The spell shattered a moment later, when he pushed to his knees and gently plucked the bucket and bag from my hands. “Go out the patio door and go home, Rae. I’ll cover for you.”
I shook my head and tried to protest.
But he cut me off. “I’ve got this.”
I was tired. Not only the exhaustion of the long night, but the strain from the attack weighed on me. The adrenaline was fast wearing off, and I did want to sit.
“Are you sure?” I flicked a glance to the hall door.
“Positive. I’ll speak to Theo.” Dominico rose and walked to the door. “Sleep well, and Rae?”
“Yes?” I sighed.
“It’s Nico.” He gave me a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Dominico is what people who aren’t my friends call me. And since we fought together tonight, I’d like to think we’re friends now.”
“Okay.” I smirked. Friends. With a mafia monster. “Thank you again, Nico.”
“You’re welcome, Rae.” With that, he left.
Chapter 13 – Rae
The door to the laundry room clicked open. The telltale prickle at the back of my neck was the only warning I had before the shrill voice cut through the morning haze.
“I see you’re back.”
Surprise flashed through me at the housekeeper’s venom. I spun around, bath towel half folded in my hands. Mrs. Sanderson was a vivid shade of red. “Is something the matter?”
“Is something the matter? Is somethingthe matter!” Her tiny body shook and spittle flew from her lips. “You left us hanging last night!”
Oh…crap on a cracker.
Dominico—Nicosaid he would talk to my uncle. Theo didn’t confront me this morning. There hadn’t been any indication that my early departure was cause for alarm. Either this woman hadn’t gotten the message, or she didn’t care for the change in protocol.
“I’m sorry for that, but I was sent home,” I said with a shrug. “But I’m here now, and I almost have this done—”
“If it was up to me, you’d be done!” Mrs. Sanderson stepped forward, flicking the towel from my hand.
My fingers curled into fists, and I dropped them to the side. “You’re out of line.”
A crack, followed by a sharp sting on my cheek, reverberated through the room.
“Don’t think that I’ll keep you around after this,” she threatened. “I want you gone. It’s only a matter of time before you are.”
The surge of anger that made me bite my tongue wasn’t enough to keep back the sour trickle of fear. I didn’twantto leave. Last night put too many things in perspective. I was safe here. No one would dare to hurt me. If I went out on myown, I was truly alone. Even if there were demons lurking in this place, even if those demons tried to hurt me, there was protection here.
There was him.
This was the best spot for this chapter in my life. Plus…I needed the money to start over when I decided that it was wise to do so.
That knowledge had me grinding out the apology this witch didn’t deserve. “I am truly sorry for deserting y’all last night. But like I said, I was sent home.”
“You think just because your uncle has tenure here that it makes you safe?” she cackled. “I’m going to speak with the Signora when she wakes up. We’ll see how long it takes for you to be sent packing!”
She spun on the tip of her perfectly polished shoes and stormed to the kitchen door.
Red exploded through the room. I marched after her. “Hey! That’s not fair!”
Franky and Cathy looked up from the baked goods they were in the middle of preparing. While I didn’t want an audience, I was glad they were here to witness in case the housekeeper decided to strike me again.
