Chapter 13 - Dominic Came Through the Smoke
Victor’s next move was public.
At a charity gala three weeks later, whispers followed Beatrice through the ballroom.
People stared.
Some recognized her from the photograph.
Others knew rumors.
The plus-size nanny.
The woman living inside Dominic Russo’s mansion.
A group of men near the bar laughed.
One spoke loudly enough for her to hear.
“Russo must be getting charitable.”
Beatrice stopped.
Old instincts returned.
Shrink.
Disappear.
Pretend not to hear.
Then she remembered herself dancing.
She straightened.
Before she could continue, Dominic appeared.
The room changed.
He had heard.
Everyone knew it.
The man who made the remark went pale.
Dominic did not threaten him.
That would have been easier.
Instead he walked directly to Beatrice.
Held out his hand.
“Dance with me.”
Her eyes widened.
“Dominic—”
“Dance with me.”
Everyone was watching.
Exactly what Beatrice hated.
Then she understood.
He was not rescuing her.
He was giving her a choice.
She placed her hand in his.
They walked onto the dance floor.
People stared.
Beatrice almost retreated.
Dominic leaned closer.
“Remember the kitchen.”
She looked at him.
“What?”
“Dance like nobody is watching.”
Her breath caught.
Then she smiled.
And did.
Across the ballroom, a waiter lifted his phone.
A photograph was sent.
Victor received it seconds later.
May you like
His reply contained four words.
Then take her too.
