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A subtle smile plays on Shade’s lips, a gesture that might be amusement or acknowledgment. In this world, trust is a fragile alliance, and my visit is a subtle reminder that even the shadows can’t conceal everything.
“Rest assured, Vanessa,” Shade replies, his voice a whisper in the darkness. “My loyalty lies where the shadows guide me.”
As I leave Shade’s enclave, the weight of uncertainty lingers. The dance of trust and suspicion continues, and in the ever-shifting landscape of the criminal underworld, I must navigate the shadows with utmost caution.
Ivy hasn’t gotten back to me about Shade, but honestly, I’m going to ask Dominic to look into the matter himself. Shade might say one thing, Ivy another, but for all I know, she and he are in league together, or at least they were until she had a reason to double-cross him.
Or maybe she’s seeing shadows and wrongdoings that aren’t there and innocently is wrong about Shade.
Or Shade is betraying me.
I leave the building entirely. If I can’t trust the allies in my mafia, what precisely do I have? Five or so loyal members isn’t a mafia. Of course, I don’t include Damian in that number.
The secrets of the underworld swirl around me like unseen phantoms. The game continues, and with each move, I solidify my position in the ever-shifting landscape of power and deceit. The shadows, my silent confidantes, whisper tales of intrigue as I venture deeper into the heart of darkness that conceals the true nature of my criminal empire.
CHAPTER 9
The aroma of our grilled cheese sandwiches and bowls of tomato soup hangs in the air as Dominic and I sit at my kitchen table. The quiet hum of the city from my cracked-open window serves as a distant backdrop to our conversation.
“Have you thought about stepping into the dating scene lately?” I ask casually, trying to inject a touch of nonchalance into my tone. Why shouldn’t he be able to have fun too? There’s more to life than just the mafia and power and all of that.
Dominic arches an eyebrow, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Vanessa, you know my life revolves around this,” he gestures vaguely to encompass the world we inhabit, “the Penumbra Legion. Dating doesn’t exactly top my priorities.”
I lean back, studying him thoughtfully. “But everyone needs some personal connection, Dom. It can’t be all about crime and power.”
He chuckles, a deep, resonant sound. “I’m not against the idea, you know. It’s just that the lifestyle we lead doesn’t leave much room for traditional relationships.”
I nod. Our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of secrecy and danger, leaving little space for the ordinary.
And maybe that’s why I have four lovers instead of just one.
Or maybe I just want to take, take, take, and that includes lovers.
No. My feelings for each of them are very real. I never intended for my feelings to be so strong for each of them, but it happened almost despite myself, and I want Dominic to be able to experience happiness too. If anyone deserves it, he does. He’s been my rock for so long, my reason for learning and adapting while the Shadow Syndicate was thriving, but once it was time for me to emerge and break free, I started to plot the demise of the mafia that forced us to do its bidding.
Now, it’s our turn to shine, and I want Dominic to not just have power but everything that he wants from life.
“Maybe you should consider it,” I suggest, a subtle encouragement in my voice. “A neighbor, perhaps? Or maybe someone who understands the unconventional nature of our lives.”
Dominic’s gaze meets mine, and there’s a flicker of something in his eyes, a hint of contemplation. “Maybe,” he concedes, “but for now, my focus is on ensuring our empire remains intact.”
“Well then… Are you sure you don’t have a hot neighbor?”
“Vanessa.” He glares at me.
I hold up my hands. “Fine! To that end about our empire… Do you think you could look into Shade for me?”
“I’m already on it,” he says calmly.
I blink a few times and raise an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. “Already on it? You’re always one step ahead, Dominic. What tipped you off?”
A knowing smile graces his lips. “It’s what I do, Vanessa. I need to ensure everything is running smoothly, and if there are any bumps, I need to smooth them out, so yes, I’ve been digging into his activities. Let’s see what secrets he’s hiding.”
I can’t help but feel a sense of reassurance. In this world of shadows and intrigue, having someone like Dominic on my side is both a strategic advantage and a source of comfort. The lines between ally and enemy blur, but within the Penumbra Legion, trust becomes a rare currency. I lean back, knowing that the information Dominic uncovers might shape the course of our criminal endeavors.
Dominic’s expression darkens as he brings up the new player. “Vanessa, I have some bad news, actually.”
“Spill it.”
