Page 8 of The Don

No, that’s not good enough. “Why?” She has to be here.

“All she told Rose was that she’s afraid of who she might see.”

My hands clench into fists in my pockets. What the fuck did Adrian do to her? “Where are they now?”

Dominic looks at his watch, then takes another cigarette and places it between his lips. “They’d still be at the house.”

I turn to look for Dante, and when I catch his eyes, I motion him over. “Sir.”

“Bring the dog,” I instruct.

“Of course.” Dante leaves and lifts his phone to his ear.

“She’s comfortable with the dog,” Dominic says.

“She is, which is why the dog will be here with her.” Dominic’s brows lift as a small smile tugs at the corners of his lips. “Do you have something to say?” I ask as I stand taller.

“You like her.”

“She’s been through too much to have to worry about this too.”

“No. You like her,” he says.

“She’s young enough to be my daughter.”

Dominic’s grin says something else, but I wipe that stupid smile off his face with a hard stare. “Call Rose and let her know the dog will be here.”

Dominic retrieves his phone from his pocket and lifts it to his ear. “Am I going to have to wait for you forever?” He listens to whatever Rose’s reply is and snickers. “Can you put Eliza on the phone?” He runs his hand through his hair and exhales a frustrated breath. “Just do it,” he says with firmness. He flicks his gaze to me and throws his hand up while shaking his head. “Eliza, I wanted to let you know that Storm will be here with you.” He nods and smiles. “Good to hear.” He shakes his head. “No need, you’ll both be here soon.” He hangs up and shoves his phone back into his pocket.

“Judging by that phone call, I take it your bride had words to say.”

“She always does.” Marco approaches us and stands to the side waiting. “Marco?”

“Varo sent confirmation that they’ll be leaving in approximately ten minutes.” Dominic stomps out his second cigarette and straightens his tie. Marco looks between us and takes a step backward. “I’ll be inside.” He walks into the church, leaving my men, Dominic, and me outside.

“She’s a good woman, Dominic.”

“Yes, she is.” He impatiently adjusts his tie again.

“I’ve seen you kill many men with your bare hands but this is making you nervous?”

He flicks me a look of discomfort. “I saw the way my father treated my mother, and that scares me.”

“You’re nothing like your father.”

“What about Adrian? We’re brothers.”

“You are, but you’re nothing like Adrian, either.”

“I don’t ever want to hurt Rosa.”

“The difference between you, your father—my brother—and Adrian is you don’t want to hurt Rose. Not in a way that’ll frighten her, and clearly that girl gives as good as she gets.”

“I know,” Dominic says as he pulls his shoulders back. “I won’t hurt her.”

An approaching car makes me turn to see who’s coming. Dante and his men close in on us, but disperse once they see it’s only Amelio, who’s brought the dog.

“Your bride will arrive soon. It’s best you head inside.” I hold my hand out to Dominic and wait for him to shake it.