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I pass two security guards on the way up, but otherwise, the place seems to be empty with all the employees having left within the last 30 minutes.
Once I get to the top floor, I follow the hallway to Dominic's office, my stomach fluttering wildly, and knock once.
The door swings open, and Dominic's dark eyes rake over me, his lips twisting into a pleased smirk. "Daisy. Come in."
I blush, and Dominic laughs, pulling me inside and pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "Did you have fun tonight, little Daisy?"
"Yes. Marie is a good teacher."
"I’m sure she thinks very highly of you. You're a good listener, and you don't complain or make excuses."
"That's all it takes, huh?"
Dominic cups my face, stroking a thumb over my cheekbone. "That's more important than anything else. You listen. That's a quality many people your age lack, and you'll go far because of it."
I turn my face towards his hand, closing my eyes and savoring the feeling of his skin against mine. The office is dark, lit only by the candles at the small table set up in the center. The scent of the food is intoxicating, but not as much as Dominic's touch.
"Come and eat." Dominic's voice drops, becoming low and husky. "Marie sent everything up already. I've been waiting for you."
I can't take my eyes off him as I go to sit, watching as he lowers himself into the chair across from me. He's taken off his suit jacket and has the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to display his corded forearms. His collar is open, giving me a glimpse of his chest, and the candlelight dances over his sharp features.
"You're so handsome," I blurt out, and Dominic chuckles.
"Thank you, Daisy. You look beautiful yourself."
I bite my lip, blushing and looking down at the spread in front of us. Marie sent up a whole meal, complete with salad, antipasti, and a platter full of pasta. "This is too much," I say, surprised. "We can't possibly eat all of this."
"Marie doesn't hold back," Dominic agrees, picking up his wine and pouring me a glass. "But trust me, it's delicious, and we'll enjoy every bite."
It's just dinner.
He's Carlo's dad.
I shouldn't be attracted to him.
I should be disgusted with myself.
Dominic, meanwhile, looks completely at ease. He's not bothered in the slightest that just a few hours ago, we were making out in the same office we're currently having dinner in.
Dominic serves us both, and when he settles back in his seat, he informs me, "This is actually my grandmother's pasta recipe. It's what the restaurant is known for. I hope you like it."
I take a bite, and a moan escapes my lips before I can stop myself. Dominic's eyes flash, but he says nothing, his lips twitching.
"Good?"
My mouth is full, so all I can do is nod.
Then, the subject switches so quickly it almost gives me whiplash. "I want to get the difficult talk out of the way. My team has been searching for Carlo and using all our connections to do so. Unfortunately, none of the families that we are on good terms with have heard from him, and neither have the families that we are on neutral terms with. That means Carlo is likely working with a crime family that is a lot more ruthless, which makes him more dangerous."
His words make even the delicious pasta taste like ash in my mouth. "Oh."
"You're safe, Daisy. This might just take longer to resolve than we thought."
He's doing so much to protect me—so much work that must be miserable—and having to admit that his son is a bad person. It makes a lump form in my throat. "How...how did I get so lucky, Dominic? Why would you defend me over your own son?"
Dominic's expression is stony, but his eyes betray what he's feeling. "You know why."
"But Carlo is your family."
