wine is served, which I planned to refuse, but after all the internal tension, I decided to have two and it worked very well. When we'd finished, I went back to my room, brushed my teeth and tried to distract myself by reading a bit. I try not to stress. Which is in vain, because all I can think about is Dom and how great it would be if we slept together tonight... I close the book and throw it on the bed.

I leave my room, slamming the door behind me, and walk quickly to the other side of the corridor. I arrive in front of Dom's bedroom door and knock a few times. It doesn't take long for him to open it. His blond hair is messy, his torso bare, wearing only pants and a pod in his hand. He looks me up and down.

“Yes”, he says, bluntly.

“I came to sleep with you.”

“But you won't.”

He answers, closing the door. I push it back.

“Fuck, Kiki! You've got a new fucking room, go and test the voice command. It turns lights on and off, I don't know what else it does, just go.”

“No! I want to sleep with you, like in Italy”, I say firmly.

I didn't leave my fucking room to listen.

“We're in Monaco. In my house. This is my room. And that means no.”

“Dominique, what's the problem?”

“I don't want anyone in here”, he says, his tone serious and definitive.

Determined, I bend down and slip into the room in quick steps, sitting on the bed before he can react. Dominique slams the door. I stare at him and see his cloudy gray eyes, clearly filled with irritation. He advances towards me without looking away, unbuckling his black belt with dangerous calm. I toss my hair to one side, feeling a silent triumph. That was easier than I expected! Who knew? I bite my lip, looking forward to what's to come.

Suddenly, with controlled force, he pushes me onto the bed, turning me onto my stomach in a quick, precise, almost choreographed movement. My face sinks into the mattress and I gasp in surprise as he lifts my nightgown up.

“Since you want to stay, let's see if you really can”, he says with a sharp, challenging voice.

For a second, I don't fully understand his intention. The impact of the first blow against my skin is brutal. Instinctively, I dig my fingers into the mattress, swallowing the scream that threatens to escape. The pain is excruciating, but I endure it. When the second stroke comes down, he moves a little further away, gaining strength in his movement. I don't have time to process what's happening and the third hits my leg, drawing an agonized gasp.

“Do you still want to stay?”, Dominique says, gruffly.

I clench my lips, feeling a burning rage blossom inside me. Son of a bitch! Is that what he wants? Well then, let's go.

“Keep going.”

I close my eyes tightly, trying to ward off the pain that only grows with the new onslaught of the belt. My skin burns as if it was on fire and my heart beats so hard that it feels like it's about to explode in my chest. I sink my nails deeper into the mattress, stifling the screams that insist on coming out of my throat.

“There's still time to stop”, his voice sounds deep.

I just nod. If I speak, I'll give in. By the fifth blow, my thighs and ass are numb and the pain turns into a numbing wave. And then, I ask myself, why is Dominique doing this to me? Between the snap of the belt and the muffled sound of my heavy breathing, I hear his, panting, charged with something I can't decipher.

“You pissed me off when you came in here and you're going to piss me off when you leave too?”, the anger is palpable in his voice.

The sixth comes with everything, making me arch my back as I feel the shock of the leather. Then he slides the belt down my length. I shudder along the way, getting turned on by the sensation. On the seventh slap, tears burn in my eyes and my body sweats. I gasp, feeling the weight of the next one. The pain at this point is screaming, but my already numb skin melts with the throbbing. On the ninth, I bite my arm, trying to absorb the impact and the loud crack that echoes through the room.

“At least one of us is having fun”, a debauched laugh accompanies his acid words.

I feel like giving up. The problem isn't the pain in the body, but the touch of humiliation that comes with it is the real scourge. But I'm not going to give up. Not now... when it's starting to get good.

The tenth strapping is the grand finale, the strapping makes my teeth grind and my whole body tremble with pain. I sink onto the bed, the feeling of discomfort mixed with an intensity that I can't ignore. Gasping, I feel a strange combination of rage and hard-on. The belt falls to the floor with a dry snap and when I look over my shoulder, I find Dominique staring at me with a gray, serious and nuanced look.

My head sinks into the mattress and my body throbs, burns and aches. Despite the discomfort, I maintain an impressive neutrality. I feel a slight sense of pride at having endured and realize that I have a very good tolerance for pain, unless he decides to pick up a shovel and continue. In that case, I have no choice but to reciprocate. I hear his footsteps moving away and, at a glance, I see him enter the suite. I let out a deep sigh and sit down on the bed. My ass is in ruins and so are my thighs. I feel like jumping into a pool of ice, but I'm not going to show any weakness.

I get out of bed, feeling my legs weaken. Dominique returns quickly and I maintain an unshakable posture. It may be painful even to breathe, but I remain calm. His eyes do a quick check for me before he approaches. My breathing quickens as he approaches.

He lifts my nightgown by the hem, removes it and throws it on the bed. In one firm movement, he turns me over, leaving me on my back. I feel a chill on my back and shiver. The feeling of relief is almost immediate. Dominique applies the gel, sliding his large hands down my body, and I roll my eyes in satisfaction as I feel the pain eases.

“I've tried it. But if one dies, both die”, he murmurs, carefully rubbing the gel on, his large hands caressing my skin

“And leave the casino to your sister?”

Dominique laughs at my comment, and I let out a sigh of relief as the gel takes effect.

“Why do you want to push me away so much?”

Dominique runs her hand through my hair, brushes her nose against the nape of my neck and leaves a soft kiss. I close my eyes briefly, enjoying it.

“Go to sleep, the right side is mine”, he says, with a firm tone

I turn to him, raising my gaze to his, meeting his thoughtful gray stare.

“Aren't you going to answer me?”, I ask.

Dominique lets out a low sigh, her gaze softening.

“Shhh, that's enough” he says with a tone that mixes order and tiredness, “Leave some for tomorrow.”

I roll my eyes in frustration and reach for my sweater. Dom stops me, taking the garment from my hands and throwing it across the room.

“I'm going to take a shower”, he says, returning to the suite.

I pull back the navy comforter and lie down on my stomach, waiting for him to return. The pain all over my body is uncomfortable. It's like this every time. He always finds a way to change the subject or prevent me from knowing more, whether it's about his thoughts or feelings. I have the impression that I know Dom better than other people, but it's clear that he doesn't want me to cross certain boundaries. As if that was enough, but it's not. I want to know more, I have questions to ask, like: what have I got to do with what you've lost? I haven't forgotten that detail. Or why doesn't he get in touch with his family and stay away from his sister? But in a way, I know half the answer. The kids have replaced them because they're not invasive, they don't overstep the boundaries. Dom tends to push people away when he feels threatened... oh my God!

I lift my torso and sit down, feeling my ass throb. I said I wasn't going to show anything, and here I am, stuck in his bed after he's put pressure on me. Dom comes back into the room with a white towel wrapped around his hips, his hair wet and his perfume delicious, but I can't even pay attention to it.

“I didn't mean to be invasive”, Dominique stops walking, his eyes widening, “But I was. It won't happen again.”

I get out of bed and walk to the door, waving goodbye with my hand. I open the door and step out into the corridor, hurrying to get into my room, since I'm only wearing my panties. I walk into my room, slam the door and lean against it. My heart is pounding at the thought of it. I put my hand to my head. Oh my God! I'll never be able to live in Paris or anywhere else. I put my hand to my lips, feeling my body shake from head to toe. What's happening to me? I hear a loud knock on the door, startling me.

“Hey, crazy, what the fuck happened?”, his voice sounds angry.

“Nothing”, I answer in the most neutral tone I can find.

“You say that to my face, you bitch.”

I open the door and find him still in his towel, looking gray and incredulous. My hands feel sweaty. The droplets of water still running down his chest make me glaze over. I moisten my lips, confused, nervous, not knowing how to deal with any of it, all the feelings screaming in my head, in a state of calamity. Dominique holds my face with both hands.

“Stop fucking thinking!”, he leans in and kisses me

Our tongues meet, his hands leave my face and go to my ass, lifting me onto his lap. I waste no time and wrap my legs around him. I thread my fingers through his wet hair, tugging on it. His mouth bites my lower lip, sucking. He starts walking, making his way back, while our mouths don't separate. We walk back into Dom's room, he closes the door with his foot and leads me to the bed, discarding the towel in one swift movement. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I settle down on his legs. His firm hands hold my waist, while his gray, horny eyes meet mine. In one swift movement, he takes off my panties and I help him. He looks at me as if he wants to consume every bit of me when he sees me completely naked.

“You’re all mine!”, he says, possessively.

I rub my nose against his.

“I don't know.”

Dominique wasted no time, thrusting his fingers into my ass hard, relentlessly, making me cry out in pain.

“What did you say?”, he asks, seriously.

“All yours.”

And before I can process the thought, I've already said it. It's my body, it reacts like that. How can I go against it at this point? I can't!

“Ah, good. I thought I'd heard otherwise.”

I kiss him and he kisses back harder, my fingers gripping his shoulders. Dom lifts me up, just enough to get his cock into me and I slide onto his member, feeling it fill me. My belly contracts, I rub and roll. With each thrust, I expand. The movement is firm, deep and precise, knowing exactly how I like it. Dominique holds me from behind so that there is no space between us. I gasp as I feel a slight twinge of pain. But it doesn't matter, because any touch from Dom gives me an uncontrollable warm feeling that I ignore. And his heavy gaze is mesmerizing, leaving me wet, trembling and wanting more. The electricity that surrounds us sends shivers down my spine. I go to his neck, sliding my tongue along the side, sucking, biting, while circling harder. As I do, I feel my urges become uncontrollable, making me cry out. He presses me down, thrusting harder. His body lies back, leaving me in control. I slide my hands over the spectacle of definition that is his chest and his marked abdomen. I place my hand on his muscles, which twitch as I scratch, moving up and down his cock, throwing my head back with the pleasure about to burst me in its expansion, making me wetter and wetter. Dominique picks up a pillow and, with a firm movement, places it next to us. With fluid skill, he lifts me up and off him, pulling out of me. He then positions me face down on the pillow, adjusting my body with ease. I thrust out my sensitive ass, which he touches with teasing delicacy using his fingertips, making me hot. He continues to slide down my curves, squeezing the sides of my hips hard, marking his possessive presence. He thrusts hard in a frantic sequence of movements that make me cry out and feel the control slipping from my hands. My body announces a raging combustion, making me unable to control a desperate orgasm, contracting him inside me, making me tremble in uncontrollable spasms. I hear him also roar uncontrollably, pulling out of me, feeling his hot cum slide down my back and his hand spreading it over my skin, marking me as his. Our panting breaths are all we hear in the room. Dom throws himself down beside me, pulling me to him. I lay my head on his chest, listening to his heart beating fast. I stay silent, enjoying this wonderful sensation for the next few minutes.

I take a cold shower, which is all I need, and when I've finished, I go to the mirror to dry off and look at my ass. I feel sorry for it and for myself for the next few days. The marks are red and vary in tone and size, but they still predominate. Each line is distinct, revealing the impact of leather against skin.

Dominique enters the bathroom, wrapped in a white bathrobe. His gaze settles on the marks on my skin and a look of concern crosses his face. Without hesitation, he steps forward and pulls me close.

“You're going to take a painkiller”, he says, his voice laden with seriousness.

“I don't want any medicine!”, I protest, “I'm fine!”

His lips meet mine with an intensity that is both dominating and protective. When he kisses me back in the same calm, I feel something bitter transfer from his tongue to mine. Before I can react, I swallow an unexpected pill, trying to understand what's going on.

“You've had it, dolly”, he replies firmly and with a smile.

“Jeez”, I grumble.

The insistent ringing of my cell phone wakes me up. My arms are around Dominique, hugging him from behind, my legs wrapped around his. I feel the warmth of his body against mine, and for a moment, everything seems calm and safe. He's still asleep, but the high-pitched sound cuts through the peaceful silence of the room. I open my eyes slowly, blinking against the soft sunlight coming through the dark curtains, illuminating the room. Dom stirs suddenly, reaching for his cell phone with a quick movement.

“Fuck!”

He curses, his hoarse voice cutting through the air. I'm lifted up with his body as he moves, but I don't let go.

“Get ready, you're going with me today, dolly”, he says, still half asleep, but with an urgency in his voice.

“Why?”, I whisper, my voice still sleepy, barely awake.

“I have a meeting in less than an hour, I should already be there!”, Dom says, nibbling my arm that's around his neck, kissing it after the bite, his tone hurried and frustrated “If I were you, I'd get up and get ready. You've got fifteen minutes.”

I widen my eyes, quickly disentangling myself from him. He gets up, answering the call as he walks across the room. My gaze automatically goes down to his ass as he walks away, his voice sounding firm and authoritative.

“I'm halfway fucking there”, says Dominique in a thick voice, as he moves quickly to get ready.

That's it. My day has begun.

I rush out of the shower, almost slipping on the wet floor. I run to the closet, grabbing the first pieces I find: a gray tailoring outfit, with a vest and pants, and complement it with an elegant white bow tie. I pick up the first pair of pumps that match the outfit and put them on hastily. I quickly put on a pair of panties, followed by a strappy top, removing the towel from my hair as I run from one side to the other.

I hold the brush and comb my hair in a hurry while I put on my shoes, feeling the marks from the strapping still throbbing on the skin of my ass. It's not easy! I go to the dressing table, apply a light layer of foundation and do a subtle eyeliner, just to make my eyes stand out.

“If you're not ready, go any way you can!”, Dominique shouts from the other side of the door.

“Why don't you go ahead, Dominique?”, I retort, without missing a beat.

“No!”

I ignore his reply, pick up the first lipstick I see and a thin, delicate necklace with a small glittering pendant. I quickly put the necklace on and grab a pair of sunglasses. I run out of the room, picking up the cell phone that was on the bed on the way. On my way out, I find Dominique ready, looking impeccable in a suit in the same shade of gray as my ensemble. The only difference is the red tie, but we're matching, even if we don't mean to. He gives me a look of approval, kisses me on the lips, takes my wrist and walks to the elevator to press the garage button. When we get out, Vlad is waiting for us and looks at us intrigued, also in an elegant dress, opening the car door.

“Good morning, Vlad”, I say as I get into the back seat.

“Good morning, Kiki. Are you coming with us today?”, asks the security guard.

“I'm going for a walk, and speaking of which, tonight Blanca, you and I are going out dancing. Make sure you don't wear a suit so they don't think you're a security guard.”

“Right, I'll look for something more casual.”

Vlad closes the door next to me. When I sit down, I feel the movement of the car and Dominique gets in, slamming the door. The car starts up and heads for the casino.

“It's not safe. Not after what happened in Italy.”

I put on my sunglasses, turning to Dominique.

“No place is going to be safe after what's happened, but I'm not going to stop dancing or living my life because of it”, I say, opening the lid of my lipstick.

I pass it over my lips slowly, his piercing gray gaze following my movements.

“It won't.”

I snort, rubbing one lip against the other, closing the cosmetic.

“If you're so worried, go along. I dance and you watch.”

“You think I have nothing else to do, don't you? That I'm jerking off all day in my living room”, Dominique raises an eyebrow, clearly annoyed, “I have six meetings today and I still have to deal with the preparations for that skank Lolla Grace. Because of this show, my week is over... and yours too, by the way. I was very clear in Italy that you weren't going to leave my side, so forget about clubbing. If you want, get some flashing lights, a smoke machine, call your slutty friends and do it in the leisure area of the house — He says, bluntly.

I lower my sunglasses with my index finger, looking at him curiously.

“Really? Call the coquettes?”

“As long as I'm not there and everything is in place when I get back, you can. Otherwise, the morning paper will announce that the whores are now flying”, Dominique retorts, with a smile in his mouth’s corner.

“Anyone who sees you thinks you're concerned about my safety and well-being, but I think there's more to it than that…”

Dominique grabs my chin, holding it tightly.

“Open your eyes, eh, Kiki?”, his tone is threatening.

I smile teasingly.

When we arrive at the casino, we go from the parking lot straight to the private elevator, which leads to the director's office. The doors open and we pass through the hall. The long corridor is silent, all the doors closed. Our footsteps are muffled by the carpet. Amélie is at her desk, with a pile of papers in her hands.

“Good morning, Mr. Le Blanc. Everyone is waiting for you in the meeting room. As you requested, some areas of the casino have been closed off for the entry of Lolla Grace's equipment”, he says.

“Good morning. Great, is the coffee there?”, Dominique asks, directly.

I greet Amélie, who gives me a quick glance before turning her attention to Dom.

“Good morning, Kiki”, she smiles, “Yes, breakfast's served.”

Dominique takes me by the hand, and we enter his living room. He goes straight to his desk, grabs a cup of coffee and takes a generous sip. Then he hurries to bite into a croissant, try the yogurt and the macarons.

“That's fucking great. I'll take one of those”, he says, snatching a croissant. He approaches me and kisses me quickly, “Have fun, but not too much. Don't leave security, understand?”

“No problem!”, I reply, stealing one more kiss before he rushes off.

I finish my coffee and throw myself on the sofa, thinking about what I'm going to do. It's 8:30. Blanca must be at Pilates, so I text her to come to the casino when she's finished. My cell phone rings, I see it's Blanca and I quickly answer it:

“Have you left Pilates?”

“I didn't even go, the teacher broke his leg. I've been here for a while. Come and find me, I'm at the bar in the roulette hall.”

“At this hour, Blanca?”

“I've come to get some water, I'm exhausted!”

“What?

“Just come, Kiki!”

I leave Dom's office, take the elevator to the boardroom, stop on the first floor and find a private corridor, reserved only for executives and special guests. The floor is covered in a deep red velvet carpet and the walls are adorned with dark wood paneling and modern art paintings. To my right, an entire wall of smoked glass windows offers a partial view behind the scenes of the casino, where security cameras capture every move, every bet. I walk down the corridor, the sound of my footsteps muffled by the carpet. As I approach the entrance doors to the main hall, two solid wooden double doors open automatically.

The atmosphere is refined. The marble floors and lighting are provided by the crystal chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. In front of me, a polished staircase descends gently, leading to the vast hall. As I descend, on my left, I find the poker tables, surrounded by groups of players, their expressions tense and distressed as they concentrate on their moves. The dealers, dressed in impeccable uniforms, deal out the cards with precision.

I pass the slot machine area, where the machines flash and jingle. With every step, I smell the faint scent of expensive perfume mixed with cigars. The place is warm, lively and I notice the stares that are fixed on me as I walk past, whether they're from the gamblers who have been playing all night or the staff whispering. I keep walking, feeling uncomfortable with the lack of discretion of the people who don't even wait to whisper. What are they saying about me? I take a discreet look at my clothes. For someone who got dressed in less than 10 minutes, I look great. Oh, please! I can't believe Berta was right. Aff! What's all the gossip about?

A few meters away, I see the roulette hall. The space is elegant and separated from the rest by marble columns, creating a contrast with the rest. There's an elegant bar with an eye-catching black marble counter and fine wooden shelves with an extensive collection of drinks. The barman is wearing a black vest and bow tie. I find Blanca sitting on one of the high leather stools. She's wearing black pants and a moss green off-the-shoulder blouse. Her hair is a bit messy and she's holding a glass of water in her hand. From there, you can get a full view of the room. She waves at me, and I wave back. I glance back discreetly and notice that everyone is looking in my direction, but they disguise it when they realize I'm looking back. I roll my eyes. I sit down on the bench next to Blanca.

“Why is everyone looking at you like that? I wonder why. That's strange…”, she mocks without wasting any time.

“Oh, don't give me your jokes”, I retort.

“Oh, Kiki! It seems you're the only one who doesn't notice”, Blanca says, laughing.

“I didn't understand! Until Berta and Amélie started that”, I reply, irritated.

“Hmm, you're friends with Berta now. Of course she's made friends with you, hasn't she? Maybe she's fired…”, Blanca comments sarcastically.

“It's not even ten in the morning for that mouth to be spewing venom like that”, I say, teasing.

“Do you know what was spewing before?”, Blanca replies, with a mischievous smile,

“Disgusting!”, I exclaim, shocked.

“Don't play saint!”, she replies, laughing.

“Is that really water?”, I take the glass from her hand, sniffing it, “Well, the worst thing is that it is.”

“My new daddy says I can't drink so much, he's enrolled me in the gym saying I can be better, healthier. He didn't mean it like that, but it'll do. He changed my diet, cut out gluten. Bread is only in bed, sausage only his…” Blanca says, frustrated.

I start to laugh.

“Dude, are you with a daddy or a nutritionist?”

Blanca joins me in laughing in disbelief. Anyway, we spent the next few hours laughing and talking about the party I was tempted to produce, about my plan to open a stylist's studio, since I won’t buy a flat. A security guard approaches, interrupting our conversation. It's almost noon. He is tall, wears a black suit, has brown hair and a close-cropped beard. A discreet electronic point is attached to his ear.

“Excuse me, Kiara. Mr. Le Blanc has asked you to meet him in the events area”, he says, softly.

I nod in agreement and the man walks away. I turn to Blanca.

“I'll be right back.”

“I'll be here waiting for you.”

I leave the roulette hall and enter the main corridor of the casino. I take the internal access and walk quickly to the executive elevator for the boardroom. I press the button for the second floor, where the events space is located. I've been here once before with Vlad, waiting to meet Dominique for lunch. The elevator doors open onto a closed lobby. I take a deep breath. I go through the emergency exit and find the large double door. I hesitate for a moment. Why here? Is this like a dark room? Dom, what are you planning?

I take a deep breath and push the doors open, entering at once. The room is half-lit. The windows, usually open, are closed by heavy curtains. I close the door behind me, the sound echoing in the silence. I walk in a straight line, trying to adjust my eyes to the darkness. The tables nearby are just visible, decorated with elegant chandeliers. Suddenly, the sound of the door opening behind me makes my heart race. I turn quickly, only to see a tall, strong silhouette walk in before the door closes again. My body goes on alert, my breathing rapid. My stomach clenches as footsteps approach me. I step back instinctively and a few meters from me, Lohan appears, his countenance serious, closed. His gaze is indifferent, filled with hatred and cruel intent. I take another step back.

“We have unfinished business, Kiki. There's nowhere for you to run. The doors on the other side are locked.”

I swallow, feeling a growing sense of despair in me.

“No, we don't. I've made everything clear!”, I say, firmly.

Lohan continues to advance, every step he takes makes me take a step back. My heart is racing.

“It's true, maybe I didn't express myself well. At the end of the day, you can blame Dominique.”

His voice is full of disdain, and the dim light in the room reveals that he is holding a bottle of whisky. He takes a long sip and, without warning, throws it in my direction. I dodge at the last second, hearing the bottle shattering on the floor, the noise echoing through the room. He got me into this mess and I'm going to have to defend myself. I'd better hide and take him by surprise.

I run to the left, bumping into a chair and changing direction, my feet almost skidding on the floor. I stop for a second to pull off my heels, every movement urgent.

“You know, Kiara, none of this had to be like this…”, he says, casually, “You know what I'm talking about, don't you? Dominique has already deprived me of too many things. I've only reached my limit. Everything works out for him because someone has to fuck off and I can't take it anymore!”

Lohan overturns one of the tables and throws all its contents onto the floor. The movement is animalistic and charged with fury. Watching it from my position makes my skin crawl. He's big, strong and seems out of his mind. I can't help thinking what he might do to me...

“Don't leave me talking to myself, Kiki.”

He says, as he picks up one of the tables and throws it across the room, causing a huge bang. I cover my mouth with my hands, so as not to make any noise. Now I feel my body shaking. I feel nothing but fear now.

“You're going to keep quiet, aren't you? It doesn't matter now. If I don't hear your words, I'll hear your screams.”

Lohan's footsteps are getting closer and faster. I crouch down, sneaking between the tables, my breathing labored and agonized. I'm nervous, desperate. There's only one way out: to finish Lohan off. But how? When it comes to size, I don't stand a chance. It's dark, I'm trapped, and dread clouds my judgment and my actions.

“As always, he gets everything he wants. Everything falls onto his lap!”, Lohan shouts, his voice filled with hatred, “Everyone likes Dominique, everyone obeys this son of a bitch. I've had enough of this shit!”, he snarls, anger evident in every word, “He treats everyone like shit and everyone licks his eggs!”

I see the door is not so close and suddenly I feel a strong hand grab my hair, pulling it violently. A scream escapes my lips as I'm dragged backwards, the pain radiating through my head. I try to break free, but Lohan is stronger. I try to break free, but he holds me with uncanny strength.

“Don't be an idiot, Kiki. It's useless”, he growls, and, before I can react, he shakes me violently and throws me against the wall.

I feel my head hit the hard surface, a sharp pain shooting through my skull, making me dizzy. I barely have time to catch my breath before I'm thrown against the table. My face slams into the wood, and I feel my skin burn on contact. I try to break free, but he holds my wrists tightly, his fingers clamping down like handcuffs on my skin. A shiver of icy fear runs down my spine.

“I'll teach you how to treat a lady, Mr. Le Blanc”, he says, loudly in a voice full of contempt and malice.

Desperate, I manage to gather my strength and elbow him in the chest, but this only seems to irritate him more. He grabs me even more aggressively, throwing me backwards onto the table. His heavy body overlaps mine, trapping me completely. I feel his lips on my neck, his breath hot and repulsive. He rubs against me, his weight crushing me, and disgust takes over. I scream, trying to kick him, my legs struggling to get away from him, but it's like trying to push through a concrete wall.

“Let me go, you son of a bitch!”

“Shut up! You're mine, you whore!”

He grabs my neck, squeezing hard, cutting off my air. His other hand rips at my vest, pulling it brutally, his fingers tangling in the fabric of the top, lifting it up. The pain is excruciating as he bites my breasts. And I feel sick, disgusted, weak! The only thing I can think is that I need to get out of here, pure panic coursing through my veins, my whole body shaking with disgust and despair. I try to squirm away, but his hand on my neck and his heavy body immobilize me completely. There's no way out!

His mouth meets mine, his lips forcing a kiss that makes my stomach revolve. I try to turn my face away, but he holds on tight, thrusting his tongue into my mouth. A cry of revulsion escapes me, and I bite his tongue as hard as I can. He pulls away, cursing in pain and I manage to let out a heavy sigh, my breathing ragged.

Seizing the moment, I launch myself at Lohan, channeling all my anger into a sharp kick between his legs. He screams, the sound of pain echoing through the hall, and falls to the floor, writhing. I don't waste a second. Heart pounding, I spin on my feet and run out of the hall without looking back.

The door is barely slammed and then it's flung wide open. Lohan runs out of the room like an animal on my trail. He runs towards me, wild and screaming. The sight of me reddened and wet with blood and tears adds to the dread, but my legs refuse to stop. My muscles burn, lactic acid spreads pain all over me, but the adrenaline pump keeps me going. I've tried to fight and now all I can do is run.  I shoot down the corridor, my heart hammering in my chest, as I enter the boardroom.  I immediately go and lock it, just in time to feel the impact against the door, knocking me to the ground. Blows are struck as I scream and my strength runs out. Trembling and panicked, I reach the elevator, pressing the button with desperate fury, countless times. My eyes turn to the door of the room and I see Lohan emerge, his menacing figure advancing towards me. I keep pressing the button frantically, looking around, with nowhere to run. The elevator seems to take forever, every second a martyrdom.

“Come on, come on!”, I beg between my teeth, punching the button in desperation, as if that could make the doors close faster. Lohan is almost there when the doors finally close. I let out a breath, but I feel panic coursing through my veins. My breathing is heavy, everything hurts and tears burn in my eyes.

The elevator moves with a jolt and soon the doors open onto the boardroom floor. I'm shaking, completely out of my mind, not knowing how I got here. I see Vlad standing outside the meeting room, his eyes widening at the sight of me. He walks up to me in quick steps, his face full of concern.

“What happened to you? My God, you're all bruised and bleeding!”, he holds my shoulders tightly, trying to steady me, “My God, Kiki”, he says, in distress.

I try to speak, but the words won't come out.

“He... Lohan…”, I put my hand to my head in a desperate gesture, trying to find my voice.

Suddenly, the door to the emergency stairwell opens with a bang. I startle, seeing Lohan enter, his eyes fixed on me, his expression a mixture of anger and madness. Without thinking, my hand goes straight to Vlad's holster, pulling out the nine millimeter. I aim at Lohan's head, my vision blurred with tears and despair. But before I can fire, Vlad grabs my arm, diverting my aim. The shot echoes down the corridor and Lohan lets out a high-pitched scream as he falls to his knees, clutching his bloodied thigh.

The door to the meeting room opens and Dominique emerges, his gaze meeting mine. He stops for a second and seems to freeze, the terror on his face at seeing me in this state. Everything happens in the blink of an eye. He lunges at Lohan with relentless fury, punching him in the nose and sending him reeling. Without hesitation, Lohan goes after Dom. Right behind him, Maurice, Simon, Pierre, Louis and Thierry run out, all ready to intervene. Vlad pulls me away from the commotion and guides me towards Dom's room. My body is in shock, my heart is racing, every fiber of my being is still in shock, desperate.