Chapter 7
Dominique
I stared at the bustling city through the sky high glasses of my window. The view of the lights in the city twinkling below, almost like the stars in the night sky made the end of tiring days like these, worth it. I was skeptical at first about installing the windows and allowing the view, because I hated distractions and loved to concentrate on my work and the view looked like a potential distraction.
But with each passing day I spent gazing out the window, I couldn't help but mentally pat myself in the back for making the right decision. I stole a glance at my wristwatch and the hands of the clock pointing at 7:45 pm stared back at me. It was late and I should be well on my way home.
I cracked my neck and flexed my muscles for a while as I reveled in the days events. It was strenuous and long as always but, something worthwhile came out of it in the end. And now, it was time to celebrate.
A buzz from my desk pulled me out of my monologue. It was my phone and all it took me were a couple of strides to pick up the gadget from the desk.
"Hello?" I spoke into the phone, my voice curt and collected. " How may I be of assistance?"
"Dominique!" A sigh slid past my lips at the voice that came from the other side. Even if I was dead or in a coma, I would recognize his voice immediately. " How are you doing, my man?"
"Derek, you stil haven't changed, have you?" A small smirk made its way to my lips. " Still lousy as ever."
"That's one of the main reasons we're friends, you do know that right?" A ghost of a smile made its way to my lips. "While you're so smug and uptight, I'm loose and fun. You're like the yin to my yang."
"Oh please." I rolled my eyes, my smirk growing wider. " The only reason we're still friends is because you're a fair enough business man."
"I know it's against you code to express feelings." It took everything in me not to burst into laughter at Derek's response.
"So, I understand."
"Whatever." I waved him off, before shoving my other hand into my pocket. "Tell me you're ready for tonight."
"We both know if I say that, I'd have just lied." A groaned bubbled at the back of my throat. "But I'm definitely going to make it."
"You better." I mused. " What about Anthony and Jack.?"
"I just got off the phone with Jack." Derek quipped. " Anthony? I have no idea. You should call him though or not. Jack would have probably reminded him of it."
"Okay." I nodded. " So I'll meet you at my place then?"
"Of course."
In no time, I watched my car pull up to my mansions driveway. The sun had set completely and the lights from my house shone around, reflecting like something out of a movie. Without wasting any more time, I got out of the car and headed up the little stairs that led to the living room.
The moment I was just at the threshold of my house, a particular thought wormed it's way into my mind; Florence. I didn't know exactly what it was, but the fact that she could creep in and out of my mind didn't sit well with me. She was nothing but a means to an end, the only means for her wretched father to pay off the money he owed me.
My parting words to her rang in my ears just immediately I stepped into the living room.
Make sure the house is spotless, or else.
It wasn't just an empty threat. I meant every word of it and if she went against me, well, we'd just have to find out what would happen.
I wasted no time as I allowed my legs lead me up to my room. The moment I was done freshening up, I headed back down to the living room to welcome my guests.
"Just in the nick of time." I grinned as I watched the men make their way up the stairs. " I'm glad you all could make it."
"Like we would miss it for anything else." Jack returned my grin, before coming in for a bro hug.
We'd been friends for as long as I could remember. Derek, Jack, Anthony and I had been inseparable since childhood and our bond was even stronger at adulthood. Yes, we were all in business but occasionally, we would carve out time to celebrate our wins, a time like this to be precise.
"I'm hungry." Derek announced the moment we were gathered at the dining table. He'd always been lousy, so I wasn't surprised. "Where's the food? You didn't bring us all the way to starve, did you?"
"Florence." I clapped twice and that was all it took for Florence to come rushing in. Her face came into view but for only a couple of seconds as she pushed a huge tray into the dining room. "
Carefully, I watched as she served each one of us, her eyes trailing everything and everyone except me. She looked a bit decent with her pristine uniform and if I was being honest, she did a fairly good job with the cleaning, but that was only half of the task. The main focus was dinner.
"Oh my." Anthony's voice pulled my attention to him. A smug smile hung on his lips as he dug his fork into his casserole. " This is heavenly. Did you make this?"
"Yes." Florence's voice was barely a whisper and it made me realize he was talking to her. " Yes, I did."
"Marvellous." Anthony smacked his lips again and again. For some strange reason it didn't sit right with me and I found myself tightening my grip on my fork in response. " Not only are you a wonderful cook, you're beautiful as well."
"I think that's enough." My voice was cold and icy, but I didn't care. "Dinner's okay. I believe she could have done better."
"No way bro." Derek moaned, a piece of food in his mouth. " This is perfect. I wish she was my cook. Would you mind if she came to work for me?"
"I think it's high time you excused us." I turned to Florence, totally tuning Derek out. I watched as her eyes morphed and held fear in them. " Or do I have to remind you of that too?"
"I'm sorry." She muttered. " I'll leave, sir."
"That wasn't necessary now, Dominique." Anthony's gaze lingered on Florence as she retreated into the kitchen. I knew the look in his eyes and I could definitely spot it from a mile away. As if confirming my suspicions, he threw me a wink before gazing at her one last time as she finally disappeared from his line of sight. " She was definitely an eye candy."
"Is that the reason we're here ….."
"What's wrong with having both?" Jack interrupted and the entire table burst into laughter. All, except me.
"Excuse me." The loud screech of the chair scraping against the tiles cut through the laughter as I headed towards the direction Florence took.
My eyes scanned the room as I walked into the kitchen. Just to find it empty.
Where the hell did she go?
I was just about to go the other way, when the back door swung open, revealing none other than Florence. We locked eyes immediately, fear and surprise flashing in her eyes.
"Sir, I…" the rest of her words died in her throat as I rushed at her immediately, trapping her chin in between my fingers.
"What do you think you were doing out there?" I leaned into her, so close my lips were almost grazing her cheek.
"I, I…"
"Let this stick with you, right this moment." I whispered. " You are mine. Fucking mine."