The Don's Young Love (The Don's of Italy Saga Book 1) Age Gap Romance

Episode 15: Shadows of the Past: Unveiling Secrets

Dominic's POV

"Dom," Thalia whispered, her voice softer now, almost trembling with the weight of unspoken words. "This...this isn't just about courage, or respect, or even Micola. There's something here," she motioned vaguely between us, her hands slightly shaking, "something we can't just push aside."

Her gaze finally met mine, holding it with a fierce trembling with the weight of unspoken words. I held her tightly against me, my hands wrapped around her waist as I gazed into the depths of her shining brown eyes. My men were leaning against the wall, and the curious onlookers had moved along.

"Sugar Pie I don't care what others say, not even my daughter's opinion holds weight for me. You're a grown woman, just like I'm a grown man. What matters to me is you and only you. There's a connection between us, and I want to see where it leads. I have all the patience in the world. I adore women with beautiful brown skin and a sweet disposition, just like you. Would you join me for lunch tomorrow? I know we just met tonight, but I couldn't resist going after what I desired."

My words rang out clearly for her to hear. Thalia's eyes searched mine, as if looking for the truth behind my proposition, a flicker of hope dancing through her gaze. It was a silent moment before she replied, but to me, it felt like an eternity suspended between heartbeats. Her response was a soft, barely audible whisper, blending with the cool breeze of the evening. She flashed a delicate and hesitant smile, giving away the nervous anticipation that bubbled inside her.

"I would love to do that, Dom. Lunch sounds lovely. But first, I need to check on my parents before I go anywhere. And what about your daughter? She mentioned that you keep many secrets."

It's hard for me to accept that Micola would divulge the secrets I hold close. In my line of work, I have many enemies, so it's natural for me to keep certain things hidden. As the leader of the Romano family, bringing a woman into my world is risky, but this one is worth protecting at all costs. I would never put her in danger, she's the one for me. I feel it deep in my bones. Thalia steps back and checks her watch.

"I have to get ready to leave, it's getting late and I need some rest. Give me your phone." She says with a smile. I hand her my phone and watch as she adds her number to my contacts.

"Now you have my number." She says before walking down the hall. I can't help but crave her even more now that she's so close to me. Orlando and Marco join me, both shaking their heads.

"Boss, you've got it bad for this girl." Orlando jokes.

"You don't know the half of it. Let's get out of here, this party sucks now. Plus, Cadenza rubbed me the wrong way." I growl. We walk out to the truck and Mattia holds open the door for us. Orlando and I climb into the back while Marco sits up front.

Mattia starts the engine and we head onto the highway."Where to, boss?" He asks.

"To my mansion tonight, Mattia." I reply, leaning back in my seat. Tonight was a lot to handle - falling for a woman who is half my age and happens to be my daughter's friend. My daughter even accused me of having secrets. But who I sleep with is no one else's business - I deserve to be happy just like anyone else. As the city lights fade behind us, replaced by the shadowed outlines of the countryside, the quietness in the truck is almost deafening. I can't stop my thoughts from circling back to Thalia's soft whisper and the way her smile trembled like a secret promise.

Tucked away in the safety of my mansion, I'd be able to contemplate my next move. The Romano family has always thrived on strategy and control, but Thalia—she's an anomaly, a variable I hadn't accounted for. She disrupts my usual calculated demeanor, making me vulnerable in ways I hadn't thought possible.

As the mansion gates slowly open, the headlights of the truck illuminate a figure standing at the entrance, shrouded in the night's darkness. A sense of unease creeps over me. This isn't a staff member - their posture is too rigid, too imposing. Who could be waiting for me at this ungodly hour? Every instinct tells me this isn't a coincidence. It's linked to Thalia, or worse, to the secrets that I've guarded so fiercely. As I step out of the truck, a chill runs down my spine. I'm about to confront a ghost from my past, one that could unravel everything, including my newfound connection with Thalia.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for joining me on this thrilling journey through 'Shadows of the Past: Unveiling Secrets'. Your support means the world to me. In this pivotal episode, secrets from the past resurface, challenging our characters in ways they never expected.

I hope you enjoy the blend of suspense and emotional depth as the story unfolds. Stay tuned for more twists and revelations in the chapters ahead.

Warmest regards,

Zapphire