When my father was alive, I argued with him about ending this association. However, he was blinded with greed. He didn’t care how the money was made once his pockets and those of his cronies were being filled. After the meeting I spoke to Pavlov, appraising him of the situation. Luckily, he agreed to the reparations being made.
Chapter 16
~Elle~
After Dominic left me to tend to his emergency, Anna showed me around the mansion. I must admit that I was disappointed that he wasn’t the one to show me his home.
Dominic couldn’t have been serious when he said that he cared about me. I’m convinced that it’s only gratitude that he feels for me after I have saved his life.
On the first floor, off the dining room is the kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances. A large island with granite countertop sits at the center of the room which makes the preparation of meals easy.
My favorite room in the house is the large library with its floor to ceiling bookshelves that line three of the walls. There must be hundreds of books on the shelves, many of which appear to be original works. A large desk is to the right of the room. An oriental rug spans the center. There are multiple cozy chairs around. A fireplace stands at the wall which is free of bookshelves.
Adjacent to the library is Dominic’s home office. Anna had pointed out this room earlier but I wasn’t allowed the opportunity to take a peek inside. On the second floor there are two corridors each of which leads to opposite wings of the mansion. The corridor on the right, where my room is located, is in Dominic’s own private domain. I was told that Dominic’s room is the last one at the end of the corridor. Anna also lets it slip that the left wing of the mansion is where Dante and his cousin’s rooms are located.
After the tour, the men were not yet back at the mansion. I was tired of my three days of self-imposed solitude, so I decided to have my lunch in the kitchen. The activities that weretaking place around me was a welcome change. It was enjoyable watching Anna and the maids bustling around the kitchen as they did their work. I was having my lunch when Dominic called to inform Anna that there will be guests for dinner.
As everyone was busy working in the kitchen in tandem with each other—it reminded me of work at the hospital. “Shit!” Anna turns to look at me after my outburst. “Are you okay?” She asks with concern. “Yes, I haven’t called to inform my employers that I was taking time off.” She shrugs. “I’m sure Mr. Vitelli would have taken care of that.” She then turns back to finish what she was doing. What does Dominic have to do with it, I wonder?
I’ve been away from work for three days without a word to the hospital. My God! For years my only focus has been on my job. I can’t believe that I was so caught up in my misery that I completely forgot about my job. With only a few months left to complete my residency. I can’t afford to lose my spot. I’ll need to contact my supervisor.
My cellphone is in my room. I’ll call when I get back upstairs. When I returned to the bedroom I realized that it was out of charge. After plugging it into the charger, I picked up one of the books that I had taken from the library earlier to read. I made myself comfortable on the couch that was located in front of the window while I waited.
A few hours later I’m startled awake by a knock on my door. I’d fallen asleep with the book lying on my chest. It tumbles to the ground when I shoot up and off the couch. The door opens and a maid enters. “Miss Elle, Anna wanted me to remind you that dinner will be in an hour. And Mr. Vitelli would like you to join the family.”
When she leaves the room, I get up to shower and dress. My options are limited since I only have what I threw into the suitcase a few days ago. A garment bag is lying across my bedwhen I return from the connecting bathroom. On top of the bag is a small, white envelope. My name is written on it. There’s a note inside written in neat, bold handwriting.
Elle,
When I saw this dress, I thought of you: it’s your favorite color. Please wear it for me tonight.
Dominic.
My heart flutters as I hold the card briefly to my chest. Opening the garment bag to pull out the most beautiful lavender dress I’ve ever seen. It leaves one shoulder bare and molds the rest of my body. Dominic is thoughtful. I've never worn such a dress before. I run my finger along the soft material when I also notice a box with a pair of nude heels on the bed.
After slipping on the dress, I styled my hair with one side swept up. The other side is falling in a wave of curls which is pull in front of my shoulder. After applying light makeup, I study my image in the mirror. A confident, sophisticated woman I don’t recognize stares back at me.
Just as I’m finished strapping on the heels, there’s a light knock on the door. “Come in.” I called out, thinking that it was Anna. Instead I come face to face with Dominic who appears in the open doorway. He's dressed elegantly in a black Italian suit with a blue shirt. It brings out the blueness of his eyes. He exudes an aura of power. Power that makes him irresistible. The shirt stretches across his broad chest, and the pants hug his muscular thighs.
“You look beautiful, I was right. This dress was made for you.” He gives me a look of appreciation. Dominic studies me as if I’m the last piece of cake in the dessert shop.
“Ah…thank you Dominic, but you shouldn’t be buying me things.” I say as I try to calm my racing heart. “Why not? Abeautiful lady like you deserves beautiful things.” I blush as I’m not used to such compliments. “You look handsome yourself.” He rewards me with a disarming smile. “So, you think I’m handsome, Elle?” He teases me. Is he flirting with me? My cheeks flush pink. “You know that you’re sexy—you don’t need me to stroke your ego.” His eyes sparkle with amusement and he lets loose a rich sexy laugh.
“It doesn’t matter what other women think, Angel. I'm here to escort you to dinner.” He steps into the room, reaches into his pocket, pulling out a red, square velvet box. “But first, I have something for you.” He flips the lid open to reveal a beautiful pair of dangly diamond earrings. My breath hitches at its beauty.
“Dominic, no, no, I can’t accept these.” I try to push his hands away. They are exquisite, unlike the few pieces of jewelry I own. All of them are fake costume jewelry. “I insist Elle. You saved my life and I wanted to get you something beautiful.” He persists. “But you don’t need to buy me things. I’m a doctor and it was my duty to help you.”
“Please Elle, it will make me happy,” he pleads. My resistance wanes. I nodded. Taking the earrings from him and I walk towards the mirror. Dominic moves to stand directly behind me. His jacket brushes against my back. Our eyes meet in the mirror. There’s the saying that— ‘the eyes are the windows of the soul.’ Dare I believe the story that Dominic’s eyes are telling me?
My hands shake nervously which makes the simple task of putting on the earrings impossible. After multiple failed attempts—he takes them from me to put them on himself. Hopefully, my response to his touch will remain unnoticed.
Once he was done I let out the breath that I was holding. But Dominic laid his palm onto my exposed shoulder. This brings his face next to mine. Then into the crook of my neck. Hislips part and there is a whisper of touch as it brushes against sensitive skin. My eyes close in response to the sensation. Shuddering with the connection. The scent of his cologne, cinnamon and sandalwood fills my nostrils. Making it difficult for me to remain unaroused.
To my disappointment, Dominic suddenly takes a step back. He silently reaches for my hand and he then leads me out of the room.
Chapter 17
~Elle~
