Doman

Doman’s POV

The smell of gasoline and cheap tobacco clung to the cracked sidewalks of the hood as I stepped out of my car. It had been years since I set foot here. Eyes followed me from doorways, some curious, some suspicious.

“Hey, man. What’s up? We haven’t seen you in the hood for some time. Fill me in.” Michael, my oldest friend, ambled over with his familiar swagger, his grin wide.

I forced a smile that felt more like a mask. “I’ve been busy with some things. Very important things. It’s good to see you though.”

His face lit up as he handed me a cigar. I held up a palm. “I don’t really do this anymore since I came back from prison. It’s bad for the health. You should stop too.”

Michael’s grin faltered into a frown. “When did you become good? Nah, don’t preach to me, Doman. You’re always a bad person. That’s who you are. Nothing can change that.”

My fists curled so tight my nails bit my palms. His words buzzed in my skull like hornets, but I forced myself to swallow the rage. “Take care, Michael,” I muttered, turning away.

“Dude, what the fuck is wrong with you? I’m telling you the truth, man. You can never be good. You killed your mom, remember? You’re a bad boy. Come back to the hood, let’s run some deals together,” he pressed, voice rising.

Something snapped. I spun, grabbed him by the collar and shoved him back hard enough to rock him. “Don’t you ever mention my mother again!” I snarled.

Michael’s laugh was sharp, almost unhinged. “Bastard,” he spat, blood dribbling onto the cracked pavement.

My pulse pounded like a drum. If I stayed another second, I’d do something that would drag me back to a cell. I turned on my heel, stormed to my car and slammed the door.

Knuckles white against the steering wheel, I drove, trying to outpace the ghosts. My mother’s face flashed behind my eyelids. The argument, her hand clutching her chest, her body crumpling before I could reach her. I hadn’t killed her, not like they said. But I had been the reason she died.

Axel had walked in on us and spun his story, his mother backed him up. Their lies sealed my fate. Five years gone. Five years while Axel bled my father’s properties dry, he took everything without leaving any.

I was burning for revenge. Every mile I drove fed the fire. I hadn’t found the perfect opening until Dami crossed my path. It was unfortunate she would get caught in the crossfire, but i will take back everything Axel stole. All I had to do was play along and enjoy the process.

I decided to see Dami at the company. What’s a lover’s visit without flowers and chocolates? I bought a bouquet of red roses and a box of chocolates before driving there.

The building rose sleek and modern, a world away from the hood. As I walked in, whispers rippled through the staff. They stared as if a ghost had walked in. I was Axel’s double but sharper, and more dangerous.

Following the receptionist’s directions, I stepped into Dami’s office wearing the smile that had always gotten me out of trouble. “Hello, love,” I said smoothly.

Sophia’s eyes darted between me and Dami, her brows knitting. My smile faltered into a frown. "What’s happening here, and why is he calling you ‘love’? He’s even carrying flowers. Somebody say something,” Sophia demanded.

Dami’s posture gave her away, her shoulders tight and eyes downcast. Hadn’t she told Sophia about us? “Dami is my girlfriend now,” I said lightly, strolling closer.

Sophia gasped and shook her head. I sank onto the sofa beside Dami, brushed my lips against her cheek, and inhaled her scent. It was warm vanilla and something sharper. She looked breathtaking. This idea wasn’t bad after all.

“Dami, we both agreed that Doman being here is for the revenge plan and nothing else. This isn’t right and I don’t approve,” Sophia snapped.

Dami sighed but said nothing.

“What the fuck is wrong with you? Babe, who is this one and why does she think she can order you around?” I barked, heat rising in my chest.

Sophia blinked at me, stunned. Dami put a steadying hand on my thigh. “She’s my assistant and like a sister, Doman. Don’t talk to her like that,” she said softly.

“I don’t give a damn. She’s doing too much. I know she never liked me. You’re the boss here, set boundaries,” I shot back.

“You’re an asshole. Dami, can you see what I’m saying? I’m right but you won’t listen,” Sophia argued, eyes flashing.

“It’s okay! Sophia, let’s go talk outside,”

Dami cut her off, grabbing her hand. They both walked out.

I rolled my eyes, a wave of relief loosening my chest. She would pay for meddling. I will make Sophia’s life a living hell, that much was certain.

A few minutes later Dami returned. “I’m sorry about what just happened,” she said quietly.

I gave her my most charming smile. “It’s okay. Just tell her to watch how she talks to me. I can be very quick to anger.”

“I have a meeting in five minutes. Can you stop by later? We’ll talk better when we get home,” she suggested.

“Okay.” I shrugged, kissed her forehead and left.

Some hours later.

I sipped my red wine, savoring the burst of flavors on my tongue. The table for two was set, the candlelight flickering off the glass. I already texted Dami the location of our dinner. She still wasn’t here.

I scrolled through I*******m to pass the time when a soft throat-clearing made me look up. It was Sophia staring at me with a smile on her face.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked, my voice a low growl.

It was the cringiest thing ever. Why was she smiling? We hated each other. "Calm down, baby. I just want to talk before Dami comes,” she replied.

Baby? My heartbeat slammed against my ribs. What the hell was happening?