Page 50 of Forbidden Obsession

I brushed past Antonio, feigning a momentary loss of balance. My fingers deftly planted the device on the hem of his jacket. It adhered, invisible to the untrained eye.

“Mi scusi,” I muttered, offering a brief nod before continuing on.

Antonio barely acknowledged me, his attention unyielding from his discussion. I didn’t look back, confident in my sleight of hand. The device would capture every word and whisper, transmitting directly to my secure line. It was a necessary intrusion, a way to stay one step ahead in a game where I was the dealer and executioner.

I veered toward the restroom, entered, and approached the sink. I lifted the mask and splashed cold water on my face, staring at my reflection. I couldn’t help but feel the isolation of my position. Power, wealth, influence, and dominance were all shackles in their own right.

Exiting the restroom, I composed myself and readjusted my mask, keeping it firmly in place.

I had to return to Penelope, to Riccardo, to the gilded cage of the party. But my mind was already sifting through the information that would pour into my lap because of Antonio’s disregard.

Riccardo spun Penelope around the dance floor, her laughter light and carefree. For a fleeting moment, I envied her oblivion, the simplicity of a life untouched by the shadows I navigated daily. But this was my reality, a world where trust was a luxury and every alliance was laced with potential betrayal.

“Having fun, I see,” I remarked, reclaiming Penelope’s hand as the dance ended.

She beamed up at me, her eyes sparkling with unguarded joy. “It’s been wonderful, thank you.”

Riccardo offered a knowing smile, his gaze sharp. “You two make a striking pair. Dominic, you’ve always had a taste for the exquisite.”

I inclined my head, acknowledging the compliment and the hidden barbs that came with it. “Thank you, Riccardo. Shall we?” I gestured to Penelope, ready to escort her from the dance floor.

As we mingled through the crowd, the tiny device securely attached to Antonio Cappalli’s jacket was ever-present in my mind. It reminded me of the dual life I led, the constant balancing act between the man I presented to the world and the one who operated in the shadows.

Penelope’s presence at my side had a calming effect on me, whereas when I was alone at these gatherings, every eye watched me to see what the brooding infamous Dominic Lucas was up to. It was one of the reasons I knew she would be perfect as a plus one tonight—that, and keeping an eye on her was becoming my obsession.

She laughed as we engaged in light conversation, but I remained alert, always listening, always watching. In this world, I could never let my guard down, not even for a moment. Being the Black Rose and underboss simultaneously was proof that one never knew who lurked in their vicinity and what their intentions were.

When we got a moment alone, Penelope leaned in. “I was shocked that Riccardo knew who you were immediately. Your presence seems to be a secret to everyone else here. The mask is doing its job, I think.”

“Yes. The theme is why I’m in attendance. Otherwise, the majority of the room would rush us, and we’d have a line forming where most would want to have a formal chitchat about everything and nothing at all.”

“But Riccardo?—"

“Knew who I was because this is his party and he was alerted the minute my retina scan cleared.”

“Ah…that makes sense.”

“If he had not approached me, I would’ve thought he was off his game.”

She chuckled. “I must say, it’s nice to see you in this element, Profes—Dominic.”

I tsked. “Careful.”

“I apologize.”

She went mute, and I watched her for the better part of a minute. “Was this a bad idea?”

“No. No,” she repeated. “I’m almost used to calling you Dominic alone.”

“What can I do to seal it in your mind?”

She gave me a risqué look. “I’ve got an idea.”

My nostrils flared, and I swallowed the remaining champagne in my glass, set the flute aside, lifted Penelope, tossed her over my shoulder, and headed to the exit.

Still, I didn’t miss the look in Riccardo’s eyes.

What was that…tension?

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