23 Years Prior.
“Jason, my love, must we go?” I knew my voice must carry the weight of my displeasure at the way his eyes flashed with instant regret. “I cannot bare another night of saving face in front of the Black family.”
“Rose, you know they expect us to be there.” He sighed as he straightened the front of his vest.
I stood from the lounge that I had begged for weeks prior for the sole purpose of being able to feel like I belonged in this life, here with him. There was something grand about having a chair specific to getting dressed and applying heels that would later warp your toes and radiate pain up to your knees. Pointless monetary spending to prove you could afford luxury in life all led to the hollow existence outside closed doors.
“We have attended more gatherings at the Black mansion than we have had my parents over for dinner since the day we got married. Couldn’t we stay home, just this once?” I pleaded with my eyes as I approached him, placing my hands gently against his chest and giving him my warmest smile.
There was a sharp intake of breath as he drunk in my appearance before him. Disheveled platinum curls falling in waves around a petite face paled with only the slight burn of desire present on my cheeks.
“You are a devil, woman.” He smiled as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer and eliciting a giggle from my lips.
“I could make it worth your trouble. It would only be this one time.” I smiled, all teeth. “They won’t even notice our absence.”
The humor in his gaze faltered and my heart dropped with knowing defeat.
“That is enough, Rosemary.” He gently grasped my wrists and released them next to my side. “Get yourself ready. Dominik is expecting us.”
I had to force the unease down with a hard swallow.
“Dominik.” I rolled my eyes with distaste as I sat back down, reaching for my heels our maid had specifically picked for this occasion. “Your friend makes me uncomfortable.”
“Rose, you have said that since the day you had met him.” Jason shook his head with mild humor. “He is harmless.”
“Nothing about that man is harmless.” I strapped one heel around my ankle. “That man is a snake and I do not trust him. Not where you or I are concerned.” I took care to strap the other. “And he is always looking at me.”
“That is because you are beautiful, Mrs. Sloan.” Jason turned and leaned forward, causing me to lean back in my chair, fluttering kisses along my face and down my jawline in unwavering tenderness. “I can’t keep my eyes off of you either.”
My thoughts cleared as soon as he stood upright once again. “No, Jason. I mean it. He is always staring at me. With such intent. It is disturbing.”
“I am unaware of what you mean. Eleanor has been the shining light of his life since Matteo Black first introduced them as the candidates of an arranged marriage. He would never steer from her. Not for one as common as you, despite your beauty.”
“If I am so common, then why did you marry me?” My tongue clicked with annoyance.
“Because I fell in love with your mind.” He smoothed over. “And you will never cease to give me a run for my money.”
I sucked my teeth with growing anger. “Maybe you should have married someone more luxurious to your lifestyle.”
“Now, where is the fun in that?” He threw on his charm. “A woman who will feed rumors and spend all my money, versus the silver-tongued beauty with that English accent that sends shivers down my spine; who said I do? Absolutely not. You are the only star in my sky, burning hotter and brighter than the sun.”
I smiled at his honeyed words. “Fine. But do not expect this silver-tongued beauty to keep her lips sealed if he happens to stare at me again.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, my love.” He bent slightly to press a kiss against my forehead. “Now finish getting ready. I do not want to be late. Matteo will not be pleased if we are late again.”
“You mean Dominik.” I scoffed. “Matteo barely remembers what day of the week it is anymore.”
“You would be best to remember to keep those types of snarks to yourself, less someone overhear you and we will both pay the price.” He warned as he stepped out of the room, and I quieted.
Regardless, he was right. The danger of the Company left no one safe, not even in their own homes. Everyone was under the Black Company payroll, and no one could be trusted. In that moment, I realized how lonely I would be for the rest of my life, never able to trust a single person besides Jason with my most personal thoughts and feelings. No other wife to the Company dares speaks their mind in fear of the wrath of their husbands or far worse, the wrath of the Black family.
I donned on the deep sapphire blue dress that had been laid out with the heels. It hugged my curves in a way that Jason would appreciate, accentuating my figure and rivaled on the edge of modest and indecent. Just enough cleavage to keep the mind wondering, and a slit up the side that showed only a glimpse of my thigh. The thin straps laid perfectly against my shoulders, a simple silver chain against my collarbone holding a rose diamond pendant against my sternum.
Once zipped, I applied both matching earrings and squeezed my cheeks to add a little bit more color to my face. I refreshed the little mascara to make my hazel eyes pop. Today, they were greener than their usual gold, and the effect was mesmerizing. I needed extraordinarily little in the make-up department; a gene passed down through the females of my family before me. Natural beauty was something my mother had instilled in my sisters and I since birth. We were beautiful and that meant we could own the world if we wanted to.
Only, I did not.
Jason Sloan had been the only person or thing I had ever wanted in my life, and luckily, he loved me as much as I loved him.
“Darling, it’s time!” His voice made me jump as I shook my curls once more.
“Coming!” I grabbed the little hand purse on our dresser and tried not to fall hurrying down the staircase.
The dinner party was in full swing, and more guests had been invited than I initially had anticipated. Usually for an occasion this grand, there would be some sort of announcement made in honor of one of the twelve families, or worse, a change would be coming to the Company that would affect us all. Everyone carried themselves in their usual manner; the eleven wives gossiping on their own as the men handled talks of business and who knows what else.
And then there was me.
Alone at my seat, minding my own as usual.
Jason fit into this crowd, having been born into this life as his family has been an upstanding part of the Company for generations proceeding his own.
I was the outcast of this crowd.
I had no knowledge of the Company or its proceedings until the day after our engagement. Jason had wanted to give me the full truth of what he did under the Black name before I decided to devote my life to him. At the time, I was so blinded by the love I had for him, that I had not realized what he had been really asking of me.
I was not born into money or the wealth of privilege as my husband. I barely understood the inner workings of mafia royalty until it was thrown into my lap. I simply play a part for my husband’s ambition. But that price was small to pay at the end of the day when I could see how much Jason genuinely loved me.
I shook the intrusive thoughts away as the murmurs of the wives rose and fell. I had better things to do with my time than gossip about children I did not have, or families that wanted a ticket into the inner circle. Better things including arranging my silverware properly beside my plate and nervously sipping on the glass of wine that had been poured for me as soon as Jason had pulled out my chair for me to sit down.
Occasionally, he would glance my way and offer me a reassuring smile as he knew how uncomfortable this all made me. But I would endure it anyway. For his sake. I offered a small smile as he raised his glass to me in a silent toast and I inclined my head in silent acknowledgement. He rejoined the conversation without missing a beat and my eyes wandered over the huddled men and women as they had dragged their chairs to form little groups. My gaze lingered far too long where the men were gathered, and I could feel the sickly wave of energy pass over my arms and up my neck in the form of goosebumps as the unnerving feeling crept back up.
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My gaze trailed to the cause of such a feeling to find, yet again, Dominik Black’s piercing stare drinking in my being unabashedly as my husband sat mere inches away and Eleanor only a couple of feet. My lips parted as I had to steady my nervous breathing, anxiety building in my chest. His soulless eyes targeting on the movement as his gaze lowered to my mouth. I flushed with disgust and his eyes flashed with approval as the red tint traveled up my chest. It took only a moment for me to realize that he would think it some sort of desirable effect he had on me, which in truth was that I could not stand the thought of him touching me, let alone him thinking I would want him to touch me to begin with.
Jason might not believe me, and think the world of his so-called friend, but I knew the glint in Dominik Black’s eyes were anything but pure of heart whenever his gaze would land on me. He was a predator. And it would be foolish to believe otherwise or underestimate him for that matter. I forced my eyes to break the contact and flutter down to the table in front of me. There was no use in indulging a snake, even if there was no intent behind it. Scandals happened daily in the Company, and I would never put my life or that of Jason’s in jeopardy.
I sighed a bit of relief as the scraping of the chairs echoed of the dining hall walls as everyone began to arrange themselves properly at the table due to the dessert bell ringing. I kept my eyes transfixed on the tablecloth as Dominik Black took his place directly to my right at the head of the long dining table, Eleanor taking seat at the foot. Jason reclaimed his seat across from me and tried to offer a smile to which I did not return.
Dominik had a weird way of arranging the families at his table by rank. Jason and I were second to Dominik and Eleanor, so in typical fashion, we sat closest to Dominik. And from there on the ranked families sat in chronological order, the wives on one side, while their husbands sat across from them. It was strange. Like out of a cinema.
Dominik waited until his servants finished placing a small dish of gelato in front of each of his guests before he stood with his wine in hand.
“I have invited you all here for a special occasion.” He started and paused for dramatic effect, even though the room had fallen completely silent, and all eyes were on him. “Matteo Black will be stepping down as head of the Company, and I shall take his place, effective immediately. I will now be taking over the industry, and as much as I have worked with you all in the past couple of years, that should make this transition as smooth as ever.”
The table erupted into applause, but mine was a slow clap in comparison. I had already known this was coming, as per Jason. But I was unaware that it called for every family to be present for an official announcement. This was over the top. Bloody hell, a letter would have sufficed. But to drag every family from all corners of the country, that was unnecessary. I had to fight to not roll my eyes.
“And in doing so, Jason Sloan will continue the Sloan legacy of being the right-hand man of myself in all Company standings.” More applause as a pit formed into my stomach. “I have made the decision to move to our Northeastern Region once again, and the Sloan family will be following.” My eyes widened as even shock registered on Jason’s face.
We both turned and stared in horror as Dominik continued.
“Jason and Rosemary will take over sanction one of the Company, and the following families will follow suit. Each family will be relocated to their sanctions, expenses paid as well as housing already obtained. You will each be expected to lay down roots as we have done here. But each family will now be living in the sanctions they oversee. This will minimize discrepancies in our holdings and make for a brighter future for us all.”
Despite the continued looks of confusion, the families broke out into another set of applause as Dominik took his seat. The commotion died down as conversation started with the clinks of glasses as guests ate their dessert. The little appetite I had was now gone under the stress and weight of Dominik’s declaration. He was uprooting everyone.
“Dominik.” Jason started.
Yes.
“When will this be taking effect?”
“As soon as next week.”
Jason’s face paled.
“What is going to happen?”
“I have it all sorted, dear friend. All your personal affects will be delivered via red-eye and unpacked before the four of us arrive to our new home.”
“Our new home?” The whisper came out of my lips without warning.
“Yes, my dear Rosemary.” Dominik placed his hand over mine and I had to force myself to remain still under the watchful eye of my husband, so as not to offend the snake. “There is quite a large estate in sanction one with multiple homes built on the grounds. I have acquired the Estate and all housing was seized. You and Jason will be close enough for Jason to fulfill his duties to me and the Company while still being able to come home to you at night.” He squeezed my hand and I had to keep vomit from rising in the back of my throat. “You will always be at my disposal.”
“As you wish.” Jason stated firmly, breaking Dominik’s hold on me with his tone.
“Ah, do not be sullen, my dear friend. All will be well. You will love it once we are there.”
After dessert concluded, the families stood and regrouped in different areas of the common rooms connected to the dining hall. I took this time to have one of the waiters fill my wine glass and slink off to the Black Estate library to get away from the noise and commotion. It was the only place I had allowed myself to find peace in this house, as it was rarely used or disturbed. I had found it in the early days of dinner parties and family meetings for the Company. No one really noticed my absence, and I was far more comfortable being left to my own devices.
My fingers scoured the bindings of various books, no doubt of them being first editions of nearly thousands of completed works by various authors around the world. The smell of old paper soothed my soul like nothing else, and I found myself smiling for the first time since we arrived.
“I knew I could find you here.”
And just like that the joy was replaced with instant dread.
“I am always where I can be found, Mr. Black. I need not hide.” My voice did not betray the quivering my hands did in the darkened room, the only light provided by the open door of the hallway.
“You have been avoiding me.”
“I promise you, I have not. I just do not enjoy the sounds of conversation between the ladies of the Company. It is overstimulating at best.”
Each of his footfalls caused a ping of distress like a siren call to my chest as he entered the room, filling up the air to a suffocating degree.
“Are you angry with me?”
“I am not. I see no reason to be.” I paused. “Unless you are referring to our sudden and unexpected departure. I am not displeased, only simply shocked. I follow wherever Jason goes. He knows that as well as I.”
“Can I be honest with you?”
“If it pleases you.” My breath hitched as I set my glass down on the desk before me. I could feel the ever-looming presence of Dominik Black standing so close to my backside that my stomach churned in fear. That fear caused a bead of sweat to roll down the nape of my neck.
“It is only that I cannot be away from you that this decision was made.”
I turned, anger broiling in the back of my mind.
“I do not know what you mean, Mr. Black. If I have given you any false pretenses, then I apologize, sincerely.”
“Why do you do that?” He took another step forward, closing the distance between us. My skin crawled with his nearness.
“Sir?”
“Deny me?” He questioned, darkness lacing his words.
“Mr. Black, I have and always will be loyal to my husband, and only to my husband.” I argued in hushed tones as not to create a scene. “This is inappropriate. Please leave.”
“Who are you to deny me in my own home?” The darkness deepened with anger.
I swallowed hard, remaining silent.
“I’ve seen the way you have looked at me.” He brushed his fingertips against the length of my bare arm, and I shrank back. “You have bewitched me, Rosemary.”
“I have done nothing of the sort.” I countered. “I do not desire you, Dominik, and I never shall.” His eyes flashed dangerously, and I swallowed what I was going to say. “Please, stop this.”
“I will not be a toy of amusement for you any longer.” His words were laced with venom as he seized my shoulders and I yelped in response.
“Mr. Black, please.” The rings of my eyes began to burn.
The weight of his body pressing against me caused my backside to collide with the edge of the desk, toppling over my glass of wine, the scarlet liquid spreading across the tabletop.
“Please. Stop.”
“A year you have kept me waiting.” His hot breath trickled down my neck. “I will wait no longer.”
The palms of his hands shoved my shoulders with such force that I lost my footing and fell backwards on top of the desk, knocking the air from my lungs. Before I could catch a breath, his weight covered the top of me as dry lips kissed and licked their way up my chest and neck, the scent of alcohol burning my nostrils. His panting came in heated waves across my skin that caused my stomach to flip in discomfort.
“Dominik, no!”
My hands darted for his sternum, pushing with all my might fruitlessly. He was a brick wall in comparison to my small frame. He took that with a snarl and his fingertips scaled the cleavage of my dress, hooking into the material and ripping it open. Tears freely fell from my eyes and my vision blurred as he forced my legs apart to gain better access.
“Quiet.” His command came harshly as his teeth scraped against the bare flesh of my breasts.
“Please...Do not do this...I am begging you...” I was choking in my own tears.
He continued his assault and the fight had finally left my body as he continued to touch and taste my skin. I looked up, counting the swirls in the ceiling tile, my fingertips trailing against the wood of the desk to distract myself from the sound of cloth ripping.
The feel of smoothness peaked my attention as my fingers wrapped around cool metal and my brain kicked into awareness that I was sprawled on a desk that only Matteo had used in his prime. My fingers caressed the handle, confirming what I had found and as the weight of Dominik Black lifted off me and the sound of his belt buckle chimed, I swung the object forward with the last of my energy, aiming for his face.
I knew I had met my target as he shouted out upon impact, growling as one hand flew up to cover his wound and his other swung down across my face, the sharp letter opener clattering to the floor.
I had not realized he had hit me until my eyes finally focused and I realized I was on the floor of the library in a pool of cloth that was once my dress. Dominik stood over me as he righted his clothes and used the handkerchief in his pocket to cover the bleeding slice I had created across his cheek.
“Clean yourself up. I will call you a car and have you escorted home.” He snarled, his shoulders rising and falling with anger. “I will inform Jason that you did not feel well and needed to leave early.”
I could not stop my body from shivering as the snake loomed overhead. He took one last lingering look over me and then made his way to the door. Before he closed the door behind him, he faced his head over his shoulder.
“This is not over, Mrs. Sloan.” He smirked. “I will see you at the airport.”