Page 75 of Taken By Him

“I’m kidding.” He pulls her into him for a big hug. No matter what an asshole the man is on the streets, when it comes to his family, he’s always been a bit of a softy. At least where the women were concerned. “I’m glad to have you in the family. Dominik says only kind things about you. And as big of an asshole he may be, he’s an honest asshole,” he says with another laugh.

While they make small talk, I call Lena. The call goes to voicemail.

“She texted you instead of talking to you at home?”

“I told you, she went out with her friends. I got her text while I was changing my shoes.” He points at his new loafers. The man loves his shoes the way some men enjoy cars.

“You didn’t text her back or call her?” I demand. He’s too permissive with her.

“She said she’ll be here. She’ll be here. It’s not like she isn’t old enough to have her own plans,” Dad argues. “I’m hungry.” He looks to Kasia. “Did you eat lunch yet?”

Kasia gives me a quick glance then steps toward the kitchen. “No, we were waiting for you.” She disappears into the kitchen with my father and brother following after her.

I look down at my phone again.

Lena was born in Chicago. All of her friends are here. Maybe she just wanted to go out for a bit before she came over, or she wanted to have her own ride so she could duck out in time to meet up with friends.

I tell myself all of this as I head to the kitchen, but there’s a sinking sensation in my stomach that nags me.

“Dominik,” my dad says from next to Kasia at the kitchen island. “Don’t worry. Your sister’s just being a pain in the ass again. She’ll be here soon. Come. Let’s eat. I’m starving. Then we can talk business.”

I watch Kasia talk with my father like she’s known him for years. He’s already at ease around her. She’s good with that. Making people feel important. Making them feel wanted.

I put my phone away. Lena will be here soon.

Maybe if I say it enough times it will come true.

Kasia smiles at me, and the worry fades away. Things can’t go wrong on a day as good as this.

“He’s nice,” Kasia whispers to me as she puts a plate in front of me. I laugh. My father is no such thing. But it’s good if she thinks so. She’s had enough darkness in her life.

I won’t allow it to ever happen again.

She will always feel loved.

She will always be mine.

Forever.

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The End

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