9
M etal scraped against metal as I searched for the right key in the dim orange light. My fingers brushed past the storage room key, Penny’s spare key he always forgets, until—there. The brass shop key caught the glow from the old iron street lamps above. My stomach grumbled, protesting the meager half-scone that had passed as lunch. The sweet, buttery morsel seemed ages ago now, lost in the blur of everything that had transpired today.
“Hope you don’t mind a simple meal,” I said as I lead Dominic upstairs to my apartment. Opening the door, I headed straight for the kitchen.
“Not at all,” he replied, his deep baritone trailing behind me. “What can I do to help?”
I turned from the cupboard, a bit surprised by his offer. The Dominic I’d met in his office at Vertex—all crisp suit and boardroom swagger—didn’t strike me as the type to roll up his sleeves in a cramped kitchen. Since I’d known him, however, his icy demeanor had thawed, revealing glimpses of a warmth I hadn’t expected from a high-powered, executive alpha.
“Could you grab some plates from that cabinet?” I pointed to my left. “And maybe uncork a bottle of wine? There’s a decent Merlot in the rack by the fridge.”
I pulled out a well-worn cast iron skillet, the weight comforting in my hands. Olive oil shimmered as it heated. I tossed in diced onions, their sharp scent filling the air. Garlic followed, sizzling and fragrant.
My knife made quick work of mushrooms and bell peppers. They joined the onions in the pan with a satisfying hiss. I hummed an old tune as I worked, sneaking glances at Dominic. He leaned against the doorframe, tie loosened, a ghost of a smile on his face.
“Smells good,” he said.
I grinned, cracking eggs into the vegetable mixture. “It’s just a frittata. Nothing fancy.”
“Where’d you learn to cook?” Dominic asked as he retrieved two glasses and a corkscrew from the cabinet above the wine rack.
I sprinkled salt and cracked black pepper over the eggs. “Mom used to prop me at the kitchen counter while I struggled through math homework. She’d quiz me on multiplication tables between stirring pots.” The spatula scraped the edge of the pan, folding the eggs just so. “After she passed, Grandpa stepped in. Said a man should know his way around both footwear soles and kitchen souls.”
Dominic deftly pulled the cork from the bottle, shooting me a quizzical look. “Kitchen souls?”
A wisp of steam curled up as I tilted the pan. “His words. He swore every dish had its own personality. This frittata? Pure comfort food—straightforward, no pretense.”
“Like its cook?” Dominic’s mouth quirked up at one corner.
Heat crept across my cheeks, and I busied myself with adjusting the flame. “You haven’t tasted it yet. Could be terrible.”
“I’m positive I’ll enjoy every bite.”
The tips of my ears burned hotter than the stovetop. I cleared my throat. “Grandpa taught me how to cook the basics first—eggs, bacon, simple stuff. This recipe, though… it was my mom’s. One of the few things I remember about her, actually. She’d make it every Sunday.”
Dominic watched me from where he leaned against the counter. “Your parents… how old were you when?—?”
“Seven. One rainy night, one slippery road...” I focused on the eggs, refusing to meet his eyes. “Grandpa said I spent the first month after sleeping in the shop. Said the smell of leather probably reminded me of Dad.”
“I’m sorry,” Dominic said, his steel-gray eyes softening. A gentle note crept into his usual sharp tone.
“That was a long time ago.” I flipped the frittata with practiced ease, watching the golden-brown crust slide onto the ceramic plate. The eggs let out a final sizzle against the hot pan.
“Order up,” I called, a phrase picked up from too many late-night dinners at Maude’s Diner with Penny. “It’s not Le Petit Jardin, but Penny says it’s my signature dish.”
We settled at the small table, forks clinking against plates. The frittata was fluffy, studded with vegetables. I’d toasted some crusty bread to go with it.
“This is delicious,” Dominic said between bites.
“Thanks. So, um, about today...” I hesitated, pushing a piece of pepper around my plate. “What the mayor said about your company. Is that true?”
Dominic’s fork paused halfway to his mouth. He set it down slowly, something vulnerable flickering across his face.
“Why do you really care about this district?” I asked.
Dominic swirled his wine, his expression distant. “My father built himself up from nothing. Taught me that business was everything. Success at any cost.” He met my eyes. “His last words to me were about a merger deal.”
“I’m sorry.” It seemed so… cold.
“It was a long time ago.” I watched Dominic place his glass on the table. “That’s how he operated. All business.”
“And you, Dominic?” I traced the rim of my water glass. “How do you operate? All business?”
The intensity of his gaze made my heart skip. “It’s complicated, Leo.”
“Complicated how?” My appetite vanished. “You said you were here to help.”
“I am,” he insisted. “But there are... other factors at play.”
“Other factors?” My voice rose. “Like what? Tearing down people’s homes and businesses?”
Dominic’s jaw clenched. “You don’t understand the full picture.”
“Then explain it to me!” I stood, my chair scraping against the floor. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve been lying this whole time. Holloway said?—“
“Holloway’s a crook.” Dominic growled, rising to his feet. His eyes focused on me with a dangerous intensity that made my heart race. “And I haven’t lied.”
I stood my ground, fists clenched at my sides. The warmth of our dinner had evaporated, replaced by a chill that crept up my spine. Dominic’s eyes, usually so controlled, flashed with something I couldn’t quite place. Anger? Guilt?
“You haven’t lied?” I spat the words out, my voice dripping with disbelief. “Then what do you call this? Coming here, pretending to care about our community? Helping Rosie, helping Jake, helping me … all while your company plans to destroy everything we care about?”
Dominic’s jaw worked, the muscles in his neck taut. “It’s not that simple, Leo. There are layers to this situation you don’t understand.”
“Then make me understand!” My voice cracked, betraying the hurt beneath my anger. “Because right now, all I see is someone who wormed his way into my life, into my...” I swallowed hard, unable to finish that thought. “I thought we were… friends.”
More than friends, even.
“Was any of it real?” I asked, my voice strained. “Or was I just a means to an end?”
The air between us crackled with tension. I could smell Dominic’s alpha scent growing sharper, more potent. My own pheromones probably reeked of distress and betrayal.
Dominic rounded the table, his hand outstretched. “Leo, please. I can explain… not yet, but?—”
The tips of his fingers grazed my arm. I jerked back, my skin prickling where his fingertips had brushed against it. “No,” I spat, the word tasting bitter on my tongue. “I think you’ve explained plenty.”
Dominic’s jaw clenched, a muscle twitching beneath his skin. His scent sharpened, pine and sandalwood mixing with something darker, more primal. “You’re infuriating,” he growled, his voice dropping to a low rumble that sent a delicious shiver through me.
My traitorous omega nature flared to life, refusing to heed my rational mind. Every cell in my body hummed, yearning to submit to the powerful alpha before me. I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms as I fought against the primal urge to bare my neck and whimper for his touch.
I lifted my chin, refusing to back down even as my pulse thundered in my ears. “You’re impossible,” I shot back, hating how my body betrayed me, leaning towards him even as my mind screamed to push him away.
Our eyes locked, and for a moment, I swore I saw a flicker of something—regret? longing?—in those cool gray depths. And then, as if drawn by some irresistible force, we crashed together. Dominic’s lips claimed mine in a searing kiss, his hands tangling in my hair as he pulled me closer. I gasped, my fingers clutching at his shirt as I melted into the kiss.
It was everything I’d been trying not to want—passionate, all-consuming, and utterly perfect. He tasted of wine and desire, his tongue exploring my mouth with a hunger that left me weak-kneed.
I gasped for air as Dominic and I finally broke apart. My skin prickled, every nerve ending alive. The world around us faded away, leaving only the thundering of my heart and the heat of his skin against mine.
His fingertips traced a path down my back, leaving a trail of electricity in their wake. I shivered, pressing closer, craving more.
“Leo,” he breathed, his voice husky with need.
I answered by claiming his mouth again, pouring all my pent-up longing into the kiss. We stumbled backwards, hands roaming, fumbling with buttons in our haste.
My back hit the edge of the counter and Dominic’s strong hands gripped my waist, lifting me effortlessly onto the smooth surface. He insinuated himself between my legs, his body a wall of heat against mine. I arched against him, needing more contact, more friction, more of everything he could give me.
My shirt joined Dominic’s jacket on the floor, and then I was skin against skin with him. A trail of fire blazed down my neck and across my collarbone as he devoured me with his mouth. I ground myself against him, pressing my erection against his hardening length. The smooth, cool surface of the countertop bit into my back as he urged me forward.
Dominic’s fingers traced the curve of my waist, the contours of my hips, before sliding to the swell of my ass. He squeezed, his touch possessive, making me keen with need. I felt the ridge of his cock press against my thigh and I ground down, wanting to take him inside me. I rocked my hips against him, seeking more stimulation through the layers of fabric between us.
“You feel so good,” he growled, his breath hot against my ear.
I lifted my hips as he tugged my pants down, the fabric sliding over my heated skin. Dominic’s knuckles grazed my inner thigh, leaving trails of electricity in their wake. His hands guided me, positioning me at the edge of the counter as his mouth found the sensitive spot just below my ear. I shivered at the touch of his lips.
“So responsive,” he murmured, his breath tickling my neck. His tongue swirled and teased, leaving a trail of flickering flames in its wake. Dominic’s hands mapped my body, branding me with his touch. I arched into his caress, my skin singing beneath his fingers.
“Dom,” I gasped as his fingertips found my nipple, rolling and tugging, sending sparks of pleasure straight to my cock. It throbbed, full and heavy between my legs. I wanted—needed—more.
Dominic’s eyes darkened with desire as he looked down at me. “Tell me what you want.” His voice was hoarse, his control fraying at the edges.
I couldn’t form the words, so I decided to take action instead. I wrestled with the fastening on his pants until my unsteady hands finally succeeded in popping open the button and dragging down the metal teeth of his fly. I slipped my fingers beneath his waistband, wrapping my hand around his thick length. He hissed at the contact, his hips bucking involuntarily. I guided him to my entrance, positioning the tip of his cock at my hole.
“Fuck, you’re sure?” he growled, his eyes searching mine for confirmation.
I nodded, breathless. I spread my legs, offering myself to him, and he wasted no time in claiming what I’d promised. My breath hitched as Dominic’s fingers worked me open, stretching and preparing me. My hips rocked against his hand, seeking more.
“Please,” I found myself begging. My voice was hoarse with need, my body urging me onward.
His eyes darkened further as his fingers found my prostate, pressing and circling, sending sparks of pleasure through me. “You’re so beautiful like this, open and wanting.”
I bit my lip, my body tightening around his fingers as he stroked and teased me. “Please... I need you, now.” I was shameless, reduced to a quivering mess by his skilled touch.
Dominic’s breath quickened, his control slipping as my words hitched his desire. “Greedy little omega,” he growled, his voice thick with lust. “You’ll have it all, baby. Every inch.”
The tip of his cock teased at my entrance, then with a sharp thrust, he claimed me. I cried out, my body stretching to accommodate him. A sharp ache bloomed deep inside as his thick length stretched me open. But my omega’s body welcomed him, my natural slick easing his way as my inner walls clenched and fluttered around him. Dominic stilled, giving me a moment to adjust to the burn and stretch. Then, slowly, he began to move.
It was intense, overwhelming, and perfect.
Our flesh slapped together, the sound filling the room. Dominic’s cock drove deep into my ass, again and again. I tightened my legs around his waist and eagerly attempted to meet his thrusts.
I struggled to match his rhythm, my inexperience painfully obvious. My hips jerked awkwardly, throwing off our tempo. Dominic’s jaw clenched.
“Move with me.” His voice came out rough, almost guttural.
Sweat beaded on my forehead as I concentrated, desperate to please him. The pressure of his hands on my hips increased, guiding me with firm insistence. I bit my lip, fighting the urge to apologize for my clumsiness.
“Like this?” I gasped, attempting to match his tempo.
I tried, I really did, but my body refused to cooperate. The cold edge of the countertop bit into my thighs each time he thrust, our flesh meeting with uneven, unsatisfying slaps. My elbow knocked against a utensil jar, sending it to the floor with a crash of wooden spoons and silverware.
Dominic’s knee bumped a cabinet door with a hollow thunk. He snarled a curse, his fingers digging into my hips.
“Maybe doing this in the kitchen wasn’t the best idea?” I giggled, the pitch hovering just this side of hysterical. My damp palm slipped against the laminate surface as I scrambled for a better grip. Dominic’s hold on my hips readjusted, his hands sliding against the sweat gathering at the dip of my waist.
“Dammit.” He snarled.
Heat flooded my cheeks. I wanted to please him so badly, but I just couldn’t get it right. Dominic’s eyes flashed, a predatory gleam overtaking the frustration. He gripped me tighter, taking full control.
“Fine. I’ll do all the work.” His voice dropped to that dangerous purr that made my pulse skitter. He repositioned me on the countertop, nudging my knees wider as he hauled me closer.
His next thrust punched the air from my lungs. My squeal bounced off the tile walls, mingling with the rhythmic clatter of ceramic jars trembling on open shelves. Heat exploded behind my eyelids when he angled upward, striking that secret place that turned my muscles to liquid strobe light.
“Not—” I gasped as his tempo quickened. “Not fair… you’re—ah!—way more experienced than me.”
Dominic’s ragged laugh ghosted across my nape. Callused palms mapped my shuddering torso as his thrusts became harder, deeper. The new intensity stole my breath. My body trembled, overwhelmed by the onslaught of sensation. Dominic’s aggression awakened something primal in me. Despite his ferocity, or perhaps because of it, pleasure coiled tighter in my core.
I cried out on a particularly hard thrust, my hands scrabbling for purchase on the smooth surface behind me. I felt Dominic freeze, his body tense against mine. His sudden stillness made me wonder if he feared he’d caused me pain. I tightened my legs around his waist, urging him deeper.
“Please,” I whined. “Don’t stop.”
“Fuck, you’re so tight,” he groaned, his voice rough with restraint. His breath was hot against my skin. “Follow my lead, okay?”
I agreed with a quick jerk of my head, panting heavily as he resumed thrusting. We finally fell into sync. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh filled the room. I met his thrusts, rising to meet his body as he drove into me, again and again. The pleasure coiled within me, tighter and tighter, a spring ready to release.
“That’s it, omega,” he groaned. “Tighten around me. Take all of me.”
I felt Dominic’s control slipping, his thrusts becoming wilder, more desperate. His fingers dug into my hips, leaving marks I knew I’d wear much later. Sweat beaded on his forehead, a single drop sliding down the sharp angle of his jaw as he fought to hold back.
“Come for me, baby,” he panted. “Come for your alpha.”
His words pushed me over the edge. I shattered into a million pieces, my release pulsing around him. Dominic followed, his body tensing as he found his own peak. He buried his face in my neck, his breath hot against my skin as he rode out the waves of pleasure.
We stayed joined for endless moments, our hearts pounding in unison. Slowly, we untangled, our limbs heavy and sated. Dominic’s hands gripped the counter on either side of me, his chest heaving.
His lips curved into a satisfied smile. My gaze fixed on his sharp, prominent canines—a trademark of his alpha nature. “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I first saw you in your shop.”
His words hit me like a bucket of ice water. The lies. The secrets. Reality came crashing back.
“Oh god.” I shoved him away as I scrambled down from the countertop. “What have I done?”
I stumbled, my legs still shaky from our encounter.
“Steady now.” Dominic’s hands shot out, gripping my arms to keep me upright. The touch of his skin ignited a fresh wave of desire in my belly, followed immediately by guilt and shame. I shoved him away, desperate to put distance between us.
My hands trembled as I frantically searched for my pants. Dominic, in stark contrast, languidly pulled on his trousers, his movements slow and deliberate. He dangled my pants from his fingertips, a hint of amusement dancing in his silver eyes as he held them out to me.
I snatched them from his grasp, fumbling to step into them as my hands and legs quivered. Meanwhile, Dominic remained motionless, watching me. My gaze darted to his exposed bare chest. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his sculpted torso, glistening with perspiration. His trousers—still unbuttoned—sat dangerously low on his hips, barely clinging to his waist. He looked like sin personified.
I tore my gaze away, shame burning through me. How could I have been so foolish? So weak?
“Baby, listen?—”
“Don’t.” I held up a hand, refusing to look at him. “Just... don’t.”
The air between us crackled with tension. I’d never felt more exposed, more vulnerable. And it wasn’t just because I was naked and raw from my first intimate encounter with an alpha—or anyone, for that matter.
“I... we shouldn’t have...” I stammered, as I fumbled to pull my jeans up, my fingers clumsy and uncooperative.
I watched as Dominic’s fingers raked through his dark locks, his face betraying his exasperation. “Leo, I?—”
But whatever he was about to say was cut off by the sound of shattering glass. We both whirled towards the direction the noise had come. I yanked my t-shirt over my head while stumbling down the stairs toward my shop and raced toward the storefront with Dominic following close behind. I circled my worktable, finding the floor covered with glittering shards of glass.
“Watch out!” A strong arm suddenly wrapped around my waist and bodily lifted me off my feet.
Dominic pulled me back from the shimmering mess before my bare feet could come in contact with it, but not before I spotted what had come through my shop’s window.
A brick.
And, tied to the brick with a frayed piece of twine, was a note scrawled in jagged, angry red letters:
YOU’LL PAY. COBBLERS’ CORNER IS NEXT!