Behind the Mask

Chapter 89

Dominic's POV

The door stood open with the staircase already attached as Luca and I waited for Marissa and her entourage to exit the jet. I was a bit surprised when I saw her begin down the stairs with her hand interlocked with Jackson's, I was fighting the urge to shoot him right then and there. "Keep your cool, Dom," Luca muttered to me. I guess he had noticed my entire body tense.

"Yeah, I know," I responded rather gruffly. We walked across the tarmac to greet them. "Mr. Porter, I'm Dominic Giovanni," I said, holding my hand out to take his.

His eyes quickly flitted to the tall man behind them and then when he nodded, Jackson took my extended hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Giovanni. I'm sure you remember my wife, Marissa."

I gave her a smile and reached for her hand as well, "Yes, a most difficult woman to forget." She blushed slightly and smiled. "And who, may I ask, have you brought with you? We weren't expecting anyone else."

The tall man stepped forward, placing himself between Marissa and me. "Dr. Kyle Murdoch. I'm Mrs. Porter's personal physician. I'll be staying for a few days to make sure she adjusts to the new surroundings properly and address any pharmaceutical questions your father might have. I've also brought a few samples of the serum he requested. Do you have a candidate in mind already?" His eyes scanned our group cautiously. I noticed his body stance was more protective of Marissa than even Jackson's. Both men seemed to be vigilant about her welfare - even if it was in a twisted way.

"Um, yes, he does, but that's a discussion better had in private," I said quickly. Luca and I escorted the three along with two more Academy guards towards the waiting SUVs. Marissa gave away nothing, no side glances, no hint of recognition at Luca, myself, or any of the other men. I wondered how she was going to handle father's little surprise. It had been decided that one of the Blackbourne men would be the test subject. The hope was that the Academy would believe we had captured one of them in a show of faith and willingness to work together. I quickly sent a text to my father. He'd need warning to get the other men hidden and prepare Silas for what was to come.

Murdoch traveled in the car with Luca and the Academy guards while I traveled with Marissa and Jackson. I tried to indiscreetly steal glances at them both. She sat practically on top of his lap, her head nestled into his chest as he kept one arm securely wrapped around her, while the other stroked her fingers, toying with her wedding ring. They spoke in whispered tones, but every so often she would let out a musical laugh, her face lighting up with joy. I couldn't help the sinking feeling I had in my gut as I watched them. What if Raven's information was correct and she'd forgotten us completely? Could we even bring her back from this?

Marissa must have noticed my staring because she cleared her throat, "So, Mr. Giovanni, are you staying at the compound as well?" She turned, her soft brown eyes meeting mine - not a hint of recognition in them.

I felt my jaw tighten as I answered, "Yes, but please, call me Dominic."

Her lips upturned slightly, "Of course, Dominic. I'm excited to see your home. I've never been to Italy before." A wave of nausea washed over me as her words sank in.

"I'm sure you and your husband will have plenty of time to explore once you've met with my father. After all, you'll be with us for a few months at least." I shifted my attention to the scenery passing outside, fighting to keep the tears at bay. I wasn't looking forward to sharing these revelations with the others - especially Gabe and Sean. I was afraid this might truly break both of them.

We pulled up in front of the compound right behind Luca and Murdoch. "I'll inform my father of our arrival. Luca, can you see our guests to the study?" He gave me a questioning look as he nodded, but I just shook my head. If I tried to explain at that moment I'd either cry or vomit, neither of which would go unnoticed by our guests. I quickly made my way down the hall to my father's secure study. Keying in the access code, I swore loudly once the soundproof door had closed behind me.