Page 88 of Vicious Vows

"Ruined your life? I don't think that's true. You got exactly what you deserved. Dominic. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me you don't want my brother?"

I opened my mouth to retort but I couldn't lie. I may have come into this with my eyes closed but now that I have them opened he's right in saying that I do want Dominic. I hated that man when I first met him but after everything we'd been through I found that I was starting to love him. Not the brutal killer on the outside but the sweet caring man no one got to see on the inside.

"That's not the point." I finally replied.

"That is the point. You'll get what you deserve. That's just the way destiny works. For all of us." He finally dropped the death glare and smirked at me.

Something about his expression set off every alarm I had in my head. Something was wrong, I just couldn't put my finger on it.

"You know, I was shocked when my father chose Farrah as the woman he'd allow my brother to marry. Out of everyone he knew I couldn't understand why he'd chosen her."

"You know why. My sister owed him a debt and she's deep enough in your world that no one would ever have to worry about her running to the authorities and ratting you guys out. It was just blackmail."

"Bullshit!" Lionel barked and I jumped back in shock. He was unhinged and suddenly I was more concerned with my own safety than worrying about someone overhearing our conversation.

"It wasn't blackmail, it was a punishment."

"Punishment for who? Dominic? Your father?" I asked moving even farther away from him.

Lionel sighed hard and shook his head as if he were disappointed I didn't already know the answer, " Don't you worry your pretty little head about that. I'm sure all the answers will come to light tonight at the party." He leaned forward as if he were going to tell me a secret, "It's going to be explosive." He chuckled and back-peddled toward the door before turning on his heel and walking out.

I didn't know what all that was about but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

* * *

By eight that evening the grounds were crawling with guests all of them armed to the teeth.

Dominic kept me close and even introduced me to a few unsavory people. I did my best to act unimpressed but internally I was shaking in fear. This was the world that I was thrust into. A world filled with killers and gangsters. Sooner or later I was going to have to get used to it.

"Dominic, I was hoping I'd catch up with you." A woman in a tight purple dress grabbed hold of Dominic's arm getting both of our attention.

My eyes scanned her face and within a second I knew exactly who she was. The hussy that was all over him at the last event Dominic and I went to. She smiled up into his face and trailed her hand up and down his bicep. She acted as if I weren't even standing on the side of him.

I wasn't going to let that fly a second time.

"Marisa, it's nice to see you as well." Dominic placed a hand on hers and subtly moved her away. "I don't believe you ever got the chance to meet my wife. Let me introduce Farrah." He gestured in my direction and I took that as my opening to step forward.

"Nice to make your acquaintance." I hissed. The words were polite but there was no mistaking the message behind them. Get the fuck away from him.

"Who would have thought a common whore would have manners." She chuckled and placed a hand on her chest.

"Excuse me?" I bristled.

"Oh Farrah, don't act so surprised. I may not have been one of the many in your bed but your reputation is legendary around these parts. The one slut no one can seem to get enough of. I was shocked when I heard Antonio chose you for his son. I guess it makes sense, you're only good for one thing, why not use you up for their own gain?"

"You will watch your fucking mouth..." Dominic started but I stepped forward ready to defend myself.

"I don't care what you've heard about me in the past, this is a new day and age. Dominic is mine now and nothing is going to change that. If he wants to use me up, I'm his to use. In the meantime, I'd suggest you remember to keep your fucking hands to yourself or you're going to find out what else I'm good for. We wouldn't want to get any blood on that pretty dress of yours." I stared her down as the smirk on her face dropped to show a deep grimace.

She opened her mouth to speak but I put a hand up, flicking my fingers, dismissing her before turning back to Dominic who was looking at me with that devilish expression. "My love, I'm sure there are far more important people here for us to speak with. Let's not keep them waiting."

He nodded once, wrapped an arm around my waist, and steered me around Marisa as if she were nothing more than another fixture in the room.

"I'm going to put that filthy mouth to good use when we get alone." Dominic whispered in my ear.

Heat flooded my body just knowing he was impressed with my little outburst. More and more I was finding that I was stronger than I thought. The sweet scared girl inside of me was slowly transforming into a fiery vixen and I loved it. The power felt good.

"Let's get this over with then. I'd much rather be choking on your pretty cock than talking to these assholes."

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