Page 115 of When Morning Comes Around

“Even if they did, that’s your doing, not mine.”

“However we ended up here, the point is, you can turn the business around – I can’t.”

“Then perhaps we should agree on a settlement where we sell everything and divide the proceeds.”

“That doesn’t make sense. It’ll be faster and easier this way.”

“No…”

“Listen, Sadie. I came here prepared to be reasonable. I offered to bring you home with me – you don’t have to stay in this shithole with your dad. I offered to give you the business – you’re a good manager. It’s not as though you have anything else in your life, is it?”

Taryn cocked an eyebrow at Dom – she no doubt saw that as his cue. Dom finally met Sadie’s gaze, but she gave him a tiny shake of her head. So, no – he had to wait until her say so.

Sadie didn’t answer, and apparently it was only a rhetorical question. Dale continued, “Since you’re too stupid to go along with me, I’ll just have to make your life difficult.”

“What do you mean?”

Dominic was glad that Sadie didn’t sound afraid. He got the impression that she was asking that question for his sake. She wanted Dale to elaborate, so that they knew what they were dealing with.

“Tell your lawyer on Monday that we’re going to settle – I’ll keep the house, you’ll keep the business. If you don’t, then I’ll drag this thing out and make sure that you end up with nothing.”

Dom clenched his jaw. He tried to catch Sadie’s gaze, he really needed to step in, but she ignored him.

“Is that a threat?” she asked Dale.

“Jesus Christ! Are you that stupid? Yes, Sadie, it’s a threat. In fact, no, it’s a promise. You blew your chance. The lawyers can take over now. Tell yours that you want the business, and I get the house, or you’ll regret it. I’ll make your life hell – yours and Harvey’s. Is that clear enough? Do you understand me now?”

Dominic was relieved when Sadie finally gave him the nod. He was already halfway to his feet when she did.

He towered over Dale as he gripped him by the throat. Dale’s arms flailed, and he made pathetic gasping sounds. Dom just stared down at him.

“What are you doing?” Dale managed to squeak out.

“I’m makingyoua promise. I promise you that if you ever threaten Sadie or Harvey again – if you ever come near either of them again – you’ll wish that I’d made your life hell because I’ll put you through so much worse than hell.”

“Who…? Why…?” Dale’s eyes narrowed, and he shot an ugly look at Sadie. “Are you serious? This guy’s with you?”

Sadie nodded.

He turned back to Dom. “I can pay you more.”

Dom tightened his fingers around Dale’s throat as he leaned in closer. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Whatever she’s paying you, I can pay you more.”

Dom shook his head. “You think she’s paying me?”

Dale glanced at Sadie again. “Why else…”

Dom grabbed the lapels of Dale’s jacket and pulled him down from his stool. He shook him, and Taryn shot him a cautionary, “Dom, careful.”

She was right. He could crush this puny little asshole too easily. He couldn’t help it, though; he gathered both lapels in his left hand and delivered a gut punch with his right.

“Because I recognized a true gem when I found one.”

He wasn’t even sure that Dale heard or understood what he said – he was doubled over, gasping.

“You were right about one thing, and that’s the divorce being handled exclusively by the lawyers from here on.”

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