Page 44 of They All Own Me

Connor leans forward, elbows on the table. "He tried running through an alley off 42nd. Made it about halfway before Isaac caught up."

"Tackled him right into a dumpster," Isaac adds, a hint of pride in his voice. "Cracked two of his ribs on impact."

I pour myself more wine. "Then what?"

"Brought him to a warehouse," Dominic says, his deep voice measured. "Gave him one last chance to come clean about who else was involved."

"Let me guess - he wasn't feeling chatty?"

"Not at first." Connor's tongue works at his lip ring. "But Dom here has ways of making people talk."

"Started with his fingers," Isaac continues. "One joint at a time. By the third finger, he was singing like a bird."

My stomach should turn at this. I should be horrified. Instead, I find myself leaning in closer. "Did he give you names?"

"Four of them." Dominic's dark eyes study my face. "Plus locations, dates, everything we needed."

"And then?"

"Then we made sure he wouldn't be ratting to anyone else ever again." Connor mimes slicing across his throat.

"Messy business," Isaac adds. "But necessary."

I nod slowly, processing. "Good. People who betray trust deserve what they get."

The silence that follows is heavy with unspoken questions. I can feel them wondering what darkness lies beneath my perfect politician's wife exterior.

Truth is, I'm wondering the same thing.

The room feels stifling despite the cool air conditioning. My skin tingles as I watch Dominic's hands wrap around his wine glass, the same hands that hours ago... I shake my head, trying to clear the inappropriate thoughts.

"I should head to bed," I announce, standing abruptly. The chair scrapes against the floor. "Thank you for dinner conversation. It was... illuminating."

"You good?" Isaac asks, concern etching his features.

"I'm great." My voice comes out higher than intended. "Just tired. It's been an eventful day."

I gather the plates, my hands trembling slightly. Dominic reaches for his, and our fingers brush. A jolt of electricity shoots through me.

"Leave those," he commands in that deep voice that makes my stomach flip. "We'll take care of cleanup."

"Right. Thanks." I step back, gripping the counter for support. "Goodnight then."

I practically sprint up the stairs, closing my bedroom door and leaning against it. My heart pounds against my ribs.

What is wrong with me? These men just described torturing and killing someone, and instead of being terrified, I'm... attracted? The thought of their capable hands, their controlled violence, their raw power...

"You're losing it, Tatum," I mutter to myself, pacing the room. "Completely losing it."

I've clearly been trapped in my sterile marriage too long. That must be it. Because finding murderers sexy? That's beyond messed up. Even for someone as screwed up as me.

But the way Dominic's eyes darkened when he described their work, how Isaac's muscles flexed as he demonstrated the takedown, Connor's satisfied smirk...

I groan and fall face-first onto the bed. I need a cold shower and serious therapy.

Chapter 25

Dominic

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