AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
ONE OF THE best things about Chef—he was quick.
Less than two hours after he called, Dom opened the penthouse door to see a grin on his friend’s face, along with a shallow red scratch across his cheek.
“Someone got handsy.”
Chef shrugged as he walked inside. “I gave him that one for free.”
“I didn’t think you did anything for free.”
“Oh, I don’t. I’ll get my fun later.”
If Dom wasn’t so keyed up, he would’ve cracked a smile at his friend’s enthusiasm. “Where was he?”
“Caught him coming out of his mistress’s house. Dirty fucker.” Chef hit the sink, soaping up his hands and wrists with a vengeance. “You have the talk with Luca?”
“Good guess.”
“Not a guess. Something had to set you off, and you were fine earlier.” He shut off the water and ripped off a paper towel, then leaned back against the counter. “How’d he take it?”
“Who cares?”
“Oh, come on. I can’t imagine the kid was thrilled to learn he’s the heir to a family of fucks.”
“Denial’s a powerful thing.”
“He doesn’t believe it?”
“He won’t let himself. Not yet. But he saw a picture. He sawher.”
Chef let out a low whistle. “No denying those genes. Thank fuck he didn’t take after Daddy.”
“That’s what I said. Though—” Dom stopped himself. He’d been about to say “though it would’ve been more helpful if he was.”Jesus.That would’ve been admitting he found Luca attractive, and that was the last thing he needed to say. Or think.
But Chef knew everything about Dom in a way the rest of the family didn’t, and he said, “He’s not a bad-looking guy if he takes after her. Under other circumstances—”
“Enough.” Dom ran a hand through his hair. “Don’t even go there. I fucking mean it.”
Chef nodded, and Dom turned on his heel to leave. Before he was out of the penthouse, though, he heard Chef call out, “Save me something good,” and decided to answer by slamming the door shut.
The loud bang was like the flip of a switch to Dom’s brain as he stepped out into the hall where Joe stood guard, stoic and stony-faced. It was an instant reminder that Dom had been sidelined for the foreseeable future and that his father—though concerned for his safety—thought him unable to look after his fucking self.
It was irritating, frustrating, and only added to the red haze starting to cloud his vision as he made his way toward the elevator.
“Uh, Dom?” Joe said. Usually he wouldn’t question Dom’s moves, but Dom knew his orders were not the ones Joe was currently bound to.
“I’m not here.” Dom punched the button and waited for the doors to open.
“Yeah, but—”
He placed a hand on the door and took a step forward, then cast a menacing look Joe’s way. “I’m not fucking here.”
Joe grumbled and ran a meaty hand over his head, but said nothing else as Dom let go of the doors and they slid shut behind him.
Fucking prisoner in my own damn family.
Dom hit the button then moved to the back of the car, closed his eyes, and took in a breath. This was exactly what he needed. This “gift” that Chef had brought tonight was the perfect remedy to this toxic inadequacy Dom was starting to feel slip in.
