"Going very well," he said, winking. "And who is this lovely lady?"
"Caroline Hargrove, meet Dick Markus." I watched her expression, the almost immediate recognition. I was well aware that Dick and Drummand were golfing buddies, even sharing some of the same kinky tastes.
"Caroline, I..." Dick swallowed, shooting me a very painful look. "You're even more beautiful than the pictures on your father's desk."
"A whirlwind romance," I said with no inflection. "She is quite irresistible as you might imagine."
"Dominick is a very powerful man, refusing to take no for an answer," Caroline added, dropping breadcrumbs. I had to admire her tenacity. "And my father certainly doesn't have an interest in my life. He already has enough on his plate."
Dick's face flushed, a line of sweat forming over his mouth. He'd used Drummand's coattails to influence his own career over the years. This would certainly prove to be fascinating fodder on the golf course. He glanced at Caroline's hand, no doubt searching for a ring.
That would come at the perfect moment.
"We should find our table, Caroline. Time for celebration." I grasped her elbow, tugging with just enough force she shot me a dirty look.
"Wonderful to see you, Dominick. Say hello to your father for me," Dick said, moving in the opposite direction, no doubt to refill his drink for the fifth time of the night.
"I absolutely will." I chuckled as I led her into the main dining room, parading her in front of the happy and influential couples. Every one of them tipped their heads in our direction, a mixture of shock and awe crossing their faces. The news had indeed traveled fast.
"Is there anyone you don't have your clutches into?" she asked, practicing her polished smile once again.
I leaned down, keeping my voice velvety smooth. "If by that you mean does my family also have many powerful friends? The answer is yes. My father has been in control of New York for some time, preferring to convince his enemies that it's in their best interest to assume a codependent friendship." I noticed at least one of Angelo's soldiers in the room, casually sipping a drink at the bar. At least he'd dressed the part for a change.
"In exchange for keeping both them and their families alive. Correct?" She laughed, pressing her hand over her lips as if I'd just whispered sweet nothings into her ear. Several of the beautiful people lifted their glasses as we walked by, a sign of respect.
As well as fear.
A new regime had been born, created at just the right time. They and their companies, careers, and political advances could all go up in flames with a simple phone call.
The table was in an alcove, sequestered away from the others and allowing me to see the entire room. The champagne was already open and within seconds of us being seated, the waiter had arrived, pouring two flutes.
"They're all staring at us. Am I nothing like your other... girlfriends?" She lifted her glass, swirling it back and forth in her attempt to look bored. She gazed at the piano player, the blues style singer providing a perfect backdrop for the evening.
"I've never brought another woman to this establishment or any other for that matter."
"Ah, you're just the fuck them and leave them type. What a shame."
Using just my index finger, I slid the tip down the length of her arm, enjoying the way goosebumps followed my trail. "I prefer intellectual conversations more than basic sex, but I will admit, there are exceptions. Tell me, did you enjoy our time in your studio?"
Caroline pursed her lips, but I noticed a slight quiver. "I didn't know that you were a flagrant asshole, Dominick, or I would have never gotten into a car with you and certainly wouldn't have brought you to my studio."
I took a sip of the champagne, savoring the flavor before responding. In the warm glow of the candlelight, she was even more beautiful. "Is that really the case, Caroline? I didn't force you by any means nor did I attack you while behind closed doors. If that's what you're telling yourself, then I'm surprised. You are many things, but a liar isn't one of them." I sat back, drumming my fingers on the table. I noticed Angelo popping into the room, his face pensive. When he noticed me, he gave a single nod. At this point, there was no sign of intruders.
I motioned to Bruno, my hand gesture the only thing that was necessary.
"One of your goons? Just how many follow behind you on a regular basis? Poor Bruno, your basic lap dog."
"I assure you that Bruno and all my employees are paid well." I watched as he weaved his way through the crowd, pulling Angelo into the hallway.
She sipped her champagne, closing her eyes as the bubbles floated across her lips. "You do have excellent taste. Amazing music. Delicious champagne. You certainly have your fingers in everything."
"A compliment. The men I employ have several jobs, security only one of them."
"Why won't you tell me anything about you? What am I going to do, run?"
My cock stirred again, the longing dipping into my deepest desires. "And I guess you've already read every newspaper article and internet garbage on the Lugiano family. What do I have left to share with you?"
She laughed, resting her chin on her hand. "You're right. I like to know exactly who I'm getting into bed with. Educated at Harvard, graduating Cum Laude with a degree in business and a minor in political science that only took you three years to accomplish. You're a trained marksman, a sailor, and can speak three languages. You have been seen on the arm of several celebrities, even attending the Grammys one year. You're an accomplished crook."
"You have been searching. Nicely done." Her biting words were doing the opposite of what she hoped. I wanted nothing more than to take her to one of the suites, licking every inch of her luscious body.
"I take after my mother, Dominick. Cunning and brilliant. And you need to tell me about her. Where is she or was this just some elaborate hoax like everything else about you?"
"In due time, my sweet angel." There hadn't been a word from my father and I doubted there would be for some time. My father was very careful, refusing to make rash decisions. What I'd already found out made my skin crawl, but there was a significant piece missing, a terrible secret that Caroline and her mother paid dearly for.
Snorting, she jerked her head away, still fiddling with her necklace. "I hate you. I want you to know that. All the furs and jewels, expensive champagne and cars aren't going to change that. To me, you'll always be a monster."
"Tell me about her."
"You don't deserve to know anything about her," she retorted.
"I'm not your enemy, Caroline. You'll realize that soon enough."
"Whatever."