Chapter 12 

The drive was quiet, the tension between us was thick. 

I stared out the window, trying to calm the storm in my chest, but Dominic’s presence beside me was impossible to ignore. 

When the car finally stopped, I glanced at him, hoping for some kind of explanation 

“We’re going to a meeting,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’ll sit beside me, smile when necessary, and say nothing. Understood?” 

I frowned, the command rubbing me the wrong way. “What exactly am I supposed to be?” 

His smirk returned, infuriatingly smug. “You’re my arm candy tonight, cara mia. That’s all you need to worry 

I clenched my fists, biting back the urge to snap at him “Great,” I muttered under my breath. 

about- 

Dominic either didn’t hear me or didn’t care. He opened the car door and stepped out, extending a hand to help me 

Lignored it, stepping out on my own, but my confidence faltered as I looked around. 

The building in front of us was massive, all glass and steel, lit up like a beacon in the dark. Men in suits milled around the entrance, their eyes sharp and calculating as they glanced our way. 

Dominic’s hand rested on the small of my back, guiding me inside with a firmness that made it clear I didn’t have a choice. 

The room we entered was just as intimidating. A long table dominated the space, surrounded by men in expensive suits Their conversations hushed as we walked in, their eyes immediately locking onto us–or rather, onto me. 

I hated it. The way they stared, like I was some kind of prize Dominic had brought to show off. 

“Gentlemen, Dominic said, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade, “Shall we get started?” 

He pulled out a chair for me beside his, waiting until I sat before taking his own seat. His hand brushed against my knee briefly as he leaned back, a small but deliberate gesture that sent a shiver through me. 

The men around the table nodded and murmured in agreement, their voices low and serious as they began discussing terms, numbers, and territory. 

I stared at the polished wood of the table, trying to focus on anything other than the suffocating atmosphere. Their voices droned on, words like “supply routes” and “distribution points” floating past me as I fought to keep my expression neutral. 

It was all so boring. 

I shifted slightly in my seat, crossing my legs as I tried to distract myself. Dominic’s hand found my knee again, his fingers brushing against my skin in a warning, I froze, glancing at him out of the corner of my eye. 

His expression was unreadable, but the message was clear; Sit still 

I gritted my teeth but complied, my hands curling into fists in my lap. 

The conversation around the table continued, the men’s voices rising and falling as they debated strategy. I tuned most of it out, my gaze wandering to the massive chandelier hanging overhead. 

*Imports through Novalon’s east docks have been delayed,” one of the men said, his voice gruff. “We’ll need to reroute through Beldova’s private channels.” 

dock 

My ears perked up at that. Novalon’s east docks? I knew that place, it was where my father used to work before everything fell apart. I remembered him mentioning something about the private channels once, though it had been years ago. 

“They’ll be expecting that,” another man said, shaking his head. “Petrov’s men already have eyes on the east. If we move through there, we’re sitting ducks.” 

“That’s because you’re looking at the wrong route, I said before I could stop myself 

The room went dead silent. 

Every pair of eyes turned to me, and my stomach sank as I realized what I’d just done. 

Dominic’s hand tightened on my knee, a silent warning, but it was too late to backtrack 

One of the men, a stocky guy with a cigar between his fingers, leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “Excuse me?” 

I swallowed hard, my voice weaker now. 1-1 just meant… There’s another route through the old railway tunnels. They connect directly to the docks without passing through the checkpoints.” 

The man’s eyes narrowed, and his lip curled in disdain. “And how exactly would you know about that?” 

I hesitated, glancing at Dominic, whose expression was as cold as ice. “My… my father used to work there,” I said finally He mentioned it once. 

The stocky man laughed, the sound harsh a 

logistics advice now.” 

and mocking. “Dominic, I didn’t realize 

ize you were bringing little girls to give us 

Chapter 12 

The others chuckled, though it was uneasy, their gazes flicking between me and Dominic 

you 

think.” 

“Careful, Ricci,” Dominic said, his voice low but laced with warning “She may know more than Ricci’s grin faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly, leaning back in his chair with a shrug. If you say so, De Luca. But maybe next time, keep your pet on a shorter leash” 

My cheeks burned, humiliation and anger bubbling inside me, but Dominic’s grip on my knee kept me from saying anything 

else. 

“Let’s move on,” Dominic said, his tone calm but with an edge that silenced any further comments 

The conversation resumed, though I could feel the tension lingering in the air. Dominic’s hand remained on my knee, his fingers digging in slightly as if to remind me of my mistake. 

The meeting dragged on for another hour, and by the time it ended, I felt like I could finally breathe again. The men filed out one by one, their voices hushed as they exchanged pleasantries and shook hands. 

Dominic stood, his movements controlled and deliberate as he pulled my chair out for me. I avoided his gaze, my heart pounding as I followed him out of the room. 

The moment the door closed behind us, his hand shot out, grabbing my arm and pulling me close. 

“What the hell was that?” he growled, his voice low and furious. 

“1-1 just thought- 

“You don’t think,” he snapped, his grip tightening slightly. “Not in a room like that. You keep your mouth shut unless I tell you otherwise.” 

I glared at him, yanking my arm out of his grasp. “I was trying to help.” 

“Help?” He laughed coldly, the sound sending a chill down my spine. “Do you think Ricci–or anyone else in that room cares what you have to say? They don’t. You made yourself a target tonight, Aria” 

“Maybe if you let me Speak-” 

“Enough,” he interrupted, his voice sharp as a blade. “You’ll learn, one way or another, who you belong to and what your place is.” 

I clenched my fists, my jaw tight as I fought the urge to scream at him. “You’re unbelievable.” 

“And you’re reckless,” he shot back, stepping closer. “But don’t worry–I’ll fix that.” 

His dark eyes bored into mine, and for a moment, the air between us was electric, charged with anger and something ! couldn’t name. 

“Go to your room,” Dominic said finally, his voice low but commanding. “Now.” 

I didn’t argue, spinning on my heel and walking away as fast as my ridiculous heels would allow. My hands shook with frustration as I climbed the stairs, his words echoing in my head. 

You’ll learn who you belong to 

The worst part was, I wasn’t sure if he was wrong. 

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