HIS

Chapter 12

After our visit to the office, Domenico decided to work from home for the rest of the week. While he handled his business, I either focused on schoolwork or lost myself in the pages of a good book. The rhythm we settled into felt peaceful—easy, comforting. We spent our days curled up with movies, cooking meals together, and peeling back the layers of who we are. I feel like I've stepped into a dream, drifting on a cloud of contentment I never expected.

Now it's Saturday, and we started the morning with a shopping trip. Despite my repeated attempts to pay for my own things, Domenico stepped in without hesitation, handling it with that quiet, stubborn generosity of his.

Later in the afternoon, we began getting ready to visit one of his clubs—he needs to do a quick check-in, and he'll be meeting with someone there to discuss Mafia-related business. I'm still learning what that means exactly... but for now, I'm just enjoying being part of his world.

I slipped into a shimmering silver mini dress, the kind that catches light with every movement. Its open-back design and delicate straps framed me effortlessly, while the plunging V-neckline added just the right amount of boldness. On my feet, a pair of sleek black strappy sandals completed the look.

Domenico opted for his signature style: black fitted jeans paired with a matching button-down shirt, black leather ankle boots polished to perfection, and, of course, a gold chain resting against his collarbone. So typical... yet somehow, it suited him perfectly.

We left the house just after nine, cruising through the city streets in his black Ferrari—a car that seemed to hum with understated power. When we pulled up outside the club, a crowd stretched along the sidewalk in eager anticipation. Domenico stepped out first, walked around, and opened the door for me with his usual gentlemanly grace—something I'm still adjusting to.

With his hand in mine, we strode past the line of onlookers toward the entrance... and then I heard it—someone calling my name.

"Olivia!" I turned toward the familiar voice and spotted Mia, Tessa, Jessica, and Paige queued outside the club. The look on their faces said they weren't expecting to see me—especially not like this.

I glanced at Domenico for guidance, but before I could speak, he leaned in and murmured in my ear, "Invite them in with us."

I waved them over with a smile. "Come on, ladies, let's head inside."

"Seriously?" Tessa asked, blinking in surprise.

I nodded, still smiling. Domenico gave them a polite nod of acknowledgment as they approached, but my attention lingered on Jessica and Paige. One was deliberately adjusting her neckline, trying to draw attention, and the other was giving Domenico a look I couldn't quite decode—something between curiosity and calculation.

They trailed behind us, but when we reached the entrance, Domenico held out his arm, allowing them to go ahead. The bouncers didn't even blink—they stepped aside without question.

"Thanks, Liv," Tessa whispered as we walked in. "You just saved us a few bucks."

"No worries, Tess," I replied warmly, tossing her a quick smile.

Domenico guided us into the private section of the club, and when we arrived, Luca was already seated, flanked by two other men. He stood up as soon as he saw me.

"Hey, Liv," he greeted warmly, pulling me into a friendly hug. "Who are your friends?"

"Luca, these are my college friends—Tessa, Mia, Jessica, and Paige," I introduced. "And guys, this is Luca, my friend and Domenico's best friend."

"Lovely to meet you all," he said, shaking each of their hands with effortless charm. "These two with me are Rodger and Kai."

Once the introductions were out of the way, I took a seat, and the rest followed. Domenico settled beside me, casually placing a hand on my knee—his subtle way of claiming his place next to me.