Chapter 12

Dominick

After Jade left, Dominick went straight to his room and took a long cold shower.

He needed to think about his actions, he'd been making mistake after mistake. And to top it all off, Christian had shown up.

«Is Christian interested in Jade?» he wondered.

Maybe. She was a beautiful woman, no doubt about it. Temperamental as hell, yes, but that only added to her allure. It made her seem untouchable, like an impossibly expensive jewel few could ever dream of possessing…

But that didn't matter, because he was sure she'd end up in his bed. He had no doubts about that. He would do whatever it took, everything within his power.

He got dressed and headed to Maximiliano's office, but he wasn't there. So he went to his room instead.

He knocked three times, impatiently.

"I hope it's..." Maximiliano stopped mid-sentence when he saw Dominick. "Ah, it's you."

"Nice to see you're so thrilled," Dom said with sarcasm, pushing past him to enter.

"Come on in," Maximiliano replied, equally sarcastic. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Dominick scanned him. His pants were half-buttoned, his shirt undone, and he was barefoot. His hair was still damp.

"You going out?" he asked instead of answering.

"Some people shower even if they're not going out. That you don't, well..."

"Don't be an idiot. You know what I mean." Dominick dropped onto an armchair. "You're putting on a tie," he pointed to the bed, "and not just any tie. You're really going all out."

Maximiliano rolled his eyes.

"Technically, I'm not leaving the hotel. Tonight's the employee party…" he said while buttoning his pants and walking to the bed. He sat and grabbed his shoes. "What do you want?"

"I came to invite you to lunch. I'm bored and have nothing better to do," he said, crossing his arms.

"We can hit a bar later, but I have to spend at least an hour at the party. Go back to your room and I'll..."

"I'll come with you," Dominick interrupted.

"You don't need to come, you'll get bored and..."

"You don't want me to go," Dominick frowned. "Why not?"

"Dominick…" Maximiliano sighed.

"Talk, Maxi," he urged.

"Don't call me that," he growled. "Fine. Christian's going to be at the party. He never misses one since they started. In fact, he basically only shows up for this and… other things," he muttered.

Dominick fell silent for a few seconds, giving Maximiliano a chance to continue.

"I just don't want a scene, and we both know you're not exactly the calmest guy out there," he said while adjusting his tie.

"I'm going," Dominick declared.

He wanted to see her. Needed to.

He wanted to talk to her, make her understand that resisting was useless. She'd give in, like they all did.

"If you start a fight..."

"I promise to behave," he assured him with a smile.

"I'll try to believe you," Maximiliano said, narrowing his eyes.

"Great. Are you ready, or do you need to put on makeup and anti-wrinkle cream?" he teased, standing up.

"Ha, ha," Maximiliano replied, also standing. "Very funny."

Dominick's phone buzzed with a few messages.

Delia:

I'll be with you soon, baby. I arrive in three days ✓✓

(Photo) ✓✓

"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered, covering his face with a hand before putting the phone away.

"Something wrong?" Maximiliano asked as he slipped on his jacket.

"Delia just told me she's coming, and look at the photo she sent."

Dominick pulled out his phone again, unlocked it, and showed Maximiliano the picture. The girl wore a sheer black babydoll, her breasts visible, nipples hard beneath the fabric. Her blonde hair was in wild curls cascading everywhere, utterly seductive.

"Damn, I'm about to get a heart attack, and not in the romantic way," Maximiliano exclaimed, making Dominick laugh.

"I know. She's incredible in bed but a pain in the ass outside of it," he groaned.

"Come on, we're going to be late."

They both left the room and headed to the elevator. Once inside:

"I kissed Jade," Dominick confessed, watching his friend's eyes widen. "I know you have a 'thing'" he gestured air quotes "with her, and I wanted to apologize. But I couldn't stop myself..."

"A thing?" Maximiliano burst out laughing, and Dom shot him a serious look. "Dominick, Jade is like a sister to me. I'm standing here because of her, she saved my life. A relationship with Jade? That's ridiculous," he muttered through laughter.

"Idiot," Dominick punched his shoulder. "The way you treat her, I thought..."

The elevator doors opened and they stepped out.

"Dominick, not all men sleep with every woman who crosses their path. Friendship between men and women exists, get it through your head." He patted him on the shoulder.

"I don't sleep with every woman that crosses my path," he protested.

Shana walked over with a young woman wearing glasses, a brown skirt that fell below her knees, a light blue long-sleeved blouse, and red hair tied in a tight bun.

"Dominick, so nice to see you," Shana greeted him with a smile.

"The pleasure's mine," he smiled back. "Shana, this is my friend and one of the hotel owners, Maximiliano Anderson."

"A pleasure," Maximiliano said, extending his hand.

"I think I've seen you before, but I can't remember where," she replied as she shook his hand. "This is my sister, Iris."

"Hi," the young woman murmured without looking either of them in the eye. "Shana, we need to go."

Shana rolled her eyes.

"Well, gentlemen, I'll take my leave," she said. "And Dominick, great job yesterday."

Dominick smiled.

"Totally agree."

The women went on their way.

Dominick watched Shana—or more precisely, her ass—as she walked down the hallway, a mischievous grin still on his face.

When he turned back, Maximiliano was eyeing him with a raised brow.

"It was a coincidence, and I repeat," he muttered, starting to walk, "I don't sleep with every woman who crosses my path."

"If the shoe fits..." his friend burst out laughing.

They arrived at the party and didn't wait to go in. They found a spot, and it didn't take long before they had glasses of whiskey in hand.

"I prefer cognac," Maximiliano commented, taking a sip.

Dominick scanned the room like a hawk.

"Dominick?" Maximiliano called.

"Hmm?" he answered, still looking around.

"Are you looking for someone?"

He immediately turned to Maximiliano with narrowed eyes.

"Of course not," he said, taking a long drink from his glass.

The music was loud, people danced in the center of the room. There was food, alcohol, everything.

"The waiters," Dominick asked, "are they hotel employees?"

"They're from an event company we contract once a year. We go all out to make sure the staff feels… comfortable," Maximiliano explained.

"That sounds good. And whose idea was it?" Dominick asked.

"Jade," Maximiliano said, glancing toward the door.

"Her? Since when does someone who isn't even..."

"No," he cut him off, "it's Jade, with your… with Christian and Nerea."

Dominick turned to look in the same direction. They were entering, Jade and Nerea on either side of Christian, arms linked, looking around in awe.

"What the hell…?" Dominick took a step forward, but Maximiliano's arm across his chest stopped him.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked, stepping in front of him.

"I'm going to her," Dominick declared. His expression had darkened.

"Dominick, don't be a caveman. You said, no, you promised you wouldn't cause a scene." He grabbed his shoulders. "What are you going to say when you get to her, huh?"

Dominick relaxed slightly.

"See? You don't have a damn clue. Think, Dominick. Jade adores your brother."

Dominick clenched his jaw at his friend's words. "But as a friend," Maximiliano added.

"Damn it," he growled through his teeth. "I'm sure he wants to sleep with her."

"And you don't?" Maximiliano shot back. Sometimes, his patience with Dominick ran thin. "Unlike you, Christian is in love with Jade. He's known her for a long time."

"Aww, how sweet, my heart's just overflowing with joy," he snapped sarcastically. "I don't give a shit how he feels about her, because I'm sure Jade feels something for me, not for Christian. He's wasting his time."

"Tone down your ego," Maximiliano recommended. "It's obvious Jade feels something for you, disgust."

Dominick's smirk vanished.

"I'd punch you, but unfortunately you're my friend," he grumbled, asking for another drink.

"It's the truth. How many times have you two argued? Do you remember how she left your face? You threw her in jail over some nonsenses" Maximiliano sighed. "What are you playing at, Dominick?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Maximiliano. "I'm not playing any games."

The waiter came over and handed him his drink.

"I'm not joking, Dominick. You're my friend and all, but I'm incredibly grateful to Jade. She's my friend, like a little sister, for God's sake, I'm five years older than her." Maximiliano now had a very serious expression. "I don't want her to get hurt because of your bullshit. Watch what you do."

"You're not my mom, Maximiliano," Dominick grumbled, scanning the crowd for her.

"If that's how you want it, fine. I'll say pretty much the same thing you told me earlier."

Dominick turned toward him, frowning.

"If you hurt Jade, forget we're friends."

Dom watched his friend turn and disappear into the crowd.

"Seriously?" he muttered to himself. "Unbelievable."

Dominick finished his drink and began to wander through the crowd himself.

Jade

They had taken a seat on one of the long sofas that had been set up. The hall was decorated in white and gold tones, it looked beautiful.

Christian returned with drinks for the three of them, and with some difficulty, handed them out.

He sat next to Jade.

"Friday is the gala," Chris reminded her.

"What color will the dress be?" she asked, taking a sip of her mojito.

"That's up to you, actually. I had a bit of a problem and couldn't buy it." He lied. He just wanted to spend time with her outside the hotel. "You'll have to come with me so we can pick it out together."

"I don't know, Chris... I don't like those kinds of places."

"Please, Jade, come with me. You know the kids love seeing you," Chris smiled.

"Alright."

"Thank you!" he exclaimed, leaning in to kiss her cheek. The move caught Jade off guard, and when she turned her head, Chris kissed her on the lips.

A brush of lips that didn't last more than five seconds.

"I'm sorry, Jade, I didn't mean to..." Christian tried to apologize.

"No, no. It's okay, Chris. That was my fault." She placed her hand over his. "I know you're not interested in me that way. We're just friends." She smiled.

She turned to Nerea, who was saying something to her.

"Friends," Christian murmured with a touch of sadness. He smiled, thinking he'd never get to taste her lips, and even if it was by mistake, he had felt them.

Maximiliano approached and stood in front of the three of them.

"Hey, how's everyone doing?"

"Maximiliano!" Jade stood and hugged him. "So glad you're here. We're good. Do you want to sit with us?"

"Of course."

"No hug for me?" Dominick entered the scene, a fake smile on his face. It was clear from a distance that something was bothering him.

"No." Jade replied, sitting back down.

Nerea was caught up in a lively conversation with one of the employees and had no idea what was going on behind her.

"What are you doing here?" Jade asked.

"Enjoying myself," he said simply.

He made room to sit beside Jade and looked at Maximiliano, silently telling him what he needed to do.

Maximiliano rolled his eyes and stood up.

"Jade, can I take your seat?" he asked. Chris and Jade looked at him, puzzled.

"Well... okay."

She got up, and Maximiliano took her spot. Dominick had a victorious grin on his face.

"Hi, Jade," he said.

She wrinkled her nose.

"Did you hit your head?" she looked at him with a raised brow. "Because that's the only reason I can think of for you to speak to me politely."

He rolled his eyes.

He was tired of hearing that question.

"You make things difficult. That's all." A waiter passed by, refilling everyone's drinks.

"If by 'difficult' you mean I won't sleep with you, then yeah, things will always be difficult between us." She took a long drink, finishing her mojito. Dominick admired her neck, how slowly she swallowed.

"I always get what I want, Jade. You better remember that," he said with a smile, setting down his empty glass.

"I don't care." Jade checked the time on her phone, it was nine, and he still hadn't arrived. She started scanning the room, but the crowd made it hard to see.

"Are you looking for someone?" Dominick caught her attention again. Today, he had a slightly fuller beard, perfectly trimmed, like the sides and back of his hair, very different from the longer top...

"Yeah. Robinson told me he'd come, and he's really late."

Dominick didn't like the mention of the bellboy. In fact, it irritated him. He looked into his glass, and when he lifted his gaze again, Jade was gone.

He scanned the room and saw her slipping into the crowd. He stood up, hearing his friend ask where he was going...

But he knew exactly where, he was going after Jade.