Page 58 of King of Greed

He wiped a hand over his face with a rueful laugh. “I’m sorry. This wasn’t the conversation I’d planned for our first date, but you asked about New York and…” His Adam’s apple slid up and down his throat. “You’re the only person I’ve ever been able to talk to about these things.”

“I know,” I said softly. “You don’t have to apologize.”

This was the Dominic I missed. The one who opened up andtalkedto me instead of hiding behind his masks and money. He was afraid people would leave if they saw behind the curtain, but the parts hidden there were what made him human. Some wanted the myth and legend of Dominic Davenport; I wanted the man.

Usedto want. Past tense, a stern voice reminded me.Don’t forget this isn’t a real date.

I didn’t forget. But it also wasn’t a coincidence that, in a day filled with private jets and lavish meals and luxury suites, my favorite part had been a simple conversation about Dominic’s family.

The opulence didn’t touch my defenses, but the vulnerability chipped at my walls until a tiny section of them crumbled.

CHAPTER 25

Alessandra

DOMINIC AND I SPENT OUR FIRST DAY IN FLORIPA LAZINGaround the resort. He had someone bring me a suitcase full of new clothes and makeup since I hadn’t packed for an overnight trip, and he’d booked a second suite in case I didn’t want to stay in the same one as him, but I’d settled for separate bedrooms. The presidential suite was so big, I wouldn’t see him unless I wanted to, anyway.

I’d expected a full itinerary of activities during our stay, but he was surprisingly hands-off about what we did here. Other than mealtimes, which we shared, he kept a respectful distance—almost too much so. By the time the next morning rolled around, I felt like I was on a work trip with a colleague instead of a date.

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Isabella asked. I’d called her to check on the status of the store since we hadn’t gotten the chance to discuss business during yesterday’s group chat. “You can lie by the pool, go home, and call it a day. That’s what you wanted.”

“Maybe. It’s not like him to be so passive.” Why would Dominic fly us to another city only to leave me to fend for myself?

“I don’t know. People change. Either way, enjoy yourself and don’t think about work too much, okay?” Isabella said. “Sloanehas the grand opening party under control, and I’m loving the construction noise while I write.” She was the only person I knew who’d say something like that and mean it. Isabella thrived in chaos. “I don’t want to hear a peep from you this weekend. If there’s an emergency, I’ll call you.”

I laughed. “Sounds good. Thanks again, Isa.”

I’d lucked out when I’d met Vivian, who’d then introduced me to Sloane and Isabella. I’d lost touch with my college friends years ago, and though I had casual friends in New York, I’d never felt like part of a group until Vivian took me under her wing.

Happy hours, shopping trips, girls’ nights…our friendship made me realize how much I’d lost during my marriage, not only in terms of close confidantes but also in the small things that rounded out a normal, healthy life.

Abandoning my goals in favor of someone else’s wasn’t healthy. Replacing my hobbies with societal obligations because the latter were better for my husband’s business wasn’t healthy. Taking a supporting role instead of a main role in what should’ve been an equal partnership wasn’t healthy.

Dominic had his faults, but I wasn’t blameless either. I should’ve stood up for myself and what I wanted far earlier than I had. Younger me had thought love was enough to solve any problem, but growing up meant recognizing the importance of loving yourself as much as you did someone else.

I hung up and changed into a sundress before wandering into the suite’s living room. Sunlight spilled through the glass wall and drenched the pale oak floors with golden hues. My stomach rumbled with hunger, but I couldn’t decide whether to order room service or wait for Dominic.

I made a left toward his room. I lifted my hand to knock, but his voice bled through the door before I made contact.

“…can’t make it back to New York this weekend.” His deeptimbre sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine. “I don’t care. Tell Grossman he’ll have to wait.” A short pause. I couldn’t see him, but I could picture the irritation stamped on his face. “That’s what I pay you for. Take care of the problem, Caroline, because I’m not leaving Brazil until Alessandra does.”

The mention of my name plunged my stomach into free fall. I knew Dominic was giving up a lot of business opportunities to be here, but there was a difference between understanding something in theory and hearing it in practice.

I was still finding my equilibrium when the door opened and he nearly walked straight into me. Surprise erased the lines of annoyance from his brow.

“Alessandra? What’s wrong?”

An unexpected tinge of sadness tugged at my heart at his assumption that I was only seeking him out because something was wrong.

“Nothing.” I fiddled with my bracelets. “Did you have something planned for us today besides meals?”

“I’d rented canoes for this afternoon,” Dominic said cautiously. “Why?”

“So nothing in the morning?” I ignored his question.

He shook his head.

“Good.” I made an executive decision on the spot. “Because we’re going to the market.”

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