Page 36 of Bound in Ruin

"Wait," he grunts behind me.

I pause, but I don't turn around.

A long, heavy sigh blows past his lips, followed by a low mutter that sounds like a curse. "Fine. Yes. You can keep the damn dog."

A triumphant, dazzling smile breaks across my face as I turn back to face him.

Dominic rolls his eyes hard toward the ceiling, looking up as if asking the universe why he’s in this position. "But if that beast ruins a single piece of furniture," he warns, pointing a grease-stained finger at me, "it's sleeping in the garage or I’ll throw him out to the wolves."

"He is not a beast," I say, shooting him a defensive look. "And for your information, his name is Dom."

Dominic’s forehead deepens into a massive, horrified frown. "You're about to fucking piss me off, Rosalia. Why the hell would you name him Dom?"

Gosh.

He’s so cute and funny when he’s furious over absolute nonsense.

I swallow back a bubble of laughter, fighting with everything in me to keep a straight face. "Well, it was either that or Lane."

He scowls at me, his dark eyes narrowing into slits. "You know what? I've changed my mind. We're throwing the damned dog out!"

I burst into full, uncontrolled laughter, the sound ringing off the high metal beams of the garage.

Before I can give him a witty response, the sound of fast, hurried footsteps echoes near the entrance. A young maid scurries into the bay, breathlessly holding up my buzzing phone.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt, sir, ma'am," she stammers, bowing her head slightly. "Mrs. Kane, you left your phone on the dining table after breakfast. It's been ringing non-stop."

"Thank you," I say, stepping forward to take it from her hands.

I glance down at the screen. The caller ID shows my lawyer’s name. Swiping to accept the call, I bring the phone to my ear as the maid quietly exits.

"Rosalia," my lawyer's voice cuts through the speaker, crisp and urgent. "Dante has just formally requested an emergency meeting today at one o'clock. His legal team insists it's non-negotiable."

I check the thin watch on my wrist. It's already almost noon.

"I understand. I'll be there," I tell him before hanging up.

I turn back toward Dominic, the playful atmosphere instantly evaporating, replaced by the heavy reality of the family war waiting outside these gates.

"My lawyer just called," I say, looking Dominic dead in the eye. "Dante requested a meeting at one o'clock today."

Without waiting for his dark temper to flare up again, I turn on my heel and head straight out of the garage to get ready.

I barely make it halfway across the manicured lawn before the aggressive thud of footsteps closes in behind me.

"Rosalia, stop right there," Dominic barks, his large hand reaching out to grab my forearm, pulling me to a halt. "You are not going to a meeting with Dante alone. Not a chance in hell. I'm coming with you."

I look up into his fierce gaze and give a simple, quiet nod. Deep down, a wave of pure relief washes over me. The sheer thought of sitting across a table from Dante by myself wears me out before the meeting has even started. Having Dominic's terrifying, protective presence beside me is exactly what I need, even if I won't admit it out loud.

We head upstairs to our bedroom in silence to get ready.

I let Dominic take the master bathroom first to wash off the motor grease and sweat. While the shower runs, I go to the closet and pick out an elegant dress—armored, refined, and perfect for facing that family.

The moment Dominic steps out, a towel low around his waist and steam rolling off his shoulders, I hurry into the bathroom with my dress. I close the door, not wanting to strip down in front of him.

I pull it over my head and slip my arms through the sleeves, but as I reach behind my back to pull up the long, central zipper, it catches on the fabric near my waist. I tug at it once. Twice. My knuckles strain, my shoulders ache, and the teeth of the zipper refuse to budge.

"Need a hand?"