Control

Chapter 44

The morning sun warmed her face and drew her awake. She opened her eyes to find Dom smiling down at her. “Good morning.” She said sleepily.

“Morning, beautiful.”

“What are you smiling for?” She asked. His joy was infectious and a grin broke out on her face.

“You’ve been my wife for a day now. Oh and you make a great love slave.”

She started to laugh and caressed his cheek with her palm. “I see I’ve been released from captivity.”

“Early parole for good behavior.” He leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. “Very good behavior.”

“You can manhandle me anytime, my lord.”

“Hey, you two!”

“Dominic, why does your sister get up so early? I do because I workout but this is ridiculous.”

“She’s always been an early-riser. It never bothered me until now.”

Mia came walking up to them and smiled. “Spent the night out here, did ya?”

“Yes, baby girl, we did and it was romantic.” She looked at Dom with an inquisitive look. “Come to think of it, Dominic, we are at one of the honeymoon capitals of the world and we live here. Shouldn’t we go somewhere?”

“No, baby. We are going to be traveling a lot in a month. I think we should see if you and our boy can handle normal things first. When will you be seeing a doctor?”

“My doctor told Brian and I that she would arrange house calls so I guess I should see her in the next week or so.”

“Good.” He placed his hand lightly on her stomach and smiled. “I know you are healthy as a horse but you’ve been through a lot and I need to know you’re okay.”

“Newlyweds.” They turned to Mia and she arched an eyebrow. “What? You two are so in love it is in the air around us. Now don’t you think you should get dressed before everyone else comes out and finds you like that? I’m going to start breakfast.”

They watched her head towards their house and then looked back to each other. “I guess we should head in and get ready. We don’t need your grandparents seeing us naked.”

“Oh please. We are talking about an Indian and an Egyptian. They do not wear much clothing in their own habitats but we do need to get ready for the big send off.”

He rose to his feet and pulled her with him. She picked up the pillow; he wrapped the blanket around them and carried her into the house. As he passed Mia in the kitchen, she smiled when she saw him kiss his new wife.

A little over an hour later, they came downstairs to a house full of people. Everyone was there gathering for breakfast and farewells. Dom was shirtless and wore a pair of blue denim shorts. Mikaela was in a white tank and short set.

“Good morning, dears.”

“Morning, Rain.”

“Good morning, Serena.”

“Mikaela, you have a visitor outside and Dominic, there is a young man by the name of Richard here to see you.”

“Why is Richard here, Dominic?”

“I called him yesterday and asked him to do some work on me. I am having him put your name around my bicep.”

“You are going to brand your gorgeous skin for me?”

“You did.”

“My skin is covered with scars! I covered his mark with yours. Your skin is flawless!” She was upset.

He placed his hands on her waist and smiled at her exasperation. “Your skin was perfect and mine will be too when it bears your mark.” He kissed her forehead. “Sallah wrote out the glyphs for me. I can’t wait to see it.”

Richard came forward and touched her shoulder. She turned to him and pulled him into a hug. “Sorry I didn’t have time to call you for the wedding but you will be here when your nephew enters the world.”

“You made me an uncle?” She nodded against his chest. “I’m so happy, Micki. Things have finally turned your way.” He whispered and looked up at Dom.

“I’m happy, Richie.” She pulled back slightly and looked up at him. “The only thing that could make me any happier is if you move here.”

“Micki…I…”

“Richard, please. I need my brother with me. You always were like a brother to me. We have been through so much together to be separated by such a small distance. You followed me here but your guilt keeps you away. It’s over and I want you here.”

He looked up at Dom and saw him nod his head. “I’ll bring my stuff down tomorrow.”

She jumped up into his arms and squealed with joy. “Thank you.”

“Fire.”

She turned to Serena with tears on her face. “Yes, Rain?”

“Anton is waiting for you outside, child.”

“Why is he outside?”

“I think he is waiting for your permission to enter your home.”

“Shit.” She dried her face and walked out onto the patio.

Anton stood up when she appeared. “Milady.”

“Anton, what did I tell you?”

“I’m sorry, mil…cousin. It is hard to change what I was taught.” He averted his eyes.

“I know what you mean but I didn’t teach you that and look me in the eyes when we speak.” He looked up at her like a scolded child. “Why didn’t you come inside?”

“You are the boss of the family. I cannot enter your home unless you allow it.”

“You are my family and you are welcome in my home anytime. Come inside, meet everyone, and join us for breakfast.” She held out her hand and he hesitantly took it. “Are you afraid of me?” She whispered.

“No.” He looked in her eyes and said quietly. “I’ve always been afraid for you. Italian men love their wives, daughters, and families but a woman boss is unheard of. They do not like to take orders from a woman. I knew you would be challenged someday.” He smiled. “I had a feeling you’d win.”

“Let me introduce you to the reason I won. Come on.” She led him inside to the others. “Dominic Toretto, this is my cousin, Anton. Anton, this is my husband, Dominic. The others here you haven’t met are Letty and Leon.”

Anton nodded at the other 2 but his primary attention was his new boss. He released Mikaela’s hand and returned Dom’s handshake. “Mr. Toretto.”

Dom looked at his wife. “I can see I need to deprogram him too.” He looked back to Anton. “Call me Dom at all times, ok?” He received a nod and a smile from his concierge. “Good. Now let’s eat.”

They all shuffled out to the patio. Dom and Mikaela took their usual seat on the hammock. Anton took his place at Dom’s side and Richard sat at Micki’s right. Leon was definitely put off by Richard’s move to sit in his seat. She had one of her oldest friends back in her life and he never felt so alone.

Everyone ate their meal and chatted about this and that. Mia grilled Richard about his and Mikaela’s high school days. Vince spoke with Anton about the running of an Italian family.

“Hey Mikaela?”

“Yes, Mia.”

“How about you, Letty, and I go shopping after we see everyone off? We can have a girls day out.”

She tensed and Dom squeezed her hand. “Mick, I think it would be good for you.”

“I should be here with you.”

“Anton and I have business to discuss and Richard has some work to do.”

“Anton is flying across the world today.”

“Cousin, I arranged for another pilot so that your husband and I could go over his expectations.”

“Don’t you think I should be here for that?”

“Baby, we are just going to get to know each other first. You’ll be back in time for the rest.” He leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Don’t be scared. If you need me, I’m just a thought away.”

“Ok.” She whispered. “I’m not thrilled about it but I’ll do as you say.”

“Great. Now that we’ve settled that, I guess we should see our guests on their way.”

“Dom, I have a limo waiting outside for the travelers. You and Mikaela can see them off from here.”

“Thanks, Anton.” He turned to the others. “Well, all those leaving, place your bags on your doorstep, and we’ll have the driver load them. We can meet out front in half an hour to say our goodbyes. Darlin’.” He took Mikaela’s hand and they went inside.

“I don’t want to go, Dominic.”

“You need to learn how deal with the public, Mick.”

She turned to face him. “Why does my first venture into the public have to be without you? I need you by my side!”

He pulled her to him by the back of her neck and pressed a kiss against her lips. “I am always by your side even when we are apart!”

She knew he was right but this was a big obstacle for her to overcome and she needed him to be with her physically in case something went wrong.

She gave him a forlorn look, nodded her head, and headed down the hall to the dojo. He followed her until he reached the doorway and stood watching her pick up the broken pieces of the workout dummy.

She threw them in a trashcan and then focused on a speed bag. She walked up to it and worked it like a prizefighter. Her anxiety level was sky-high. He could feel it. Her fists beat down so quickly, they appeared to be moving in fast forward.

“I’ll follow her if you want.”

He saw Richard by the library door and went over to him. “If you think it would help you, go ahead.” At Richard’s confused look, Dom continued to his point. “She won’t feel any safer unless I go with her. I know the guilt you’re carrying and why but she doesn’t blame you.”

“She told you.”

“Yep.”

“I felt so helpless. I couldn’t save her.”

Dom put his hand on Richard’s shoulder and empathized. “The only person that could save her from Bill was Mikaela. It wasn’t your fault and she wants you to know that. She wants you here and she wants you to heal. Ok?”

He nodded his head and dried his eyes. “Okay. I guess I’ll start on your arm when the girls leave. That cool with you?”

“Man, you go off on tangents just like she does. Yeah, it’s cool with me. Why don’t you go get her and meet me out front?” Dom slapped him on the shoulder and headed down the hall.

Richard walked into the dojo and saw her still working the bag. “Hey.”

She threw one more right and turned to him. “Is it time?” She moved up to him.

He put an arm around her shoulders and drew her closer to him. “Yeah. It’s time.”

He steered her out the door, down the hall, and towards the front door. “I’m glad you’re staying. You’re all I have left of an important part of my life. I was grateful when you followed me here but I’m so happy that you’ll stay near me.”

“It was stupid and inconsiderate of me to stay away. I’m sorry.”

She put an arm around his back and gave him a hug. “You’re forgiven. I got better. I healed with Dominic’s help. Now I’ll help you heal. Come on. Let’s get this over with.”

“Is this gonna be hard for you?”

She opened the door and looked out to see Leon by the limo. “This is going to be a bitch.” They walked out with their arms still around each other and approached the group.

Dom held out his hand to her and she took it. “We’ve already exchanged goodbyes. We were just waiting for you.”

“Hey cousin.”

“Have a safe trip, Andros.” She hugged him and whispered in his ear. “Don’t forget to put things in motion and give the elders my warning.”

“I will.”

“If you let anything happen to him, I’ll kill you.” She said it nonchalantly like it was everyday conversation.

“I know.”

She moved from his arms and turned to Sallah. She took his hands in hers. “I’ll be seeing you soon, grandfather.”

“I look forward to it, child. Be well.”

She looked at her grandmother and threw herself into her waiting arms. “Thank you for coming, Rain.”

“Like I would miss my Fire’s wedding. You take care of that husband of yours and my great-grandchild.”

“I will. I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll visit a lot. I love you, Mikaela.”

“I love you too, Serena.”

“Darling girl, I believe that young man is waiting for you again.” Rain whispered when she saw Leon fidgeting.

“I cannot face him, grandma.”

“You have to, child. He loves you and you love him. Dominic is the man for you on every level but that one is a close runner-up. That is why you are so connected to him. That is why he cannot think of anyone but you. Go to him and try to ease the pain you will both feel from this separation.”

She released her grandmother and Rain turned her around to face Leon. She couldn’t look him in the eyes and she shrank away from him when his hand touched her face. “Don’t pull away from me.” Her tear-filled eyes met his and they could see the agony that the other felt. “I’m not gone yet and won’t be away forever so don’t replace me in your life with Richard.”

“What are you talking about? I couldn’t replace you with anyone. A part of me belongs to you and no one can take that away from you.” Her tears flowed freely and he took her face between his hands. “You’re leaving to forget me, aren’t you?”

“Micki, I couldn’t ever forget you but you said it yourself, you belong to Dom and always will. I love you but I have to free myself of this spell you have me under.”

She nodded. “Then I guess I’ll see you in a month.” She kissed him quickly on his cheek. “I’ll miss you.” She turned to walk away but he pulled her back by her arm and kissed her gently on her lips. She opened her eyes when he broke the kiss and looked at him with her heart on her sleeve. “I love you.” She turned and ran into the house followed closely by Richard.

Leon’s eyes did not leave her form until she disappeared from sight. He turned and grasped forearms with Dom. “Take care of her.”

“You know that is my only function in life.”

“I’m sorry for everything including the pain she’s feeling right now. Shit, Dom, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do and I don’t even know why. Walking away from her is killing me and she isn’t even mine.” He clenched his eyes and tears flowed down his face. “Go. She needs you. I can feel it. I’ll see you in a month.”

Dom hugged him and stepped back as Leon joined the others in the limo. “See you in a month.” He shut the door, looked at the 4 remaining people, and turned to go to his wife. ‘He can still feel her.’