Chapter 9 - THE KISS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Claire took two weeks off.
Dominic insisted she continue receiving her salary.
She argued.
He refused to negotiate.
For once, she let him win.
During her recovery, he visited only when invited.
He brought groceries.
Books.
And once, a ridiculous bouquet of sunflowers so large she could barely fit it through the door.
Claire laughed.
“Are you trying to apologize or open a flower shop?”
Dominic smiled.
“Both, apparently.”
They spent evenings talking.
About childhood.
Family.
Regret.
And the strange loneliness of being surrounded by people who wanted something from you.
One night, Claire asked about his father.
Dominic looked toward the window.
“He taught me that power was the only thing people respected.”
“And do you believe that?”
He considered the question.
“I used to.”
Claire smiled faintly.
“And now?”
He looked at her.
“Now I think respect is something you earn.”
She swallowed.
“That's a dangerous idea for a mafia boss.”
He smiled sadly.
“I know.”
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Dominic reached for her hand.
“Claire, I need to tell you something.”
Her heart pounded.
“What?”
“I think about you constantly.”
She looked down.
“Dominic—”
“I know you're my employee. I know this is complicated.”
He paused.
“And I don't want you to feel pressured.”
Claire looked up.
“Then don't pressure me.”
He nodded.
“I won't.”
She studied him.
Then smiled.
“Good.”
He began to pull away.
Claire caught his hand.
“But you can kiss me.”
Dominic froze.
“Are you sure?”
She laughed softly.
“Very.”
He leaned closer.
And kissed her.
Gently.
Carefully.
As though she were something precious.
When they separated, Claire smiled.
“Well.”
Dominic looked nervous.
“Well?”
She laughed.
“That was considerably better than your interviewing technique.”
May you like
He laughed.
And for the first time in years, the sound came easily.
