Chapter Four

 

Faith

 

 

I’d never been so emotionally drained in all my life. Even sleep couldn’t touch me, and that was bad considering I’d stayed the night in Layla’s lavish princess suite with the softest bed I’d ever laid on. It was late morning and I still hadn’t slept a wink.

I’d spent the entire night, furious with myself for not seeing the truth, especially since I was already cut off from mine and Philip’s joint bank account. Add that to the hostile burning inside my gut and you had a lethal combination. I usually called my parents every day to check on them, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. They’d know something was wrong the moment they hear my voice. My father had warned me numerous times about Philip, and the last thing I wanted was to hear the words I told you so.

My phone beeped and Layla’s name popped up.

Layla: On my way up.

Time had flown by so fast it was hard to believe morning had finally come. My eyes felt like sandpaper, and I was in the same clothes from yesterday. After I left the courthouse, Layla and Bryce had taken me by the condo so I could grab some things. I changed into a pair of yoga pants and a green tank top, and washed yesterday’s makeup off my face.

A knock sounded on the door and Layla’s voice echoed from the foyer. “Faith?”

“In the bathroom,” I hollered.

A few seconds later, she appeared in the doorway of the bedroom. I could see her reflection in the bathroom mirror, clearly worried about me from the look on her face. “I love you and everything, but you look like shit,” she said sadly.

It was the truth so I couldn’t argue. I shut off the bathroom light and walked over to the bed to sit down. “I know your husband is an FBI assassin who kills rapists and child molesters, but do you think he could add a no-good lying husband to that list?” As much as I thought I wanted that, deep down I knew Philip’s crimes weren’t punishable by death. “Or maybe just have his balls cut off?” I suggested.

Layla burst out laughing. “I’m pretty sure you would’ve done that yourself if I wasn’t with you yesterday.”

Hearing her laughter calmed me down, and I smiled. “That’s a possibility.” She walked over and sat down beside me. I laid my head on her shoulder and closed my eyes. “Yesterday was a nightmare. I’m just ready to get everything over with. I don’t know what I’m going to do about getting all my stuff out of the condo. Philip blocked me from our accounts. I literally only have five hundred dollars right now.”

Layla squeezed my shoulder. “Dom’s going to help. I told him everything last night.”

Groaning, I sat up. “This is so embarrassing.”

“No, it’s not,” she snapped, glaring at me with those intense green eyes of hers. “We’re going to get you through this. Dom’s more than happy to help. He wanted me to ask you if you’d mind if he saw you today.”

“What?” I gasped.

She smiled sheepishly. “He knows you’re aware of our family history, but he doesn’t want to assume you’re okay with it. As you’ve learned from my experience, being in our world is dangerous.”

That was for damn sure. Her father was a big-time murderer and so were two of her uncles. The media still published stories on them. It was one of the reasons why Layla left town, got married, and added bonus lost the Corsino name.

I placed a hand over hers. “You know I’m not afraid of your family, Layla. The mafia doesn’t scare me.” She lifted her brows and I rolled my eyes. “Okay, so maybe the other families might, but yours doesn’t now that your dad and two psycho uncles are gone.”

Her gaze saddened. “Does this mean you’ll let Dominic help you? He was pretty adamant about it.”

I didn’t know how he was going to help me, but in all reality, I had no choice. My parents lived in Virginia and I wasn’t about to move down there. There was a reason I left our small town. I wanted to be successful in a big city, and there was no way I could do that there. Thinking about it now, I probably should’ve stayed. I never would’ve met Philip, but then again, I never would’ve met Layla. It was crazy how things turned out.

“Well?” Layla said, waiting for my answer. “I told him I’d bring you by this morning. My plane leaves in two hours.”

I looked over at myself in the dresser mirror and cringed. “Fine. I’ll talk to your brother, but I’m not going looking like this.” I refused to let anyone other than Layla see me at my worst. It was time to be strong, and that was exactly what I had to be.

 

***

 

I didn’t do a ton to get ready but I did run a brush through my hair and slapped some makeup on my face before we left. As we’re walking down the hall though I was wishing that I would have done more to look presentable. “Where’s Bryce?” I asked as we made our way over to the presidential suite. Isaiah, Dominic’s bodyguard stood outside the door and nodded at us as we approached. He was tall and built like a football player with closely cut blonde hair and a permanent scowl on his face. Guess you had to look dangerous to be a bodyguard.

Layla pointed to the door. “He’s inside with Dom to give me some alone time with you before we left.”

Isaiah opened the door, and I followed her inside, my stomach fluttering with nerves. We walked into the living room and that was when I saw him, dressed impeccably in a suit and sitting on his expensive leather couch, talking to Bryce. The man was the epitome of power. It was intimidating, but also intriguing.

“We’re here,” Layla called out.

Dominic glanced at us over his shoulder, and then stood. “Faith,” he greeted, raking his eyes up and down my body. “Thanks for coming.”

Shivers raced down my skin. “No problem.”

I looked over at Layla and she tried to cover her smile, failing miserably. “Bryce and I actually need to get going if we’re going to make our plane.”

Bryce shook Dominic’s hand, and then came over to give me a hug. “I’m sorry about all the shit going on. Trust me though, we’re going to nail that fucker to the wall.”

I patted his back. “Thank you.”

He let me go and Layla took his place. “I’ll call you later, okay?” She hugged me hard and kissed my cheek. “Bryce and I are going to dig until we find what we need, and I have a good idea on where to start. Randall did the contract and I know he’s a sleazy bastard. If I can get dirt on him, he’ll turn on Philip in a heartbeat.”

“Good luck,” I said, letting her go. “I have faith in you.”

Tears filled her eyes. “I love you.”

“Love you too. Be safe on your way home.” She hugged me once more, and moved over to Dominic to say her goodbyes to him. Once she and Bryce walked out the door, I turned straight to Dominic, hoping he couldn’t sense my nervousness.

He smiled and ushered a hand toward the couch. “Have a seat.”

I walked over to the couch and sat down on one end while he took up the other. “Layla said you wanted to talk to me,” I revealed, turning my body to face him.

He nodded. “She told me what happened yesterday. I just wanted you to know that you can stay in the princess suite for as long as you want. There’s no need to fear for your safety here.”

It took me a few seconds to understand what he had implied. The laugh that came out of my mouth caught him by surprise. “Are you saying that because of what you are? Surely, it’s not because of my ex. That man couldn’t scare the tits off a warthog.”

Dominic chuckled. “I can see that. Makes me wonder what you ever saw in the fucker.”

I shrugged. “Stupidity. He was charming in the beginning, but then it was too late. I got sucked in.”

His jaw clenched. “If he comes here, he’ll never make it past the lobby.” He stared at me, his expression serious. “I’m to assume you’re not afraid of being here then?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen my fair share of mafia movies, but I’m hoping you don’t have enemies waiting to kill you.”

“What if I do?” he asked.

Being involved with the Corsinos was a dangerous game, but I was loyal to Layla and she loved her brother. And I had no one else. I’d given up all my friends besides Layla when I married Philip. My life revolved around the law firm. No way would I involve my family either.

“Then I guess I just have to hope and pray no one comes after me,” I joked. He didn’t see the humor in it. Clearing my throat, I shifted in my chair and sighed. “Sorry. You know I babble when I’m nervous.”

“Yes, you do,” he agreed, his lips tilting slightly.

My heart raced. “All I know is that Layla was so afraid I’d abandon her after I found out that you guys were part of the mafia. The thing is, she’s my family too, and she’s told me everything about the things you and your father have done.” He tensed and I held up a hand. “I’m not judging you. Hell, Bryce is an assassin working for the FBI, and I love him to death. Layla’s my best friend, and with you being her brother I’ve gotten to know you a little bit over the years. I’d like to think of you as a friend as well.”

“It’s hard to have friends you can trust in my line of work,” he stated. “All I have is family.”

I shrugged. “You got me now. Not that you’ll ever need my help, but you have it if you want it.”

That little tilt of his lips spread into a smile. “Happy to hear you say that. I have some news that might make you feel a little more comfortable. It turns out that a couple of people you know will be joining us here soon.”

I had no clue who he could be talking about. “Who?” I wondered.

“Reed Chandler and Micah Perry. I know you’ve met them both. Bryce has another guy coming too, but I don’t think you know him. His name’s Connor MacCabe.”

Shock couldn’t begin to describe the way I felt. Not that I was actually scared to be around Dominic and the men in his family, but having two FBI agents around definitely made things more comfortable. Especially when I absolutely adored Reed. He’d taken me out horseback riding when I visited Layla and Bryce in Wyoming.

“That’s amazing news, but I have to ask … why do you need them?” Dominic stared right into my eyes, clearly debating if he should answer by the look on his face. I held up a hand. “You don’t have to answer. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s not my place.”

He shook his head. “It’s not that. Bryce is supposed to tell Layla. As of right now, she doesn’t know they’re coming.” With a heavy sigh, he averted his gaze. “Ever since my father died, the other families in the city have been trying to stake their claim. We’ve even had families from Boston sniffing around.” This time, he met my gaze. “The city has belonged to my family for years. I’m not about to lose it now.”

It didn’t take a genius to figure it out. With the downsize of his family, he needed men around he could trust. Maybe with Reed and Micah being with the FBI, it’ll keep Dominic on the right side of the law. At least, one could hope.

“I understand,” I murmured. “You need backup. I’m glad Bryce was able to help you.”

Dominic nodded. “I owe him a lot. And back to the matter at hand, I’m hoping you and I can help each other.”

My stomach did that flippy floppy thing again. “How?”

His gaze hardened just a tiny bit. “I already know that cocksucker of a husband took all your money. Believe me, I’ve already thought of plenty of ways to make him pay for that, but I don’t want to cause you anymore problems.” The growl in his voice made everything inside of me tremble. It was sexy.

Feeling the heat flood to my cheeks, I waved him on. “Do whatever you want. He’ll piss himself if he sees you coming. Should be pretty entertaining. I don’t have anything else to lose.” Was it bad that I really wanted to see that confrontation? Philip deserved everything he got.

From the look on Dominic’s face, he actually appeared to be contemplating the thought. “I won’t do anything unless you ask me to,” he disclosed. “In the meantime, you need money.”

I shook my head. “I’m not taking your money, Dominic. You and Layla are already letting me stay in the princess suite. I refuse to ask for anything else. Once I’m done here with you, I’m going out to look for a job.”

“What if you worked for me?” he countered.

The breath whooshed out of my lungs and I gasped. “Seriously? Doing what?”

He shrugged. “You could be my assistant. You graduated with a business degree, right?”

“Yeah,” I answered, definitely curious.

He stood and held out his hand. “That can be useful to me, especially regarding the hotel and other business aspects.” I took his hand and he helped me up, his fingers sliding against mine as he let go. “What do you say?”

“Do I have to get coffee and run errands for you?”

He snorted. “No. You’re too valuable for that.” His gaze raked down my body again and I held my breath. “I’m sure we can find more useful things for you to do.”

“Like what?” I asked breathlessly.

Before he could answer, the door opened and Isaiah walked in. “Sorry to interrupt, but Reed’s on his way from the airport. He’ll be here in fifteen minutes.”

Dominic glanced down at his watch. “Perfect. Thanks, Isaiah.”

Isaiah shut the door, and Dominic turned back to me. “Is there anything you have to do today?”

I shrugged. “Other than clean out my condo, get my car, and grab my things from the firm, no. I’ve been told I have until the end of the week.”

His eyes flashed with anger. “I see.” He pulled out his phone and typed away. “Today I want you to take it easy. I’m having the girls from the spa downstairs to come to your room. They’ll give you a massage, facial, and whatever you want. Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to get your things.”

“Dominic,” I pleaded. “You don’t have to do that. I can handle it on my own.”

“I know, but I want to. I may have a few things up my sleeve.” He winked, and nodded toward the door. “Enjoy your day, Faith. Dinner will be ready around six if you want to join me and Reed.”

“I might,” I replied, when all I really wanted to say was hell yes. Turning on my heel, I went straight for the door. I had no clue what all was happening, but it felt good. For once in my life, I was excited about the unknown.