Page 161 of Vita Mia

She had to look away.

“Where did it happen?”

Her gaze defiantly returned to his. He smiled. He looked up to the ceiling. Above the office he now ruled Mancini’s empire from was the master bedroom.

“He fucked you up there? When? The first time? Every time? So, he was a gentleman?”

She didn’t answer.

“Don’t move,” he said.

He stood. His zipper was down but he remained clothed. He picked up the phone. She listened as he spoke in Sicilian to one of his men. He wanted the house emptied. He wanted all staff sent home. He wanted every man to sleep outside, but to remain outside and on his property until he said different. It was a strange request. Dominic slammed the phone down. He picked up his whiskey glass and walked over to his bar. From her position on the floor she could only see his feet as she heard the tinkling of the glass. But she heard him pour a drink for himself. She slowly closed her thighs and laid there until he returned.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Past - 1996

Palermo, Sicily

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THE PHONE RANG. CATALINAopened her eyes. Dominic walked over to the desk and picked it up. He said a few words and then hung up. She’d been laying on the floor in silence for close to fifteen minutes. It was the longest fifteen minutes of her life. Dominic tossed down the last of the third drink he’d poured himself then slammed the glass back on his desk.

He approached her. He stood over her.

“What are you doing?”

He leaned in and grabbed the belt he pulled her up with it. She sat up and then stood with the help of his tugs on the belt. She stood there with her shirt torn and bra hanging loosely from her shoulder straps.

“The only word between us tonight isno. Say it and we’re done,” he said.

There was such finality in his promise it surprised her. Done? Did done mean for good? She stared up at him and tried again to see if she could recognize the man she loved. She only saw what was left of him. She nodded yes, her consent because he needed that, and because she needed him. More importantly, the asking proved he was no monster and somewhere deep his compassion and love for her remained. He pulled the belt and went to the door as if walking her on a leash. She walked out of it and into the hall a few steps behind him. The house was emptied as he requested. Zia was in bed as suggested. Little Armando was with Francesca in Bagheria. He loved spending time with her, and she let him go for short visits. They were alone.

Dominic led her up the stairs. And as soon as she began to climb she knew his destination. His room was downstairs near his office. She, Zia and her baby slept upstairs. He only visited to see the baby or ask a question of her. But he never stayed in Armando’s bedroom for long. And she could never bring herself to invite him in. Dominic tossed the door open and walked her inside. He dropped the belt holding her hands together and took a look around. Catalina noticed how his eyes lingered on the open closet where Armando’s clothes still hung from hangers. Then switched to the dresser where Armando’s cologne and two of his watches remained. There were other things. Sources of comfort for her after Armando’s death. And mementos she couldn’t part with. She reasoned she’d give them to her son one day, or she’d donate them to the church to people in need. Yet, month after month she held on to them.

Dominic took her hand instead of the belt and walked her over to the bed. She lay on top of it. She understood now. He’d have sex with her here, make her choose him, break the spell. If it worked maybe she’d never think of Armando again. That must be his thinking. The truth was she was learning to love them both. But she didn’t dare say so.

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