Control

Chapter 42

“You’re going where?”

Even though Dom was the one to ask, Leon’s eyes held Mikaela’s when he answered. “I’m going with Andros to Romania. You can pick me up when you visit next month.”

Mikaela glanced back at Andros for a second and then stared out at the ocean. Dom could feel her withdraw and just when he thought she was going to shut him out, she surprised him. “I think you’ll enjoy yourself.”

“I think so too.”

“A month is a long time.”

“Not really and I’m interested in that part of your heritage.”

“You want to learn about the gypsies. That is great. I think it is probably for the best. Dominic and I will be tied up trying to enjoy our honeymoon.” She turned away from the ocean and looked at her mate. “Come, my love, let’s get something to eat. You worked up my appetite and I need to keep up my strength.”

“Whatever you say, baby.” The couple got up and went to the patio to serve themselves.

Leon watched them go and then Serena’s eyes caught his. “Do you think this is wise, son?”

“Like she said, it is probably for the best.”

“If you say so. Sallah, shall we join our young ones feast?” She rose gracefully to her feet and held out her hand.

“Indeed. Maybe we can goad Mikaela into singing for us. Her voice is as beautiful as ever.” He took her arm and led her towards the patio. Brian glared at Leon for a second, rose to his feet, and pulled Mia along behind him to join the others.

“She didn’t seem to care in the least bit that I’m leaving.”

Andros put his hand on Leon’s shoulder. “She did, my friend. More than you know. Come. Let’s join the others so we do not appear to be outcasts.”

The sun started to set and the festivities continued. Mikaela stuck to Dom’s side throughout the entire event. She spoke to everyone, laughed, and had a great time but she avoided Leon like the plague.

“Dominic.”

“Yeah, baby?”

“Can we go for a walk?”

“Sure, Mick.”

They walked hand-in-hand to the edge of the beach. She stopped and pulled him into a kiss. When they finally broke for air, he pulled her down to straddle his lap. She stared longingly into his eyes.

“You’re putting on a brave face, Mick, but I know this thing with Leon is bothering you.” He caressed her cheek and saw her smile falter.

“It bothers me. I won’t deny it. There is one thing that overshadows it though. You. I love you. I married you today. You are all I need in this world.”

“Baby, you keep saying I’m all you need like you’re trying to convince yourself that it is true. I know that he is important to you. He’s my friend too but…”

“Dominic!” She covered his mouth with her fingers to quiet him. “I am not trying to convince myself of anything. You are all I need. You are all I want. Do you understand me?” He nodded. “Now I know better things to be using that mouth of yours on other than talking about Leon’s trip.”

He smiled at his wife and pulled her into a soul-searing kiss. “Who loves you?”

“You do.”

“You got that right, baby.”

“Oh! I need to call Anton so he can be here on time to fly them all home tomorrow. Will you come with me?”

“You haven’t left my side all night. I like that. Let’s go.” She got up and helped him to his feet. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they walked back up to the house.

“Are you two going to hole away and start shagging again?”

“Maybe. Maybe not, Vince. I was actually going to make the flight arrangements for my guests but since you brought it up.” She turned into Dom’s chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I could always use more loving from my man.”

“I warned you earlier that I could keep it up all day. You better watch what you say, Mick.” He took her face between his hands and kissed her until she was breathless. “Have you gotten your strength back already, baby?”

She smirked at him, jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist. “My strength is never in question, lover, and you know how I love a challenge. Let me make that call and then we can retire for the evening. You can put me to the test and we’ll see who outlasts who.” She ran her tongue into his mouth and they dueled for dominancy. This time, he was the one left gasping for breath. “I’ll be back to collect you, baby.”

She hopped down and went into the house laughing. “Hey, Dom. You know that dying day thing you mentioned in your vows? I think it could be today.”

Dom was grinning ear to ear as he watched his woman disappear into the house. “Maybe, Vince, but I’d die a happy man and what a way to go.”

Mikaela walked into the living room and sat on the sofa. She picked up her cell and dialed her cousin’s number. “Anton. It’s me.”

“You survived. Intact I hope.” Relief was in his voice.

“Of course. You doubted me?”

“No but I was greatly concerned, milady.”

“Anton, I need you down here ASAP. I have 4 people that will need transport. Two are going to Romania, one to Egypt, and one to Texas. You’ve got a lot of flying to do tomorrow.”

“I am nearby, milady. Who do you think brought your grandmother to your wedding?”

“You’re here? Why didn’t you come to the ceremony?”

“I didn’t think it was my place.”

“Anton, you are my cousin. You are the only person in our family that I’ve spoken to in over 2 years.”

“You are the boss…”

“And you run my business for me. Some things are going to change, Anton. First, no more milady. I am your cousin. Call me by my name. Second, you and my husband are going to get to know each other very well. He is taking over for me until our baby is born. Third, you will be his concierge. The family will show you the respect you deserve or they will regret it. Be here early so I can introduce you to Dominic. When you are finished flying everyone home, come back here and we will conference with the family. It’s time for me to lay down the law.”

“As you wish, mi…Mikaela.”

“You are not my errand boy, Anton. You are the only one that those bottom-feeding bastards cannot bend to their will. I trust you and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Good night, cousin, and congratulations on your marriage and pregnancy.”

“Thank you, Anton. Good night.” She ended the call and struggled to control her anger. She was losing it. She needed her mate.

“Micki.”

Her eyes clenched shut when she heard Leon’s voice. ‘I don’t need this right now.’ She was upset about her cousin and she needed her husband. “What is it, Leon?”

“I just wanted to make sure everything was okay.”

She stood up with barely contained rage and turned to face him. “I need Dominic. If you’ll excuse me.” She tried to pass him but he blocked her path.

“Baby, are you ok?”

It amazed her how badly the Italians could get under her skin. She was shaking with fury and it took everything she had not to physically move Leon out of her way. “Please…move.” She could sense what he needed. “I will miss you. I don’t want to be without my friend for a month but I think this trip will be good for you. I’m sorry but I have to go.”

“Micki…I’ll miss you too.”

‘Dominic…’

‘Mick?’

‘I need you.’ She pushed by Leon and ran to the kitchen. By the time she got there, he was headed towards her. She ran into his arms and he picked her up.

“What is it, baby?”

“I just got off the phone with Anton. I arranged everything but I feel so horrible for everything he has gone through just to remain loyal to me. He is here and he felt like he couldn’t come to our wedding because it wasn’t his place to do so. He is the only family that I’ve had contact with since I came here. He calls me milady. I hate that I didn’t fix this shit earlier. I was just so wrapped up in my own problems that I didn’t want to bother. I’m a selfish, self absorbed, spoiled brat.” She buried her face in the crook of his neck.

“Baby, you are not. You’ve had a lot to deal with for someone your age and you did the best you could.” He stroked her back and tried to calm her.

“We have to change things, my love.”

“With your guidance, I will do just that. Now let’s go outside for a while, say good night, and get to bed.” He licked her lips and her tongue darted out to catch his.

“Whatever you say, baby.” He carried her outside and they laid down on the hammock together. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her back flush against his chest. “I’m going to be very needy, Dominic. I can tell. I hope you can put up with me.”

“Of course I can, Mick. I love you. You can need me all you want, baby.”

“In that case, husband, I need you a lot. I’m afraid our beloved son is wrecking havoc on my hormones.”

He laughed softly in her ear. “That’s my boy.”

“Oh, the proud father speaks.” She turned her head to look at him and raised a hand to caress his cheek. “You will be a great father. I cannot wait to see you with him.”

“You think I’ll be a good dad?”

“You don’t? The way you take care of all of us leaves me no doubt. You’ll be a wonderful father.” She felt a tinge of dread run through him. “Baby, what is it?”

“I am really uncomfortable with that analogy. I didn’t do a very good job of taking care of the team. Shit, Mick, they were all leaving me when we met.”

She turned in his arms to face him and looked in his dark, solemn eyes. “Listen to me, Dominic. You kept a group of people together for a long time. You became a family. What family doesn’t have problems? Look at mine. There has to be a leader in every family. I was the one in my group too. It was lonely and a pain in the ass but they followed me. They would still be following me if I didn’t take off. Richard stuck around but not too close.”

“Richard was a part of your family?”

“Yes. He was one of 2 people who tried to stop Bill’s attack on me before he abducted me. Bill almost beat him to death for interfering and Richard was left wondering if I was dead for a week. The guilt tore him apart. He couldn’t save me, you see? That is why he stays near but not too close. I know about Jesse and it wasn’t your fault.”

“But…”

She placed a finger on his lips. “It wasn’t your fault. Don’t make me prove it because I know you will wig out if I do.”

“You can prove it?”

“I can but I wish you would just take my word that Jesse doesn’t blame you.”

He saw the resolve of her words mirrored in her eyes and knew she could prove it if he asked. “I’ll take your word on everything.” He kissed her lightly on her forehead and hugged her close. “I think we will both be great parents to our son.”

“Mikaela.”

“Yes, grandfather?”

“Please come and sing for us before we turn in for the evening. Rain, would love to hear a song.”

“As you wish. Come, darling. My fans are demanding a performance.” They got up, Mikaela messed with a remote, and they went to join the others. “Rain, I believe this song will remind you of my youth and the time I spent with you. It should also represent how I combined the lessons I learned from you and Sallah and integrated them in how I feel now.”

I spent a day by the river
It was quiet and the wind stood still
I spent some time with nature
To remind me of all that’s real
It’s funny how silence speaks sometimes when you’re alone
And remember that you feel
I said it’s funny how silence speaks sometimes when you’re alone
And remember that you feel

Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man
Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man

Now I saw a face on the water
It looked humble but willing to fight
I saw the will of the warrior
His yoke is easy and his burden is light
He looked me right in the eyes
Direct and concise to remind me
To always do what’s right
He looked me right in the eyes
Direct and concise to remind me
To always do what’s right

Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man
Again I stand
Lord God I stand
Against the faceless man

Cause if the face inside can’t see the light I know
I have to walk alone
And if I walk alone to the other side I know
I might not make it home

Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man
Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man

She sat on Dom’s lap and sang directly to him.

Next time I see this face
I’ll say
I choose to live for always
So won’t you come inside
And never go away

Next time I see this face
I’ll say
I choose to live for always
So won’t you come inside
And never go away

Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man
Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man
Again I stand
Lord I stand
Against the faceless man

When she was finished, she looked at her grandmother and saw the tears flowing down her face. Sallah had unshed tears in his eyes as well. She smiled at the both of them and bowed her head in recognition of their place in her life. “I learned a lot from both of you but the lessons learned didn’t make sense or seem to apply until I met Dominic. I’m sorry it took so long. I love you both.”

“I’m sorry it took me so long to come down to this place after I bought the house from you.” Dom tickled her sides and she laughed along with everyone else. “If everyone will excuse us, my wife is tired and we are going to turn in for the night.” They both got up and made their way over to her grandparents. Hugs and good nights were exchanged and they began to head to the house when they heard Vince.

“Yeah sure. Like we all believe she is tired and you’re going to go to sleep. The way she screams, we’ll be lucky if any of us get to sleep tonight.”

“There are houses further down the street if you have trouble getting to sleep, Vince. Help yourself.” Mikaela threw over her shoulder as they went into the house.