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His lips brush mine, featherlight at first, sending a jolt through my body. Then the kiss deepens—one hand cups my neck, the other threads through my hair, and I melt into him.
A moan escapes me, the sound echoing with the light drizzle of rain outside. His hands trail my skin like a paintbrush on canvas. His lips claim mine with a hunger that’s been simmering for too long, and my body responds, pressing closer.
And just as suddenly, he pulls away. I’m left breathless, my heart racing as his hand slides from my neck. He stares at me, his eyes flickering with something intense before he steps back.
“Just as sweet as I remembered,” he says, touching his lips.
“Wha—”I can’t form words as I watch him rise.
“The Commission is coming by anytime to ask for progress, and I want you to think about what I said—your father is not your ally, and he sure as hell doesn’t give a shit about you.”
He pulls the cart away, walking toward the door like the kiss didn’t happen. I shift my leg and feel the cool metal of the gun against my knee.
“You forgot your gun,” I call.
“Keep it.” Dominic pauses at the door. “You need to be able to protect yourself. Don’t let another Pavel touch you like that.”
“I can kill you with it,” I threaten.
“I’m not an idiot. The gun has one bullet, Alessa. You could try to use it against me—and I can guarantee you won’t succeed. Or you could save it and use it when you really need it. Your choice.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“I’d like to see you try.”
He looks at me one last time before walking out and shutting the door. I’m left on the bed, stomach full of the food he’s fed me, gun heavy in my hand. I should feel thankful, having something to protect myself with now. My mother’s gun, no less.
But all I can think about is the way Dominic’s lips felt against mine. For that quick, stolen moment, when we were kissing, the world went still. And in that brief flicker of time, despite everything, I felt safe. Safer than I’ve ever felt in my life.
The gun trembles in my grip, and my mind races.
I don’t know if I can trust him… and I’m not sure I want to find out.
Chapter fifteen
Dominic
Itiltmyhead,watchingAlessa’s chest rise and fall as she sleeps. Least this troublemaker’s still breathing and not at the bottom of the ocean.
Shoving my hands in my pockets, I gotta admit she almost looks innocent like this. Peaceful. But after last night, I can’t stop thinking about her. I need my fix.
And before you start, no, it wasn’t some bullshit peck on the cheek. It was like coming up for air after nearly drowning. A shot of top-shelf whiskey burning down my throat. An ice bath in a heat wave. I know, sounds so fucking poetic, right? Well, I’m not exaggerating. I’ve been craving those lips again since I woke up years ago to an empty bed.
Last night, I rubbed one out in the shower. Twice. Then again in bed. Didn’t make a dent. I was harder than a rock, aching with it. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out who’s got me so pent up. Her mouth is a drug and I’m hooked. She’s everything I shouldn’t want, but Christ do I need another taste. A little lip lock nearly killed me, imagine what doing more would do. Spontaneous combustion, guaranteed.
Clenching my jaw, I knock once, loud enough to shake the silence, then open the door. I stalk to the window and rip open the curtains. Sunlight floods in like last night never happened. Dewy grass, blue skies, dogs’ll have a field day out there later. But first...
“Rise and shine, princess.” I call over my shoulder, drinking in the view. Her answering groan makes my pants tighten. Definitely should’ve had coffee before this.
“Fuck off!” Ah, there she is. I turn to watch her yank the duvet over that copper hair, curling away from the light.
Smirking, I check my watch. “Breakfast is almost ready.”
“I’m not eating with you,” comes her muffled bitching. “Now get out.”
“Not happening, sweetheart.” I tug the covers off her scowling face. She blindly grabs for a pillow instead. “My cook’s slaving away as we speak. Let’s not waste the effort, yeah?”
“I said I’m not eating with you, Dominic.” Stubborn as ever.