Page 25 of Mistletoe in the Mafia

Dominic.

The same Dominic that saved me Friday night. The same Dominic that fucked my brains out that same night. The same Dominic I was most definitely was not expecting to see again, let alone here.

I do the only reasonable thing my brain can process at the moment—I choke on my coffee. It’s not a cute, subtle choke either. It’s a full-on, wide-eyed, cough-spluttering, coffee-spraying disaster.

“Maddie?” Kenny’s voice is sharp, concerned.

A few other coworkers also shoot me worried looks. I wave them off, coughing into my sleeve as I grab a napkin to wipe thetable in front of me. My face feels like it’s on fire, and I can’t even look up right now.

Joshua pauses, glancing between me and Dominic with raised eyebrows. “Uh… you good, Maddie?”

“Peachy,” I manage to rasp, still dabbing at the coffee stains.

I force a tight smile, hoping no one notices the way my hands are trembling. Dominic steps further into the room, his face completely blank, like he doesn’t even recognize me. It’s infuriating. I can feel Kenny staring at me, probably wondering why I look like I’ve seen a ghost.

Joshua clears his throat. “Everyone, this is Dominic Hale. He’s joining our team as an intelligence analyst. Dominic, this is the team. Be nice.”

He’s joining the team as a what now?

Dominic’s eyes briefly meet mine and for the faintest second, there’s something there, maybe a flicker of amusement. But it’s gone so quickly I almost doubt I saw it. I press my lips together and clench my fists so hard I almost break a nail. Everyone’s saying hi to Dominic, some of the women are visibly swooning at the sight of him.

I roll my eyes. This can’t be happening. He’s directed to one of the chairs in the room and the meeting continues as usual. I stay quiet through it all, trying to contain the emotions brewing inside of me. I don’t even hear a word until Joshua calls for an end to the meeting.

As soon as he does, I’m racing out of my seat after him. I don’t even glance at the donut station as I move with purpose. He knows I’m following him but he doesn’t turn around or acknowledge me until we’re inside his office.

“Maddie,” he says slowly, gesturing at the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

“We don’t need another intelligence analyst,” I state, ignoring his request.

He sighs, leaning on the edge of his desk, “I understand you might not be comfortable with this, but Dominic could be a good addition to the team. I’ve seen firsthand what he can do. He’s quite capable. This has nothing to do with your skills, of course; you’re capable as well. I just thought you needed an extra hand. His position is also short-term, temporary.”

I huff out a frustrated breath. “You can’t hire him, Joshua. I don’t need any help.”

His expression grows tighter. “The decision’s already been made.”

“How do you even know him?” I burst out.

And what the hell is he doing here of all places? This is so, so wrong.

Joshua sighs again. “Don’t take this wrong way, Maddie, but that’s none of your business.”

My jaw clenches. “Right. Of course. You hire the guy to take my job but I can’t even ask what your relationship is with him.”

“He’s not takingyourjob,” Joshua says sternly. “And I’d like to know why you have such a big issue with him, Flores.”

I groan softly before throwing my hands up in the air. “Nothing. It’s fine,” I mutter.

“If that’ll be all, you can leave.”

Dismissed, I head out of his office. As soon as I do, I hear his low, masculine voice.

“And here I thought you’d be glad to see me, Madelyn.”

He’s leaning against the wall beside the office door. I glare at him for a couple of seconds before grabbing his arm and dragging him to a more deserted corner of the hallway. He lets himself be dragged and doesn’t protest when I push him against the wall.

“Are you stalking me?” I snap.

He smiles at that. It’s not a nice smile, more menacing and chill-inducing.

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