Chapter 10

Josephine My throat feels dry. I need water desperately. That thought woke me up. The throbbing headache made me wonder if I took something last night or if I’m coming down with fever. Morning sickness isn’t a new occurrence to me, but this feeling of heaviness and horribly throbbing headache is definitely new. Forcing myself to sit up, I wondered what Jayden is up to. I’m sure he’s either exploring the house or he’s fixing breakfast. If he makes delicious breakfast, I might be tempted to accompany him inside town to take some pictures. Pinching my eyes shut, I waited for the first wave of nausea to roll off before I crept out of the bed. Something feels strange. I do not remember how I got here, plus the fact that the bedding and room decoration is different from the room assigned to me earlier. I looked round the room, wondering how I got here or where I am. The weird fact is that I’m not afraid, I feel oddly at peace and protected. My eyes caught a portrait and I huffed. “How cliché.” Ambling towards the picture, I blinked at Dominico posing with a white lion. I’m still wondering how people consider these creatures as pet. “It looks as scary as you.” “Dubai 2012.” I gasped at the sudden voice, my heart thrashing in my chest as I turned around to face the owner of the cool deep voice. He offered me an apologetic smile. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He sauntered towards me and stretched out his hand. “I’m Zadok.” I don’t think I’ve heard about that name. “It’s nice to meet you Zadok, I’m Josephine.” What exactly are you doing in Dominico’s room without knocking? He chuckled. “Dominico sent me to check on you. Sure for not knocking before walking in, I guess old habits don’t die hard.” He faced the portrait. “I almost had a stroke when he stood next to that creature.” Guess we’re done with the introduction. “Was he afraid standing next to him?” I would never encourage Jayden to stand next to it. What if it gets hungry during the photoshoot and he’s the closest available food. “Dominico?” He pondered on the question. “He was more afraid today than he was few years ago standing next to the lion.” I get it! The shooting! We were attacked and then he brought me here and told the doctor to examine me and…and….and? “He sedated me, didn’t he?” “You were slowly losing it, that was the only way he could calm you down.” He gave me a sideways glance. “Do not hate him for looking out for him.” I’m not angry that he sedated me; I think I’m more angry over the fact that he took me out despite knowing the danger surrounding him. “Why were they shooting at us?” Jay will drag me back to Phoenix if he hears about this. “You’ll have to take that question up with Dominico, although I doubt you’ll get an answer.” We focused on the picture once more, silence engulfing us. “I reported him to mum when he suggested taking a picture with that lion.” His eyes which was once twinkling with amusement darkened with pain buried deep down. “She had her first heart attack.” His eyes twinkled anytime hehe talked about Dominico with the lion, but just once he mentioned his mother and I could feel his pain from here. “Why did he do it?” Is he in love with lions? “He was challenged.” Whatever happened that night must have been very amusing because he snickered. “It was a stupid challenge from me, and he took it seriously. I lost one of my favourite car to the bet though.” Interesting. “Do you have a picture like this too?” I need to know what I’m getting into, the kind of friends Dominico has. “Standing next to a white lion?” I nodded and he scoffed. “Dominico may be my brother, but I’m not as crazy as he is.” Chortling, he shook his head. “Fine, I admit, I have a portrait with a me standing next to a white lion, but that’s pure deception.” Not understanding his words, I arched a brow at him. “What’s that suppose to mean?” Licking his lips, he stared at me with an amused expression, his smile growing each second. “I’m about to tell you a something that I’ve refused to admit aloud, not even to Dominico.” I think I like him. He grabbed my hand and guided me to the bed, forcing me to sit down. “Okay so when I saw Dominico’s portrait, I returned to Dubai, took a picture, copying his outfit, then I requested that the white lion be photoshopped into the picture.” I bellowed out in laughter. “Are you trying to tell me that you never took a picture with that lion?” He nodded. “Mhmm. I never saw it that day.” “And everybody think you did?” “Everyone except Dominico. Till date, he doesn’t believe I stood close to that lion.” Shrugging, he dipped his hands into his pocket looking younger with his boyish grin. “It’s refusing to think he’s the only one that really does know me.” “You know, when you walked in here, I thought you were just his friend or possibly one of his workers. I didn’t think you are his brother.” “Do not be confused honey, I work for him just like every other person.” I nodded even though I do not understand what he meant by he is working for his brother. Isn’t the family business for everyone? “Why did you assume I’m Dominico’s friend and not his brother?” Did I offend him with my assumptions? “For starters, you both look nothing alike and your sense of humour are wide apart.” “I’ll take that as a compliment.” He winked at me. “You’re right, I look nothing like him. We share the same father but different mother.” “Oh…” I do not know what to say to him. I do not know much about him, so I don’t know what he’ll consider crossing the line. “Don’t feel shy about asking questions honey, I’m over it. My mum was a w***e my father had a night with, she became pregnant, gave birth to me and dumped me at his front porch. Dominico’s mother took me in and nursed me into this handsome young man you’re looking at today.” “I’m sure she’s a lovely woman. Hopefully I’ll meet her someday.” “Don’t say that around Dominico. She’s late and meeting her means dying.” He said it so nonchalantly that he would have fooled anybody that he isn’t bothered anymore about her death, but I can see through his façade. “I’m sorry for your loss Zadok.” “Don’t be, I’m sure she’s with the Angels.” Exhaling heavily, he tried to smile through the pain. “How is pocki?” I double blinked. “What?” “Pocki? How is he?” “Okay hold on. I do not know what you’re talking about. Who is pocki? I’m not sure I’ve met anyone with that name before.” “My nephew.” He deadpanned, slightly offended that I’m not getting the gist. “I’m asking if he’s fine.” “The baby?” Dominico already announced news of the baby to his family? I bet his father knows too. “The baby is fine. I was slightly shaken earlier, but I’m fine now.” “I’m glad you are.” He answered genuinely. “That’s the only way Dominico will have peace.” He bent a little and offered me a hug. “Thank you for being here. I didn’t realise the impact you’re having in Dominico’s life until you showed up.” “Thank you.” I guess. “Why pocki? Of all the pet names, why pocki?” It sounds strange to the ear. “Do you even know what it means?” He shook his head. “Then why did you choose it?” He grinned widely. “You’ll have to ask Dominico.” He turned and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.