Page 20 of Twisted Knight

My phone vibrated on my bed and some of the apprehension I felt at seeking Dom faded. Jake’s name flashed on the screen… Why was he calling me? How dared he call me? I could feel my cheekbone tingle as I rejected his call. I had wanted to block his number, but then who knew what he’d do to contact me? He wouldn’t come here; that much I knew, and if he tried, I knew he would face men that would teach him some manners.

Maybe he should come and see how people his own size reacted to his attitude. He looked like everything a woman would want and I had to admit his interest had caused me to falter. He was rich, good-looking, and well mannered—apparently a gift to women… a poisoning gift to say the least.

I sighed, shaking my head. I would not let Jake Warner steal one more good moment from my life, one more smile or one single second of happiness he didn’t deserve it. I arranged my curls so they fell nicely around my shoulders and trying to ignore the excitement that settled in the pit of my stomach at seeing the tall sullen man who seemed to dislike me on principle.

I found him in the game room sitting at the chess table, facing a laptop. He was playing a game with someone I couldn’t see.

“Knight in D3? Are you sure, little man?”

“Dom, just move my piece.”

I was not really familiar with the voice but based on the youth of the tone it could only be Jude.

Dom chuckled. “So bossy, you do belong in this family.”

I studied him. He was talking to Jude with evident pride and affection—a look I’d been seeing a lot on his face… Well, except for me; that was clear.

He was dressed in black dress pants and a white button-up shirt rolled up to his elbows, revealing his tanned, muscled forearms. I’d never considered forearms as attractive, and yet I could barely stop looking at them as he moved the pieces around the board.

I didn’t feel comfortable spying on their moment, but I felt compelled to keep on going; that man was a mystery to me.

“How’s Cassie?”

“Cassie’s doing great, kid. She’s so excited for you to come home and meet the babies. Didn’t you talk to her yesterday?”

“I did but she’s always trying to shield me. You’re not. I know you’ll tell me the truth.”

Dom looked up and met my eyes through the gap in the door.

“Always,” he said with a sure voice, keeping his eyes on me in a way that challenged me from saying otherwise.

He did just lie to the kid though. Cassie wasn’t great. She had contractions and that was why she and Luca were gone today, and it was also why I was seeking the man who disliked me.

I heard a loud bell coming from the computer.

“Got to get to class. Thanks for the game. We’ll finish it tonight.”

Dom looked down at the screen and winked at Jude. “Sure thing, kiddo. Enjoy learning.”

“Always!”

He sighed, closing the laptop. “Are you always spying on people?” he asked, staying on his chair, sprawling into it like a king in his kingdom.

I shrugged, trying to sound and look as if I was not embarrassed. “You’re not the most forthcoming person. I have to try to figure out who you are,” I admitted. There was no shame in that.

“There’s no need.” He stood up, straightening his back, once more reminding me how broad he was. “Was there anything you needed?”

I nodded. “Yes. Cassie left a little in a panic this morning, and she talked about turning the flowers in the greenhouse. I promised I would, but I’m not sure what she meant.”

He looked out the window and the bright sunlight hit his face from an angle showing me that his eyes were actually not as dark as I thought. They were a darker honey than actual brown.

He turned toward me again and gave me a sharp nod. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.” He stood in front of the door, frowning down at me, still blocking his path. “What are you doing?”

I looked up, standing my ground. It was fairly rare that I could actually look up to a man.

“I want to help. That’s why I'm here.”

He shook his head. “Not necessary. I said I’ll do it,” he replied—or rather barked back.

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