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CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE
DOM ATTACHED HIS onyx and gold cuff links to his tuxedo shirt and kept an eye on the mirror that gave him a front-row view into Luca’s room. The kid was finishing off his look, sitting on the edge of the bed and slipping on a pair of shiny black loafers. Unease rolled off him in waves, but damn if he didn’t look the part.
As he stood up, he looked at himself in the mirror, unaware Dom was on the other side, and lifted the ends of the bow tie around his neck. It was obvious he’d never tied one before, but he gave a good effort before sighing and giving up. Then he reached for the black tuxedo jacket lying on the bed and shrugged into it, and when he faced the mirror again, Dom shook his head.
“He looks too fucking good to be a Fiore,” he said as he put on his own jacket. Luca didn’t have a clue what was happening tonight, but his presence had been requested, and it was up to Dom to make sure Luca was looking good and stayed by Dom’s side all night. At least he’d nailed the looking-good part, because while Luca probably preferred medical scrubs, his body was made for a tailored suit. And with the scruff along his jaw growing in, even Dom had to admit that Luca made a striking picture, one that would definitely get attention tonight.
Dom gave himself a once-over in the full bathroom mirror and then slipped his cell in his pocket before heading out of his room. He didn’t bother knocking on Luca’s door before entering, and the young man startled at the surprise.
“Hello, I could’ve been naked,” he said.
“So?”
“So a heads-up before you enter a room would be nice.”
Dom narrowed his eyes. “You’re forgetting I don’t ask for permission. Not a mistake I thought you’d make. Now come here.”
He could see the way Luca hesitated, like he wanted to rebel in some way, but then realized there was no point. He walked over, looking every inch like a prize Dom wanted to show off. And tonight, he’d get that chance.
Dom reached toward Luca, and the kid flinched at first, but then his shoulders relaxed when Dom began to work on the bow tie he’d left undone. This close, Dom could smell the way his soap lingered on Luca’s skin, and damn, why was that such an intriguing combination?
He decided to hold his breath as he finished securing the bow tie, and when he stepped back, he gave Luca a long once-over.
“Turn.”
Luca gave him a look but did as he said. “Is there a reason you have me in a penguin suit?”
“Yes.”
Luca waited a beat for more, and when Dom didn’t elaborate, he said, “Care to explain?”
“No. You should be glad to be in something so refined.”
“Well, I’m not.”
“There’s no accounting for taste. Let’s go.”
Dom started down the hall, Luca trailing after, and he should’ve known his companion would have a million questions. Maybe he should go back for the duct tape.
“Is someone here?” Luca asked. “Or coming? Why are we dressed up?”
Dom ignored him and reached into his pocket to unlock the front door.
“Wait, I thought we couldn’t leave. Where are you taking me?”
“We’re not going far.”
Luca backed up, the fear in his eyes confusing Dom until he realized what the kid was probably thinking.
“Calm down, Luca. As long as you behave, there will be no dungeon tonight.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“You don’t have a choice.”
When Luca stayed stubbornly in place, Dom let the front door click shut.
“Tonight is an important night for my family. It’s a fundraiser for someone very prominent in this city, and since my presence is required, so is yours.”
