I close my eyes. For someone to get Dad’s chess set it had to be someone that we trust enough to be able to enter Mama’s house.
The truck engine starts.
I open my eyes and see Tony pulling off with my charred car in tow.
I hear Dominic’s footsteps on the porch. My phone lights up alerting me that someone is at my front door.
“Now you work,” I mutter.
The door opens and closes.
Dominic stands in the doorframe, wiping his palms on his jeans like he doesn’t know what to say. He clears his throat. “How are you feeling?”
I look down at my bandaged hands to avoid his gaze. “I’m fine. Tony got the car?”
“Yes. It’s gone.”
Dominic lingers near the door like he doesn’t know whether to come into the living room or leave.
I glance up. “Are you going to come sit down or just stand there?”
That comment breaks the tension just a little and a small smile twitches on his lips. “I didn’t know if I was welcome.”
I scoot over. “You saved my life, remember? That earns you a seat.”
He walks over and lowers himself onto the cushions next to me.
“Thank you for saving my life,” I turn to look at him.
“Cipi, you know I would sacrifice my own life to keep you safe,” he replies.
“Let’s hope you never have to do that. I don’t want to lose you.”
He takes one of my bandaged hands in his. “I thought maybe you didn’t trust me anymore, especially after all of Bruno’s accusations.”
“I know you would never hurt me. You’re the only person in this world who makes me feel safe.”
Dominic looks down at our intertwined fingers. “Bruno is right. I should be doing more. I’m not working hard enough.”
“You’re doing the best you can,” I assure him. “You’re not a miracle worker. Whoever is behind this is great at covering their tracks. I’m sorry for our argument earlier. I didn’t want you off the case, I just don’t want something to happen to you.”
“You don’t have to apologize." He kisses my hand. “At this point I want to find out who the killer is more than you. When I catch him I will skin him myself for marring that perfect body of yours.”
He reaches over and cups my cheek with his hand. Bringing my face closer to him, he brushes his lips against mine.
His mouth is warm and steady against mine. My breath catches as I melt into the kiss, the car explosion and fights from earlier fade from my thoughts.
Dominic pulls back slightly and rests his forehead against mine. “I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you,” he murmurs. “You scared the hell out of me, Cipi.”
“I didn’t mean to.”
He studies me. “You look tired.”
“I feel like shit.”
He smiles. “You’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
I chuckle. “You’re biased.”
