Chapter 3
Cass's POV
The lights go off. Dominic stretches out on the couch. I let out a breath.
This man is dangerous. Standing in front of him, that sharp smell of blood nearly made me shake.
In my past life, Vivienne tried to seduce Dominic. She ended up beaten black and blue. I won't make the same mistake.
This time, now that I'm reborn and can hear people's thoughts, I'm going to make a place for myself in this family.
Gunshots wake me up.
I open my eyes. Still dark outside. Another shot cracks through the air, close by. Somewhere on the estate.
I get out of bed and follow the sound to the back courtyard. At the shooting range up ahead, there's a figure firing at targets.
Dominic. He's in a black tank top, muscles cut and defined in the early light. Every shot hits center mass. His movements are smooth, effortless.
So this is the Executioner everyone talks about.
I stand at the edge of the range, watching him.
"What, you want to learn?" He speaks suddenly, gun still aimed downrange. Doesn't even turn around.
I freeze. How does he know I'm here?
Dominic lowers the gun and turns. His eyes sweep over me, then he shakes his head. "Never mind. Not your style."
I'm about to respond when he cuts me off. "We've got a family meeting in an hour. Left some clothes in the closet for you. Go change."
He turns back and keeps shooting.
I head to the room and open the closet door.
A black high-neck dress hangs there, perfectly pressed, with black heels sitting next to it. Simple, elegant. The size looks right.
When did he arrange this?
In my past life, Vivienne wore a bright red dress to her first family meeting. Dad had just died, and she showed up dressed for a party.
Eleanor tore into her on the spot. "You don't know the rules! Still in mourning and you dress like that? Are you here to embarrass this family?"
I slip on the black dress and check the mirror.
Dignified. Appropriate. Exactly what the heir's wife should wear.
The family meeting's in the main hall.
When I walk in with Dominic, half the room's already seated. Eleanor sits at the head of the table, stone-faced. She sees us and gives a slight nod.
Dominic pulls out the chair next to him. Right beside Eleanor.
Across the table, farther down, Adrian and Vivienne are already in their seats.
Vivienne's wearing black too, but the neckline plunges low, showing way too much skin. There's this massive diamond necklace around her neck, catching the light.
She sees me. Something smug flashes in her eyes.
Look at her dressed like a nun. Dominic probably beat her up last night.
I pick up my coffee and ignore her.
Eleanor speaks. "Let's hear what you think about recent family business."
Adrian gives a brief update on the dock operations.
Then Vivienne jumps in. "Eleanor, I'm learning territory management from Adrian. He says I've got real talent for it. He's even introduced me to some of our partners."
She stares straight at me while she talks.
Ha. Let her know I'm not useless. Let's see what she says to that.
Vivienne turns her head, all sweet smiles. "What about you? You involved in family business yet?"
I set down my coffee. "I just married in. Still learning. But Dominic's taking me to the warehouse today to see the core operations."
I pause, looking at her. "The family's core business isn't something just anyone gets to see. You have to follow the rules."
Said lightly. Everyone in the room gets it, though.
Vivienne's smile freezes.
Eleanor nods. "That's right. Rules come first."
She turns to Vivienne, voice going ice cold. "What you learn from Adrian is your business. But don't forget there are things that aren't yours to touch. Cross the line in this family, you don't last long."
Vivienne goes pale. Forces a smile. "Yes, Eleanor. I understand."
Adrian's cursing in his head.
Stupid bitch! Always making trouble for me!
On the surface he's still smiling like nothing happened. Fake bastard.
I look across at Vivienne. She probably feels like I screwed her over right now. Bitter about it.
She has no idea what's coming.
After the meeting, Eleanor stands. "Since you're heading to the warehouse, I'll come along. Want to see how business is running."
We split into two cars.
Dominic drives. I take the passenger seat, Eleanor in back. Adrian and Vivienne lead the other car with everyone else.
We pull out of the estate. I can't help glancing at Dominic's profile.
I've lived through this twice now, so I know that in the Callahan family, rules are everything. Break them, pay the price.
That's why in my past life, everyone said Dominic was cruel to Vivienne. She got whipped, locked in the basement, stripped of everything.
Everyone called him a cold-blooded monster.
But this time around, he seems completely different. Why?
I'm still thinking when we stop at a red light.
I glance out the window. Adrian's car pulls up right next to us.
Through the glass, I see it.
Adrian's hand is gripping Vivienne's wrist. This gentle smile plastered on his face, like he's being affectionate.
But Vivienne's face is twisted in pain. She's biting her lip hard, too scared to make a sound.
