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)
I lift my hands to his jaw, and by the time he frees my mouth, I feel a lot better and less emotional.
“I needed that,” he says, his expression soft as he looks at me. “I’m sorry you had such a fright, moja láska..”
Seeing the exhaustion creeping into his eyes, I tug at him so he’ll lean into me. “Just rest until we get to Santiago’s house.”
Evinka signs something, then Dominik says, “I know how a concussion works. It’s not my first one.”
We’re quiet for a moment, then I ask, “What happened when you got to the factory?”
Dominik sounds drowsy as he answers, “A lot of shooting. Bombs going off. People died.” He clears his throat. “Regular shit.”
I shake my head and mutter, “Only you would call all of that regular.”
When we follow Santiago through a heavily armed entrance, I glance around at the huge property that looks more like a resort that has its own little village around it.
“This is Santiago’s home?” I mutter. “It’s insane.”
“Just like the owner,” Dominik chuckles. “But there’s way too many people for my liking.”
“We’ll only stay until a doctor says it’s safe for you to travel,” I tell him.
We all stop near the main entrance to the mansion, for lack of a better word, and when we get out, Santiago smiles wide and says, “Welcome to my humble abode.”
“Humble, my ass,” Enzo mutters. “You don’t believe in keeping a low profile, do you?”
“No.” A vicious look creeps over his usually playful expression. “You don’t rule this place by hiding in the shadows.” The next second, the brutal expression vanishes and he smiles. “Come, let's all have something to eat and drink while I send for the doctor.”
When we step into Santiago’s home, it’s the complete opposite of our home in the mountains. Every room is bathed in luxuries, showing off his wealth.
“Like I said, humble my ass,” Enzo mumbles behind us.
“When are we attacking Rodion Nikitin?” Ilias barks.
Dominik’s head snaps toward the old man. “Seriously. You want to take out the head of the bratva?”
“Yes! The fucker sent his men to attack us.”
“Are you fucking insane, old man?” Leo snaps. “Nikitin is in Russia.”
“So?” Ilias gives Leo a threatening look. “As the head of the alliance, I demand we take the war to him.”
Dominik steps right up to Ilias, forcing the old man to tip his head back. His voice is nothing but a ruthless growl as he says, “You’re nothing but a member of an alliance I formed. Unless you want to challenge me for the seat at the head of the table, I suggest you learn how to shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.”
Ilias stares for a moment too long, and the next second, Dominik’s fist connects with the old man’s jaw, dropping him to the floor.
“Good. With Ilias out cold, we can proceed,” Santiago says. “It’s a lovely day. Let’s sit outside on the veranda.”
Cassia steps around her father, not sparing him a glance, and asks, “Is there a restroom where I can freshen up?”
“Through that door over there.” Santiago points to the other side of the large foyer.
When we step out onto the veranda, there are five women in the pool. Santiago claps his hands twice, and it has the women scurrying out of the water before quickly disappearing into the mansion.
“Five, Santiago?” Leo asks. “I can barely manage one.”
“They belong to my men. I’m saving myself for my one true love.”
Everyone chuckles, quickly getting used to the way Santiago speaks.
Just as Dominik sinks down on a lounge chair, a man hurries out onto the veranda.
“Antonio, thank you for rushing over.” Santiago gestures at Dominik. “Check my friend.”
Antonio walks to us while asking Santiago, “Are you okay? I should check you, too.”
“Later.”
When the man, who I presume is the doctor, tries to reach for Dominik’s head, Dominik swats his hand away, giving him a dark glare.
“Dominik,” I snap. “You will sit still and let the doctor do his work.” I place my hand on his shoulder. “Please. For me.”
“Fine,” he grumbles, giving Dr. Antonio a nod.
While Dominik’s head and side are inspected, I can feel how tense he is and keep my hand on his shoulder.
“I just need to clean the wound on your side and the gash on your head. Without the right medical equipment, I can’t tell the extent of your injuries. You will definitely have a concussion from the blow to your head.”
“Just clean the wounds and get it over with,” Dominik growls.
The poor doctor quickly gets to work. By the time he finishes sticking an adhesive dressing over the wound on Dominik’s side, my husband looks like he’s a second away from murdering someone.
“Santiago, is there a bedroom we can use for Dominik to get some rest?”
“Of course. Follow me.”
Dominik climbs to his feet, and I quickly glance at the doctor. “Thank you so much. We appreciate your help.”