Chapter 5 - The Night Dominic Stopped Pretending
The attack came two nights later.
Maya was leaving the safe apartment when two SUVs blocked the street.
Men jumped out.
Dominic appeared from the opposite side.
Gunfire erupted.
Maya ran.
A bullet struck the wall beside her.
Dominic grabbed her and pulled her into a doorway.
"Stay behind me!"
"I hate when you say that."
"This isn't the time."
"It never is."
He glanced at her.
Even now, she was fighting him.
He almost smiled.
Then a man came around the corner.
Dominic fired.
The man fell.
Silence.
Maya stared at him.
"You don't hesitate."
"No."
"Does it bother you?"
"Every time."
That answer surprised her.
Dominic lowered his weapon.
"I don't enjoy this."
"You don't look like it hurts."
"It does."
He looked at her.
"That's why I never let anyone see it."
The sirens were approaching.
Dominic took her hand.
They ran.
They ended up inside an abandoned church.
Maya collapsed against the wall.
Dominic sat beside her.
"You okay?"
"No."
"Tell me."
She shook her head.
"I'm scared."
He looked at her.
"I know."
"I'm scared all the time."
He didn't say anything.
She continued.
"I was scared when I first saw you."
"You should have been."
"I was scared when you brought me to the warehouse."
"You should have been."
"I was terrified when they broke into my apartment."
He nodded.
"Then why are you still here?"
Maya looked at him.
"Because every time I'm near you, something strange happens."
"What?"
"I feel safer."
Dominic froze.
She whispered, "And I don't understand why."
He looked away.
"Neither do I."
Rain began tapping against the church windows.
Maya reached for his hand.
He didn't move.
Their fingers touched.
Then intertwined.
Dominic stared at their hands.
"I've spent my whole life believing people were weaknesses."
Maya smiled sadly.
"That's a lonely way to live."
"It is."
"And?"
"I'm getting tired."
She looked at him.
He leaned closer.
"You make me tired."
She laughed softly.
"That's romantic."
"I'm not good at this."
"I noticed."
He smiled.
Then he kissed her.
It wasn't forceful.
It wasn't possessive.
It was careful.
Almost uncertain.
Like he was afraid she might disappear.
When they pulled apart, Maya whispered, "You still have a terrible attitude."
"I'll work on it."
"Don't promise miracles."
He laughed.
Then his phone rang.
His face hardened.
"What?"
Marco's voice came through.
"We found Matteo."
Dominic went still.
"Where?"
"Alive."
Maya covered her mouth.
"Where is he?"
Marco gave an address.
Dominic stood.
"We're going."
The address belonged to an underground clinic.
Inside, an older man lay in a hospital bed.
Thin.
Gray-haired.
Scarred.
But alive.
Dominic stopped at the door.
"Matteo."
The man opened his eyes.
He stared at his son.
Then at Maya.
Tears filled his eyes.
"You have your mother's face."
Maya stepped closer.
"You're my father."
Matteo nodded.
"Yes."
She began to cry.
He reached for her.
"I'm sorry."
"Why did you leave?"
"I didn't."
"Then where were you?"
"Prison."
Dominic's expression darkened.
"Vincent?"
Matteo nodded.
"He kept me alive because I knew where the trust was."
Maya asked, "Where?"
Matteo looked at the medallion.
"Inside the city."
"What does that mean?"
He smiled weakly.
"The trust was never money."
Maya frowned.
"What?"
"It was ownership."
He looked at Dominic.
"Your family doesn't own the waterfront."
Dominic stepped closer.
"Then who does?"
May you like
Matteo looked at Maya.
"She does."
