Chapter 8

One Month Later

Its been four weeks since Dominic crawled back into bed with me and whispered that I was safe against my skin over and over. I feel like I have a new lease on life. Or a new life altogether, really.

I know it seems way too fast, but I just sort of...moved in with Dominic. I never went back to my apartment, and without me saying a word, bags and boxes of my things began showing up here. Dominic moved me in silently, and I didn’t say a single thing about it.

As far as I’m concerned, this is where I belong.

I was supposed to start classes last week, but Dominic convinced me to take a gap year and just enjoy this bubble were in. Were getting to know each other and taking our time, and its been wonderful. School will be there when Im ready, and something tells me Dominic is going to pay for the most prestigious college education possible for me. As long as its online, that is. Dom has already said a few times that Hell never let his angel out of his sight for long.

Oh well. Online sounds golden to me, if it means I get to spend every beautiful day and steamy night with the man I...

God, I really need to just admit it to myself and get it over with. The man I love.

Fingering the falcon charm around my neck, I make a decision. Im going to tell him tonight, come hell or high water. I went from fearing for my life to being completely in love and pampered—who wouldnt love a man who provided that?

Dominic spends five days of the week at Il Fiore Raro, and I go with him most days to continue learning from Marie. I really think I have a knack for it, and that maybe once school does come around, Ill major in something culinary.

This morning, I felt a little nauseous so I decided to stay behind. Its late afternoon now, and Im feeling loads better. What can I do to make tonight special? I cant do something as monumental as telling Dominic that I love him just out of the blue. It needs to be an occasion with a capital O.

I find Elena in the kitchen, opening cabinets and writing a grocery list as she goes. She smiles when she sees me and puts her pen down. Something you need, Daisy?

Resting my upper half with my elbows on the counter, I lean in towards her, as if the two of us are sharing a secret. Elena, could you help me make a special dinner for Dominic? I ask conspiratorially. Im thinking of making a homemade Italian meal, but I dont know much about cooking authentic Italian cuisine. Its kind of a big deal for me. I want to show Dominic that I appreciate him, and... I blush. And that I love him.

Elenas eyes widen. You love him?

More than anything, I gush, and her expression softens.

Then lets make it happen. Do you have any idea what youd like to serve him?

On the night he— I clear my throat, blushing when I think about our dinner together in his office where he ate me for dessert. On our first date, he served me this pasta that he said was his grandmothers recipe. Do you know it?

Of course. Elena beams. Im sure hed love that. Ill help you make it. Then we can do a caprese salad and a fresh loaf of French bread. How does that sound?

Sounds perfect, Elena. Thank you!

We spend the next several hours cooking. My favorite part by far is kneading the dough for the bread and seeing Dominics home in a whole new light. Elena does most of the cooking, but it helps me feel connected to the old, wise house to really work in its kitchen.

Im in the middle of stirring the pasta sauce when strong, familiar arms snake around my waist and the now-familiar scent of Dominics cologne and his own natural aroma fills the air. Turning my head, I press my lips against his, and his stubble scratches my chin, his lips curling in a smirk beneath mine. You look like a sexy little chef, angel, he growls, pulling me harder against him, and I feel the stiff bulge in his pants pressing against my ass.

Hi, I breathe, giggling. How was your day?

Shitty, he grumbles. Ive had the biggest asshole customers all day. But then I came home to a beautiful woman and everything already feels better. Nuzzling my ear, he whispers, I have a surprise for you upstairs.

Goosebumps cover me from my head to my toes, but I cant let him distract me from my plan. Still stirring the sauce, I ask him, Can it be an after-dinner surprise? Because I have a surprise, too. And, uh...its dinner. I made us dinner.

Did you? Dominic presses his lips to the back of my neck.

Yep. And Elena helped.

Elena did, eh? Smells delicious.

I hope it tastes that way, too.

Everything you touch turns out perfect, angel.

Blushing, I pull away, turning off the stovetop. Why dont you go upstairs and change? Dinner will be ready in like ten minutes. And then well eat, and after dinner, you can give me your surprise.

But what if I dont want to wait?

I giggle again. Tough, Dominic. Go on.

Chuckling, he pecks my cheek and goes, leaving me alone in the kitchen.

Elena is elsewhere, and theres no one around to help me carry in the food, so I leave the pasta sauce and bread in the kitchen while I plate the salads and carry the plates to the dining room.

The table is already set, and Im just setting the final fork down when Elena walks in with the tray of steaming pasta and a basket of bread. Setting them on the table, I fluff the salad a bit more and look up at her.

Thank you so much for your help, Elena.

It was my pleasure, Daisy. Ill tell Mr. Falcone dinner is ready.

She leaves, and Dominic enters, looking freshly showered in a clean pair of pressed slacks and a white button-up, and hes even rolled his sleeves up to his elbows. He knows what I like, and my hunger for food starts to morph into something else.

Keep it together, Daisy! Not yet!

Dominic pulls out my chair and kisses the top of my head as I sit down, and he takes his own seat across from me. We load up our plates, and the first bite of the pasta makes me want to punch the air in triumph. I did it! The meal is amazing.

This is delicious, Daisy.

With my heart in my throat, I ask him, Do you recognize it?

Dominic stops and looks over the table. He is never emotional, but I swear as recognition hits him, I see a softening at the corner of his mouth and a pleased crinkling in the corner of his eyes. This is my grandmothers recipe, isnt it?

Elena helped me, but yes. Is it okay?

Dominic leans across the table and kisses me hard, and my hands rest on his chest when he breaks the kiss. Angel, this is the best gift you could give me.

Pleased and nervous for whats to come, we finish our dinner, and I carry out a pot of coffee. I’m too nervous for coffee, but apparently, Dominic loves it after dinner.

After dinner, we have dessert, a simple tiramisu, and we sip our coffee. So I know you said that dinner was the best gift ever, but I have something else too.

He raises both of his eyebrows as I stand and pad around the table, my feet bare. I have a simple white wrap dress under my apron, and he looks over me appreciatively as I approach, lowering myself into his lap and wrapping my arms around his neck.

Is this my gift? Your hot-as-fuck body?

I cant help but sigh happily. No. Well, sure, but later. Right now... I bite my lip, my heart beating so hard Im afraid it might pop right out of my chest. Right now, I want to tell you that I love you.

He freezes, and I panic. Im not expecting you to say it back because I know its fast, but Dominic, these last few weeks have been magical, and youve been the man of my dreams, and you saved my life, and I really, really love you, and?—

Dominics kiss shuts me up, and when he breaks it, he presses his forehead to mine. Angel, you never have to be nervous about telling me something like that. Im honored you love me. Because I fucking love you, too.

I melt into him, and we hold each other for a long moment. After a few minutes, Dominic breaks the silence, grinding up against me so I can feel just how much my words and mouth excite him. Upstairs, Daisy. Now. Because if I dont get to give you your surprise right fucking now, Im going to explode.

What is it?

His smile is wicked and maybe just the tiniest bit scary. Run, Daisy. To our bed.

I run. Dominic isnt far behind me.

In the master bedroom, the lights are dimmed, and Dominic wastes no time ripping my dress off and throwing it behind him. He yanks down his pants, jerking his shirt over his head, and throws me onto the bed, crawling over me.

On your stomach.

I do as he says, and feel the movements in the mattress as he moves to the end of the bed. Warm, rough fingers smooth over my skin, and my entire body tightens with desire.

Youre perfect, angel. Do you want to see what I got you?

I nod, already breathing fast.

Theres a rustling at the side of the bed, and he dangles something in front of my face—a long silk scarf and a bottle of lube.

Im going to tie your hands behind your back, spank this round little ass until youre nice and wet for me, and then fuck you in it.

Shock ripples through me, but theres an edge of hot curiosity there as well. Fuck me...in my...?

Dominic chuckles. Your ass, angel.

My ass...

He leans in and nips at my ear. You trust me, right?

I bite my lip. Fuck it. Its not like I havent been totally rabid for him since the day I met him. Dominic has taken my ass before, but with his fingers or his cock in my pussy, and though it was amazing, the thought of taking him fully...

Yes.

Thats a good girl. On your knees, then.

I scramble into position and feel him move on the mattress behind me. My wrists are gently crossed and bound in the silk in front of me so I can still rest on my arms, and Dominic runs his hand up and down the curve of my spine. Relax, angel. If its too much, use our safe word. You remember it, right?

Mhm.

He drags his hand over the curve of my ass and gives me a sharp slap, making me jolt in surprise. The sound is shocking, the feeling electric, and my core throbs. Dominics hand smoothes over my burning skin, and he spanks me again, alternating cheeks.

Oh, I breathe.

You like that, angel?

I dont answer, and he slaps my ass harder, making me cry out.

Answer me, Daisy.

Yes! Yes, God, yes!

The spanking continues, and my eyes squeeze shut, trying to process all the different sensations. Dominics hand strikes my flesh and rubs the pain away, sending shocks of pleasure through me, and it only gets more intense the more he spanks me.

Suddenly, cool liquid drips over my heated, sensitive skin, and Dominics lubed finger slips between my cheeks. Do you want more?

Pleasant warmth radiates out from my asscheeks. Yes.

Yes, what?

Oh. Oh, I know what he wants. Yes, Daddy.

Good girl. Im going to stretch this gorgeous little hole for you and make you come.

His finger works my rim, and I gasp as it sinks in. Its a tight fit, and a strange feeling but not a bad one. Slowly, Dominic slides his finger in and out and then adds more lube and a second finger. It burns a little, but the more he works me, the better it feels.

I cant stop myself from rocking back against his hand, and he spanks me one last time. Greedy girl.

A third finger stretches me, and I hiss, but his free hand dives between my legs, and two fingers find my clit. His thumb and forefinger roll it in slow, torturous motions, and he finger fucks my ass. Oh God, Dominic, I breathe.

I love watching you come for me, angel. Im going to make you come when I fuck you in this perfect little ass. Tell me you want it.

I want it!

Beg for it.

Please, Dominic. Fuck my ass.

Daddy. Tell me you want Daddy to take this ass.

My face flames in embarrassment, but the tension in my core is winding tighter and tighter, and if he stops touching me, Ill die.

I want you to fuck my ass, Daddy, I moan.

Fuck, angel, Dominic groans and removes his fingers.

I feel his cock prod against me, and Dominic squeezes my ass. Relax, angel. Daddy will take care of you.

The head of his cock stretches me, and it burns, but it feels good, too. I pant, trying to force my muscles to relax, and Dominic inches forward, moving slowly. Youre doing so well, angel. So fucking good.

Inch by inch, he slides deeper, and finally, his hips come to rest against me. My heart pounds, my breathing ragged, and Dominic drapes himself over my back, kissing my neck. How do you feel?

Full, I whisper.

He rolls his hips and I moan. You still okay?

Y-yes, Daddy.

Dominic pumps his cock in and out of me, his strokes slow and deep. The pressure is building, and I can feel that Im close, but just as Im about to teeter over the edge, Dominic stops.

Not yet, angel. Not until I say so.

He begins his thrusting again, and my face is buried in the mattress, the sensation overwhelming me. His hand dives between my legs, and his fingers work circles on my clit as he picks up his pace. The faster his fingers work, the quicker and harder he fucks me, and just as Im about to lose it, his voice is sharp.

Come for me, Daisy.

I scream, the climax hitting me hard. Dominics grip on my hips digs into me, and with a loud grunt, he comes, too. The feeling of his seed coating the inside of my ass has my pussy clenching even harder, still coming while Dominic pumps into my hole through his own orgasm.

We fall together on the bed, and Dominic unties me, massaging my wrists.

That was...that was amazing, I whisper.

So were you, angel, he growls, dragging his lips across my neck. Stay right here and Im going to clean you up.

Im boneless, and can barely move, and Dominic disappears for a moment and returns with a warm, wet rag. Gently, he cleans me up and climbs into bed. Its still early, but the activities of the night have my eyelids feeling heavy anyway. Dominic pulls me against him, and I wrap his arm around my body, snuggling back into him.

I love you.

He kisses the back of my head. And I love you, angel.

It doesnt take long for sleep to overcome us, and my last thoughts are of just how happy I am.

I wish it could last.

* * *

I dont knowhow long weve been asleep when I hear yelling from downstairs. In less than a second, Im sitting bolt upright, my heart in my throat. Dominic, of course, is already half dressed, pulling a shirt over his head and buttoning his discarded pants from earlier.

Theres a tension about him that I havent seen since the near attack at the coffee shop. When I recognize it, my breath hitches. That tension is violence.

Stay here, he growls. Dont come downstairs. Dont answer the door for anyone but me. I dont care if its the fucking Pope on the other side of the door. Dont. Answer. It.

I nod, wide-eyed, and Dominic leans forward, grabbing me by the chin and planting a quick, rough kiss on me. Then hes gone, and Im alone in the dark room.

Downstairs, theres more yelling. The voices are too muffled to make out, and then silence falls.

The quiet is somehow more terrifying than the yelling.

Tiptoeing into the bathroom, I shut the door quietly and flip on the light. He told me to wait, and I never, ever disobey Dominic. But theres a tight ball of panic building in my chest, and I have the uncontrollable sensation to just go and see whats going on. Just a little peek so I can make sure the man I love is okay.

I dont even know what I would do if he isnt, but it doesnt matter. I have to know.

I splash cold water on my face and try to breathe deeply, but all I can hear is Dominics final instruction.

Dont answer the door for anyone but me.

Downstairs, the voices are still silent. A tiny part of me starts to hope that this is just some sort of misunderstanding and nothing is wrong. Maybe that was one of his employees needing help, and Dominic is fixing the problem.

Then I remember Elena and the fact that she’s working late tonight. Wasnt she? Yes, she is because she has to clean up the dinner I made for Dominic.

A single tear slips down my cheek, and I brush it away, splashing my face once more with water. My fingers shake as I towel off, and I switch off the light, padding barefoot back to the bedroom.

Im terrified. Moreso when I realize that the yelling has been replaced with whispers. Theyre in the foyer and the hallway, but the sound is muffled, and I cant make out what theyre saying.

Making what might be the worst decision of my entire life, I slip on my silk robe hanging on the bathroom door, tying it tight, and slowly, slowly walk out into the hallway.

The stairs are in front of me, and the foyer is below, and Im able to see two figures. Dominic and with his back to me is a shorter figure that looks way more like Dominic than I ever realized.

Carlo.

I still cant hear the two of them, but Carlos movements are frantic and wild, while Dominic is as cold and stoic as ever. I take a few silent steps closer until the words finally start to make sense.

...nothing left now, Dad! Just let me come back. Throw that bitch to the curb and we can just go back to normal. I want to be your right hand.

Dominics voice is a deadly calm. I think the fuck not, Carlo. You made your bed. I gave you a chance, and you blew it. You had a deal, and you fucked up. And you dare to call my woman a bitch. Theres no coming back from this, no starting over. This is the end of the fucking line for you.

Why are you always so fucking stubborn! Carlo yells, and he sounds like a petulant child, a far cry from the sophisticated man who charmed me months ago.

Because unlike you, I am the boss, Dominic growls. The business is mine, and the family is mine, and the girl is mine. You have no place here, and you wont be taking over my empire any time soon. Hell, if youre lucky, I wont bury you alive.

I HATE YOU! Carlo screams and pulls something out of his waistband. The light glints off the silver, and suddenly everything moves in slow motion.

Terror strikes me like lightning, bile crawling up my throat as I scream, but there’s no point. I should have known better.

As I rush to stop this madness, Dominic has already lunged forward and disarmed Carlo. The younger man is on the floor, holding his broken wrist, looking up at his father, who has his gun now pointed at him, instead.

Im sorry, Carlo whimpers, scooting back towards the door, his face pale, his eyes wild. He sees me just as I skid to a stop behind the pair, and his gaze becomes even more frantic, eyes shifting back and forth rapidly. Daisy. Daisy! Please dont let him kill me.

Dominic takes a step towards his son, and Carlos face goes deathly white. No. No, no, no. Daisy. Daisy, please! Dont let him do this. You dont hate me that much, do you? Please! Ill do whatever you say. Ill leave, Ill move across the world, fuck, Ill go live under a bridge somewhere. Just please, please dont let him kill me.

Dominic doesnt even turn to look at me. I said not to leave the room.

I have no idea what to do. My heart hammers against my chest, and my hands shake, the pleading face of Dominics son making me feel sick.

Dominic, I croak, stepping forward. Dont. Hes your son.

Dont move, Daisy, Dominic commands.

Please, Carlo says, reaching out with a hand. Ill leave, I wont come back. Ill leave and never talk to you again. You wont ever have to see me again.

Slowly, like Im approaching a lion thats ready to pounce, I wrap my hands around Dominics arm. The same one thats holding the gun. Dont. Let him go or you will never forgive yourself. I rest my head against his shoulder, hearing the pounding of his heart as I do. We have a whole life, remember? Il Fiore, all the places you promised me well go...it will never be the same for you if you do this.

The breath he lets out is massive, and when he chuckles, its resigned. You really are an angel, huh? For everyone.

Hope flares within me.

Dominic focuses back on his son. Ill let you live. For her, not for you. Youll walk out of this house and turn yourself over to the man outside who’s been aiming at your head this entire time.

Carlo and I both look out the window by the front door and see Ashton, his gun aimed, motionless. Hes been there the whole time. I should have known.

He will take you to the bank, where I will wire you $50,000, but only on the condition that you disappear for fucking good and never darken my doorstep again. He flicks his eyes towards me. Our doorstep. If I let you live, well never see each other again. This is my only offer, Carlo.

Carlo scrambles to his feet. Okay. Yeah. Yes. Done. Just...dont shoot me. Daisy, thank you. Thank you so much.

Dominic and Carlo stare each other down for a long moment before Dominic shoves the gun in his pants. Go.

Carlo doesnt waste a second, bolting out the front door, Ashton appearing seemingly out of thin air to grab him. Carlo yelps, and then it cuts off, leaving Dominic and I alone in the foyer.

I take a few tentative steps forward, my fingers reaching for his arm. Dominic? He whirls around, and the look on his face is so unhinged, so raw, that it stops me in my tracks. Im sorry. I?—

Dominic rushes forward and grabs me, his lips devouring mine. Every emotion runs through his kiss, his arms tightening around me and crushing my body to his. Tears run down my face while Dominic kisses me with more fervor than ever before, and when he breaks away, were both breathless.

You, he growls, resting his forehead against mine. You have nothing to be sorry for. Nothing. Thank you. Dominic pulls me against him, hugging me so tight I can barely breathe.

But its not important because hes safe. Were both safe, and my heart beats against Dominics chest.

He pulls back, and his thumbs wipe away my tears. Stay here. Dont move.

This time, I actually listen. He jogs to his office and returns, none of his energy dissipated, but now with something small and red in his hands. I meant to fly you to Italy, to do this on the beach with you in a bikini and the sun in your fucking hair, Daisy. But I cant wait. Im sorry. I cant wait. He drops to his knees in front of me, the sound of them hitting the floor making me wince.

Somehow, I still havent figured out whats going on…not until he holds the red velvet box up and opens it.

The ring is massive and beautiful. A princess-cut diamond with sapphires on the sides, the band lined with a row of tiny diamonds. Its gorgeous, extravagant, and so perfect.

Marry me, Dominic says, his voice husky, his eyes locked onto mine.

What?! I squeak.

Will you marry me, angel?

My vision goes blurry. You want me to marry you?

Yes, Daisy. Fuck, I wanted to marry you the first time I saw you. Youre perfect, and I love you, and I know you love me too. Please, angel. Please do me the honor of being my wife.

My head spins, and I reach for Dominic to steady myself. Are you sure? What about?—

Theres no what-ifs, he says, his voice serious. He stands, taking my face in his hands. I want you, Daisy. I love you. There isnt anyone else for me, and there wont be.

Yes, I whisper, fresh tears falling down my face. Yes, Dominic. Yes.

Yes?

Yes, yes!

Dominic crushes his lips to mine and lifts me, spinning me around the room.

And despite the events of the night, my laughter is genuine and filled with joy. With Carlo gone—alive and given a second chance at life—the last thing holding us back is gone.

And the life Dominic and I are about to live together will be nothing short of heaven.