Chapter 21

100 7 2
                                    

INDIANA

The car rounded a massive, sparkling fountain, its water illuminated under the glow of mansion lights, casting a dreamy shimmer that seemed almost surreal.

The vehicle came to a smooth stop in front of an enormous mansion, its grand facade imposing yet beautiful. Before I could fully take in the sight, the driver stepped out, making his way around to Dominik's side of the car.

He opened the door, and Dominik exited gracefully, turning back toward me with his hand extended. For a moment, I hesitated, but then I slipped my hand into his.

As our fingers touched, a warmth spread through me, so unexpected and grounding, like the world had suddenly centered on that one point of connection. Dominik's hand was firm, steady, his grip exuding a quiet confidence that both reassured and unsettled me.

As I stepped out, my hand still in his, we stood there for a moment, close enough to feel the heat between us. His eyes flickered over me briefly before he released my hand, looking away as if nothing had happened.

The chill of the night air hit my palm, suddenly cold and empty, as if his touch had left an imprint. The warmth was gone, leaving me acutely aware of its absence and of the strange pull he seemed to have on me.

I took in the sight of the mansion, its towering facade bathed in warm, golden lights that highlighted every elegant detail of the architecture. The place looked like something out of an old-world painting, with tall columns lining the entrance and ivy clinging artfully to the walls.

Reporters were stationed outside, cameras flashing as they snapped pictures of the arriving guests, the air filled with the murmur of voices and the occasional shout from the photographers trying to get a shot.

Guests moved elegantly up the steps, some posing briefly for the cameras while others slipped by with practiced ease. At the entrance, a butler stood waiting, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, greeting each guest with a courteous smile as he held open the grand double doors.

His demeanor was welcoming, yet dignified, a picture of refined hospitality. I watched as he nodded warmly, ushering people inside, and it felt like we were stepping into another world entirely, one where every movement, every interaction, was carefully orchestrated in polished elegance.

As we neared the entrance, I felt Dominik's hand rest gently on the small of my back, a solid, reassuring gesture.

He leaned close and whispered, "Smile and stick to the plan." His voice was calm and composed, making me straighten up as we stepped inside together.

The mansion's interior was stunning. High ceilings with grand chandeliers cast a soft glow over the room, illuminating the rich wood finishes and elegantly framed artwork on the walls.

The floors shone beneath us, adding to the luxurious feel of the space. The décor was a tasteful blend of classic and modern, with velvet drapes, gold accents, and carefully placed sculptures.

Guests mingled in groups, chatting softly with occasional laughter and clinking glasses. Waiters and waitresses moved through the crowd with trays of champagne and small appetizers, offering them to guests with practiced smiles.

Light floral scents from the arrangements around the room added a fresh touch to the warm, inviting atmosphere.

The entire scene felt carefully curated, every detail polished and refined. Amidst all this, I was acutely aware of Dominik by my side, his hand guiding me just enough to remind me of his steady presence.

As we stepped further into the room, I could feel the attention shift toward us. Conversations paused, and curious glances turned in our direction. The female guests, especially, took notice, their eyes lingering on me with a mix of curiosity and maybe even a touch of skepticism.

I couldn't shake the worry that one of them might recognize me for who I really was—a cop in the midst of people who would not welcome that discovery. I tried to keep my expression neutral, but a nagging anxiety settled in my chest.

Dominik's presence beside me was steady and reassuring. Somehow, having him so close made it easier to keep my composure. Just then, a waiter stopped in front of us, and Dominik effortlessly grabbed two glasses of champagne from the tray. With a subtle smile, he offered one to me.

I accepted it, nodding in thanks as I took small, measured sips, letting the bubbly drink calm my nerves. My eyes continued to scan the room, searching for the familiar face of the host, who had yet to make an appearance.

"You're nervous," Dominik said suddenly, and my eyes snapped to his side.

"I'm not. Just... feeling out of place," I confessed.

His eyes slowly wandered back to mine before he took a sip of his champagne.

"First time at a dinner party, Miss West?"

"You could say that."

"Well, you're about to see a lot more of these if you do things right."

I chuckled and angled my body toward him so I could fully face him.

"And if I don't?"

His expression turned cold and serious, and he just stared back at me without saying anything. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized that all the fluttery and jittery feelings I'd been experiencing from Dominik all night immediately evaporated when I noticed the look behind those deadly, cold, mismatched eyes of his.

My breath started hitching in my throat as fear began to shimmer on the surface of the facade I'd been desperately trying to hold together without his notice.

"Dominik Vitale," a new voice announced from behind me, and Dominik immediately broke eye contact.

I turned around and came face-to-face with Mason Rollins, the dinner host himself, finally making an appearance. Just what we'd been waiting for. As soon as he starts talking to us, that was the cue for Dominik's men to wander off, find his home office, and steal the files they'd been instructed to find.

I immediately plastered a smile on my face as Mason looked at me.

"You've got a lovely friend here. Mind introducing us?" Mason asked Dominik.

The way he subtly taunted Dominik with his tone made me realize that he probably thought he had the upper hand, just because he was blackmailing him. But Dominik remained unfazed.

"Mr. Rollins, meet my friend, Nova West," Dominik began. "Nova, this is Mr. Mason Rollins, a close business associate of mine."

Mason took my hand and placed a chaste kiss on top.

"Please, call me Mason."

I chuckled and stepped forward, meeting his gaze. Time to execute the plan.

"Well, Mason, you have a lovely home. I'm really glad to be here. Do you mind showing me around a bit?"

Mason grinned and looked back at Dominik.

"I would love to, but would your date mind?"

I glanced back at Dominik. He barely shrugged and said, "Take your time."

Mason hooked my arm around his and began leading me further into the house. I quickly glanced back at Dominik and smirked.

Now it was his turn to do his part.

Fatally YoursWhere stories live. Discover now