Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56591 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 283(@200wpm)___ 226(@250wpm)___ 189(@300wpm)
Soon, the interview is over.
In the limo after, Izzy is breathless, almost overwhelmed with her relief at getting it over with. I wrap my arm around her, hugging her close. James sits opposite, typing rapidly on his phone, before looking up at us with a grin. “The response is excellent so far. You’re getting a lot of respect for doing this live.”
“And the negative?” I say.
James shrugs. “A few claiming the interview was a softball, which is true. But it won’t hurt us overall. This was your chance to get your side of the story out there, and you did it. Unless Aaron or Sebastian wants to go public and claim otherwise, we’re dominating the narrative.”
“I wish I could see his face,” Izzy murmurs. “My proud uncle, always so tough and in control. He won’t be able to walk down the street without people knowing who he is, what he is.”
“It’s better than he deserves,” I agree.
“I suggest you two lie low for a few days,” James says. “I know you have a business to run, Dominic, but any press appearances could alter the perception we’ve managed to cultivate here. We need time for this interview to make its full impact.”
“I’ll work from home for a while,” I tell him. “Focus on logistics. My right-hand, Ethan, can do some heavy lifting for a few days.”
“Excellent,” James says.
CHAPTER 25
IZZY
Grandma is sleeping in Dom’s open-plan living room. He’s set her up with a bed next to the tall windows so she can look out upon the city as she adjusts to her treatment. All the medical equipment has been installed, just like at her place. Dom doesn’t seem to mind paying for it twice. I’m so grateful, but I also don’t want him to think he has to buy our affections.
I stand in the doorway, watching her with a smile on my face. She’s tired from the new treatment, but already, she seems far, far more energized. Her movements are becoming more fluid. I still want to scream when I think about a reality in which Dom didn’t take over.
Walking to the kitchen, I make two cups of coffee and carry them into Dom’s office. He’s sitting at his desk, papers everywhere, barking orders down the phone with a concerned look on his face.
It’s been three days since the TV interview. Uncle Aaron has gone into hiding, the police tell us they’re actively searching for him because he was caught on CCTV during one of the drug deals. They managed to connect the dots based on the photos I provided for them.
The doctor involved in the ALS lie is on unpaid leave, and he’s most likely going to lose his medical license, possibly facing prison time. Dom is on edge. I can’t blame him. With Aaron in the wind, there’s no telling what he might do, how he might retaliate.
The only upside has been spending so much time together. We’re working long hours—I’m helping him any way I can—but we find time for each other in the evenings. Last night, the three of us played Scrabble together. When Grandma put down serendipity, I couldn’t stop smiling. Her mind is sharp and alert like her old self.
After his call, Dom sits back with a heavy sigh. “Sorry about that,” he says, spinning in the computer chair. “I told them six damn times where to take those boards. And still, they don’t listen.”
I slide into his lap, wrapping my arms around him. As always, I can feel his body responding to mine. It happens instantly, no hesitation, his lust obvious from the hard ridge in his pants. He leans up and kisses me softly… much softer than last night, when he took me hard, bending me over and fucking me savagely, gripping my hips so firmly he left marks after.
And I loved it. Being his release. Giving him what he needed. Then melting right at the end as my own pleasure sang through me.
He sighs when his phone rings again. I slide off his lap and let him take the call. His face tightens as he listens. I can hear a woman’s voice ranting on the other end.
“Why would you tell him?” Dom snaps, then he bites down. “No, no, I get it. You’re right. It’s better to be honest. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Yeah, I can come down. It’ll be a while.” He looks at me. “And I’ll be bringing my girlfriend with me.”
He hangs up, then stands and pulls me into his arms. “Jennifer told her husband who Liam’s father is. There’s been a shitstorm over there. Liam won’t stop crying.”
“Where’s her husband?” I ask.
“Staying at his brother’s house. She’s kept him in the dark for years, and he accepted it. That’s why I asked why she told him.” He gently slides his fingers through my hair. “But then it hit me, Songbird, she should’ve told him a long time ago. I’m too much like my father, still trying to keep things in the dark—”