The thought of doing more to assist filled me with excitement. Serafina proved invaluable in preparing the shelter, drawing on her extensive experience with charitable organizations. It was her insight that led to the idea of hosting an auction—a strategy designed to attract wealthy benefactors and maximize support for the cause.
Chapter 36
~Elle~
Dominic eases his Porsche to a stop in front of the Oasis. Stepping out, he circles around to open my door, his hand steady as he helps me out. He passes the keys to a valet dressed smartly in red and black.
I slip my arm into the crook of Dominic’s and together we head toward the entrance. We move past a line of people waiting to be admitted, their eyes following us. The building’s sleek façade gleams in shades of grey and black, exuding elegance. Above the arched doorway, a massive silver sign catches the light, glittering like crystal suspended in the night.
Dominic guides me to the front of the line, where a guard stands admitting guests. He is tall and powerfully built, his blonde hair cropped short in a military style. The way his sharp eyes scan the crowd makes him seem more suited to a battlefield than the black suit he wears. Stationed at the door, he checks each invitation with practiced diligence.
Tonight’s event is strictly by invitation—a gathering of prominent Cosa Nostra figures and the city’s elite. “Mr Vitelli.” Dominic nods in acknowledgement. “Arthuro.” Our four bodyguards are following behind. Keeping an eye out for any potential threat.
The corridor opens into a wide hall, its polished floor cleared for dancing. At the far end, a raised stage waits, a podium centered beneath the glow of a projector screen, with DJ equipment set off to the right. Rows of temporary chairs face the platform, ready for the auction.
To the right, the bar gleams under dim lights; to the left, two steps lead to white booths with red tables. A windingstaircase curls upward to a balcony, offering a clear view of the floor below.
We slip into our seats among the crowd—Dominic’s capos, politicians, and business owners already gathered. There’s no time for greetings; the auctioneer has already taken the stage.
The projector flickers to life, revealing a Monet donated by a private collector. The auctioneer’s voice cuts through the room—fast, rhythmic, relentless—as he drives the bids higher. Half a million. A million. The momentum doesn’t falter, and I can’t help but marvel at how easily these people throw money around.
When the gavel finally drops at one and a half million, I wonder how Dominic convinced the owner to part with something so valuable. I’ll never understand the rich. More paintings follow, none reaching the same heights, but the night is already proving a success
There were also a couple of pieces of jewelry which were being bid on. All of which were beautiful but too gaudy for my taste. After the last item was sold, my husband offered me a hand to lead me to the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for making tonight such a success. Since taking over the business from my father, I have stood firmly against the abuse of women and children. I know many of you have not always agreed with my stance, yet you are here tonight to support this cause and for that I am grateful. It was my beautiful wife’s idea to create a haven for them, ensuring they are cared for and supported. Please join me in giving her a round of applause.” As the crowd erupts in cheers, Dominic pulls me close, embracing me and pressing a kiss to my lips.
“I want to thank you all for being here, for giving your time and your generosity. I owe special thanks to Serafina,whose guidance and hard work made this possible. Without her, I would have been lost in setting up something like this—she is a true veteran. And of course, my husband’s support has been invaluable… and let’s be honest, his money didn’t hurt either.” I smile, shooting him a playful side-eye as the crowd laughs along with him.
“Now, ladies and gentlemen, tonight also marks the grand opening of the Oasis. Please, enjoy everything we have to offer. Eat, drink, and celebrate.”
The chairs were cleared from the dance floor as the DJ launched into a pulsing set. Electronic beats surged through the club, filling every corner with energy. Bass reverberated in the walls, pulsing in rhythm with the flashing lights that swept across the room.
Some guests drifted toward the bar, others settled into the seating areas on the main floor and the first level. A few surrendered to the rhythm, swaying gently on the dance floor as the night came alive.
Dominic led me to the bar. “What are you having, Angel?” he asked as I slipped onto a stool. He stood close, one arm resting lightly against my back, the other braced on the counter. “A martini,” I said. Dominic caught the bartender’s eye and placed our order, his presence steady at my side.
From where I’m sitting at the bar, I have a clear view of the dance floor where there are several people bopping to the music. Sipping the drink placed in front of me I unconsciously sway to the rhythm. Dominic stares at me over the rim of his glass as I look longingly. Taking my glass away, he sets it onto the bar. “Come on Angel, dance with me.” I couldn’t keep my delight in check. Dominic chuckles at my eagerness.
We weave through the crowd until we reach the dance floor. Dominic’s hands settle on my waist, guiding me into the rhythm. Exhilaration surges through me as my hips roll, myshoulders swaying, my arms sliding up his chest beneath his jacket. Our eyes locked, his blue meeting mine, darkened with desire.
His grip tightens, pulling me closer, until our bodies move as one. Then his mouth claims mine—urgent, insistent—his tongue sliding past my parted lips, igniting a fire that leaves me breathless.
“Oh God,” I breathe against his lips, our kiss swallowing his groans. Suddenly, Dominic pulls away, as if jolted by the memory that we’re surrounded on a crowded dance floor. Heat rushes to my cheeks as I glance around, praying no one noticed. The dim lights are my saving grace. He leans close, voice low and certain: “I think it’s time we leave, Angel.”
“Ahem sure, okay. I need to use the bathroom before we leave,” I mutter, still uneasy with our public display. “Okay Angel.” He pauses, scanning the crowd as though searching for someone. “I need to have a word with Dario and Dante before we leave. Meet me at the bar when you are done.”
He brushes a quick kiss across my lips and strides away, disappearing into the throng. I watch him for a moment, then turn toward the bathroom. Then make my way to the bathroom. A glowing red sign points me down a narrow, dim corridor. The ladies’ room lies to the right, the men’s just beyond and at the far end an exit sign flickers faintly in the shadows.
Relief washes over me once I’ve emptied my bladder—sometimes I swear it’s no bigger than a bird’s. The moment I drink anything, I’m running for the bathroom. Stepping out of the stall, I move to the sink, lathering my hands before rinsing them clean. I lean closer to the mirror, touching up my lipstick, when the creak of a stall door opening breaks the silence behind me. My gaze flicks upward—and the reflection staring back at me makes my breath catch.
“Wha…what are you doing here?” The words barely leave my lips before agony detonates in my skull. My knees buckle, and I collapse, the floor rushing up to meet me. Stars burst across my vision, fading into a haze that quickly unravels into darkness. Through the blur, one image sears itself into my mind—the twisted grin of my attacker, a smile carved with malice. My final thought drifts to Dominic… and then everything goes black.
Chapter 37
~Dominic~
“The auction was a success brother, using the opening of our newest club was genius.” Dante slaps me on the back. He and Dario were enjoying a drink at the bar. “It was,” I agreed.
