[ S E R A P H I N E ] “Really sorry, guys. Forgot to cut the meeting short.” I kiss my father on the cheek while he gives me a hug. “It's fine, Dad. We just got here, like, twenty minutes ago.” Daddy Raffy scratches the side of his head, ruffling the gray hairs above his ears. Wearing an old polo shirt and khaki pants, he smiles at us as Dom shakes his hand. I put on a big smile for him and my mom who's now putting rice on Daddy's plate. “Told Dom not to drive too fast.” “You left Boniventura around nine?” “Opo, Tito.” [Yes, Uncle.] Dom steps away from Dad. “Sephie said you called for a staff meeting.” “Yes. Took longer than I expected. Our new accountants are fastidious, to say the least.” Daddy Raffy chuckles and takes the empty seat beside my mom. “Good that you didn't get stuck in the rush hour traffic.” “Not really.” I give Dominico a small smile when our gazes meet. I'm still nervous and not too excited about this late dinner with my parents, but I'm relieved that th
[ D O M I N I C O ] The night is dead quiet as the car glides through the narrow roads. I'm getting cold, even though the windows remain shut. There's some tension between us again. I'm sure it's not just me feeling tense. We're still in the backseat, but I'm not comfortable with my bodyguards sitting in the front, probably eavesdropping. I press a button on my armrest. The tinted partition slides up and hides us almost immediately. I sit back and glance at her. Seraphine is half-slumped against the door, her face pale, eyes distant. Obviously maintaining eye contact is difficult for her at the moment. I get it, though. The question I asked her earlier is probably one she didn't expect to hear today. I'm itching to hear a real answer from her, but it's obvious that I'll need to pry it out of her myself in a more private setting. The memory and noises of her retching outside my car just minutes ago lingers, and it's turning into a gnawing feeling that keeps telling me somethi
[ D O M I N I C O ] I want to talk it out of her. Ask her questions I need answers to. Barge into her room. Apologize and do something to fix this mess. But my feet won't move. I'm rooted to the same spot I've been standing in since she walked out after slapping some sense into me. I should leave now. Leave her be. Not bother her for a day or two. Except I don't want to leave. Shit. I think I blew it. Again. But am I the asshole for asking what any sane, educated person would've assumed? Why is she this upset? Because she thinks I'm being too intrusive? It's a simple yes or no question. I just wanna know if she and Pierre actually planned this. Having a baby this soon. Or he got her pregnant by accident? Pretty sure he's the culprit. I was careful last time. Extra careful, in fact. We used protection that night. We had sex one last time an hour before Sephie left to meet up with Alina, but we were still careful then. We didn't forget the rubber, even though I di
TW: Mentions and graphic descriptions of kidnapping, assault, SA, murder, and other violent behaviors/crimes. Graphic content below intended for mature readers only! Read at your own risk. [ S E R A P H I N E ] “Ti stai divertendo, bella?” [You having fun yet, beautiful?] Despite the thick cloth hiding my eyes, I glare at the heavy, calloused hand on my thigh. It's Leandro Tomassini. Enzo's brother. Sitting right beside me. Having too much fun terrorizing me. Taunting me any way he can. Although I've only seen him in person a few times, I recognized his deep, slightly husky voice the moment he spoke, after three of his goons plucked me off that quiet and dim street. “Smettila di toccarmi.” [Stop touching me.] “Ooh... Ne abbiamo una esuberante, ragazzi.” [We got a feisty one here, boys.] Although my muscles and heartbeat remain tense, I stay put and keep my breathing steady. I flinch when his fingers start drawing random curves on my knee. I hate how warm and gentle he'
• ALL RIGHTS RESERVED COPYRIGHT © 2024 by M.Z.Mauve • DISCLAIMER • Scenes, characters, dialogues and events in this story are all invented. This story contains mature themes, profanity, violence, and graphic sexual content not intended for young readers. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this story or plagiarism of any kind is prohibited by the law. | MAIN CHARACTERS | FL ••• Seraphine "Sephie" Lee Azur - 24 years old - receptionist at a country club ML ••• Dominico "Doni" / "Dom" Deschanel Tomassini - 29 years old - CFO of his father's new firm Chapter 1 •••••••••••••••••••• [ S E R A P H I N E ] I'm a killer. I killed someone last night. Sweet old Sephie is dead. I murdered innocent little Sephie in more ways than I imagined. She died the moment I accepted the money. Gratefully. The biggest payment I've ever received since I jumped on the bandwagon...ever since I joined the world of online sex work. Yes. I've been selling myself to complete s
[ S E R A P H I N E ] "You good?" Dominico squints at me, then tosses back the whiskey in his second glass."Sì, Signore." [Yes, Sir.] The guy stares at me with furrowed brows. "Don't call me that." My heart drops at his emotionless voice. My shoulders tense up, and my cheeks feel like they're burning. "Pardon?""I'm not your boss." My gut clenches. Embarrassment heats up my throat and the back of my eyes. "Right." I try not to scowl as I put away the cleaning supplies. What the heck is this asshole's problem? Is it me? Because I didn't even try to look like I belong here? Is he disgusted by this outfit? Because I look too tacky for his refined tastes? According to some pictures online, he dated a 20-something Spanish model slash actress. Therefore he probably likes women with immaculate fashion taste.The jerk finally gets up from the stool and swigs the rest of his drink. As I keep my mouth shut, Dominico plops the empty glass back on the bar. "And I'm pretty sure you know my
[ S E R A P H I N E ]About 15 minutes later, I'm inside the cabin where Dominico told me I should "hide" if I want to avoid his father for the next couple of hours. I'm double-checking Dominico's injuries, making sure his nose isn't broken. I don't really need to ask whether it was his father's doing. My gut tells me I already know the answer. It's the WHY that's still bugging my sleep-deprived brain. Only, it's obvious what happened between him and his father is the last thing my companion wants to chat about.So far I'm 90% sure Dominico will live and won't need emergency rhinoplasty. The bleeding already stopped, and his septum doesn't look deviated, but the bridge of his nose does look swollen. My dad has taught me more than basic first aid over the years, and Dominico seems to believe me.We're still alone, still in the same clothes, exchanging awkward glances while I sit next to him on the left side of the bed. It's not too small for two people, but rather uncomfortable if he
[ S E R A P H I N E ] When I step out of the bathroom in an old cotton shirt and clean leggings, the curtains are lightly swaying in the early morning breeze. They cast dappled shadows across the bed sheets. Okay. Dominico bothered to cover up the windows. Maybe he can't sleep in a room that isn't pitch-dark.I take a deep breath. I feel a bit lighter, relaxed, and not that dizzy anymore. The lights have been turned off. Except one. I suppose he left the nightstand lamp on for my sake. The yacht sways ever so slightly, and I don't hear any strange noises coming from outside.Thank goodness. Ignazio hasn't found me yet.Dominico is still on the couch, sitting alone and...What the heck? The guy's half-naked? When did he take his clothes off? Where did he put them?I stand still and open-mouthed beside the bed, my insides already in knots. But maybe this is normal for him? Sleeping in his underwear... And to be fair, his dark boxers still hide enough of his private parts and a few i