Page 37 of Beacon

Why does his possessive nature turn me on and have me wanting to abandon my dinner?

“You and me? No one else?” And when I say it this way, I realize the idea of another woman with him causes the same rage deep inside of me.

“You and me, Rosso, and no one else, which means no more fucking condoms once we get tested.”

He says it all like both a declaration and promise. And with Dominic Torano, I shouldn’t expect anything else.

This is what couples do?Right? Dinner parties? Why am I so nervous? I’ve met everyone in his life. They’ve been incredible, but coming as Cami’s sister is different from attending as Dom’s girlfriend. And he had been so nonchalant when he texted me earlier.

Dom:My brother and his people are doing a casual dinner at their downtown apartment. I’d love to see him and my nieces and nephew, but I won’t go without you.

No pressure there. His follow-up text had been sweet, and how could I say no?

Dom:I mean, I’d rather spend the night with you, so if you’re not ready to be around them that’s fine. It will just be Daimen, Arden, Elliot, my sister, and us.

I can handle four extra people and three babies. And I don’t know his brother, his husband, and wife well, nor do I know a lot about Daria Torano.

But as I fidget in front of the mirror, choosing something to wear, my palms begin to sweat, and I wonder if they’ll like me. When the hell have I ever worried about someone liking me? Never. It’s not in my DNA to care, quite honestly, but Dom isimportant. He’s more than important to me; I’m falling in love with him.

I’ve thought I’ve loved men before, but Dom is becoming the anomaly to all men. He’s funny, caring, and sexy, but there’s more. I don’t have to apologize for my working hours, or if Matthias has an emergency, because I’m the momager of all of the punk-ass bitches that own the company. Dom understands and encourages me.

I pull out a green waffle knit top that covers my ample ass, and a pair of black leggings. He’d mentioned to dress casual and comfortable, but I’m uncharacteristically self-conscious.

“Rosso.”

I hear Dom’s voice from down the hall, as I’ve given him the code to let himself in, plus Otis barks at his arrival.

“Otis, my guy, how’s it going?” His barking stops, and I can imagine he’s rolled over to his back, letting Dom rub his belly. Otis is such a whore for stomach rubs now that he’s given into Dom a little. But just a little.

I leave my small bedroom and step out into the kitchen, and I stop dead in my tracks. Every version of Dom is sexy, but in a pair of black slacks, his jet-black hair slicked back, and a white button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled to his elbows, I wish we weren’t in a rush.

His one knee is on the floor, and Otis is on his back. “You ready, baby?” he asks, his attention still on my dog until he looks up at me.

“Kind of wish I had told Daimen no!” He pushes to his feet and empties the distance between us, pulling me in for a scorching kiss, running his hand up my shirt. His finger works its way between my skin and the fabric of my bra and teases my nipples. And I now wish Dom had told his brother no too.

thirteen

DOMINIC

The quiver of her lips and the way her palms sweat in mine tells me she’s nervous. She drafts press releases and works million-dollar deals, yet she’s nervous about having dinner with my family.

I’ve called an Uber because I attempt to avoid driving in Chicago with the fuck ton of construction occurring, partially thanks to my brother and the newest contracts he’s secured, bringing in tons of jobs to the area—and horrendous traffic.

“I would have driven,” she says casually, her knee shaking.

“Rosso, what’s up? You’ve met the gang before many times. What has you all up in arms?” My fingers tickle up her arms, and my lips skirt her ear.

“I’ve never been a part of the group as your girlfriend. It’s different.” She lifts her shoulders to avoid me watching her, rocking slightly.

She’s nervous. My ruby, red-lipped girl is nervous. She’s self-assured, and lives life to the fullest. People don’t sway her opinions.

The Uber stops at the front of Daimen’s building, and before I can help Sandra from the car, the doorman recognizes me and takes her hand.

“Mr. Torano, it’s good to see you this evening.”

“Thanks, Terence, I hope you’re well.” His eyes focus on Sandra and why wouldn’t he? After all, she’s drop-dead gorgeous. “This is my girlfriend, Sandra McDonald. Her sister is Cami Gregory.” He recognizes the name immediately.

“Ms. McDonald, good to meet you. I hope Mr. and Mrs. Gregory, along with Mr. Sterling, are enjoying New York.”

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