Chapter 2

Dominic’s P.OV

“It’s okay now, Robert.” I nervously said to my cook. “You did a sterling job, as his usual. But I think I can take it from here.”

“Good luck on your date, boss.” He knowingly smiled at me and I shook my head.

“What gives you the impression that this is all for a date?” I couldn’t help but ask. In my line of work, following up on the knowing hints that people drop unknowingly during conversations- is the kind of thing that keeps one alive.

“I usually cater for you alone, or for business dinners with your colleagues, but never for you and one other person.” Robert shrugged and begun taking off his apron.

“Mmh,” I softly grunted and tried to throw him off. I don’t know why, but I’ve always been the kind of person who didn’t like it when people sniffed their way- way closer to the truth. No matter how harmless that truth may be.

“It could be a dinner for me and one other client,” I supplied and watched for his reaction.

“A female client that you’re trying to perhaps impress then?” Robert chuckled as he slung his bag across his body and started heading towards the door. “Because that would explain the red roses that you specifically asked me to get, for the table setting.”

“What are you now? A cook and a psychic too?” I teased and he laughed.

“Good night boss,” he said and started seeing himself out.

“Good night, Rob.” I offered as an afterthought.

My mind was racing. Almost as if I was having all the thoughts at once. Since the last time I saw her; the little reminders of her have been very much active in my mind. The smell of her hair, the scent of her skin, the innocent look in her eyes and her inquisitiveness easily took over my entire being. And though as risky as it would be to bring her into my life, I knew I simply had to try and see her again. At least one more time.

The doorbell rang in that instant, stopping my pacing right there and then. I checked the time, and discovered that it was only ten minutes to our decided time.

Which meant that she was either a punctual young woman, or it just wasn’t her yet. I took my gun out from underneath the couch cushion and slowly approached the door. When the bell rang again, I cleared my throat and asked.

“Who is it?” I slowly drew my gun and checked if the silencer was tightly fastened. When one’s life is always in danger and hunted, it’s always beneficial to stay prepared.

“It’s me, Oliv-” she chuckled and changed her mind. “Rose.”

Hearing her voice brought an instant smile to my face.

“Just a second,” I told her and begun shoving the gun back under the cushion. Before I knew it, I was straightening my shirt. Who was this woman, making me so self conscious- just within days of knowing her? Not even knowing her, really. At least not yet.

My hands ran through my hair; not quite sure though, if it was to make sure its in place too, or purely an act of nervousness and slight frustration.

“Thank you for coming,” I opened the door for her and guided her in.

“To be honest, I wasn’t going to,” she looked straight into my eyes and told me.

Most people are scared of me. Not because of intimidation or even my line of work. But its as if their natural instincts warn them, that I’m not really the kind of person one gets too close to. At least not without getting hurt. So, they avoid looking at me straight in the eyes. But somehow, she was one daring little thing. From the rise and fall of her chest, I could tell that she was just as nervous as I was. And yet, she didn’t want it to show. She acted tougher than she actually was. Which made her both alluring and confusing. Because I wanted her terrified of the danger that I bring to the table, not fascinated enough to want to play with the fire in my eyes.

“Why’s that?” I helped her out of her coat and hung it on the designated area, by the entrance.

“How is it that you don’t know the answer to that?” She frowned up at me, staring right into my eyes once again.

“Am I supposed to?” I smirked down at her perfect face.

“Considering that it would’ve been a reaction to how you acted first, I think so.” She pointed out and I chuckled.

I had never come across a woman as feisty as she is, in my entire life. She was a novelty to me. A whole mystery; that even though I wanted to explore and unravel, I knew I couldn’t.

“I’m not very much aware of my mistakes here, but I’d very much love to be enlightened.” I shrugged. “Perhaps over a drink?”

“Ah, yes.” She handed me a long gift bag, that revealed a wine bottle. “This does need to breathe, after all.”

“What is this?” I frowned at her.

“A bottle of wine,” she shrugged. And looked at me with total confusion, as if wondering why I was even asking when I could see as clearly as she could.

“I’m your host, I’m supposed to be the one taking care of you. Not the other way around,” I narrowed eyes at her.

“You’re right,” she nodded a bit distantly. “But in retrospection, I was taught not to show up at people’s homes empty handed.”

“Mmh,” I grunted and turned my back on her. After all, it probably would’ve been very unwise of me to unleash my possessive nature on her, five minutes after her arrival. I didn’t want that to scare her away. And yet, in my heart of hearts, I knew that her being scared away would probably be the best thing to ever happen to the both of us. If not best, most definitely safe.

“Let’s get you seated,” I pulled a chair for her and she blushed as she got settled in.

“Thank you,” she murmured. I opened the wine bottle and poured for both of us.

“So, about that thing that I did that rubbed you off the wrong way?” I gently prompted. If it were up to me, I would have just kept her talking the entire night. Because the sound of her voice, sure calmed multiple storms inside my hard exterior. How careful yet provoking she was with her thoughts and words, heightened my fascination with her.

“You, Sir, were rude on the phone. When I asked if there was a way I could make it up to you,” She stated. And by the look on her face, I could tell just how clearly I had royally pissed her off with my actions.

“If I apologized right now, would you accept my apology?” I hesitantly asked. God, I was so inexperienced with women. Such that I had absolutely no idea what the right thing to say or approach to take with her was. The women I’m used to having around, are ones only interested in the mutual benefit. They’re into the give and take lifestyle like I am. Not the conversations and the connection that comes with getting to know someone on a genuine level. I had never done this before. I had never felt the need to, until she stepped into dangerous territory and into my shit show of a life.

“Only if you mean it,” she smiled, pulling me out of my reverie.

“Alright, I’m sorry I offended you.” I sighed heavily. There was a lot I would’ve like to say to her, in justification. But somehow, I got tongue tied.

“Apology accepted,” she slowly brought her wine glass to her red lips, without tearing her gaze from my eyes. “So, what made you change your mind?”

“You, unfortunately.” Her absence had been haunting me. In crowds I looked for her blonde long hair and piercing blue eyes, but she was nowhere to be found.

“Why’s that unfortunate?” She was intentional with her questions. Almost as if she could tell that there was more to me than I was letting on. The way her eyes never left mine as she drank her wine, was driving me crazy with desire.

“I’m not the kind of person you should have in your life,” I muttered. Hoping to be taken seriously. Though scared of it being so, at the same time.

“So you keep saying,” she played with the wine in her glass for a moment before placing it down.

“Perhaps we should eat,” I suggested and opened the plate in front of me. She simply smiled at me knowingly, that I was changing the subject. But silently followed suit.

“Chicken parmasan and pasta,” she mused. “Good choice.”

“Robert said the same,” I chuckled.

“Robert?” Her eyebrows rose with curiosity.

“Yes, my cook.” I dabbed at my mouth, with a napkin. A part of me wanted to open up all the contents of my life, and allow her to decide if what she sees and knows changes her mind or not about being in my company. While another made me feel the need to play all my cards very close to my chest.

“I know one of the men you were with at the salon the other day, called you Dom.” She began. “But I’m wondering, are you ever going to tell me your name?”

“Dominic Salvatore,” I shrugged. “Notorious underground gang leader and crime lord, and that sweet Rose of mine, is why we can’t ever be in the same room again. In fact, I’d totally understand and fully approve if you stood and walked out on me right now.”

“You really would love that, wouldn’t you?” She crookedly smiled in my direction. As if I had just shared a joke, or maybe even something pleasant or totally normal about myself.

“Of course, I would.” There was no use denying it. “I’d actually consider it the right call for both of us.”

“Well, I beg to differ.” She placed her utensils on the plate and took a sip of her wine. “In fact, to simplify things for you. I’m not one to run away from a challenge. If anything, I itch closer to it.”

“If I bottled your fiery spirit and sold it, I’d no doubt make another billion overnight.” I found myself saying and she laughed.

“Why Rose?” She asked, her eyes sparkling with what I assumed to be interest. Though I wasn’t quite sure if it was interest in me, or in our conversation in general.

“It’s the first thing that came to mind, when I saw you that afternoon.” I stated.

“Someone scared witless and confused by what she had just walked herself into, brought a rose to your mind?” She blushed scarlet, making me magically stand on my feet and walk towards her end of our long dinner table.

“That’s not how I saw it,” I began. “I saw a beautiful woman, perfect even. But how you handled your fear and trauma brought about by the whole situation, showed that you’re not as delicate as I originally thought and expected you to be. Amongst all kinds of flowers, it’s the Rose that came to mind.”

“Soft, beautiful and perfect petals but very strong thorns,” she mused as she looked up at me in awe.

“Yes,” I looked down at her and offered my hand. Which she took and used it for support as she stood too.

“I hope you now understand why you should run and never look back,” I whispered as my deft fingers caressed the delicate skin of her neck.

“I’m afraid it’s a little too late for that,” she whispered back and started knitting her soft fingers into my hair. Usually, I don’t let my transactional women touch me. Or anyone ever. But God, it felt so incredible when she did it. I slightly closed my eyes and fully gave in to the feeling.

“I’m already in too deep,” she said and brought her lips to mine. I kissed her long and deep. In that moment, nothing else existed, except her.

“You’ve had a taste Don, and now you’ll always be mine!” She seductively murmured against my lips, making my whole body tremble.