Protecting What's Mine Read online

Dominic squints as if he doesn’t believe that I’ve agreed to his party proposal. “Okay? That’s it? No cajoling? No begging? You’re capitulating, just like that?” His eyes narrow further.

  For some odd reason, his reaction lightens my heart. I can’t help but chuckle. Slowly, as if it’s painful to voice the words out loud, I say, “You’re right. A party is exactly what I need. Meeting some new people along with a few old ones who worked with my parents will be good for me.” I suck in a deep breath before pushing out the rest. “It might even be fun.”

  Not looking the least bit convinced by my sudden acquiescence, he scrutinizes me for a moment before saying, “All right, Grace Elizabeth Castile, what kind of sly trickery are you trying to pull? A little reverse psychology, is it? Or are you about to hit me with some outrageous bill and you’re trying to soften the blow?”

  I snort at the accusation. “I promise, there’s no trickery at work here.” An evil smile spreads across my face. “But there is a bill I need you to pay.”

  Wearing a smug expression, he folds his arms across his chest. “I knew it.”

  I chortle in response. “Just kidding! There aren’t any bills right now.” My eyes travel around my new condo, which has been furnished with a few antiques from my parents’ house along with some new things I’ve picked up since moving here. It’s a mixture of traditional and modern, and I love it.

  As my eyes slide over each piece, I realize how me this condo is turning out to be. I spent the last four years living in the dorms with a roommate. It’s nice to have a place all to myself. “I think I’ve spent more than enough over the last two months.” I paid for the condo in cash with money from my inheritance. Plus, the school tuition bill. And some furniture.

  I feel like I should be tapped out.

  Changing tones, he quickly reminds me, “You don’t have to worry about money, Gracie. You’re fine. Quite honestly, you won’t have to worry about money for the rest of your life. You don’t have to work, if you don’t want to.”

  After I graduated from college, Dominic told me that I could simply volunteer at a museum if that’s what I really wanted to do. I don’t need an income. Between the inheritance from my grandparents and the insurance policy money from my parents’ death, I’ve got more than enough to sustain me for the long run. Especially if it’s invested wisely, which is what I rely on Dominic for.

  Don’t get me wrong, I’m eternally grateful for that money. It’s one less thing to worry about. I may be young, but I understand what a huge gift financial freedom is.

  But I can’t imagine not working. I’ve spent the last four years trudging through college. I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in art history and am now enrolled in a graduate program at Northwestern. I’d like to get my doctorate, with the end game being that I find a curating position at an art museum.

  What’s the alternative?

  Spending my days being idle?

  Shopping and lunching?

  That’s not the kind of life my parents envisioned for me. They never told me that I didn’t have to work. Until Dominic went through their Last Will and Testament, I’d had no idea how much they were worth. I’d always known that we weren’t lacking for anything. But I hadn’t realized they were independently wealthy.

  After they inherited all that money from my grandparents, Mom and Dad continued working. They were both so passionate about the law. Their lives held purpose and meaning because of it. That’s what I want for myself. Even though I’m pursuing a different kind of career, it’s no less important.

  If anyone should appreciate the fact that I want a meaningful career, it’s Dominic. He’s been a workaholic for as long as I’ve known him. Putting in eighty-hour weeks is nothing to him. Sometimes, if there’s an important case, he’ll have his associates and paralegals work during the weekend at his house. He always compensates them generously, so there isn’t that much complaining, but still…

  “I want a career, Dominic. I love art. Eventually I want to find a position as a curator. I don’t want to just be a volunteer. I want my input to matter. I want to be involved in the decision-making process regarding exhibits and displays. Not to mention, the actual art itself. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  He showers me with a smile full of pride. “I know, sweetheart. You could delay school for a bit if you feel overwhelmed. The option to start later is always a possibility. There’s nothing wrong with taking a bit of time off.”

  I appreciate his concern. But still, I shake my head. I’m looking forward to delving into the art history program at Northwestern. I don’t want to put it off. What would I do with all my time? Sit around? Think about my parents? Get depressed?

  No, I need to throw myself into this new life. I can’t take the chance of getting stuck in my head again. That’s one of the reasons I moved here. Fresh start. New beginning. No more living in the past.

  “I’m ready now.”

  “I want you to realize that there are options available to you even if you start the program and decide to delay it after a few weeks. I don’t want you feeling like you have to continue with it, that you have to take a full course load so that you can finish up as quickly as possible. There’s no rush for you to find a paid position. Your parents did extremely well for themselves. They were careful with how they invested your mother’s inheritance. It’s grown exponentially over the years.”

  I feel bad for admitting this, but I don’t know how much I’m worth. It isn’t a topic my parents openly discussed and after they died, Dominic handled all the finances so that I could focus on moving forward and getting through school. I want Dominic to continue managing everything, but I should at least have a working knowledge of what’s going on. It seems… ignorant or, at the very least, oblivious to not know.

  “I was thinking that maybe I should handle some of my own bills from now on.” I wave my hand, encompassing my new residence. “Now that I’m living here and not in the dorms, I’ll have to pay for utilities and necessities on a monthly basis. It would be easier for both of us if I didn’t have to bother you all the time.”

  He gives me a look as if I’m talking nonsense. “Gracie, please, you could never be a bother.”

  “I know, but it seems like I should be doing this myself. I’m twenty-three years old and I don’t know what I have in the bank.”

  “You’re right,” he concedes. “You should have more responsibility where your inheritance is concerned, but I think we need to take it slow. Give yourself time to get acclimated to Chicago, your new condo, and the program you’re enrolled in. This move is a huge change for you. Everything about your life is different now. I hate the thought of you taking on too much. Your inheritance is a lot to manage. But at some point, you’ll have to do it on your own.”

  Silently mulling over his words, I nod. He’s right. Everything about my life is different than it was two short months ago. It’s probably for the best that he continues managing everything monetarily until I’m able to get into a groove. Maybe six months from now, he can slowly start handing over the financial reins. I don’t want complete control, though. I know what Dominic said is true. My parents’ wealth is extensive. I don’t want to make any bad fiscal decisions.

  Sometimes it feels like I have very little say or control over my own money. I don’t like having to ask permission for something that is mine in the first place. Yes, I’m young and I’ve been through a traumatic few years, but I’m ready to at least pay my own monthly bills.

  Even though I was twenty-one at the time of the accident, Dominic was appointed as the estate executor for my inheritance. He’s in charge of everything until I turn twenty-five. Honestly, I don’t have anything to complain about. Whenever I ask for money, he never says no. He simply deposits the funds into my checking account. And he’s always been generous with my monthly allowance.

  “If you want to sit down and go over your portfolio, I’m more than willing to do it. I’ve told you that from the beginning.”
/>   That’s true. He has offered. Repeatedly. I just wasn’t ready before. Now, two years have slipped by, and I have no clue about my wealth.

  “Okay. Maybe we can sit down in a few months and go over everything. But you’re right, it’s probably better if you retain control for the time being.”

  “It’s what your parents wanted. They loved you very much and wanted to make sure you had someone trustworthy to look after both you and your assets.”

  It breaks my heart to hear him say that.

  My parents loved Dominic. He might not have been blood, but he was family just the same. Without him, I would have no one. As soon as that thought takes root in my mind, I quickly shove it away. I hate dwelling on how alone I am.

  Ironically, when it was just my parents and me, I never felt like that. My life had been full, brimming with love. But without them there’s this huge, gaping hole. The only one capable of filling it is Dominic.

  His brow furrows as he continues watching me. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

  Not wanting to talk about the thoughts crashing around within my brain, I push them away. “I just love you, and I’m happy to finally be here in Chicago. I don’t say it enough, but I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me.”

  Reaching across the table, he slips his fingers into mine and gives them a gentle squeeze.

  “I will always be here for you, Gracie.” Lightening the mood, he gives me a little wink. “It’s just you and me, kid. No matter what.”

  Hearing those words, even though it’s something he tells me often, has the rare ability to calm everything rioting inside me.

  And for that, I’m grateful.

  Chapter Four

  Knuckles rap against the door. This has been my bedroom at Dominic’s since I was a kid. If someone didn’t know better, they would assume I grew up here. Books, knickknacks, pictures, and clothing fill the space making it look lived in.

  “Come in.”

  The door opens, and Dominic’s blond head pops in. A long, low whistle escapes his lips as his eyes sweep over me with appreciation.

  Grinning in response, I hold up my arms before giving a little twirl. “So? What do you think?”

  With a smile stretching across his handsome face, he shakes his head. “You look stunning, Gracie.”

  Glancing down at the dress, I admit shyly, “I feel like a princess. The gown is gorgeous. Thank you so much. How did you guess my size?”

  Looking pleased with himself, he shrugs his broad shoulders as if it’s no big deal. “I’m a man of many talents. Do you really expect anything less from me?”

  I roll my eyes.

  “All right, all right. I bought three different sizes of the same dress. The other two are hanging in my closet in case this one didn’t work.” He gives me a playful wink before adding, “Tonight is too special to ruin by not having the perfect fit.”

  I laugh. “Well, thank you. I love it.” Again, my eyes are drawn to the six-foot mirror leaning against the wall. The gown really is lovely.

  And I feel beautiful in it.

  The dress is a rich, deep blue crepe that matches my eyes perfectly. It’s strapless, with a beaded sweetheart neckline and a long slit up one leg. Dominic also picked out strappy silver sandals that make my legs look long and lean.

  I meet his eyes in the mirror as he moves to stand behind me. “Did you really pick all this out yourself or did someone help you?” I wiggle my brows, alluding to the possibility of a female friend that he has yet to introduce me to.

  His smile broadens, making him look even more debonair than usual. “Fine. You caught me. I had a little bit of help.”

  Surprised by his words, I spin on silvery heels so that we face one another. I don’t think I’ve heard him mention a woman in at least two years. “Will I get to meet her tonight?”

  Almost immediately, he chuckles. “I had help from my personal shopper at Saks.” One brow arches in question. “Were you thinking someone else?”

  A sheepish smile settles across my face. “Maybe.”

  I think Dominic could use a steady woman in his life. He has a gorgeous house right on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Even though I’ve never gotten the feeling that he’s lonely, I can’t imagine that he wants to remain a bachelor forever.

  Because I’m busy dwelling on his single status, I don’t realize that he has slid a large rectangular box out of his pocket until he presents it to me. Surprised, my eyes instantly jerk up to his.

  “You moving back home seemed like a special occasion that needed to be celebrated.” A look of uncertainty flickers across his face as he slowly opens the case. “I hope you like it.”

  Eyes widening, my gasp is audible. Shaking fingers fly to my mouth in shocked awe. A stunning sapphire and diamond necklace lays nestled against a rich, black velvet backdrop. “Oh my God,” I whisper, “I can’t believe you did this!”

  I can tell that this isn’t cheap costume jewelry he picked up at a chain department store. No, this is the real deal.

  Slowly, I shake my head. The piece is so spectacular that I can’t bear to rip my gaze away from it. “No,” I finally murmur, “I can’t accept this! It’s way too much, Dominic.” Again, my wide, disbelieving eyes shift to his.

  My response seems to delight him. He beams from ear to ear. “Gracie, you deserve this and so much more. The last two years have been terrible. I wanted to do something special for you. Something you would love.” Again, uncertainty crosses his face as his eyes search mine. “You do love it, don’t you?”

  My gaze drops to the glittering diamonds and sparkling sapphires. They’re practically glowing in the black velvet box. “How could I not? It’s a gorgeous piece.”

  “Then I want you to have it. Enjoy it. There’s been so much grief over the last two years. We both need to start enjoying life again.”

  Biting my lower lip, I hesitate, conflicted about accepting such an extravagant gift. I want to, but…

  “This must have cost a small fortune.”

  He shrugs broad shoulders encased in a dark suit jacket. “I can afford it. It’s not like I have a wife or daughter to spoil rotten. Just you. So, please, allow me to do this.”

  My eyes lift to his in question. “Are you sure?”

  Sensing my capitulation, he beams. “Positive.”

  Dominic has always been generous to a fault with me.

  “Okay,” I whisper.

  Not saying a word, he sets the black case down on the dressing table before picking up the necklace. It sparkles and shines as the gems catch light from the chandelier overhead. He moves to stand behind me before positioning the diamonds and sapphires against my neck.

  My hair has been swept up and piled high on the top of my head. Dominic’s fingers smooth over the stones, trailing gently across my chest before fiddling with the clasp in the back. For a silent moment, neither of us dare to move. His hands rest lightly atop my bare shoulders.

  His eyes lock on mine in the looking glass. “You are stunning. And it has nothing to do with the necklace, dress, hair, or makeup. You have this light within you that shines so brilliantly. It’s nice to see it again.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’ve missed it.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper through the thick emotion clogging my voice, “for everything.”

  I take in my reflection, barely recognizing the girl staring back at me from the silvery looking glass. The sophisticated hairdo, the flawless makeup, the lovely gown, the stunning necklace, and lastly, the silvery high-heeled sandals that make me look elegant and refined.

  Dominic has done a better job dressing me than I usually do.

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. Just remember to have fun tonight. This party is all about you.” He kisses my temple. Stepping away, he holds out his arm, and I loop mine through his.

  His black suit and crisp white shirt look exquisite on him. The top button has been left unfastened, so even though he’s dressed up, there’s still an air of casual refinem
ent to his style.

  My eyes run over the length of him. “You look pretty snazzy yourself.”

  He cracks a smile before inclining his head my way. “Then we make quite the pair, don’t we?”

  I trot out my best English accent, trying to sound as regal as possible. “We most certainly do, my lord.”

  His deep chuckle resonates as we leave the bedroom behind and head down the second-floor corridor to the staircase.

  “Perhaps you should leave the British accent to the British.”

  I pretend to take offense even though I know he’s right. My British accent is crap.

  Sconces light the hallway as we walk to the curving staircase that leads to the first floor. Music from the string quartet set up in the living room near the baby grand piano fills the air. I didn’t realize that guests had already begun to arrive. As the babble of dozens of voices wafts over me, my belly pinches. These people are nothing more than strangers to me. I don’t realize that I’ve tensed until Dominic pauses, throwing a questioning glance my way.

  “You okay, sweetheart?” As always, his words brim with concern.

  My lips lift, and I give him a slight nod. “I’m fine. A little nervous, I suppose.” I force out a laugh. “This party is for me, but I don’t know a soul.”

  He pats my hand in a comforting manner. “I won’t leave your side, Gracie. You have my word. No matter what happens, I’ll be right there.”

  As if he can read my innermost thoughts, he adds in a quieter voice, “You won’t ever be alone again.”

  His words have the exact effect they’re meant to, which is reassurance that I won’t be thrown to the wolves this evening. Just knowing that he’ll stick close is enough to strengthen my resolve.

  Not wanting him to worry, I paste a bright smile on my face as we descend to the two-story foyer where a few guests still linger. With a friendly smile, Dominic greets everyone warmly before introducing me-or reintroducing me in some cases-to his friends, some of whom were friends with my parents as well. To my surprise, it only takes a few minutes before I’m at ease and enjoying myself. As a passing waiter strolls by, Dominic grabs two crystal flutes full of bubbly Veuve Clicquot.