All Chapters of Dominated By Him: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Sophia’s POVMy heart was racing as I knelt beside him, the Persian rug soft beneath my knees. The intricate patterns beneath my palms seemed to blur as every nerve in my body focused on the man before me.The silence in the study was deafening, broken only by the soft ticking of the antique clock on his desk and the barely audible sound of our breathing.Oh my God.The realization hit me like a physical shock, stealing the air from my lungs. He was magnificent. Powerful. Completely, overwhelmingly masculine in a way that made my mouth go dry and my hands shake with something that definitely wasn't fear. The evidence of his arousal was impossible to ignore, impossible to dismiss as anything other than what it was—proof that every assumption about Vito Romano had been devastatingly wrong.He's so... God, he's so big.The thought crashed through my mind like a tidal wave, sending molten heat racing through my veins. This had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with a h

Sophia's POVOh my God.The question hung in the air like a sword ready to drop, and I felt my heart hammering against my ribs so hard I was sure everyone in the room could hear it. Maria's expectant smile, Vito's encouraging gaze, the weight of their combined attention—it all pressed down on me like a physical force.She knows something. She has to know something.The thought struck me with the force of lightning, sending cold dread racing through my veins. Why else would Maria Castellano, of all people, suggest that I—someone she barely knew—take on such a public, high-profile role? An art auction at one of New York's most prestigious charity events, in front of the city's elite, where every word I spoke would be scrutinized and dissected?This isn't a coincidence. This is a test.I could feel the panic building in my chest, threatening to spill over into my carefully maintained composure. Isabella had studied art at Juilliard. Isabella could probably identify a Monet from across a

Vito's POVThe late night meeting with the Torrino family had gone better than expected. Their shipping routes through the harbor would complement our operations perfectly, and Vincent seemed genuinely committed to the alliance. Still, these negotiations always left me drained, even when they went smoothly."Good work tonight, boss," Tony said as he pushed my wheelchair down the hallway toward my room. "Torrino's ready to move forward with the deal.""Vincent's smart enough to see the benefits," I replied, though my mind was already moving to other matters. The charity auction was only days away, and I still needed to arrange for Isabella's preparation materials.As we passed the study, I heard rustling sounds from inside. Papers shuffling, drawers opening and closing. Someone was in there, and it was well past midnight."Stop," I told Tony, holding up a hand. "Who's in the study?"Tony moved closer to the door, listening. "Sounds like Mrs. Romano, boss. You want me to check?"Isabell

Sophia's POVTwo days left.I'd spent another sleepless night poring over my makeshift study materials, but every article I read just made it clearer how hopeless this situation was. Art therapy resources could only take me so far. I needed real knowledge, the kind that came from years of study.There has to be someone in this house who can help me.That's when I thought of Mrs. Henderson. The Romano family's head housekeeper had been with the family for over thirty years. She'd served Vito's mother, had attended countless social events, had probably seen more art auctions than most collectors.She might know enough to help me survive this.I found Mrs. Henderson in the main drawing room, carefully dusting the family portraits that lined the walls. She looked up when I entered, her weathered face breaking into a kind smile."Good morning, Mrs. Romano. You're up early today.""I couldn't sleep," I admitted. "Mrs. Henderson, I was wondering if I could ask you for some help.""Of course,

Sophia's POVThe moment I'd been dreading all week had finally arrived.After dinner, the lights dimmed and the auction area was illuminated with soft spotlights. The guests moved from their dinner tables toward the rows of chairs facing the small stage where I would soon be standing.This is it. No more preparation time. No more excuses.I watched from my seat as the foundation director took the stage to introduce the evening's program. Her voice seemed to come from very far away as she talked about the important work of helping young people recover from addiction."Tonight's auction features some truly exceptional pieces, and we're honored to have Mrs. Isabella Romano provide expert commentary on these works of art."Expert commentary. If only they knew.The applause was polite but enthusiastic. I could feel eyes turning toward me, people trying to get a better look at the newest Mrs. Romano. Vito reached over and squeezed my hand."You're going to be perfect," he whispered.I hope