Hope everyone is still reading and enjoying. Leave me some reviews! And yes, the title of this story means Love Conquers All in English. I have this quote tattooed on my chest, and live my life by it. Hopefully the story lives up to the name.
Dom finally made his way down the stairs of his childhood home. His smile widened as he admired how Mia had once again brought it to life simply with scented candles, dusting, and running the sweeper. She even organized the fray of car magazines and newspapers that once hide a coffee table underneath.
Mia always was a great homemaker.
In addition to the revival of the living room, the kitchen was spotless – free of takeout boxes, empty Corona bottles, and piled dishes.
Dom wasn't a messy guy, per-say. He really was swamped at the garage for days and hadn't had a chance to tidy up. He also wasn't expecting the surprise call at five in the morning from a cheery Mia stating that they were almost to town.
Mia burst through the back door in a flawless black dress, and a Toretto scowl to match.
"There you are!" she exclaimed, "We're waiting! It's getting hard to keep Brian and the new guy from arm wrestling over my mashed potatoes."
"His name is Oz and he's not new," Dom said while retrieving a beer from the fridge, "he's been with us for a while. You two just haven't met him. He's not a bad guy. Just needed someone to give him a chance. You know we Toretto's are all about second chances."
"And third, and fourth," she added. "Well, he's new to me. I won't have any shit tonight from any of them, including Oz. This dinner will be peaceful and full of love, and no drama."
Her words didn't register. Dom could only think of how quickly Mia had grown into the beautiful wife and mother she was today. It was only yesterday that she was a fourteen year-old boy-crazy bookworm who willingly took on the roll of den mother to a group of older boys. Now, she was a successful nurse at an accredited hospital in Seattle, with a son and husband of her own. Of course, on occasion she was still inclined to corral a group of obnoxious men.
Though her methods of getting by while doing years of community college were unorthodox, she still wound up being the flourishing woman their father predicted.
"Are you listening to me?" she scolded, snapping him back to reality.
"What – you scared the Buster might suck at more than just racing?" Dom teased, but her glare warned that she was not amused. He tossed an arm over her, "I'll get 'em, Bella. Thanks for taking care of the house. You didn't have to do that."
Mia gave her brother a knowing look, "As if you would've ever gotten to it. Besides, I only took care of the groceries and cooking. The Buster did the cleaning. Without me asking, all before he came to work, might I add."
"You got the boy trained well," Dom grinned, "I retract my previous statement."
The siblings stepped out the back door and into pandemonium. While Billie was keeping Jack occupied in with the Nova's engine, Brian and Oz were tumbling around in the grass in a heated scuffle. The twins Sonny and Neil cheered them on from the picnic table, neither men making an effort to break up the confrontation.
Dom ran over to the tussle where Oz was getting the upper-hand on Brian. He yanked the large blonde off of Brian, "Guys, cut the shit. You're grown men!"
Oz wiped his bloody lip with the back of his palm as Brian staggered to his feet, "This ain't over, Blondie."
"I'm right here," Brian continued to taunt. He stood from the grass on shaky legs, ready to go again.
"Are you two hard of hearing?" Dom asked calmly, but the scowl on his face showed he was anything but. He was always good about minding his temper in front of Jack. "I said enough."
Oz brushed the dirt free from his black button-down and jeans before pulling his shoulder-length hair into a bun, "If the model calls me 'redneck' again, I'm gonna destroy that pretty little face of his." Oz stalked over to the table and took his seat at the end.
Dom turned his attention to Brian, who had a red bruise developing over his cheek and a cut over his eyes. He was still visibly fuming, and Dom was prepared to rough up his brother-in-law if he didn't relax.
"You got to dance with your crush, you happy now?" Dom snorted. "Keep that shit away from Jack, Brian. The kid doesn't need to catch your Pretty-Boy complex."
"Come on. Let's clean you up and get your guest-room ready for your night alone," Mia said sweetly while reaching from his hand. Brian shot Oz one final glare before following his wife inside.
Dom walked past the twins, who were laughing at Brian's expense.
"You two idiots aren't any better, just sitting there and watching. I oughta slap the both of you."
"They're all Neanderthals," Billie said from the driver's seat of the Nova. Jack was happily bouncing around in the backseat, seeming unaware of his father's spat.
As Dom approached, he took in her stunning white dress that made her olive skin pop. She had her long curly hair pulled back, and very little make-up that made her look exotic. She looked beautiful behind the wheel of his monster. His earlier conversation with Brian came back to mind.
"You know it's rude to look under a man's hood without asking," he smiled while reaching to help her out.
"I've peeked under that hood a few times already," she smirked. Billie lifted Jack from the car, who was ecstatic to see his uncle.
"Uncle Dommie!" the kid chimed as he reached his arms out for Dom. Dom happily lifted the boy from Billie and tossed him in the air a few times.
"You get even more handsome every time I see you, Jackie," Dom said with a grin. "Did you have fun with Billie?"
Jack eagerly shook his head, sharing his bright smile with Billie.
"Go check on Daddy while I talk to her for a minute," Dom placed the happy tot on the ground and watched him waddle off for the house. He turned his attention back to Billie, who was bent over retrieving her purse from the floorboard of the Nova. While she was turned, Dom took the time to admire her curvy backside that led to thick thighs and smooth legs.
"I can feel your eyes burning holes in my ass," she said cheekily.
"I can appreciate a nice view," he shrugged with a boyish grin.
Billie snatched his beer from his fingers and tipped it against her mouth. Dom watched as the cool, golden liquid slid between her lips, her eyes closed as she guzzled away. Her tongue darted across her lips to catch a single drop as she handed over the bottle. Dom swallowed hard and forced himself to look away, the fire burning in his stomach told him it was best.
Dominic found himself nervous. It had been a while since he had seriously tried to pick up a woman. He didn't count the skanks that pawed at him only for his name and money. His brief affair with Elena was based on comfort, not creating a lasting relationship.
Dominic Toretto was ready to settle down. He was ready to enjoy the simple things in life while raising a family, something his father tried to do before his mother's sudden passing at age forty-three. He wanted to make good on his promise to his father he would be a good man that stood by his family. He just needed to be able to keep a woman long enough to become a family.
For now, he would take things slow and try to convince Billie that he was serious about her.
"Let's eat, Runt," he said and they headed for the table.
Dom took his usual seat at the head of the table and Billie headed for the end, but Dom wanted her close.
"This seat's free," his deep voice cut the silence across the backyard, and stopped Billie in her tracks.
She turned with a blazing grin as he reached across the table for her a Corona.
"What makes you think I want to sit near you?" she teased as she paused behind the chair next to Dominic.
Dom stood from his own seat and sweetly pulled her chair out for her. Billie's smile widened and her cheeks flushed as she had no choice but to sit when her legs felt weak. He handed her the opened beer before taking his seat again, "It's not so bad over here."
He was indulged in flirting with Billie that he didn't notice everyone's attention was on the two of them, including Brian, Mia and Jack standing a few feet away. Brian and Mia had matching smiles as they watched the interaction quietly.
"Mia stop staring, we want to eat," Dom said after finally breaking eye-contact with Billie.
The three walked over and joined the others, Mia taking the seat closest to Oz at the end. Tradition usually sat Mia next to Dom, no matter where they were, but she couldn't dare allow Brian to sit close to Oz. Baby Jack was seated between his parents, and was eagerly reaching for Mia's home-made biscuits.
"Well since Jack can't say grace, I'll let Brian do it. Since he's so full of energy tonight," said Dom while tossing Brian a look before grabbing his hand and Billie's.
Everyone joined hands and bowed as Brian began to give thanks for the plethora of food in front of them, bringing them home for the week, and of course, beautiful cars. They said 'amen' before digging in to the buffet, all except Dom and Billie. They were both hesitant to let go of their embrace until they were forced by a hovering bowl of Alfredo pasta.
Despite it's rocky start, the Sunday barbecue was a hit. Once the tension finally dissipated, several different conversations commenced at once. Talks of the garage, Mia's work in Seattle, and Jack's love of muscle cars kept the team entertained for hours, even long after they finished eating.
Dom sat back in his chair and looked around the table affectionately. During the last year, he found himself in a state of depression, loneliness even. It was the first time that he had the house to himself. The deafening silence ate away at him, but hearing the roaring laughs around the table tonight made going through the past year alone worth it. He couldn't help but miss the other members of his family, but he was grateful for the ones he still had.
"I wish he went down that easily back home in Seattle," Mia said as she returned from putting Jack down to bed. She pulled a full bottle of Patron from behind her back and a few shot glasses and sat them on the table with daring eyes. Groans came from the men around the table, while Billie smiled at Mia with giddy eyes."Come on fellas, quit being pussies. Just a few shots to cap off the night."
As Mia began filling the small glasses, Dom's eyes shot across to Oz, who was eyeing the harsh liquor with discomfort.
"Thanks for the food Mia, but I think I'll pass on … dessert," he said as he stood from the table.
"Oh come on, punk. Have a couple with us," Brian pushed, but Oz shook his head.
"No really, not much of a drinker. I'm gonna head to the house, early morning at the shop," he declined again, "Besides, haven't you guys every heard that saying: beer before liquor, never sicker... liquor before beer, you're in the clear? You all are gonna be miserable."
"Psht," Mia waved off while raising her glass alone, "A wise teenager once told me 'Live for the fun tonight, not for the hangover tomorrow'. Don't let Brian scare you away. Come on, dude. Have some fun with us," Mia persuaded, passing the shot glass in his direction, but he declined once more.
"Mia!" Dom stopped her protests, "He doesn't want to drink. Hell, I don't want that shit, but I miss drunk Mia so I'll oblige. Besides, Oz has to open up in the morning for his delivery of parts for the Grand Buick he's working on."
Oz smirked at Dom, thanking him for the save. He leaned in and kissed Mia's cheek,"Dinner was amazing, thank you. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
He said his goodbyes and headed to his Chevy Suburban parked in the driveway.
"Well, that was rude," Mia said while passing around the glasses. "What kind of guy doesn't drink at a Toretto dinner?"
"Not everyone wants to be a Toretto, Mi," Dom murmured, though his thoughts lingered on a certain someone.
Brian killed the tension by raising his glass,"Alright, let's do this!"
The six friends each raised their shots and on a count of three, all tossed back the piercing liquid. Grunts of disgust rounded the table as they readied themselves for another.
"Yo Dom, we should check out the races next Saturday, man. I hear some high-rollers are gonna be coming through," Sonny said through glazed, red eyes.
"Yeah, bro. Some old school greats are gonna make a comeback,," Neil added, his hazy eyes mimicking his brother's.
"Boys, you may be a little too high tonight. We are the old school greats," Dom replied with a grin.
"No way, dude. Seriously, these guys used to be legendary in the Warehouse District. What was his name, Neil? Frank? Or Lewis?"
Neil laughed hysterically, "No way, it was like Carl or Lenny."
"Definitely, Lenny!" Sonny agreed. The two stoned twins high-fived afterward.
Dom's mind began to race. The twins were potheads, which didn't bother Dom – they were brilliant mechanics - but they weren't the brightest guys he'd ever met.
"Was it a male or female?" he asked.
"Oh a guy for sure. I'm positive his name was Lenny," the brothers debated between each other, as if they were alone at the table.
"Listen, none of it matters because nobody is racing," Mia said exactly while raising her glass. The team followed suit, downing their fourth shots of Patron.
"I dunno, Mi. I think it'd be nice to see how things are running down there," Dom replied.
"You know exactly how things are running. The same skanky girls, lame wannabes, and oh yeah, cops."
"Don't be a downer, Mi. We just want to watch," Sonny begged.
"We never go just to watch. What did Dad always say? Don't step up to bat if you don't plan on hitting a home-run."
"You know, I think Mia may be right on this," Billie said while standing from the table, "Count me out. Mia, thanks for dinner, girl, but I gotta be heading out. I'm exhausted, and definitely buzzed."
"Don't go," the words spilled from his lips before he could stop it. Billie froze again, her cheeks turning bright pink. Dom shook the fog from his head and rose to his feet, "I mean you shouldn't drive in your condition."
"I was gonna call a taxi, but thank you for your concern," Billie headed for her car to make her call, but Dom's hand wrapping around hers stopped her. She looked back at him with a smirk, expecting another attempt to get her inside, but instead he only stood there, staring at her through half-lidded eyes.
The sexual tension clouded the air outside quickly and the forgotten guests soon grew uncomfortable.
"We're gonna go too," the twins said simultaneously as they stood on wobbly legs.
"You guys shouldn't drive," Brian slurred from his seat.
"We aren't. We only live down the street. We'll come back in the morning the Civic," Neil replied, staggering his way to the sidewalk.
Dom finally broke eye contact with Billie to turn to the Twins, "Hold up boys, I'll walk you home."
He turned back to the woman in front of him, "Go upstairs, find something comfortable to wear. You can have my bed, tonight. I'll take the couch."
"No, Dom, I can't put you out like that," Billie declined hastily, but Dom's inhibition finally wore off and he decided to shut her up. He crashed his lips down onto her soft ones and felt rewarded when she returned his advance. Their tongues danced as Dom swept her flush against his body, his hands lingering on her lower back. Billie's arms snaked around his neck as she rubbed against the hardening bulge in his pants.
He pulled away suddenly, leaving Billie's mouth gaping for more. "Like I was saying – go inside and get comfy. Third room on the left. I'll be back shortly."
Billie wiped her lip bashfully and gave a quick nod before making her way to the house. Dom grinned inwardly and headed off to see the boys home.
Billie said goodnight to Mia and Brian as just trekked her way up the Toretto home stairs. An eerie chill washed over her skin the same way it had any time she roamed the infamous home, but this time she ignored it as she found her way to Dom's room. Stepping inside, the overwhelming sensation grew even colder as goosebumps covered her soft skin. Billie crossed her arms as she slowly crossed the room and took a seat at the foot of the bed, taking in the scent that was all Dominic.
This was her first time stepping foot in Dom's room, and the pressure made her chest feel as if it were caving in. The room was cozy and quaint, but still had a man's touch displayed all around. Billie took in his miniature collector cars that lined his large dresser, photos of the family hung proudly on the walls, and a work area in the corner with stacks of paperwork hiding a computer behind them.
With the liquor quickly catching up to her, Billie was anxious to lay in his large, inviting bed. She undressed down to her thong panties, standing nearly naked in front of his dresser as she searched for something to wear. She wasn't expecting to find anything that would fit, her frame was practically child-like compared to Doms'. Billie settled for a large white v-neck t-shirt and slipped it over her head. The shirt was long enough to cover privates and sweep her thighs, and it smelled of Dom's signature scent – Corona, Calvin Klein, and a slight hint of car oil.
Billie moved back to the bed and sat next to an end table with a framed photo atop. It was of a young, scrawny Dom with an afro and an even younger Mia with whom Billie recognized as Dino Toretto, their father. He was a handsome man with a build similar to Dom's, but he had a head full of curls. He stood in the middle with his arms wrapped around his children, their smiles matching his perfectly.
Billie grinned at the adorable kids in the photo and placed the frame back on the table. She continued her search for nothing in particular, her eyes stopping on a jewelry box sat atop the table. As she raised the hatch, the supernatural breeze came across her again, sweeping her curls from her shoulders. Billie turned around quickly at the sensation, only to see the window closed and the drapes still.
Shaking off the weirdness, Billie opened the jewelry box. A pang of fear hit her hard as she was faced with Dom's beloved silver cross necklace. She hesitated to touch it, but the power of the chain took over and she lifted it from the box.
Billie knew the story of the necklace, how it was a gift to Dom from Letty so many years ago. She didn't see him wear it often, but Billie knew just how much he cherished the chain.
Something came over her and before she knew it, she was raising the chain over her curls. The cool metal draped between her unrestricted breasts, the tiny diamonds sparkling under the lamplight. Billie was so enthralled with the necklace that she didn't hear the boots clanking up the stairs and heading her way.
The bedroom door squealed open, frightening Billie nearly ten feet out of her skin. She clutched her hand against her racing heart as she looked up at Dominic in the doorway.
"Knock much?"
"I've never knocked in my own house, and damn sure not my own bedroom," he gave a half smile as he entered the room, finally taking notice of the garnish around her neck. He closed the distance between the two, "What are you doing with that?"
Billie stared up at him nervously. He didn't look angry, but he wasn't exactly happy either, "I – I'm sorry. I was just-"
Dom cut her off by reaching for the necklace. He lifted it over her head gently as to not tangle it in her curls and placed it back in it's rightful place in the wooden box.
"You know, maybe this wasn't a good idea. I think I should call that taxi," Billie said as she stood from the bed anxiously, ready to dash from the awkward situation as quickly as possible, but Dom's large frame blocked the door.
Without speaking a word to her, Dom kicked his boots off and to the side, followed by his socks. While keeping eye-contact, he stripped his black t-shirt from his bare torso, and tossed it away.
Billie's tongue darted across her lips hungrily as Dom continued his show. His muscles flexed instinctively as he undid his khaki pants and pushed them and his boxers off his hips, kicking them away as well. Dom stood stark naked and proud, literally letting it all hang out for her. Billie didn't hide the long looks she gave his ripped body and impressive member.
"You still wanna call that taxi?"