Page 5 of Dominic

Chapter Five

Dominic heardCassandra’s sucked-in breath behind the gag and saw her eyes widen. Did she think he’d forgotten they were married?

He’d obviously caught Tambour off guard too, given the way frustration etched his features.

“Why don’t we put the guns away and work this out,” Dominic said.

Ian gave the motion to his men who lowered their guns. Marcelo and Titus did the same although Dom had no doubt they’d have them up fast enough to put a bullet through Ian or any of his men if needed.

“She’s your fucking wife?” Ian asked.

“I’ve got the marriage certificate to prove it.” Although Cassandra had signed a false last name, not Clemens, so it was useless and void. But that info wasn’t relevant to this situation.

Ian’s hands clenched into fists, looking from Cassandra’s naked, strung-up body to Dominic, obviously trying to weigh the gravity of what he’d done — kidnapping and abusing a known mafia underboss’ wife. “I did not have that information.”

“Not many people do. I’m willing to not hold it against you in any way if you’re willing to let Cassandra go. To leave with me here, right now.”

The situation was precarious. If Ian demanded Cassandra’s life as the only acceptable payment for what was stolen from him, it would get ugly. It would start a war between the Rinaldi family and the Russians, something Dominic wanted to avoid at all costs.

All costs except Cassandra’s life.

“I will pay you, of course,” Roman continued. “Any and all money that you lost at her hand. Plus a ten percent increase.”

Dominic saw Cassandra’s eyes go wide. Did she think she was getting off easy because Dominic wasn’t willing to let Ian kill her? She’d be paying Dominic back every single dollar in ways — on her knees, on all fours, in every darkly sexual way his mind could conceive — for as long as he wanted her.

She might not die a horrifying death at Tambour’s hand, but she’d live long enough to realize one should never betray a Rinaldi.

“Fine, I will not kill her and I will accept your offer for payment.” Ian didn’t look too happy about it, but at least it meant they wouldn’t be going to war. “But I also want some sort of physical retribution. You can understand that I thought I had quite a bit of time to play with her and get my frustration out.”

Dominic had no doubt that the playing would’ve involved that knife and probably other forms of torture for Cassandra.

He gestured towards Cassandra. “She’s strung up, naked. I have no doubt you and your men have already played quite a bit with her.”

Ian released a frustrated growl. “No. I was called away on business, unfortunately. My men were given strict orders that she was not to be used while I was gone.”

Dominic looked at Cassandra. She gave a slight nod in agreement. A tightness he hadn’t even been aware was buried inside him eased at the knowledge that Cassandra hadn’t been raped repeatedly over the last few days.

But it also made Tambour feel like he was still owed more from her.

“I can assure you, Tambour, that I have been searching for my wife for quite a long time. Years. She betrayed me in the most personal of ways, ugliest of ways, and I’m going to make sure she pays for it. Repeatedly and without mercy.”

Ian smiled slightly, obviously liking that thought. Cassandra’s wide eyes filled with fear. Good, she should be afraid. “Regardless, I would like something to ease my frustration. Money doesn’t do that.”

“I’m not going to let you fuck my wife, Tambour.” That was non-negotiable.

“A few cuts then, or punches. I want to make sure she remembers me.”

God damn it. Dominic didn’t want her marked that way. Found it distasteful. And punches could do unexpected damage, especially from someone like Tambour who wanted to inflict as much pain as possible. But at least she would still be alive and there wouldn’t be a showdown between La Cosa Nostra and the Russians.

“No.” Dominic found himself saying anyway. “I will be the only one who will punish her.”

Ian threw his arms up. “How do I know you’re really going to punish her?”

“I will give you a demonstration of what she can expect in my care. I think you’ll find it satisfies your need for physical violence.”

The shorter man looked more interested. “Like what?”

“First I’ll whip her with my belt — thoroughly — while she’s bent over that couch. Every time she sits down for the next few days she will think of you. And trust me, that spanking will not have worn off before her ass is on fire again at my hand. Over and over until I feel she’s learned the pain of betrayal.”

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