Page 10 of Domination

“Yes, thank you.”

She nods in my direction, then leaves the room.

Staring at my new pet, I zone out of whatever bullshit Robert is filling me in on about stocks and shares at his company and how excited he is to return to his job after rehab to take on new investments I might be interestedin. The man is deluded if he thinks I’m remotely interested in working with him. Other than his daughter, of course.

Ignoring Robert, I tilt my head and watch the way Gracie cares for little Bonnie; she cuts her vegetables from her plate, then hand feeds them to her while somehow holding her hand beneath her chin to collect the mess.

“She knows better than to let her drop shit on the floor.” Robert points his fork toward the girls, and I stiffen. “I’ve told her to make sure she doesn’t cause you any problems, you won’t know you’ve got them, I can assure you of that,” he says with a deep sneer.

The way he speaks has my bloodstream filling with so much anger it sizzles through me, boiling beneath my skin, so I clench my teeth. Exhaling my anger, I shake off his words, opting to comfort Gracie.

I clear my throat. “Gracie, I’d like you to make a list of anything you need ordered for Bonnie.”

She pushes her hair behind her ear, and I realize she’s been using it as a curtain to shut both me and her father out, and I hate it. So much so I wonder if it’s necessary to keep it so long, until I remember the silky feel of it between my fingers and the way it grazed over my abs and balls when she threw her head back in ecstasy. It’s necessary.

“Thank you, but we won’t need anything.” She turns her attention back to her meal and daughter, and annoyance rumbles in my chest. I want to care for them, and she has no choice but to let me.

If I want to shower them with gifts, I will.

Robert interjects while waving a hand in their direction. “See. They won’t be an issue. You won’t even know you’ve got them.”

Somehow, I very much doubt that.

Chapter Three

Gracie

The moment our eyes connected, I wanted to run and never look back, but I can’t. Not yet anyway. My heart hammered precariously and my mind whirled a mile a minute with the incredible memories of one night over a year ago.

His white shirt was open at the chest, and I longed to stroke his olive skin, kiss and caress it while he played with my hair.

The way his sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, exposing his bronzed arms, reminds me of the night he changed my destiny.

I shake my head.Keep your head on straight, Gracie.

As I’ve spent so long confined by my father’s rules, I intend to use staying here to my advantage. My agreement to come here was nothing short of strategic, and with that thought in mind, I swallow back the nervousnessbubbling up my throat and threatening to erupt at any given moment.

While my father and Vinny conversed during dinner, I spent my time caring for my daughter. Bonnie is almost ten months now and an absolute delight. She’s my reason for living, the light in the darkest of days, and I want nothing more than to give her the freedom I had when growing up. Before it all went to hell.

When my father turns his attention toward me, I try not to cower at his cruel words. Thankfully, Vinny doesn’t seem remotely like my father, but he’s told me enough times how bad the Marino family is, so I want to reserve judgment on them. I also want to make sure I don’t fall into his bed again. The last time was almost enough to destroy me, and I refuse to let that happen.

“You can order her a new chair, perhaps? One of those baby ones.” Vinny waves his hand in my direction, and I slink back, wishing I could just order items for her when I need them. I’m well aware of the many items my daughter is missing out on, but when I return home to my mother’s ranch, I can build her a better life there, away from any threats of violence or promises of taking my child from me.

“No, thank you. We’re fine.”

“See, I told you they don’t need anything,” my father singsongs.

Vinny pushes back in his chair, and it screeches against the wooden floor. I recoil when Robert glares in my direction, but Vinny stalks past the table to the door and calls his housekeeper in. Then she rushes into the room just as his ass touches the seat again.

“Hazel. Could you please show Gracie and little Bonnie to their room while I show Robert out.” The housekeeper nods, and my eyes widen at his stern tone and the way he’s practically banishing us all. We haven’t even finished dinner. “And send them snacks up to their room, please.”

“Of course, sir. This way, miss.” The housekeeper’s warm smile greets me. Her hair is in a messy bun, littered with silver streaks, and she has pretty green eyes that shimmer with warmth, so I find myself relaxing for the first time since leaving my father’s home.

“Come on, sweetie.” I gather Bonnie into my arms to stand and take one last glance in Vinny’s direction, and the promising glint in his eyes has trepidation rippling through my bloodstream. Something tells me he’s far from done with me, and the rush of anticipation is an emotion I have no place feeling.

Hazel is kind and has a gentle tone about her as she shows me around. I pick up on an Italian accent, and I wonder how Vinny sounds when he speaks in Italian. My cheeks flush at the thought, and I quickly turn away from Hazel before she can witness it.

The white furnishings appear new, and there’s a scattering of pink around the room that makes me wonder if she had a hand in decorating. “I chose the pink,” she confirms with a proud smile. “We don’t have any girls in the immediate family. So this makes me very happy.” She smiles toward Bonnie, and my heart soars at the affectionemanating from her. “Sir has four strapping boys.” My lip quirks at her reference to them being boys when they are very much men, which I know, thanks to my father’s avid jealousy.

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