Page 7

Gwen

T his place is filled with beautiful people rich, important, high-class individuals. I’m honestly so impressed with it all. First of all, I’m actually enjoying being dressed like a princess, as Dom would probably say. Mentally, I giggle. Maybe his nickname isn’t so bad. I won’t tell him that, though. He is stunning. His whole demeanor screams high-class, and I’m eating this whole thing up. Who knows when I’ll ever have this opportunity again?

My mind is torn in two. I love the feeling of actually being wanted, but I’m scared it’s all a show. I definitely don’t want to give this a shot, only for it to turn into another four years wasted on a damaged person. Then again, he is nothing like my ex. Actually, they’re total opposites.

But how does one drop the walls they’ve built to stay safe? Mine are so high. Do I want to let my guard down? Let someone else inside my world past the walls I’ve spent years constructing? What if he turns out to be a terrorist, burning my whole world to the ground? How does one rebuild again? I’m not even fully back up from the torment I’ve already endured. Looking around, this place is like a fairy tale.

I catch a quick glance at Dominic. He’s deep in conversation with another man, his sharp jawline, beautiful eyes, and tailored suit making him look effortlessly powerful. Every girl who walks by steals a glance in his direction. Why me? Why am I the one here? I’m not ugly by any means, but I’m a goofball with issues and a dirty past. I’m probably nothing like the women he’s used to.

His conversation continues, but under the table, his hand slides onto my bare leg. Slowly, deliberately, his fingers trace up the length of my dress all while he never once breaks eye contact with the man he’s speaking to. Heat rushes through me. I take my hand and smack his under the table. He doesn’t move. Doesn’t react. Instead, his fingers dig into my skin, a silent warning. My skin burns under his touch. And the worst part? I don’t really want him to stop. But I have to keep up this good girl act.

Maybe it’s an act now, but one day… maybe I’ll actually become that girl with morals. Then again, who am I kidding? We all know good girls have no fun. I giggle at the thought, and he turns, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. Ending his conversation, he leans in slightly, studying my face.

"Do tell, baby. What’s so funny?" I laugh a little more, twirling the stem of my empty glass between my fingers. "I’m going to find myself a drink. Maybe then I won’t be so bored."

Standing, I smooth my dress and make my way toward the open bar. I can feel his eyes on me, burning into my back. I know I look good in this dress I checked a hundred times before leaving.

Truthfully, I just wanted a moment to breathe. Spotting Madeline at the bar, I grin and lean in to whisper in her ear. "Hey there, pretty lady!" She jumps, startled. "Shit, Gwen, you scared me!" she giggles, placing a hand on her chest. "This place is something, huh?" I ask, glancing around. She shrugs, looking unimpressed. I suppose this kind of thing is routine for her, her father being a big name around town and all.

Just another Saturday night. Her gaze flicks past my shoulder, and her cheeks flush. I turn to look, but she yanks me back. "Who is that?" I ask, raising a brow. "His name is Bash," she says, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Remember? We talked about him the night we went out. My eye candy for the night." She winks. Oh yeah, I remember now. He was at the door, letting us into the club. Tall. Handsome. This city really is crawling with men who look like sin.

"Crushing on him, are ya?" I tease. "Yeah… something like that," she snorts before turning the tables. "How's it going with Mr. Bossy over there?" She nods toward Dominic. Glancing at him, I find his eyes locked onto me. Watching. Studying. Possessive. Exactly as I expected.

"It’s going," I say with a smirk. "So far, not too bad. He’s pretty to look at." We both laugh as the bartender slides us two glasses of champagne. I toss mine back immediately, letting the cool fizz burn down my throat. Maddie, ever the prim and proper one, sips hers delicately.

Before I can grab another, a waiter passes with a tray, and I pluck a fresh glass without hesitation. We start making our way back to the table, but before we can sit, the man she was eyeing Bash steps beside us. Without a word, he pulls out a chair for her.

Dominic stands and pulls my chair out for me to sit. We both do as expected. Looking between the two handsome men sitting beside us now, we exchange a glance of confusion before laughing. Dominic turns to me. “Why don’t you introduce us to your friend?”

I look at him, wondering what he means by us. “This is Madeline. We went to high school together before I moved.” I turn to Maddie. “Maddie, this is Dominic.” She instantly smiles and reaches out her hand. “It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you.” Dominic shakes her hand before motioning toward the man who pulled her chair out. “It’s nice to meet you. This is Bash my right-hand man.” Her cheeks flush a deep red as Bash rakes his eyes over her. “We’ve met a few times,” Bash says, his voice smooth but edged with something unreadable. “Still, good to see you tonight.”

Maddie shifts slightly, her voice quieter now. “It’s good to see you too.” Before anyone can say more, an older Italian man with short, salt-and-pepper hair approaches our table. His sharp gaze locks onto Maddie before he shifts his attention to Dominic.

“Dominic,” he greets, his voice clipped. Dominic leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Marco. To what do I owe the pleasure?” His tone is laced with something heavy, something unspoken. This doesn’t feel like a friendly introduction.

I glance at Maddie, but she’s staring down at her lap, avoiding eye contact. My gaze flicks between her and the older man Marco. Maddie abruptly stands, pushing back her chair. “I was just about to come find you, Daddy.” She moves around the front of the table, stepping toward him.

Marco’s eyes don’t leave Dominic as he responds. “I’m here to collect my girl. She’s needed elsewhere for the night.” His tone is dry, firm. His hand wraps around Maddie’s arm, and without another word, they walk off. I watch as Dominic’s gaze shifts to Bash. Bash, on the other hand, looks like he’s seconds away from exploding. I have no idea what just unraveled in front of me, but one thing is clear Maddie’s father was pissed. But why? Was it because of me? Because of Dominic and Bash? They didn’t seem like fans of each other, that’s for sure.

I turn to Dominic. “What was that about? Her dad seemed pretty mad.” Dominic looks at me and grins, though there’s no real amusement in it. “Just two businessmen in the same world… with different views.” I narrow my eyes. “What kind of business?” His expression darkens. He shakes his head, silently telling me he isn’t going to answer.

“Nothing you need to worry about, princess.” Annoyed, I let out a sharp breath. “First off, I’m not your princess. Second of all, why do you never answer any questions? EVER?” His smile fades as he leans in, too close for comfort especially with all these people around.

"Watch the attitude, baby, unless you want that pretty little mouth gagged for the rest of the night," he murmurs, his voice low and teasing. Then, he winks. Heat rushes to my face. Embarrassment clamps my throat shut, leaving me speechless. Bash, seated on my other side, smirks before standing. "I'll be back soon," he tells Dominic. Then, just as he turns away, he glances at me with a knowing smile.

"Good luck with the gag," he quips before disappearing into the crowd. I grit my teeth. Asshole. Turning back to Dominic, I lift my chin. "Do you talk to all your women this way?" I ask, deliberately pushing his buttons. If he’s going to humiliate me in front of his friend, I might as well return the favor.

He laughs. Actually laughs. Then, without warning, he grabs the legs of my chair and drags it closer, wedging me between his thighs. I freeze. Shit. One elbow rest lazily on his knee, while his other hand grips my chin, tilting my face up to his.

"I knew just from looking at you that you were going to be a brat," he murmurs. "You'll learn quickly I don’t bluff, darling. And you're testing my patience." His gaze locks onto mine, unwavering. He’s waiting. Daring me to defy him. Instead, I yank my chin free, push up from my seat, and head straight for the bar. I don’t know what to do with this asshole. Playing into his game might have been a mistake. My insides are on fire. The way he looked at me when he held my chin God, it has me burning.

He’s like the sun. Too hot. Too tempting. Look for too long, and you’ll burn your eyes out. I reach the bar, slide onto a stool, and order whiskey on the rocks. The glass barely touches the counter before I down it in one go. This is going to be a wild ride. I haven’t had sex in a while, and he makes it impossible not to imagine what it would be like how he’d feel, how he’d move. How damn good he’d look above me. But just because I might let that happen tonight doesn’t mean I’ll let him talk to me like a child. I’m grown. I don’t need a man telling me to keep my mouth shut. I order another drink. A little liquid courage should do the trick. Another down the hatch.

I turned around to find him gone from our table. Where the hell did, he go? Shit. Did I piss him off? Did he leave me here? The hot liquid stirs inside me as I wave to the bartender for another round. My cheeks burn this is why I don’t usually drink. But tonight, it’s deserved. He brings the glass down and sets it in front of me. I grab it, sipping as I weave through the crowd. He couldn’t have gone far.

Through the beautiful glass doors, I catch a glimpse of the outside. Just as I step through them, a firm hand grabs my arm. My mother. I knew she was coming, so I’m not sure why it surprises me when she actually reaches for me. Maybe I was hoping Dominic was coming to apologize. Yeah, right. Maybe when pigs fly. That man doesn’t seem like the type to apologize.

My mother looks gorgeous as always, as if she was born to fit in. But only because of my father. He was well-loved in this town. She just lives off his legacy. “Care to take a minute to talk?” The way she says it, glancing around like someone’s watching, has me worried. “Everything okay?” I ask. She bows her head and pulls me away from the door. “I don’t want you getting in over your head with this man. He’s a big name here. His reputation isn’t the greatest.” I chuckle. “I can handle myself, Mother. It’s just a date.” She looks me up and down. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. I think you can find someone nicer. Plus, he isn’t one for relationships, darling.” Her words sink in, and I realize what she’s implying I’m not up to his class. That he’ll just use me and move on. A little pang of hurt settles in my chest. She knows some of the hell I’ve been through, yet she still doubts me. Maybe she thinks I’m beneath him too. But I can play the part just as well as she can. Maybe even better.

“Don’t think I live up to the standards here? Is that what this is?” I take another sip of whiskey, the burn seeping into my system, fueling the fire rising inside me. Gwen folds her arms. “You don’t have the best track record. We both know that.”

Bold. Like I don’t already know it. “I don’t need this right now.” I turn to leave, pushing past her, but she grabs my arm. I yank free, my heels clicking against the polished ballroom floor as I storm toward the staircase.

Then, like a punch to the chest, the air is knocked from my lungs. At the bottom of the steps, Dominic stands with a woman a beautiful woman, older, refined. Her hands rest on his shoulders, lingering too long. I watch, frozen, as she leans in, whispering something in his ear. He listens, still as stone. Then she strokes his hair, tilts his chin, and kisses him. I feel sick.

He turns away from her. His gaze locks onto mine. A flash of something dark crosses his face before he pushes her aside and strides toward me. What the fuck is this? Did he bring me here while he had a woman waiting for him? Maybe she’s an old friend. Maybe she’s, his wife. No. No. No.

My mother’s voice echoes in my mind was this why she tried to stop me? Was she right? Again? Damn it, no. Not about this. I turn and walk away, fast. I can hear Dominic closing in behind me, his footsteps deliberate. My heart slams against my ribs as I reach the front of the mansion, where cars are lined up in the long driveway.

Shit. I came with him. How the hell am I getting home now? Anger burns through me. I shouldn’t care. He’s not mine. We barely know each other. But it’s the principle I’m not some side piece he can parade around while kissing someone else. Did he kiss her back? It didn’t look like he did. Damn these heels. It’s always a nightmare trying to storm off in a dress and stilettos. I stop, fists clenched, trying to figure out my next move. Then, a deep voice cuts through the night.

“Running away, Cinderella?” Chills crawl down my spine. Dominic’s breath is warm against my ear as he moves my hair off my shoulder. “Lucky for you, the gala isn’t over. And you don’t have a curfew.” I turn, coming face-to-face with him, my pulse spiking. He’s too close. Too damn calm.

I step in closer, meeting his fire with my own. “I’m sure you think you can do whatever you want. That you’re the king, as you say.” My voice is sharp as a blade. “But I’m not some dumb bitch you can show off while kissing another woman.” I go to slap him. He moves fast. Too fast.

He catches my wrist, his grip steel. Before I can react, he lifts me, throwing me over his shoulder like I weigh nothing. I scream, kicking and pounding my fists against his back. He doesn’t even flinch. “Let me down!” He’s unfazed. “Not happening, princess. I warned you about that mouth. Time to learn I don’t make threats, babe.” He carries me down the driveway, straight toward his car.

Panic surges. “I’m telling you, put me down!” He chuckles darkly. “Or what, baby? What are you gonna do?” The top is still down from when we arrived. Reaching the front of the car, he slides me down his body, slow and deliberate, until my feet touch the ground.

My breath is ragged. His grip stays firm, his fingers tangling in my hair. He inhales deeply, taking in my scent. Then, in a swift motion, he spins me my back flush against his chest, his hand wrapping around my throat. "You’ve been a brat, and now you’re going to take your punishment like a good girl, understand?" His grip tightens around my throat, cutting off just enough air to make my head swim. A moan escapes my lips before I can stop it. My body betrays me. He releases my throat, grabbing my wrist and forcing my hands onto the hood of the car. “Hands on the hood, princess.” His command is sharp, leaving no room for argument. The cold metal shocks my palms, sending shivers up my legs. With a nudge of his foot, he kicks my stance wider.

He yanks my dress up, baring me to the night air. I try to move, but his grip in my hair holds me flush against the car’s surface. “Please… what if someone comes out here?” I whisper, my pulse hammering. "No one’s coming to save you, babe. They’re all inside, enjoying their evening. And you will be too if you behave."

My body is at war with my mind. Every rational thought scream at me to fight this, but the ache between my legs betrays me. "Since you want to be a brat," he murmurs, "and I can’t gag that smart mouth of yours right now… you get the next best thing." His hand trails down my silk panties, teasing, barely touching. My hips push against his fingers on instinct. Then, with one swift motion, he hooks his fingers under the waistband and yanks them down. The fabric pools around my ankles, brushing the tops of my heels.

Here I am bent over a car in a public parking lot, bare to the night, when anyone could walk out at any second. And yet, I’ve never been more turned on in my life. "I’m going to let go of your hair. You stay put. Understood?" "Okay," I whisper, breathless.

A sharp slap lands between my thighs, making me jolt. "You answer with ‘Yes, sir.’ Understood?", "Yes, sir!" I gasp, my cheeks burning. Another smack. I bite down a moan and press my face against the car’s rough exterior. I know he’s standing behind me, watching, waiting.

Then his voice, dark and intoxicating, purrs in my ear. "Look at you, princess. This pussy is soaked just from me looking at it." His fingers tease my swollen heat. "Tell me, baby… is it the pain you like? Or the thrill of someone walking out and seeing you spread open for me?"

As his fingers trail down my ass to my slick opening, he pushes them inside me, and I sink into myself, overwhelmed by the sensation. A moan escapes my lips as I arch my back, offering him a better view. A dark chuckle rumbles from him as he withdraws his fingers and smacks my pussy again, the sharp sting sending a jolt through me.

"Greedy, aren’t you, princess?" His voice drips with amusement. "Time to fix that attitude and that smart mouth of yours." His grip tightens in my hair, yanking my head back as his other hand finds my wet heat again. His fingers thrust into me hard, fast, relentless. He’s rough, unforgiving, driving me closer and closer to the edge. The wet sounds between us are sinful, my body trembling as the pleasure builds.

I can feel it, the peak rushing toward me. My thighs shake, my breaths turning ragged. The warmth spreads, liquid desire coating his fingers. Dominic pulls my head back even higher, his fingers tangled in my hair, forcing me to look up at the stars. He leans in, his breath hot against my cheek.

"Be a good girl for me, baby," he murmurs, his voice laced with dark promise. "Make a mess on my fingers. Show me you're going to be my good little princess and listen." His words set me off like a trigger. My body seizes, the climax crashing over me in waves. I’m floating, consumed by the fire spreading from my fingers to my toes, lost in the night’s silence as my orgasm overtakes me.

Panting, I press against the hood of his car, my body pulsing in the aftermath. As the pleasure ebbs, I straighten, pulling my panties back up over my ass, smoothing my dress down. From the corner of my eye, I catch him sliding his fingers into his mouth, sucking off every last drop of me. His tongue swirls over the tips before he pulls them free with a soft pop.

"You taste just as sweet as I thought you would, princess." Shit. I’m blushing. Heat rushes to my cheeks, and I quickly avert my gaze, hoping he doesn’t notice how flustered I am. That was amazing yet it’s disturbing how much I enjoyed his praise. How much I craved obeying him.

Dominic stands tall in front of me, brushing my hair behind my ear before leaning down, pressing a deceptively sweet kiss to my forehead. "Now, let’s get back to the party. Hopefully, you’ve learned your lesson, Gwen." The sound of my name on his lips sends a shudder down my spine. He takes my hand, leading me inside. My pulse pounds as I slip back into my seat at the table, silent and obedient just as he told me to be.

The night drags on one speech after another, endless donations pouring in. Supposedly, this event is for charity, raising funds for the police department, hospitals, and whatever else the town claims to need. But my mind isn’t on the speeches or the money. I keep scanning the room for the woman who was trying to lock lips with Dominic earlier. I haven’t seen her since, and now it’s finally time to go.

With my arm laced through Dominic’s, we step outside. He waves off lingering guests, exchanging brief goodbyes, his presence commanding even in passing. Speaking of people, I didn’t see again Maddie never came back to me. I pull out my phone, the screen lighting up as I open our last conversation. My fingers hover for a moment before I type.

TEXT: GWEN Never made your way back over. You, okay? Did you leave already? A few seconds later, my phone buzzes.

TEXT: MADDIE I’m fine. Had some things to take care of. See you later!

I frown, staring at the message. Short. Vague. Unlike her. Closing my phone, I glance up to find Dominic watching me, his gaze unreadable. “Everything okay, princess?” His voice is smooth, but there’s something behind it curiosity, maybe. Amusement.

I hesitate, then nod. “Yeah, just checking on my friend.” He lets out a quiet laugh, turning his attention forward. “I’m sure Maddie just got tied up with some things.” Something about the way he says it makes my stomach tighten. Like he knows exactly where she went and why. I should press him. Question it. But I’m tired, and Maddie can handle herself. I’ll talk to her later. As we reach the car, Dominic opens the door for me, ushering me inside before walking around to the driver’s side.