Chapter 8 - The Flour and the Empire
He drove her to the historic heart of the North End, pulling up in front of a beautiful, three-story brick building on a quiet, cobblestone corner.
The ground floor featured wide, arched glass display windows, a copper-trimmed entrance door, and a beautiful wooden sign hanging above that read: BENNETT & DAUGHTER BAKERY.
Khloe gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as she stepped out of the car.
"You... you had this sign made already?" she whispered, staring at the fresh gold lettering.
"I had it made five hours ago," Dominic said, stepping up beside her and placing a heavy brass key into her palm. "The building was owned by an old holding company my family controlled. The kitchen inside has commercial-grade deck ovens, marble dough tables, and a walk-in freezer."
Khloe stepped forward, unlocked the door, and walked inside.
The smell of fresh paint, polished wood, and clean stainless steel filled the air. Sunlight streamed through the large front windows, illuminating a spacious, gorgeous dining area with warm oak tables and plush seating.
She walked into the back kitchen, running her hands over the smooth, cold surface of a massive marble prep table. It was the exact kitchen she had dreamed of building with her father when she was a little girl.
Tears finally welled up in Khloe’s eyes, spilling over her cheeks.
Dominic walked into the kitchen, stopping a few feet behind her. "Do you like it?"
Khloe turned around, wiping her eyes with her sleeve, a wet, breathless laugh escaping her lips. "Like it? Dominic... it's perfect. It's more than perfect."
"The title is completely in your name," Dominic said smoothly. "No mob ties. No hidden liens. It's clean."
Khloe stepped close to him, looking into his dark eyes. "Why did you do all of this for me, Dominic? You could have just paid me off for the codes."
Dominic reached out, his thick fingers gently catching a stray tear on her cheek.
"Because for thirty-two years, everyone in my life has looked at me and seen either a target, a paycheck, or a monster," Dominic said, his voice dropping into a low, intimate murmur. "You looked at me last night while four guns were pointed at your chest, and you called me out for being a coward. You saw me, Khloe."
Khloe felt her heart swell in her chest. She lifted her hand, placing her soft palm against his warm, stubbled jawline.
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"I saw a man who was surrounded by hyenas," Khloe murmured, echoing his words from the night before. "And I think you're ready to leave the pack."
Dominic closed his eyes, leaning into her touch, letting out a long, shuddering breath.
