Dom sits behind his desk. Watching this play out. That slight smirk on his face like he’s enjoying a private joke.
I’m the joke. I’m always the joke.
“Dylan.” Dom gestures vaguely. “Sit.”
I don’t sit. Stay standing. Keep the bookshelf behind me and my exit route mapped—doors to my left, Marcus is between me and it, but if I move fast enough?—
“How’s working with Marcus going?” Dom leans back in his chair. Casual. Conversational.
This isn’t casual. Nothing with Dom is casual.
“Very well, sir.” I keep my voice professional. Level. The paralegal voice I’ve perfected over five years.
But I can feel it cracking. That performance I used to be able to maintain for hours. The dissociation that let me bury Dylan Wells so deep only Dominic Draven’s paralegal remained.
It’s not working anymore.
I’m trapped inside myself. Feeling everything. Unable to escape into numbness.
“She’s been exceptional,” Marcus adds. Still too close. Still watching me like I’m something he’s considering buying. “Really exceeded my expectations.”
The way he says exceptional. The way his eyes linger.
My skin crawls.
“Good, good.” Dom nods. Pleased. “I knew you two would work well together.”
Pay attention. Danger.
“You’ve finished the City Controller transition documentation already?” Dom continues.
“Yes sir. Complete review of municipal code compliance, administrative procedures, budgetary oversight protocols. It’s all documented and filed.”
“Ahead of schedule,” Marcus adds. Like he’s proud. Like I did this for him instead of to get away from him as fast as possible.
Dom leans forward. Fingers steepled. That look on his face. The one that means he’s about to spring the trap.
“I have a job for you, Dylan.”
My stomach drops.
Here it comes.
“Of course, sir. What do you need?”
“Bonus pay,” he adds. Like that makes this better. Like money fixes whatever’s coming.
It won’t. I already know it won’t.
Dom and Marcus exchange a look. Brief. Significant. They planned this. Together. Before I even got here.
“Friday night,” Dom says. “Marcus has a fundraiser.”
Oh no.
“Major donor event. Black tie. The city’s power players will be there—council members, state representatives, business leaders. The people who matter.”
Oh no oh no oh no.
