Chapter 2The CEO’s Final Play.

CRACK!

The explosion of glass was met with screams.

Lily stared, paralyzed, as Dominic shielded her in his arms. Blood, mixed with dark red wine, began to pour from his forehead.

"Dominic! Oh my god, Dominic..."

Lily scrambled to her feet, her hands shaking as she tried to help him sit. She grabbed a handful of napkins, pressing them desperately against the gash on his head.

The paper was soaked in seconds.

She turned to me, screaming like a banshee. "You’re insane! You tried to kill her! How could he ever marry a freak like you?!"

Dominic caught his breath. He took a napkin, wiped the blood and wine from his eyes, and pulled Lily back.

"Lily, don't provoke her."

"Are you hurt?"

Lily whimpered and held out her hand. There was a tiny half-inch scratch from a flying glass shard.

Dominic stood up instantly, cradling her hand like it was made of gold. He started leading her out.

"Why didn't you say so? Come on, I’m taking you to the ER."

I looked down at my own hand. Blood was dripping from my fingertips, vanishing into the dark carpet.

I had been at the office all day. I’d only had time for a few bites of a sandwich between meetings with major clients. I had barely clocked out when I saw the text and rushed here.

Dominic, I’m exhausted. I’m hungry. And I’m bleeding, too.

What happened to the boy who once fought off kidnappers until he was covered in bruises just to save me? How did he become this stranger?

Dizziness hit me in waves. The room began to spin. I grabbed the edge of the table, collapsing into a chair.

Someone shouted, "Dom! Chloe’s hurt too! She looks really bad!"

Dominic’s voice echoed from down the hall.

"She’s 'The Boss.' She can handle herself."

I watched his retreating back. Fine. It makes what I’m about to do much easier.