Page 20 of The Viper

He shrugs. “There’s only one pasta dish on the menu and it’s probably mass produced. I’m not even going to attempt to eat that.”

I shut my mouth, afraid of what I’m going to say to him. Instead, I pull my shoulders back and smile. “Enjoy your fried chicken, sir.” I have to remember he invited me to family dinner where I’m going to see my sister. I just need to let go of whatever it is that’s irritating me about him.

Yep, that’s it. I won’t bite when he tries to goad me into an argument.

I have no idea what to wear at one of these family dinners. I look through my closet as I chew on the inside of my cheek. “Nope,” I say as I flick past a few of my tighter dresses. My selection of dresses is limited, but that’s okay, I’m not a huge fashion lover. I mean, give me a pair of jeans and a comfortable sweater and I’m happy.

But I don’t think this dinner is somewhere I can get by with jeans and a sweater.

“You?” I take out a black dress that’s fitted in the bodice and flares from my hips to my knees. “I guess you’ll do.” I then look at all four pairs of shoes I have. “You’re out,” I say to my work shoes. “And there’s no way I’m wearing these.” I look at the black strappy stilettos I love, but are way too dressy for tonight. “And you’re out.” I kick my sport shoes to the side. “So, I guess it leaves you.” A pair of black wedges.

I jump in the shower to clean up and quickly wash my hair before I need to get ready. Once out, I towel dry, blow dry and run the flat iron over it. My auburn hair falls halfway down my back. I feel most comfortable with my hair in a messy bun, or back in a ponytail, but tonight I’ll leave it down. I apply a small amount of make-up before slipping into my dress.

The knocking on the door startles me. I rush over and open it. “I’m nearly ready,” I call over my shoulder as I rush back into my bedroom.

“I told you eight.”

His voice drips with irritation. I backtrack into the living room, where Dominic is standing tall. His expensive suit is fitted to his body, his white shirt is crisp and a complete contrast to his dark features. Dominic’s eyes are laser focused on me. “I thought Marco was picking me up.” He shoves his hands in his pockets and cocks an eyebrow. “Or not,” I say in a small voice as I head back into my bedroom. I trip over my own feet in my haste to get away from him, but catch myself before I face plant and kiss the ground. I look at myself in the full-length mirror stuck on the door to my bathroom. “Get a grip,” I lift my hand to warn myself. I take a breath, and sit on the edge of my bed to slip my wedges on. Once the straps are fastened, I stand and look for my bag. I head out to find Dominic standing like a marble statue by the front door. “I’m ready.”

He lifts his chin as he runs his gaze down over my body. “You need a jacket.”

“I don’t really have a nice one that goes with this dress,” I say. “It doesn’t matter, I’ll be fine.” I’m rethinking my choice in wardrobe. Maybe I should change into jeans and sweater.

“You don’t have a jacket?” His brows lift in surprise.

“I do, I just don’t have one that goes with this dress. Honestly, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.” Dominic’s jaw tightens. “I’m ready.” I advance toward him with my clutch in my hand.

Dominic steps to the side and allows me to leave first before he closes the new, thick door behind us. Marco is in the hallway, waiting for us. “Miss Hopkins,” he acknowledges.

Dominic offers his elbow and expects me to slide my arm through his. “Um.” I glance between his offered arm, and his steely eyes.

“For the love of God, Rosa.” He takes my arm and links it through his.

“Rose,” I correct for the hundredth time. “Where is this family dinner?”

“At Ruben’s,” he says in a short, clipped tone.

“Ruben Sacco?” I ask. “Your uncle?” The same guy who paid for my sister’s wedding.

“Yes.”

“And he lives where?” Dominic leads me down to the waiting car, and opens the back door. I slide in, still having no idea where he’s taking me. Once he and Marco are in, the driver merges onto the quiet street. “I am going to see my sister tonight, right?” I wring my hands together, suddenly nervous about where we’re going. Why do I feel like I’m on the way to my own execution? Wait, is this some weird kind of last dinner where I’m going to have the best meal of my life, then I’m going to be killed?

“You’ll see,” Dominic replies.

His lack of response, cold tone, and the secrecy of everything is making me extremely nervous. The farther the driver heads out of the city, the bigger the tense quiver in my stomach grows. “Where did you say we’re going?”

“I didn’t.”

Marco chuckles from the front. I lick my lips as I stare out the window. Tears prick my eyes as I refuse to look at the man causing me so much damned anxiety. I find myself absentmindedly scraping my fingers across my throat as my mind plays every possible scenario out.

I keep an eye on my surroundings, and notice we’re heading toward the coast line. Does Ruben live near the ocean? Jesus, why can’t Dominic just tell me what’s happening? I discreetly shuffle closer to the door in an attempt to make myself as small as I can. “We’re nearly there,” Dominic announces.

I look out and crinkle my brow. “We’re near the marina.”

“Yes.”

“He lives near the marina?”

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