Page 16 of Ink Deep Devotion

Dom sits back and relaxes.“It’s easy work. You and my dad prepared me well.”

“I know.” Dad grins, although I’m not sure if it's due to Dom’s success or the Michelin-star chef meal he’s sinking his teeth into.

“How’s the expansion going?” Dom asks.“My Dad’s been away longer than expected.”

Dad waves his hand.“Everything is going according to plan. Our European offices will be ready for you to oversee. Are you eager to move to Europe?”

What?

My eyes briefly meet Dom’s. This is news to me.

He pats my thigh reassuringly.“Yes.”

“You’re expanding your offices to Europe?”

“Oh yes, Dominic is going to be heading it.” Dad grabs his wine and takes a sip.

“You’re leaving?” I choke.

“We’ll talk about it later,” Dom replies under his breath.

My chest sinks an inch.Was he just going to leave me like Dash did?I blink away tears and pocket this conversation for when we’re back at school. I came here on a mission, and I will not watch it be derailed.

Dad smirks, small wrinkles crinkle in the corner of his eyes. I see my opening.“Speaking of classes, Dad, I…um…I wanted to talk to you about my school schedule.” I clear my throat.

Dad pauses mid-bite.“Is everything alright?” His eyes snap to Dom in question.Our server appears to refill our sparkling water at the most inopportune time. I swallow, the sound amplifying against the heartbeat in my eardrums.

I glance from Dad to Dom. What’s that silent look they just shared?Oh, I understand now.Dom hasn’t just been my friend; he’s been a spy for Dad. The trust I have in Dom fractures slightly like an iceberg beginning to dissipate and melt ever so slowly. And the slight nod Dom just gave my father makes mefeel less numb. My emotions start to swirl like frigid waters forced to merge with polluted waves.

I wonder if he told my father about the times he’d pick me up from Silverstone and go drinking with me?

I extend my hand towards my wine glass and drink a mouthful.

“Darling?” Dad presses,“What about your classes?”

Be honest, little fox.I imagine Dash whispering to me. I set my glass down, filled by anger that Dash is still my fuel.

“I want to drop ballet as my major.” My sigh is as heavy as an explosion as it leaves my lips.

Dom’s hand on my leg jerks as he sits upright. My father’s eyes widen, then narrow into a slit.“What?” Dad snaps as he leans forward. His eyes look at Dom for an answer.

“I…I don’t want to dance any... anymore.”There, you said it.

From the corner of my eye, Dom shakes his head; then I feel his eyes on me.

“Act... actually,” I hate that fear makes me stutter, but I don’t know how to stop it.“I’m going to,” I say as firmly as I can.

“Mila,” Dom snorts a stressed snicker,“you’re—”

“Done dancing. And, apparently, you’re moving to Europe.” I hiss at the last part.

“I have a plan,” Dom growls.

I nod.I do, too.

“What’s going on?” Dad presses his elbows on the table.“You love ballet.”

“I loved it when mom was alive,” I admit on shaky breath.

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