Page 116 of Ruined

“Security at the casino. Luca’s got a good eye for spotting trouble before it starts.” He glanced at me, winking. “He’s one of my best employees. I trust him more than most.”

Auntie’s face softened. “He’s always been a good boy.”

“Oh, he’s more than good. He’s someone you want in your corner when things get messy.”Dominic leaned forward, his lip curving slightly. “I’d like to think of us as more than guys who work together.”

Santino’s brow furrowed as he ate a chunk of salad.

“We’re friends,” I blurted.

The air seemed to freeze. Judging by the glint in Santino’s eye, I’d made his suspicions worse.

I forced a smile. “Yeah. He’s like a brother, really. Just someone who looks out for me.”

Auntie beamed. “Luca’s always made friends so easily. He’s got a good heart.”

Dominic’s smile faltered. “Yeah, Luca’s got a way of making you feel… special.”

“Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked.

Dominic smiled. “No girlfriend. Work keeps me occupied.”

“Such a shame,” she sighed. “A man like you shouldn’t be alone.”

Dominic’s lips quirked. “I’m still waiting for the right person.”

My throat went dry. I shoved another chunk of bread into my mouth. Dominic wasn’t looking at me, but his words throbbed inside me.

I’m still waiting for the right person.

I hated him for saying it. Hated how the warmth of it curled up inside me like a secret I couldn’t keep. Dominic could turn a simple sentence into a goddamn weapon.

The rest of the meal passed in a blur. I picked at the solyanka but barely ate. Auntie talked to Dominic, hanging on his every word. Santino grumbled about work. Delilah kept busy, refilling glasses and clearing plates, but her eyes constantly darted to me.

Dominic stayed quiet, though his gaze lingered on my hands.

By the time the dishes were cleared, I was ready to crawl out of my skin. Dominic stood to leave, thanking Auntie for dinner.

I let him get to the door before I shot to my feet. My chair scraped loudly against the tile, making everyone glance up. I ignored them, moving past Delilah and Santino.

I caught up with Dominic as he stepped outside. The door clicked shut behind me, muffling the sound of the dinner chatter. Dominic didn’t look surprised to see me following him.

“What?” he said.

I swallowed hard. “Wait.”

He paused at the edge of the porch. The yellow glow from the house caught on his tight jaw.

“What do you want, Luca?”

I didn’t know. My thoughts were a tangled mess.

Dominic sighed and started down the steps. “I don’t have time for this?—”

“Dominic.”

My voice cracked, and he froze. I hated how weak I sounded, but I couldn’t let him walk away. Not like this.

Dominic turned. “You want to explain why Frank looks like roadkill? Or maybe you just want to push me away again?”