Tight spot

Tight spot
Chapter 166

Ruby's POV

My back stiffened as straight as a brick the moment Dominic’s hand went around my waist, pulling me closer to him as he finished his speech at the stupid party that had been all he talked about for days now. His touch sent a chill of disgust through my system.

I felt bile rise in my throat at the feel of his hand gripping me possessively, but I forced myself to stay still with my eyes cold as I stared out into space. The crowd below clapped loudly at his words, but it all sounded far away.

As soon as he walked away to go mingle with his guests, I let out a deep sigh that I had been holding in far too long.

My throat suddenly felt dry and tight “I need water,” I muttered under my breath as I carefully stepped down from the podium. I was mindful not to trip over the long, bright yellow gown I had on, a dress I hated with every fiber of my being. Dominic had picked it out for me, of course. He said it would make me stand out. It did in the worst way possible.

Tonight, he had made a grand announcement that he was now in possession of the Blackwood heirloom. Judging by the way the room had fallen into stunned silence after his words, it had to be something very old and very powerful and it commanded power, from what I could gather, the heirloom was that file from the church.

I headed toward the food and dessert area, where silver trays were filled with rich cakes, expensive wines, and neatly stacked platters of food. I was just about to pick up a bottle of water when a familiar voice froze me in place.

“You shouldn’t drink that. It’s poisoned,” Ava said quietly from behind me.

I dropped the bottle slowly, my fingers trembling slightly, and turned to look at her.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, completely shocked. I hadn't expected to see her not alive and certainly not standing here so casually. But then my eyes drifted down, and I saw her hand. Or rather, the hand that was no longer there.

“My father is a Mafia boss,” Ava said with a smallsmile. “It’s only natural that I’m here. Or perhaps you’re wondering how I made it out alive?” She let out a light chuckle and looked down to smooth her dress.

Ava was glowing and looked healthier and brighter than the last time I had seen her. That wild, dangerous look in her eyes was gone now, replaced by something calmer.

“Good for you,” I replied coldly, my voice empty, as I turned to walk away.

But her next words cut through the air and into my ears.

“I must say, I’m a bit disappointed. You hop onto the next man with power who shows up. You never really loved Ethan.”

I stopped, my back still turned to her. My lips trembled slightly at her accusation, but I didn’t let her see my reaction. I refused to give her that satisfaction. Without saying a word, I stalked off.

The rest of the night passed by like I was a ghost my body present, but not truly there. I stayed near the edge of the room, watching everyone dance, talk, drink, and laugh. Most of them wore dark colors, and the smell of cigarettes hung heavy in the dim air.

My legs were about to give out beneath me by the time guests began to leave one after the other. With a tired sigh, I finally turned and made my way toward the stairs, only to be stopped by a servant.

“The master wants you in his office. Now,” said the aged man with a small bow.

“I need to check on my child. I’ll be just a moment,” I replied, already moving toward the stairs.

“He wants no delay,” the servant said again, more firmly this time.

I sighed deeply, pushing down the rising frustration, and turned back around.

I walked to the elevator, deciding I might as well find out what Dominic wanted from me so I could finally go to my room and be done with this wretched night.

The elevator doors opened to a polished corridor that was silent and empty. My heels clicked softly against the shiny floor as I walked slowly toward the large double doors at the end of the hallway. The guards standing outside pushed the doors open without a word as I approached.

Without hesitation, I stepped into the dimly lit office. My eyes immediately landed on Dominic.

He sat with his legs spread, a cigarette resting between his lips. The top buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing part of his chest as he leaned back in his chair his eyes watching me closely.

I didn’t stop moving until I was standing just a few feet away from him.

“You called for me?” I asked calmly, though my voice was tight. A second later, I heard the heavy doors behind me slam shut followed by a soft bang like the door was being locked up.

The noise echoed through the room, sending a chill down my spine and raising every hair on my body.

Dominic didn’t answer right away. Instead, he leaned back slightly and tapped the seat beside him, his eyes slowly greedily roaming over my body like I was something he already owned.

“Come here,” he said, the words low. “I want to see what you have that’s so special… what made the almighty Ice melt.”

When his gaze finally rose to meet mine, it was intense and filled with something darker than curiosity. I nearly gagged from the look on his face.

“Please, mind your words,” I said softly, keeping my tone polite but still firm. “I would like to return and check on my child, if you don’t mind.”

I gave a small bow of my head, trying to be respectful. I slowly began to step backwards, but just then, I caught a quick movement to my left.

I reacted on instinct. My body twisted away just in time, narrowly avoiding Dominic’s hand as it lunged forward, trying to grab me. His fingers sliced through the air where I had just been standing.

He chuckled darkly, as if this was all some kind of game to him. “Haha… You should submit to me,” he said, tossing his cigarette into a nearby ashtray with a casual flick of his hand. “Your life would be so much easier if you did.”

“How about you just let me go?” I began, trying to keep my voice strong even though I was trembling inside. “I don’t want this life. Not for me. And definitely not for my child.”

He didn’t reply. Instead, he just kept coming closer. I took another step back, my eyes darting around the office. It was a large room. The windows were sealed, and the door was out of reach now, likely locked from the outside. My options were almost non existent.

Dominic kept stalking me, a twisted smile playing at the edges of his lips, like he was enjoying the whole scenarios of stalking me.