I hesitate, weighing my options. Protocol dictates I shouldn't engage with a subject outside official capacity. But curiosity and something else I refuse to name pulls my hand to the deadbolt.
I open the door just enough to create a barrier between us, keeping my weapon hidden behind my back.
"Mr. Vitale." I keep my voice neutral despite the adrenaline flooding my system. "This is crossing a line."
His eyes take in my casual attire, lingering briefly on the FBI logo across my chest. A slight smile plays at the corner of his mouth.
"Agent Ricci." He meets my gaze directly. "Don’t you think it’s past time we cross the line?"
DOMINIC
I lean against Olivia's door frame, savoring the shock on her face. Her FBI-trained composure slips for just a moment making this little detour worth my while.
"Agent Ricci. Lovely place." I step forward without waiting for an invitation.
She blocks my path, with one hand, showing that she’s holding her service weapon in the other. "What the hell do you think you're doing? This is my home, Vitale."
"Funny thing about that." I brush past her anyway, my shoulder grazing hers. The contact sends a now familiar current through me. "You invaded my space this morning with your little search party. Thought I'd return the favor."
Her apartment is modest but tasteful. Clean lines, minimal decor. A lot like her.
"I had a warrant. You’re trespassing." Her voice holds steady, but I catch the slight flush creeping up her neck. "You need to leave. Now."
I finish scanning the place she spends her time in when she’s not hunting criminals. "A warrant you knew would turn up nothing. Waste of everyone's time." I give her a conspiratorial smile. “Makes me wonder what you paid the judge to sign it. Or do you have something on him?”
She gapes. “That’s not how we work.”
I laugh. “Come on now. Surely you know that warrant was weak.” I shrug. “Perhaps the judge is willing to stretch and bend the law just like you.”
Anger flashes in her eyes. “I don’t?—”
“Then Blackwood. Someone was very liberal with the law. Don’t deny it.”
“Why are you here?” Her giving up the argument tells me she knows I’m right, which begs the question, why did she follow through knowing the warrant was a piece of shit?
“I told you. I have an investigation of my own. I don’t have a warrant, but I can give you a worthless piece of paper if you want.” I drop onto her sofa, stretching my arms across the back.
“You’re trespassing, Vitale. I can arrest you.”
“Then I might have to evict you.”
“What are you talking about?”
I have to admit, I like it when she gets rattled. “I own this building.”
She freezes. "What?"
"Oh, didn't you know? I acquired this building about... nine months ago. Bellevue Properties is one of my subsidiaries."
The color drains from her face. "That's impossible. I would have?—"
"Known? How? Everything is the same except of course I own the company now." I lean forward, elbows on my knees. "I own quite a bit of Manhattan. Including this charming little building."
Her eyes narrow. I can practically see her mind racing, wondering what other aspects of her life I might have infiltrated.
"Is this supposed to intimidate me?" She’s still holding her gun. I wonder what her breaking point is. When is she going to point it at me?
"Not at all. Consider it evening the playing field."
