His smile widened. "But I'll go with you; I mean, who could resist a pretty lady like you?"
He glanced at Gabriel, a touch of humor in his voice. "I hope you're not planning to cuff me, officer. I have a dinner reservation, and I'd hate to be late."
Gabriel's voice was firm. "Get in the car, man."
I nodded, my gaze never leaving Dominic's face. "I'll have someone bring your ride too."
Dominic shrugged, that same playful smile still on his lips. "No need to worry about me. But thanks, detective. You're too kind... and far too beautiful to be wasting your time with a scoundrel like me."
As we got into the car, Gabriel took the wheel, steering us toward the station. I kept my focus on the job, but I couldn't ignore the spark of attraction flickering in the back of my mind. Dominic was dangerous—both as a criminal and as a distraction. I wasn't about to let a charming smile and piercing eyes cloud my judgment.
As we drove, Gabriel let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Lexi, that was insane! You were driving like a damn pro back there. I swear, you should be in the next Fast and Furious."
I smirked, catching his eyes in the rearview mirror. "Just keep your eyes on the road, Gabriel. I'd rather not die in a crash after all that."
Dominic, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke, his voice low and smooth, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. "So, your name is Lexi? Pretty name for a pretty lady."
Gabriel shot him a sharp look. "Just shut up, man."
But Dominic didn't seem the least bit fazed. His gaze remained locked on me, dark eyes filled with amusement—and something else. Something unreadable. I felt my pulse quicken, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I met his stare head-on, my expression cool and unwavering.
The tension in the car was thick, almost suffocating. He was testing me, playing his little game. But I wasn't about to lose.
As we pulled up to the station, Dominic finally broke eye contact, his lips curving into that same cocky smile. "Well, Lexi, looks like our little adventure ends here. For now."
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "I don't know what you think is happening here, Conti, but trust me—this is just the beginning."
Inside the station, I motioned for Gabriel to check in with the captain while I led Dominic further in. But, of course, he couldn't resist one last remark.
"Well, I must say, you're quite the dedicated officer. I like that—beautiful and dedicated."
I rolled my eyes. "Conti, just shut up and keep walking."
Before we could take another step, a firm voice cut through the air.
"Oh, Mr. Conti, how are you doing?"
I turned to see the assistant chief of police standing there, his gaze flicking between Dominic and me. My grip on Dominic's arm tightened instinctively.
Dominic's smile was effortlessly charming, his posture relaxed as if he wasn't standing inside a police station under arrest. "Oh, I'm doing very well, ACP. Well, aside from the little hiccup of your detective here slapping cuffs on me."
The ACP's expression darkened as he looked at me. "Detective Lexi, what is the meaning of this?"
I stood my ground. "Sir, we have substantial evidence linking Dominic Conti to illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking. He needs to be processed."
To my shock, the ACP's tone turned cold and unwavering. "Void it. Now."
My heart skipped a beat. "Sir, we have solid evidence—this isn't a misunderstanding," I said, forcing my voice to stay steady.
The ACP's gaze turned ice-cold. "Detective, do you like your job?"
My stomach twisted. This wasn't a warning—it was a threat.
My fingers curled into fists, but I forced myself to nod. "Yes, sir."
"Then void it. Now."
A heavy weight settled in my chest. I clenched my jaw, frustration burning inside me. I wanted to argue, to demand answers, but I knew what this was. Orders. Unquestionable, absolute, and corrupted orders.
I swallowed down my anger and forced the words out through gritted teeth. "Yes, sir."
The ACP turned back to Dominic, his stance shifting to one of careful respect. "I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, Mr. Conti. I hope this misunderstanding didn't cause you too much trouble."
Dominic lifted his cuffed hands with an easy smirk. "Oh, you know me, ACP. Always patient."
The ACP let out a forced chuckle and turned to the nearest officer. "Uncuff him."
The officer hesitated for half a second before stepping forward and unlocking the cuffs. The metal clicked open, and Dominic rubbed his wrists leisurely, as if savoring the moment.
Dominic's smile was smooth, the very picture of graciousness. "Not at all, ACP. I understand that your officers are just doing their jobs." He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting mine. "Some more passionately than others."
The ACP nodded, offering Dominic a polite smile before turning on his heel and walking away, disappearing down the hall.
My hands curled into fists at my sides as I fought the urge to wipe that smug look off his face. I should have known this would happen. The system had always been broken, but standing here, watching it unfold in real time, felt like a gut punch. Every case I worked, every arrest I made—did any of it even matter? Or was it all just a game for men like him?
Dominic took a slow step forward, his voice lowering just enough for only me to hear. "I told you you'd regret this stress," Dominic murmured, his smirk widening.
My jaw tightened, but I refused to back down. "Must be nice, having friends in high places."
His chuckle was low and knowing. "Oh, detective, you have no idea."
This keeps the same message but makes Lexi more careful. It's just a necessity in business. You'd be surprised how far a little goodwill can go."
I had enough. "Get out of here," I snapped.
He smirked, giving me a slow once-over before strolling out, his confidence unshaken, his freedom intact.
As he passed me, he leaned in, voice a ghost against my ear. "You fight so hard for a system that's already sold you out. Ever wonder if you're on the wrong side, detective?"
I stiffened. He strolled out like he owned the damn place, and I was left standing there, fists clenched, my pulse pounding in my ears as he vanished beyond those doors.
He may have won this round, but the game was far from over. I'd make damn sure of that.
To Be Continued..