Chapter 4
Pushing the salad plate away, he asked, “How did you get to come to the show tonight?”
Finishing a mouthful of food, Dominique explained, “Vinny, one of Chris’ men, knew how much I really liked you and the group so he bought me the tickets. He knew Chris would never agree to let me go alone…that’s why he bought three. Then he convinced Chris to let me go.”
“What happened to you before the show? I’m sure he didn’t just let you come without a reminder.”
Dominique’s eyes clouded with tears. “He locked me in my room for a week…except when he wanted me to dance and I haven’t had but a meal every other day. He also raped me.”
Richie reached over and took her hand in his. He didn’t say anything; he simply wanted to let her know that he was there for her. Silence dominated the couple as they continued to eat.
As they finished the meal, Richie asked, “Did your dad ever work with Santadio?”
“I don’t think so. Daddy really disliked drugs.”
“Why?”
“A couple of reasons…my mother was hooked on them when they met and when she got pregnant with me, he helped her get cleaned up.”
“What’s the other reason?”
“My
mother’s brother-in-law got AIDS from a girl who used a dirty needle doing
drugs. My dad took him in and he died about a year later.”
“WOW!”
“Daddy
had a wing of the hospital built in ‘Stone’s memory and set up a foundation for
AIDS awareness.”
“I’m sure your mother appreciated everything he did.”
“I have no idea. After I was born, she left me with my dad. The only time I
ever saw her was when ‘Stone’ died.”
“You never knew her?”
“Only what my dad has told me about her. She was really smart but to keep up with her studies, she got hooked on uppers and things just fell apart for her. She started dancing at the club my dad managed to pay the bills and that’s how they met. I was the result of a one-night-stand.”
“What a beautiful result,” smiled Richie. “When’s your birthday?”
“Christmas Day. Daddy always says I was the best Christmas gift he ever got.”
“I can understand. Any brothers or sisters?”
“I don’t know. Daddy was getting ready to get married when Chris kidnapped me. I might now.” Dominique looked at Richie’s watch. “Has it been an hour since I called Daddy?”
“I think so. Why?”
“He
should be in the air by now. I want to call and see and let him know I’m still
safe. I also need to tell him the name the room is in.”
“The phone’s over there and the name is William Stevens.”
Dominique moved to the phone and placed the call. When she was done, she rejoined Richie for dessert.
“Is your dad on the way?”
“They had just taken off.” Dominique looked at Richie. “I’m worried that Chris will still come after you.”
“I’m not worried. You heard William…they’re going to do whatever they have to do to protect me…and you.”
“How did William know what I’d been through with Chris?”
“He was with us the whole time…just out of sight.”
“Oh!”
“Don’t
worry. William won’t tell anyone.”
“I’m not worried. He should know what he is facing so he can protect you. I’ll
never forgive myself if anything happens to you because of me.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to me. Are you full?”
“Mmmm…for now.”
“How about we go upstairs and go for a swim?”
“I’d rather get a shower but I don’t have any clean clothes to put on.”
“I’ll send William down to get you more clothes.”
Dominique shook her head. “You’re being so wonderful. How will I ever be able to thank you?”
Richie leaned to her, cupped her cheek in his large hand, and said, “You thank me every time you smile.”
She sighed happily as she felt her insides turn to mush. “This is so much better than my dreams.”
“That’s twice you’ve mentioned dreams. Were they about me?”
Dominique blushed. “Yes. It was how I survived.”
“Tell you what, you go get your shower while I get you some clothes and afterwards, we’ll go back up and you can tell me more about your dreams.”
“As long as it’s good and dark so you can’t see me blushing.”
Richie laughed, “I think you’re cute when you blush.”
“I’m going to wake up and find out this is all a dream.”
“I promise, this is NOT a dream. Go get your shower, princess.” Richie directed her to his bedroom and pointed out the bathroom. “There should be a robe on the back of the door and towels on the counter. I’ll leave the clothes on my bed.”
“I won’t take long so we can talk some more.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
