Page 73 of The Don's Hidden Heir

Still, I can’t let her do that.

I can’t always be the pathetic and heartbroken friend. I also don’t want Dominic to find out how much his silence hurt me.

“You’re not trying to protect that asshole, Elena. Tell me you’re not.”

“I’m not. I’m trying to protect myself and what little pride I have left.”I’m also trying to protect you.

Dominic wouldn’t hurt Moira. He knows she’s my best friend, but I can’t risk it. I’ve seen him get angry, and I doubt he has a soft spot for anyone who isn’t me or Lucas.

My insides twist.

I know he cares for me, it’s just heart-wrenching that despite how much he cares, he still doesn’t want me.

Moira peers at me for a moment, the storm in her eyes calms and she reluctantly sits back down. “Girl, I know you love that man, but you deserve more than that.”

“I know.” There’s a knot in my throat and I swallow to push it down. “Trust me, I do.”

“Then why are you letting him play with your feelings?” She places a comforting hand on mine and speaks more softly. “Elena, I think you should tell him how you feel. You’re not a fucking dog. Don’t let him sit on his high and mighty throne and throw bones to you. Even Twinkie gets better treatment than that.”

I try to hold back the chuckle bubbling in my gut, but it breaks free. Twinkie is Moira’s pet Maltese. It was two years ago, or there about, when a guy she’d dated for six months—the only guy she’s dated for that long—broke up with her because his mother didn’t like her. Moira jumped through his window and stole Twinkie while he was at work as her revenge.

He never found out where his dog went and I agree that Moira is a better parent to Twinkie than her ex ever was.

“What I’m saying is, don’t waste so much time waiting for Dominic that you miss your chance on true love.”

I’m not sure what true love is, but I really doubt anyone else can make my heart beat as fast as it does when I’m around Dominic. No one can make my stomach flutter as much as he does.

No one will ever hold a candle to him in my heart.

I let out a shaky breath. “You’re right, Moira.”

Her brows quirk. She knows there’s more I want to say. She knows me too well. “But…”

“I can’t leave now. You know the whole thing with the mafia, Dominic has it rough already. I can’t bother him now.”

My mind drifts to last night. His blue eyes were gloomier than I’d seen them in a while. Something was wrong, I could feel it.

I wonder if it has to do with the mafia?

Did they attack a second time?

I try to think, but my head is blank and I can’t seem to come up with anything. I know Dominic is trying to shield me from the mafia, but I feel useless being in the dark.

Vincent wouldn’t tell me anything if I asked, and Marcus would rip his own tongue out before he leaked what’s going on with Dominic.

“What are you thinking?” Moira asks, giving me a suspicious look. “Girl, please don’t tell me you’re worrying about him again.”

I rest back in my seat and stare at the white ceiling blankly. “You know that’s not possible, Moira.”

“It will be, when you finally realize you need to put yourself first.”

“I’m a mom. Mother’s don’t get to put themselves first.” I don’t hate Dominic, but even if I did, I’ll pray he remains safe for Lucas’s sake.

The double black door to my office swings open and David Peterson walks in. He’s wearing a creepy smile that sends shivers down my spine and an oversized black suit that makes him look like a grim reaper.

I only recently noticed he has the same features as the Romano brothers. Tall, broad shoulders and piercing blue eyes. The only problem though is that his vile nature has clouded his handsomeness.

Moira’s lip quivers when he walks in. She gives Mr. Peterson a through head-to-toe stare before looking at me. She doesn’t speak, but she raises her brows and I know she’s asking if I have any idea why the man is here.

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