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"The safest thing we can do is keep you in this house until the Carlo issue is handled. If you aren't seen outside at all, it might make him give up that much sooner."
Bristling, I think about arguing. There's no way I'm staying inside for a long period of time. I'll die of boredom. But there is a stern look to Dominic that makes me want to listen to him on some instinctive level, and it's so late. Maybe he'll be more pliable after a full night of sleep.
"Okay," I agree, standing. "I guess I should go to bed, then."
"I'll escort you."
We walk upstairs together, and the air between us is charged, heavy with the things we aren't saying. When we reach my door, Dominic pauses, looking down at me. "Get some rest," He murmurs, and it's not a request. For a long, stretching moment, I think he's going to touch me, and I'm almost positive I want him to, as crazy as that is. Instead, Dominic just opens my bedroom door and watches me cross the threshold, his expression unreadable.
"Goodnight, Daisy." The door behind me shuts with a click.
* * *
I wake up with pure yellow sunlight streaming through the cream-colored curtains, the warmth of it falling over my face and teasing me to wakefulness.
I stretch, enjoying the pull of it before I even open my eyes. For some reason, this morning, my bed feels especially cushy and luxurious, which is weird. Because my bed is never comfy.
I crack my eyes open, and the first thing I register is that the ceiling is much too high for my apartment. A zing of concern zips through me, and I sit up, looking around, still not fully awake. The strange surroundings make my heart start to race. Where the heck am I?
But then it all comes rushing back. Carlo. The restaurant. Dominic Falcone stepping up like a knight in shining armor, his massive height and broad frame making his son pale in comparison. The car ride and then Dominic's house, the feel of his gaze on me, and his quiet, deep voice.
Dominic.
"Oh, gosh. What have I gotten myself into?" I breathe out, flopping back into the pillows and pulling the blankets over my head, hiding from the light.
What am I even doing here? Carlo might not be the most pleasant man, but his dad is...a god. An intimidating, powerful, hot-as-hell god. And I'm just Daisy.
There's no way Dominic feels any sort of way about me. Even if he is attentive and flirtatious, he's probably like that with all women. A soft knock comes on the door, and Elena's muffled voice says, "Daisy, good morning. Mr. Falcone would like you to join him for breakfast in twenty minutes."
"Okay!" I call out, my voice rough with sleep. "Thanks, Elena."
When Elena's footsteps recede, I scramble out of bed, rushing for the shower and rinsing off before blow-drying my hair, then digging through my luggage and dressing in jeans and a flowy white shirt. Something that's comfortable and casual but still cute.
I can't explain the urge I have to look nice for Dominic. Maybe because, on some level, I want to prove that I can be attractive, that it's worth his time. Or maybe I just want him to notice me.
I apply some mascara, adding a swipe of peachy lip gloss that gives my whole appearance a healthy, glowing vibe, and leave my hair loose and natural, the warm brown waves falling past my shoulders.
Taking a deep breath, I exit the room and walk downstairs, following the scent of coffee and the sound of people talking. He's in the same breakfast nook as last night, but I have a feeling there is a much grander dining room somewhere in this mansion. For now, though, I'm more than happy to be close to him while we eat.
Dominic is talking to Ashton, who takes his leave when I enter the room, leaving just Dominic and me alone with a spread of food. Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, bagels, and a fresh pot of coffee.
"Good morning, Daisy," he tells me, standing as I take my seat and pushing a cup of coffee towards me. His eyes are warm, his lips quirked up in a half-smile. "Did you sleep alright? Was the room satisfactory?"
"It's amazing. Thank you."
"Of course." His smile turns sly. "I pride myself on being a fantastic host."
"Mmm." I take a sip of the steaming, perfectly made coffee, and Dominic chuckles softly.
"I have to go into the restaurant today, and Ashton will accompany me, but we'll have security posted outside of course. I've asked Elena to stay here with you. You can do whatever you like. The house is yours. Feel free to order groceries online for yourself or to explore."
"Maybe I will." I smile at him over the rim of my mug. "It's a big house, and I'm a curious girl. But..." I pause, wondering if I should interrupt this lovely meal by pushing his buttons. But I really want to go with him. "Can't I come with you? I'd really prefer to earn my keep."
It's supposed to be a joke, but my last words make his expression darken. "You're here because I want you here, Daisy. You're under my protection. This isn't some room and board that you have to earn."
"I know that." I push. "But it will kill me to just sit around while you work. I'm not a woman who enjoys sitting on the couch."
His jaw clenches. "Daisy?—"
