Juanita, the older woman who accompanied us on this stroll in the park, used to be Damian and Dominic’s housekeeper before they were kidnapped, sold into child prostitution, and abused for years. After their parents’ death, Juanita was named guardian of the boys and all their financial assets. When Damian escaped captivity, she mourned with him the loss of his twin and helped him create a plan for revenge.
Juanita was a petite Latina with the kindest of smiles. She had flawless, tanned skin that went well with her green eyes. Her hair, usually in a long ponytail that hung down her spine, was black, but gray strands could be seen in the bright sunlight. The woman reflected class and beauty on a level many girls tried to achieve but failed. She looked not a day older than forty, but Sapphire told me she was fifty-three. After she shared this little tidbit of information, I had no choice but to high-five Juanita, because, dude, I so freaking wanted to be as gorgeous as she was when I was as old as her.
Sapphire’s phone vibrated in her jeans pocket. She furrowed her brows, but picked it up with a calm voice. “Hello?" A beat, and then she said, "Uncle Benjamin? How did you get my number?" she asked with confusion, although I noticed traces of fear in her eyes too.
Who the hell was this guy? Didn't she cut all her connections once she went into WPP? Whatever he said made her paler, and she desperately scanned for Kristina, who sat in the sandbox studying the sharks. Her eyes widened as she spotted something, and then took a sharp intake of breath.
"Why?" she questioned, another pause, and her phone fell to the ground with a thud.
Her eyes focused on Juanita and me, as she said, "You need to go home. Now. And fast." Juanita's eyes grew with fear as she darted toward Kristina, but Sapphire stopped her with her hand. "No, she and I stay. Go."
She what? Shaking my head, I argued, "No, Sapphire. No!"
"She has a sniper mark on her. He will kill her. It's him." Her reply almost brought me to my knees.Not our little angel!
My lips trembled as my eyes watered, but even in my emotional state, I understood we were powerless against the enemies. With one last look at Juanita, Sapphire ran to Kristina, picked her up in her arms as the child wiggled in displeasure, and then she shoved her daughter’s head to her chest, covering her from the deadly aim as much as possible. "Mommy, no, I want to play,” I could hear Kristina whimper, while Sapphire patted her back. The man standing by the car wearing glasses was a muscled mountain who could probably squish me with one arm. His face held a permanent snarl. When he pushed them inside roughly, I decided not to be a coward and ran after them.
God help us all.
Dominic
Rosa rushed after Sapphire, making me curse as I exited the car and stopped her with an arm around her waist right before she was seen. Although I bargained with them for her, who the fuck knew what they would have done had she tried to stop them? She struggled against my hold, as I got distracted inhaling her sweet scent and enjoying the feel of her in my arms for the first time.
My sweet girl.
"Let go of me, you fucking piece of shit!" she screamed, and I grimaced when her mouth proved to be less than sweet. I spun her around swiftly. Her tits pressed against me, and her eyes grew huge once she had the time to study my face. "Who are you?" She placed her hands flat on my chest and tried to push, but I wouldn't budge. "You aren't Damian.”
"No."
Then she blinked rapidly, and whispered, "Dominic?" And because she knew my name and the way my body reacted to her despite the danger looming over us, I pressed a hard kiss against her stunned mouth, almost moaning in pleasure at the softness of her lips. Letting go of her, I removed the cross from my neck and gave it to her. "Keep it." She frowned. "Don't follow them. It's dangerous. Connor and I will handle this problem. Leave with Juanita."
A loud gasp from behind Rosa confirmed the old woman heard everything as her eyes drank me in. “Dominic."
Emotions.
She was part of my memories, but there simply was no time for this. "Go home and stay there. Now." I wasn't satisfied until she nodded, and then I jumped back in the car as Vitya sped after S's vehicle.
Rosa
“Dominic, it was my Dominic,” Juanita chanted, as I used all my strength to pull her back from the playground and push her in the direction of the apartment. Damian’s penthouse was a short distance away, and right then, it seemed like the safest place on earth.
Although, when I thought about it, Sapphire’s dad kidnapped her from there, so who the hell knew if the bad guys knew about it? What if they had the address?
Tears slid down her cheeks as she sobbed quietly, probably not even comprehending where we were. “I know, Juanita, but we need to go.” Even saying those words felt surreal, because I believed, like everyone else, that Damian’s twin was dead.
Although he had many tattoos, a bulkier figure, and wore jeans, there was no mistaking the startling features and amber eyes they shared.
Or the air of dominance and sophistication at the same time, which he had in common with his twin.
Juanita leaned on the wall next to the sidewalk and refused to go. She closed her eyes, and continued to cry, “Dominic.” Although she looked spectacular for her age, she was still old enough that her heart could give up, so her condition concerned me.
What the hell do I do?
Contacting anyone was strictly forbidden. Plus, none of them left any numbers for me.
There was only one option, and considering everything that had happened in the last few minutes, it seemed like the only right choice.
Flipping open my smart phone, I dialed the number I promised to only dial when I was in danger.
