Page 64 of Domination

“I-I’m a Christian, sir. I’m saving myself formarriage.” My eyes widen at his admission, and Massio chokes on a laugh. Then the little punk lifts his hand. “I-it’s my purity ring, it symbolizes—”

“I know what the fuck a purity ring is,” I bellow, causing him to shrink back.

Massio pinches the bridge of his nose. “Jesus fucking Christ. A purity ring?” His wide eyes meet mine, and we stare at one another with confusion.

“Sir, Gracie’s father kept her locked up in the house, she was never allowed out. I didn’t even know she had a baby until I saw her here. I was truly shocked, sir.”

I stroke over my lip, contemplating his words.

“Sir, I don’t think the kid is the father. Do you?” Massio eyes me with uncertainty and rolls his lips, probably unsure whether to speak or not, and in this moment, I’m grateful for his silence. I allow the kid to fall to the floor.

Pieces of the puzzle are slowly slipping into place.

“He said he wanted leverage.”

Massio nods.

“He said he wanted leverage, Massio!” I say louder as the clouds of jealousy that have consumed me clear, allowing me to think straight. “She’s mine.”

“Sir?”

A deep-seated agony pulsates in the pit of my stomach as I keel over, and with my fists planted on the wall, I take deep breaths. “Holy fuck. Bonnie. She’s mine.”

My heart sinks to my feet as her betrayal slices through me.

“Holy shit,” Massio chokes out.

The kid’s hand rests on my arm. “Sir, congratulations on becoming a daddy.” Congratulations? On becoming a fucking daddy? I shake my head, the kid can’t know the meaning behind his words, but fuck me do they hurt anyhow.

She stole her from me.

“Please bring them home safely. I’ll pray for their return.” I want to scoff at this kid’s ignorance, but there’s something about his words that I pick up on.

Striding toward the door, I rip it open, Massio hot on my heels. “I know where she is!” I shout.

We bypass a sobbing Hazel and head outside toward the SUV.

“Care to share?” Massio asks.

I stop on the steps of the community center to face my right-hand man. “She’s gone home, Massio.” His brow furrows as he thinks over my words. “Her old home.”

“Why the fuck?”

“The one she grew up in,” I clarify. “The ranch.”

My little pet has returned home, but when I find her, I’ll be sure to keep her on a tighter leash. Her owner is coming to collect her, and when I do, I’ll punish her for every betrayal, starting with why the fuck she kept my baby from me.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Vinny

My thoughts are consumed with Bonnie on the way to the ranch. The way her momma cares for her is what makes me love her all the more. She’s everything I would have wanted for my boys, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect mother than the one she is.

It’s what is keeping my anger at bay. I’m barely holding it together, but their safety is paramount to me, so until I have them back in our home, I refuse to give in to the darkness inside me. But she will receive it; every fucking inch of her will receive it. It’s clear I’ve been too gentle on my little pet, treated her with such tenderness she’s forgotten who owns her.

As we turn into the ranch, I lean forward and take in the rolling hills. This place is secluded. I’d have security on the gate, brick guard houses, and electric fencing.

The ground crunches beneath the tires as we roll up the driveway. The wraparound porch makes me want toroll my eyes at how quintessential this little hidden gem is.

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