The Dominator by DD Prince Read Free Book Online Page B

The father had threatened me. I’d been surrounded by burly goons up until now. But Ice Cream Parlor Hottie, err Tommy, was being the exact opposite. Even still, I was more uncomfortable than even before because this was him. This was the guy who’s going to decide my fate. And he was going to mess with my head; I knew it. He’d already come in to my work and flirted with me, which was obviously no coincidence, and now he was here, with all the power, and dropping me off at my house with my phone, like it was nothing, like it was no big deal.
    I just sat there, frozen, with my hands in my lap, absorbing the fact that suddenly the control over my own life had been snatched away from me. He was inches away from me, of course, and I could smell his cologne, which smelled leathery and spicy, a bit musky. He smelled good, not like the guys I knew who practically bathed in Axe. This man wore just a little cologne or aftershave or whatever and just enough. He had this presence, this masculinity and authority I couldn’t put my finger on. I had no idea what to say, where to even start. So I just sat there.
    Around fifteen minutes later we were in front of Rose and Cal’s. He finally broke the silence, “Say nothing about any of this to the Crenshaws or anyone else,” he said, leaning over close, uncomfortably close, looking in my eyes, “I’ll pick you up here in 3 hours. And so you know, Tia, obedience is rewarded. Defiance is punished. Remember that.” He winked at me and flashed his watch at me so I’d see what time it was.
    I’m sure I must’ve looked at him like he’d lost his mind. I didn’t know what to say so I got out of the car, feeling like something slowly crawled up my spine. I felt his eyes on me, watching me, until I entered the house. I looked back before entering and the way he was staring at me made my blood run cold. Gorgeous or not, he was obviously a very dangerous man and I had no frame of reference for this situation. I needed to think. How could I get a chance to think, though? I had three hours in a house that was a bustle of activity; people everywhere. Kids that live here, graduating kids, their family members, Rose, Cal, the grandparents. I heard my name being shouted. It was Ruby. I couldn’t tell any of them what was going on with me, no way.
    “Where were you?!” She cried out, running to me, her dark ringlets bouncing. Rose was behind her, looking expectantly and cautiously at me.
    “I’m sorry, I…” I didn’t know how to finish; I almost started to cry.
    Rose rushed over and threw her arms around me, “It’s okay darling, come; let’s get something to eat.” She directed me to the dining room table, which was covered with dishes of food, people swarming it.  She just probably assumed my father had disappointed me. She didn’t push for answers. God, but I loved this family. I didn’t know what to say. I had no idea what awaited me in three hours’ time but I knew one thing for sure --- I was afraid.
    Mia bounded over to us, “Did you find your hottie and take off on us for a romp?” She and Bethany laughed but Ruby was eyeing me suspiciously. If they only knew.
    Tommy Ferrano had come into my work and had checked me out, made himself known to me, had flirted with me, even. How long had this been planned for?  Where was my Dad now? I didn’t even have a phone number to call and ask him what was going on. The look on his face as I pulled away was of defeat but then two seconds later it was as if nothing happened. Drinking coffee, talking on the phone, not looking devastated. Was it all for show? And Mr. Ferrano had acted like the whole marker thing was just a ploy by my Dad. What was the real story here? Who was I dealing with, really?
    I excused myself to the bathroom and sent Dad a Facebook message from my phone demanding he call or text me immediately. I wrote,
    “Dad! What on earth? These guys say I have to marry the mafia guy’s son to clear your debt. MARRY! And