Chapter 1 - The Dead Matchmaker
His voice was low.
Even.
No accusation.
No irritation.
Just fact.
That nearly broke me.
"I am so sorry," I repeated, my voice trembling as I clutched my daughter.
Dominic signaled the waiter for the check with a subtle flick of his wrist.
"She told me you are a nurse at Saint Catherine's," he said quietly.
I nodded, pulling Lily's red coat over her small shoulders.
"I was supposed to be off at six, but a city bus crashed on Fifth Avenue."
Dominic placed a crisp hundred-dollar bill on the table.
"Sarah told me you were always punctual."
I froze, my hand hovering over Lily's zipper.
Sarah was the mutual friend who had supposedly arranged this blind date.
"Did you speak to Sarah today?" I asked, suddenly feeling very cold.
Dominic stood up, his dark eyes locking onto mine with terrifying intensity.
"That is the problem, Elena."
He stepped closer, effectively blocking us from the rest of the crowded restaurant.
"Sarah died in a car accident three weeks ago."
My heart stopped beating for a full second.
"That is impossible," I whispered.
"I just texted her yesterday to confirm the time and location."
Dominic reached into his tailored jacket and pulled out a sleek black phone.
"Someone else has her phone, and they desperately wanted us both here tonight."
Lily tugged on my hand, completely unaware of the deadly tension in the air.
"Mommy, can we take Mister Buttons home now?"
I looked down at her sweet, innocent face and forced a reassuring smile.
"Yes, baby, we are leaving right now."
Dominic placed a heavy, warm hand on my lower back.
"My car is in the alley, and the glass is bulletproof."
I did not argue with the most dangerous mafia boss in the city.
We hurried through the swinging wooden doors of the restaurant's busy kitchen.
The line cooks ignored us completely as Dominic guided us toward the steel exit door.
He pushed the heavy metal door open into the pouring, freezing rain.
A massive black vehicle was waiting with the engine rumbling quietly.
May you like
Suddenly, a bright red laser dot appeared directly on Lily's red coat.
Dominic tackled us to the wet pavement just as the brick wall exploded with deafening gunfire.
