Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Every time I learn something new about him, it makes my curiosity grow. There are so many layers to him.
He’s brutal and inspires fear in men like my father, but here in his house, he’s a quiet soul who gives off a peaceful vibe.
My hands slow their movements, and I forget about chopping as my eyes take in every inch of Dominik’s muscled body. With the T-shirt he’s wearing, the tattoos on his arms are visible.
My gaze lifts until it stops on the X and broken heart tattooed beneath his left eye.
My voice is soft as I ask, “What does the X and broken heart mean?”
He glances at me, and it feels intense having his eyes on me.
“Keep people out, and you won’t have your heart broken.”
I take in his handsome face, then ask, “Have you ever had your heart broken?”
He grabs a knife, and as he starts to slice the tomatoes, my eyes lock on his hands and the veins snaking beneath his skin and tattoos.
“Only once,” he murmurs, his tone low and deep.
There’s a weird tightening sensation in my stomach that has my heartbeat speeding up.
“The day my mother left me at a gas station. She kissed me goodbye and told me I would be better off without her, then got into the car of a man I didn’t know and left.” He inhales a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I never saw her again.”
Unaware of what I’m doing, I move closer to him as I ask, “How old were you?”
Dominik finishes chopping the tomatoes and wipes his hands on a paper towel before looking at me. “I was seven. The police came, and I was placed in an orphanage where I found Evinka. She was four.” The corner of his mouth lifts. “We adopted each other.”
With the food forgotten, I ask, “How did you become an assassin and arms dealer?”
“When I turned eighteen, I got kicked out of the orphanage, and I needed money. I checked ads and found one searching for a cleaner. Turns out it had nothing to do with actual cleaning.” He lets out a chuckle. “It paid well, and I was able to take care of Evinka.”
“And arms?” I remind him.
He shrugs, his eyes drifting over my face with a gentle expression. “I stumbled across an arms deal while assassinating someone and saw the amount of money that was being paid for a crate of guns.”
Dominik slowly turns to face me, then resting his hip against the counter, he tilts his head as if he’s patiently waiting for me to ask another question.
My tongue darts out to wet my lips, and my mind races until I finally manage to think of something to ask. “Why did you only demand fifty percent of my father’s business?”
“I was in a good mood, but after he slapped you yesterday, that changed. I’m now taking everything.”
My eyes widen. “Because he slapped me?”
Dominik just nods.
He saved my life. Twice.
He insisted on marrying me instead of Ciara.
He shot Dad for slapping me.
He gave me my own bedroom instead of forcing me to share his bed.
He’s assured me, again and again, that he won’t hurt me.
He’s patient with me.
My heart begins to beat faster, and caution trickles into my voice as I ask, “Do you like me?”
Without hesitation, he answers, “Yes.” The corner of his mouth lifts. “But that’s not what you’re really asking.”
No, it’s not.
Nerves spin in my stomach as I whisper, “Are you attracted to me?”
The expression on his face softens even more before he says, “Yes. I’m very attracted to you, Grace. You’re a beautiful woman with one hell of a temper who isn’t scared to fight for the ones she loves.” His smile turns affectionate, making my heart hammer against my ribs. “I had no interest in any kind of romantic relationship until I watched you protect your sister with a fierceness that earned my respect.”
My palms feel sweaty, and my breaths are coming too fast as I stare at Dominik.
Slowly, he shakes his head. “Don’t be scared, Grace. My attraction to you isn’t something you need to fear.”
When he steps closer to me, my entire body flinches, and I have to force myself not to backpeddle.
His movements are slow, as if he’s approaching a wild animal or baby deer. With my eyes locked on his, I struggle to control my breathing as he lifts his arm, wrapping his fingers around the back of my neck.
I’m trembling like a leaf in a shitstorm, and it’s becoming near impossible to keep still.
“You’re safe, miláčik,” he whispers.
Gently, he presses my face to his chest before his other arm wraps around me. It takes a few panicked seconds before I realize he’s hugging me.
His hand begins to rub up and down my back, and it’s so soothing my eyes drift shut.