CHAPTER 14

I open my eyes and see Dom's arms around me. I blink a few times, trying to get my eyes to adjust to the brightness. I didn't see when he came here, he probably stayed with Maurice and the boys until the early hours, since he didn't have any fun with his friends yesterday and I hope he enjoys it with them today. I move slowly on the bed, getting out of his embrace and sliding off without waking him.

Looking out of the large window, I realize it's already light out and decide to go to the pool to enjoy the sun. I go to my suitcase, grab my navy blue bikini and a white cover-up. I brush my teeth, apply sunscreen and foundation to the fresh marks, feeling relieved that they're here again. I apply a little make-up, put my hair up in a high ponytail and put on the sunglasses I left on the modern dresser.

I leave the room quietly, walk down the stairs, cross the house and go outside. I take off my cover-up and throw it on the sun lounger, along with my sunglasses, and dive into the pool. The cool water is a relief, and, as I swim from one side to the other, I feel tranquility come over me. I lay my head on the edge of the pool, close my eyes, and tap my feet lightly against the water, enjoying the quiet of the morning. Soon I feel my mouth kissed. I open my eyes and see Dominique upside down, watching me.

“Shall we have coffee, dolly?”, he asks.

“It really depends on the menu. If it's those low carb recipes, I'll have breakfast with Blanca and you'll come along to try them out”, I reply.

“I hear there's croissant today”, he shrugs.

I turn around, holding onto the edge of the pool with my hands.

“Really?”

I make a move to get out of the water, but before I can, Dom grabs me and, without warning, throws me back into the pool with force. My body crashes into the water and a wave of delicious adrenaline washes over me. I feel the impact sink me into the pool, the cold of the water enveloping me, but the pleasure of the surprise makes me smile underwater. I swim back to the surface, wiping my hand across my face and staring at him, my eyes shining with amusement.

“Do it again!”, I say, rushing over to him.

Dom thinks it's funny, beckoning me with a wave of his hand. I get out of the water, and he repeats the motion, throwing me even harder. This time, I shout into the air, euphoric, and the fall into the water is even more intense. The impact makes me laugh out loud, and the sensation of adrenaline mixed with water is addictive. I swim back, eager for more, laughing.

— This croissant is delicious! The best I've ever had.

I say, sitting at the large table outside, surrounded by a hearty and irresistible breakfast. I can't even imagine Maurice's face when he sees this, he's going to have a calorie attack. There's so much cheese, jam, éclairs, macaroons... Even mousse, Dom has provided!

“I'm looking forward to lunch, what's on?”

Dom places me on his lap and I settle down facing him, wrapping my legs around his waist. One of his hands holds my ass and the other rests on the back of my neck.

“Are you already thinking about lunch?”, he asks.

“And you don't?” I tease.

He shakes his head, negatively, without taking off his sunglasses, which prevents me from seeing his eyes.

“Whatever you want. Mathilde is here cooking, just ask.”

I smile with satisfaction. Our weekend is saved! The second-best news of the day, the first being the croissant for breakfast. But suddenly, a thought comes to me and makes me think.

“What's wrong?”, Dom asks, holding my chin gently.

I lift my sunglasses.

“If I ate canned food, it's because I didn't trust anyone, right? When I remember everything and must leave, I'll have to face it alone... I need to start preparing myself. But I don't know if I can, I'm procrastinating too much…”

“Yes, you can. You just need to take it easy. Until then, I'll do it for as long as it takes, and you won't leave”, I answer.

I feel my heart squeezing, as if it's going to explode. It's unbearable to fight this feeling. I don't know what I'll be able to do if I stop controlling myself, even for a second. Dom takes a grape, tries it and puts the other half in my mouth. I chew, while he wipes the corner of my lips with the back of his finger. I rub my nose against his, wrap my arms around him and he squeezes me even tighter.

“I knew it! I told you! You called me crazy, you fuck!” 

Maurice's loud voice echoes through the outdoor area, making me jump lightly onto Dom's lap. I look over and see him standing there in a robe with a cup of coffee in his hands. Dominique squeezes me tighter against him.

“This is absurd! I've told you before: You don't lie to priests, doctors and lawyers! What's next?”, Maurice shouts, furious.

I take a deep breath as Dom snorts, clearly annoyed.

“Fuck, Maurice, it's eight in the morning!”, Dom replies, impatient.

“Fuck! There's a child in the house, how am I going to explain this?”, Maurice retorts, pointing at both of us.

“That we're having breakfast? She understands more than you do”, I say, dismissively.

“Shut up! I'm sure you're up to something. You're just making a longer plan, creating space. But I think you'd better respect the autonomy of this "animal", understand?”, Maurice replies sarcastically, pointing at Dominique.

“Fuck you, Maurice!”, Dom replies, impatiently, “It's just breakfast!”

“What kind of breakfast is that, Dominique? Only if it's Greek, because the kiss is almost here!”, Maurice shoots back, indignant.

“Nothing to it!”, I say, exalted.

Maurice turns and stomps off, clearly displeased. I sigh with relief, but joke:

“It's a good thing he didn't see us yesterday, isn't it? Can you imagine what he'd say about me?”

Dom laughed, kissing my neck.

I'm still sipping my coffee, when I see Maurice returning with a serious and determined look on his face. He throws some papers on the table, next to a stamping machine.

“I have a contractual and legal obligation to guarantee certain rights”, he declares, firmly.

Dom runs a hand through his hair, impatient.

“You don't need any of that”, he grumbles.

“You don't fucking have to! I'd be committing a crime if I let that go. It's in MY contract as your lawyer and that of your casino!”, Maurice says, visibly exalted.

“Another contract, what a treat[1]”, I say, getting up from Dom's lap and sitting down in the chair next to him, exhausted.

Dom exchanges a brief glance with me.

“You don't have to sign it.”

Maurice places the papers in front of me with determination.

“You'll read it, but in a nutshell... Clause 1: You will not be entitled to anything at all. If you get married and then divorce, only a small part of the assets will be awarded, and only if the marriage lasts more than five years. Otherwise, you'll be treated like the opportunist you are. Clause 3.5: You will not have the right to expose any aspect of your life in public. Clause 8.7: In the event of an ‘accidental pregnancy’”, he makes quotation marks with his hands, “Intention to take advantage is presumed. He will keep the child, provide for it, and you will go back to your insignificant little life, whatever that may be, without any access to the child.”

Maurice states all this with a cutting coldness, but he doesn't disguise his displeasure.

“Who ordered this fucking contract? What a stupid idea!”, Dominique says angrily.

“Your ‘self’ from years ago, who was more intelligent than the one he is now, about to turn 35”, Maurice replies, without hesitation.

Dominique gets up from his chair and glares at him.

“It's not like that, dammit. Let's talk about it.”

“We won’t, Dominique. Either she signs, or there's no other option. You may want to protect Kiara, but the best way to do that is to protect your own interests.”

“I'm not going to let Kiki sign that shit, understand?”, Dominique retorts, his voice tense, “Son of a bitch!”

I go through several clauses while they argue. One more shocking and disturbing than the other. But if I don't sign, I'll admit to everything Maurice says about me. I don't want to ruin Dominique's birthday weekend. I don't want Maurice to have a triple attack. And I don't ever want to get pregnant. I'm safe, very safe with my contraceptive. I have no idea how long this will last, or what will happen to us. Tomorrow is so uncertain...

“That's so ridiculous!”

I grumble, placing the paper on the table. I dip my finger into the stamp sponge, pressing all my fingers into it, while they continue their argument. I get up from my chair and walk over to Maurice, interrupting the two of them. He looks at me with a satisfied smile.

“What have you done, Kiara? You shouldn't have fucking signed it!”, Dominique explodes, disgusted.

I look at him without hesitation.

“But I signed, anyway. It's the best thing to do.”

Dominique snorts in frustration and walks off.

Blanca woke up and joined me in the pool. My thoughts are all chaotic. It was supposed to be a quiet weekend, wasn't it? And it's been complicated... Dominique got in the car and left without saying a word. I don't understand why he was bothered like that, it was the only way to shut Maurice up. There wasn't much that could be done. But we'll talk when he gets back. I wonder what bothered him so much in this situation... was it me signing quickly and without hesitation? I don't want any money... why?

“Kiki, what are you thinking? I can see the smoke coming from here”, Blanca says, lowering her glasses.

“Maurice started early this morning, he ruined my breakfast. He saw me on Dom's lap”, I whisper to her.

“Shut up! You swear?”, Blanca shouts, making the living area around us fall silent, Maurice, Louis, Pierre and Thierry look in our direction.

“Is everything all right in there?”, Pierre asks.

“Nothing, she's just found out she's going hiking, and so are you”, I reply, holding back my laughter.

I hear a chorus of angry men cursing as they eat breakfast.

“Who came up with this fucking idea?”, Louis asks.

“Who do you think?”, Maurice replies.

I stop paying attention to their conversation, and Blanca looks at me with an expression of despair.

“Kiki, I wasn't born to go to the jungle! I'm not going!”

“It will do you a lot of good to have contact with nature.”

“The only thing I want from nature is silk and diamonds. I don't even have the clothes for that.”

“I'll lend you some, don't worry.”

Through the automatic doors, Simon passes with a woman clutching his arm. She has flawless skin, light and glowing. Her black hair is straight down her back. Her face is defined, delicate and her almond-shaped eyes are slightly drawn, accentuated by eyeliner. The way she looks at everyone is curious and attentive. She is dressed in an elegant yellow dress, short and very sophisticated. Her legs are slender, her feet a pair of white high heels and her posture graceful. A white scarf is tied casually around her neck, while a pair of dark glasses rests on top of her head.

“Pretty, huh?”, Blanca comments.

Under my sunglasses, watching her carefully.

“Very beautiful.”

“ Hey, family, I want to introduce you to Angelina. We're getting married”, Simon announces, casually.

Cutlery falls on the table. Blanca looks at me in confusion.

“Maurice is going to have a heart attack today”, I whisper.

“Why?”, Blanca asks, in surprise.

“Holy shit! What kind of bullshit is this? They really want to ruin the weekend. I don't get a fucking day's peace!”, Maurice explodes.

Simon raises his sunglasses, confused.

“What's this? Stop being a prick, is that how you get an angel like that?”, he points at his girlfriend.

“This is more like hell. It's not possible that there are so many stupid people sharing the same neuron in this group!”, Maurice shouts, furious, cutting his way near the pool, “You can go into the office, both of you.”

 Angelina is paralyzed, looking terrified at Maurice.

“I just wanted three days of peace and what did you give me? Work, work and more work. One day you fill my ass with booze, and the next day, instead of coffee, I drink disgust!”

“Dude, there's no need for that. I've had her for three years.”

“What?”, I hear in unison from the table.

Maurice shoots a deadly look at Simon.

“Imbecile. That's what you are.”

“Don't talk to him like that! It's rude, it's terrible. If I'm not welcome, I'll leave”, retorts the girl, indignant.

“You're not leaving until we've sorted out the paperwork. To the office, now!”

“But…”

“NOW!”, Maurice stresses, pointing inside.

Simon pulls her away and the woman enters, annoyed.

A few minutes later, Blanca and I went in to get some water and found Simon's girl coming out of Maurice's office, distraught. Her tears are flowing uncontrollably, her sobs are deep and her makeup is smeared.

“Poor thing…”, Blanca says, emotional, “Another one he's made cry.”

“Who else did he make cry?”, I ask as Blanca pats the air and addresses the girl and I also approach, not knowing quite what to say.

“Come with me, love, I'll give you some water. There's just no sugar in this house.”

“Don't worry, I'll go away”, she replies.

“Of course you're not leaving. We haven't even been on the trail yet!”, I try to comfort her, but it only makes her cry more.

We took her to the kitchen.

“He called me a cheap whore, said I was a scammer, a pothead with no future, and that I leaned on my father. Simon even tried to say that we're together because we love each other, but he got angry. He said that love only lasts on a contract, otherwise not. Who puts love in a contract? Everyone knows that a marriage ends when you sign a piece of paper. He was so cruel, so rude... I have feelings!”

“Ah, darling, Maurice doesn't care if a heart beats in his chest when he speaks”, Blanca says.

“I hate him! Simon said that his friends were amazing and would treat me great. My dad died last week, do you know what Maurice said?”

“What?”, Blanca asks.

“‘Everyone goes one day, he just went first’.”

We go into the kitchen and Blanca grabs three bottles of water, opening one of them with a quick movement.

“My God…”, Blanca runs her hand through her hair, nervously straightening it.

“Maurice doesn't know how to talk to people. Don't worry, it's not personal.”

I try to comfort her by putting my hand on her shoulder. I sit on the high stool, absorbing this new perception of Maurice. It's not just me, it's everyone. It gives me a certain relief. He's just extremely cautious. If he acts like this, it's because he has a reason.

“Kiara”, I hear Dom's voice and turn around to find him standing in the kitchen doorway, his gaze fixed and serious, “I want to talk to you.”

“I'll be right there”, I answer, trying to stay calm.

“Now!”, he cuts in, his voice harsh.

I take a deep breath. Simon's girl, still visibly shaken, turns to him.

“Is that Dominique?”, she asks, unsure.

Dom, who had not noticed her presence until then, casts a cold, suspicious glance at her. She hesitantly reaches out to shake his hand.

“Who are you?”, he asks, his gray eyes appraising her with veiled contempt.

“Angelina Xeng Marquet”, she replies, trying to keep her composure.

Dominique twitches his lips in a half-smile, without any sympathy.

“I've never heard of it”, he says, dryly.

Before he traumatized the girl any further, because Dominique is as good at this as Maurice, I rushed to intervene.

“She's Simon's girlfriend. He brought her to meet you today.”

Dom continues to stare at her, as if he's evaluating something that doesn't make sense to him. Angelina lowers her hand in embarrassment, and I don't know where to put my face. He nods briefly in an almost automatic gesture and then faces me.

“I'll wait for you upstairs”, he says before leaving, his firm, determined footsteps echoing down the corridor.

I sigh, turning to Angelina and trying to smile.

“In his defense…”, I try to find the right words, “He hasn't had an easy day. It's nothing against you or your relationship. He just wants everyone to fuck off. But I guarantee that, after the trail, he'll be someone else.”

“What a defense, huh, Kiki?”, Blanca comments, tapping her nails against the bench, the sound echoing dryly and rhythmically.

“But she's not wrong to defend him. That's what we do in a relationship.”

I widen my eyes, feeling the nervousness rise through my body, making my breath heavy and my face hot.

“It's nothing like that! We have nothing!”

“Really?”, Blanca looks at me with an amused expression, clearly holding back a laugh.

“Yes”, I firmly confirm.

Blanca bites her lip, trying to disguise her laughter, and I can't stay here any longer. I rush out of the kitchen, not wanting to hear any more of this kind of talk. I hurry up the stairs, my heart racing, towards Dom's room, which is opposite mine. My hands are still shaking when I reach the door. I open it with a decisive movement, taking a deep breath before entering.

“Dom!”, I say as I enter the room, locking the door, “Why did you call me?”

The room is empty. I look out onto the balcony and see no one.

“Why did you sign that contract when I told you not to?”

I hear his voice coming from the closet. He opens the door and comes out, buttoning his black pants.

“I just didn't want to prolong the matter. No clause in that contract really affects me. If Maurice wants that to shut me up and stop insinuating that I'm a scammer, fine. He did something similar to Angelina and she didn't even have time to defend herself. He just showed me that I was right to sign. As if I wanted your money or to get pregnant. Did you get angry about that?”, I cross my arms.

Dominique approaches, and his perfume is delicious and intoxicating, making my heart race.

“I just want to know how far you can go without knowing where you're stepping”, he slides his index finger from my forehead to the tip of my nose, his eyes fixed on mine, filled with an impenetrable intensity that makes me hold my breath.

Before I can respond, he grabs me around the waist and pulls me to him. Our mouths meet urgently, without hesitation. The kiss is deep, hungry. He bites my lower lip lightly and I let a moan escape my throat, mixed with the heat that overwhelms me. My hands slide into his hair, pulling him closer, while his tongue invades my mouth with a possessiveness that takes my breath away. Dominique pushes me against the wall and the impact only intensifies our desire. His hands tighten around my waist and I feel his heat burning against my skin. The kiss becomes even fiercer, our tongues fighting an endless battle and I let myself go, completely surrendered to the moment.

“What do you mean by that?”

I ask, looking into his eyes and breaking off the kiss. I lose my breath in his mouth as his big hands sink into my ass, squeezing hard, making me sigh. I run my hand over his bare chest, feeling his warm, soft skin, scratching his torso as he kisses me harder. I feel my back slam against the wood of the door with all my might. Dominique unbuttons his pants, pulling down his bow tie and undoing the knot at the bottom of his bikini. I feel his cock penetrate me hard. I moan into his mouth and he brushes his nose against mine.

“You'll have to keep quiet. There are too many people walking around this house. If you shout, I'll beat you up.”

“Was it supposed to make me back down?”, I tease.

“Kiki…”, his tone is threatening.

“I can't guarantee anything”, I say breathlessly, sinking down onto his cock, eliciting a gasp from him between animalistic thrusts.

“Dad, why do I have to go hiking? I'm tired, I want to sleep”, Jolie's voice echoes from the corridor.

“You want to complain, complain to Dominique”, Maurice replies, angrily.

“And where is he?”, Jolie asks.

“In hell, I believe.”

I ignore the noise outside. I can only pay attention to Dom and how his thrusts drive me crazy. My body reacts to every touch. The danger of anyone hearing makes us even hornier. I feel my sex getting wet, and I grab his shoulders, kissing his neck, nibbling as my insides expand. He slaps my ass, making me jump and move my hips. I hug him tighter, feeling his thrusts become more and more accurate. His hand pulls hard on my hair, making me want to scream and slam my back against the door.

“Thank you for calming me down. I'm feeling much better. Where's Kiara?”, Angelina asks.

Dom thrusts so hard that I almost come. I lose control, letting out an uncontrollable cry of satisfaction. He covers my mouth with his hand and thrusts in hard, looking at me reproachfully.

“Did you hear that?”, Angelina asks.

“Someone shouted.”

“It must have been Maurice's daughter. That one makes anyone deaf — Blanca replies.

"Thank you, friend!", that's what I think.

“I'm going to get ready. See you on the trail. Put on something more comfortable.”

“You motherfucker”, Dominique says, holding me tight, whispering hoarsely in my ear.

My belly contracts, and my breath becomes heavy. My whole body trembles, sweaty and slick. I follow his thrust until I feel my stomach freeze. He rips off the top of my bikini, pulling it off in one go, squeezing my breast with his free hand, playing with the tip of my nipple. He runs his tongue down the side of my face, and I twitch, cumming uncontrollably. It feels like everything is going to collapse. The pressure is so great that I bite my lower lip hard, tasting the metallic taste of blood as I hold back a scream of pleasure. My body writhes, and I throw myself over his shoulder, feeling him come too, his cock pulsing inside me. The growl that comes from his mouth is contained, and he bites down hard on my collarbone, making me hold back another cry, rolling my eyes in pain. My legs wobble and I try to pull myself together.

“Don't put me down…”, I whisper.

Dom rests his head on my shoulder, recovering, panting. Our gazes meet and his mouth sucks my lower lip slowly, feeling his tongue lick the blood from my mouth.

“You've hurt yourself, dolly…”

“It was for a good reason”, I whisper.

He pulls out of me, and I realize how sore and ecstatic I am. Dom carefully places me on the floor, holding my chin.

“I'll get your bag. Stay here”, he says, zipping up his pants.

I nod in agreement, walk over to the bed and throw myself on it. I don't remember what my life was like, but it wasn't any better than this. Impossible. I didn't have Dom, so it wasn't good.

The trail starts in the village, with a stone path that winds between the olive trees. The scent of wild thyme and rosemary mingles with the fresh air. As we climb, the gentle sound of the stream hides in the foliage, creating a natural and pleasant melody. The path, flat and long, is demarcated by a field of lavender. At every turn, the landscape changes, revealing rocks and small villages in the distance. However, I can't help but cross my arms in dissatisfaction. There's nothing radical here, nothing to get my adrenaline pumping. It's boring. I look at Dom, who is leading the way, guiding everyone in his black pants and T-shirt, carrying a rucksack on one strap.

“I'm disappointed. I expected more from you, Dominique”, I say in a grumpy tone, “Where's the gorge to throw yourself into? A bridge to cross that sways in the wind and we must hold on to? Where's a ravine to fall into? A mountain to climb or some rocks? It's super quiet here.”

“Quiet?!”, Thierry shouts, exasperated, “Everyone's getting sick back here, you fucker.”

“If you're out of shape, it's not my problem.”

The boys let out a grumble in response.

“We go to the gym every day!”, Louis protests, “Come push a cardio like that after you drank all yesterday.”

“Dom's birthday is always a surprise, you never know where you're going to end up. I'm amazed by this one”, Pierre comments.

“Will someone carry me?”, Jolie asks, gasping, “Dad…”

“Pretend I'm not here, just carry on”, an irritated Maurice replies.

“Remember in the 30s, when we arrived in costume at Eva's party and took the spotlight away from her? I've never seen so many women throwing money at me and Eva saying we'd ruined her birthday”, Thierry reminisces, nostalgically.

“Good times”, says Simon.

“This year, I don't know what came over Dom, he didn't even want to celebrate. It must be a mid-life crisis”, Pierre reflected, “‘I'm getting a bit paranoid too, feeling old, needing to have someone waiting for me at home when I get home. A steady cuddle, perhaps? Someone to call my own’.”

All the boys stop walking, giving Pierre a judgmental look.

“Don't do that, man. Next thing you know, you'll be sharing your food, your bed, your weed, your clothes. You no longer have privacy in the bathroom, you have to give satisfaction. Understand that she's just her, one week of the month, the rest is hormones taking over. But it was my fault, I wanted it”, says Simon.

Angelina casts a confused glance at Simon, blinking a few times.

“Am I supposed to take it as a compliment or an insult?”, she asks.

“To feel loved, love. Because these days, I can't imagine doing anything else.”

I part my lips in shock, uncomfortable at hearing that. It's too cheesy for one track.

“I'm turning 35 in the middle of the walk if you carry on with this shit”, says Dominique, impatiently.

“Right?”, Maurice then spoke, hurrying up the steps

I look back and see Blanca running and stop to wait for her. She's disheveled, tripping over herself, her cheeks red and her mouth covered in chocolate.

“What were you doing?”, I ask.

“Eating the chocolate Vlad brought me”, she says, with a twinkle in her eye.

— Blan, you don't have to hide to eat sweets.

— Yes, I do. Maurice took my chocolate yesterday and threw it in the garbage can, saying I couldn't eat chocolate in front of his daughter.

I roll my eyes.

“What's all the fuss about? The girl will end up doing it in hiding, which is worse.”

Blanca and I walked away, the conversation was too boring. Simon and Angelina talk about their incredible relationship and how they want to get married and have children. The look on Pierre's face is one of pure resignation, which is what he was complaining about earlier. Five minutes later, the walk continues, arduous, narrow and steep. The path begins to get earthy, making it difficult to climb. I hear Jolie's cry of exhaustion from further ahead.

“I can't take it anymore! This isn't for me!”, Blanca puts her hand to her hair, “It's humiliating here”, she mutters, “I'm sweaty, full of dirt…”, she complains, trying to wipe the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.

I look at the hill we still have to face, and, under the blazing sun, I narrow my eyes, feeling a drop of rain on my forehead and another on my nose. The drops begin to fall weakly on us.

“That's all it took. What's going on in my life?”, she screams.

“It's weak, Blan, it won't get any worse”, I answer.

The next few minutes consist of Blanca complaining about nature, the rain and Jolie shouting even more, and I need to cheer my friend up, because she won't make it to the top. I don't know what's going on and why she's in such a bad mood and I've come to the conclusion that a joke would be great to make her laugh or at least encourage her to get there.

“I need water, I've run out! Give me some of yours”, she says, angrily, panting.

“My bottle is with Dom”, I start my joke, because we've decided not to take two backpacks, since it's not much, “I can't carry weight. You know how it is, right?”, I say, putting my hand on my belly and stroking it, “You're going to be an auntie.”

Blanca's eyes widen.

“They're twins.”

Blanca loses her step backwards, grabbing my shirt and pulling me along with her. I try to steady my feet to keep my balance, but the slippery mud gives way and makes me lose control. We fall heavily face down on the ground and before I can react, we're sliding down the steep path. We descend at speed, without any control, the mud carrying us like a mad slide. My body rolls over Blanca, scraping against branches and stones that seem to spring up on all sides. With each impact, a new scratch, a new tear in the skin, while the damp earth spreads out, sticking to our clothes. I manage to grab a log with both hands, stretching out my body to hold on to Blanca, who slides down right behind me.

“Ahhhhhh!”, Blanca shouts.

The impact of the stop is strong and for a second I see everything spin. Blanca collides with me and I let out a groan as her weight almost makes me lose my grip. I take a deep breath, feeling the taste of mud in my mouth and the sting of scratches.

“That was so much fun!”, I say, throwing my head back, laughing as I look at Blanca's state, who is also laughing, but hers looks more like despair

“We could have died! My God, the Le Blanc babies!”, she says, nervously.

“There's no baby, I just thought you were too down”, I say, laughing so hard that my stomach hurts.

“And now we're a lot lower, aren't we? You're going to carry me on your back, you idiot! Stop laughing and help me, I can't get my feet on the ground.”

As I try to get up to help her, I feel a sharp pain in my back.

“I think it's bad here”, I say, pulling up my shirt to see the damage, and then realize that I'm all skinned and covered in dirt.

“Kiki!”, I hear Dom's voice and I get up at once, ignoring all the pain, “Get up, Blanca! He's going to end the tour. I won't even get the trail. Get up!”

I frown, feeling the intense pain, but I don't show it. I go over to Blanca and slip my arm under hers, holding her back to lift her up. I see her look of pain and pinch her.

“Laugh! Laugh! Laugh!”, I insist.

Blanca lets out a desperate laugh and I follow her.

“What the fuck happened here?”, Dominique asks, approaching.

I turn to him, avoiding any sudden movements.

“Nothing. The rain got us a bit wet and we slipped, but it's all right now, right?”, I say, looking at Blanca.

“Of course!”, Blanca fixes her hair, trying to disguise it.

Dominique looks us up and down and I swallow. The rest of my freedom depends on me. He comes closer and lifts my shirt, observing the damage.

“No matter how many doorknob faces you make, we'll head back.”

I close my eyes quickly, annoyed. Maurice comes down the path too, stares at Blanca and then looks at me, letting out a low curse word. Without saying anything, he walks over to Blanca, bends down and tells her to get on his back.

“Hurry up, blonde!”

“I don't need your help.”

“Fuck it. Either you climb or you slide. You choose.”

Blanca doesn't answer but turns up her nose in annoyance and climbs onto Maurice. Dominique, on the other hand, takes me by the thighs with ease, and I don't let out a single gasp of pain. I just lean my head on his shoulder, wrapping my arms around his neck, feeling uncomfortable even with this movement. I notice Jolie in Pierre's arms, Louis, Simon and Angelina coming up behind us, climbing down cautiously.

“Dom, please, let's go back…”, I grumble.

“No.”

“But it's just a crumble!”

“It was only a minute that I took my eye off you, Kiara, damn it. What was the point of staying by my side?”

His tone is harsh, but he speaks softly.

“Stop treating me like I'm a child, anyone can slip.”

“From his condition, it was much more than a slip. You'll see a doctor as soon as we arrive.”

“Jeez!”, I say, annoyed, “What an exaggeration, I'm fine.”

When we returned to Maurice's house, the doctor was already waiting for us. While Blanca was being tend to, I took a shower. After being examined and medicated, my body is full of scratches, my back aches with a bandage, and my right side is skinned. Dom tried the medicine I took. Blanca, for her part, is covered in scratches, and her ankle is bandaged. We're lying in my room, one up and the other down. Night has fallen and I still can't believe I came home without completing the trail. The bedroom door opens and Dominique walks in with that gray, snobbish look on her face.

“Are you all right?”, he asks.

“It would have been better if I'd gotten to the top and taken panoramic photos of the whole landscape…”, I reply in a sharp tone.

“Maybe next time”, he says seriously, “Oh, that's right... there won't be a next time.”

 I grit my teeth and point at the door.

“Get out.”

He raises his hands in surrender and closes the door. I cross my arms, sulking again.

“I want to have fun, Blanca”, I whisper.

“And me a glass of champagne…”, she sighs, “Didi just said she's in Nice and is going out clubbing with the girls…”

We exchanged suggestive glances.

“We meet in five minutes downstairs”, I get out of bed, feeling crunchy from all the crunching.

Blanca leaves with a limp, in a hurry, and I tear off my sweater and head for my suitcase. I pick up the first dress I see: white, with sparkly pebbles, thin straps, very low-cut, shaping the bust and waist, short to the middle of the thighs. I do a quick make-up job, focusing on my eyes, outlining them and applying a good coat of mascara. I finish with red lipstick, spritz on perfume and put on white heeled sandals. I just take my cell phone and leave the room. I meet Blanca in the hallway, wearing a tight red strapless dress and pumps of the same color, her impeccable make-up highlighting her green eyes.

“Ready!”, I say.

“Ready!”, she replies.

We go downstairs, me in a hurry, Blanca at her own pace. Dom sees me in the living room. He's calmly smoking a cigar, cards in hand, just like the others. They seem to be in the middle of a game of Black Jack. His gaze is locked on mine, as if he can't believe his eyes.

“Where do you think you're going?”, I question, seriously.

“The girls are waiting for us.”

“Fuck, you fell off the hill today!”, Pierre intrudes.

“That's in the past”, I say, “I'm fine. Love to you, see you tomorrow.”

I hook my arm in Blanca's and we head out of the house, where we find Vlad climbing the steps.

“What do you need?”, he asks.

“Chocolate, give me a lift to Nice”, Blanca says, elated.

He stares at us, adjusting his tie.

“I can't get you out of here without consulting Mr. Le Blanc.”

“He agrees! He was even smoking a cigar and continued”, I insisted, pointing inside.

Vlad raises an eyebrow. The door opens behind us and Dominique stares at us, still holding her cigar.

“Everyone’s going clubbing, Vlad.”

“In Nice?”, the security guard asks.

Dominique looks at me with disgust, clearly hating the idea.

“In Nice, Vlad.”

Maurice, Pierre, Thierry, Louis, Simon and Angelina appear behind us.

“It was Ingrid who called us”, I shrug.

“It had to be this unbalanced woman”, Dominique walks past me, heading towards the car.

It didn't take us long to get to Nice. The nightclub is in the most exclusive part of the city. Its façade is modern, with mirrored glass and eye-catching neon lights in shades of blue and turquoise that flash rhythmically. At the entrance, a blue carpet, surrounded by lanyards, and well-dressed security guards control people coming and going. Dominique places me in front of her, guiding me by the scruff of my neck to the top.

As we enter the box from the back, electronic music blares from the speakers and the energy is already infectious, making me want to get down on the dance floor and dance. The space is huge, with high ceilings and lasers piercing the dark room. From up here, I can see the dance floor below, buzzing with people. The illuminated panels change color to the rhythm of the music, giving the place a futuristic feel. The bar has everything, with a long marble countertop illuminated by LEDs.

We head towards the royal blue velvet sofas, with glass coffee tables near the eaves, giving us an overview of the dance floor. The boys settle down and Pierre signals for the waiter to pour them a round of drinks. Blanca grabs me by the arm, pulling me to one side and Angelina does the same on the other. Just as we're about to leave, Maurice interrupts us.

“Whoa!”, he says, in a scolding tone.

Blanca looks over her shoulder and I follow her. He sticks his finger in our faces.

“Listen, we didn't want to be here. This wasn't our plan, so I'm going to say it for everyone”, he holds up the first finger, “Not to drink or talk to strangers”, he holds up the second finger, “Not to do drugs or get into trouble. Do y’all understand?”

“We're not children”, I say, incredulously.

Dominique, still standing, points her finger in my face.

“Stay in my field of vision. If I have to go down to get you, you'll be dragged out by your hair, Kiara.”

I slap Dominique's hand away and stand on my tiptoes to try to reach him, but even with heels, it's not that easy.

“And if I have to go upstairs because I saw you with some whore down there”, I point with my index finger to the track, “I'll make a point of coming up here to push you down. Watch out.”

Dominique doesn't even flinch at my threat, keeping her expression serious.

“Winner takes all”, he says, sitting down.

I throw my hair back, hooking my arm in Blanca's, who is holding Angelina, and we leave the box, heading down to the dance floor.

I walk down the stairs with Blanca and Angelina, crossing the illuminated corridor towards the dance floor. The place is bustling and the neon lights run through the room with a contagious energy. We stop in the middle of the dance floor, spinning gently. I stand in front of Blanca and, holding hands, we begin to roll on the floor in slow, sensual movements, without looking away. We stood up, with our backs to each other, our bodies moving in perfect sync, sliding to the floor once again, keeping the rhythm of the music.

The white dress fits me perfectly, as I run my hands down my own body, caressing it with a soft touch, adding even more sensuality to my movements. I rise slowly, feeling the beat of the music reverberate in every part of me. The sensual note of the melody makes my body burn inside, and as I look up at the mezzanine, I notice Dominique's predatory gaze fixed on me, intense and sharp.

I smile in the corner of my mouth, throwing my head back, my eyes half-closed, feeling the electricity of the moment take over. I know I'm teasing him and that only makes me even more excited. My hands slide down the side of my body, up to my breasts, squeezing them lightly, making it clear that every movement is made for him, as if I'm handing over control... for now. I cast one last glance upwards, biting my lip, and then turn onto my back, rolling over with the same intensity, letting him watch every second of my teasing.

But then, suddenly, I feel something. A chill runs down my spine. My smile falters and the feeling of being watched intensifies. It's not Dominique. It's another look. I start to scan my surroundings with my eyes, my body still moving to the rhythm of the music, but now automatically, making me attentive. A feeling of panic begins to form in my chest. I'm being watched, but I don't know by whom. I focus my attention on the boxes, the lounge, the bar, seeing only the crowd, my eyes searching for something I don't know what it is.

Dominique's gaze is still on me, but it's not just him. I feel something else, something unknown. I try not to show my discomfort, but my heart beats fast and hard, squeezing my chest. I know I shouldn't get into this paranoia, it's probably just anxiety. I've been feeling sick, the nightmares, the restlessness, all the effort I make to forget what happened... But it seems so real. My eyes scan the crowd for any sign. What if Lohan is here? My breathing becomes heavy. I try to concentrate on the dance, but the feeling that I'm in danger won't let me. Who's watching me? I smile at Blanca, pretending everything is fine, but inside, something is very wrong.

“I'm going to the bathroom.”

“Do you want me to come along?”, Blanca asks, tossing her hair back.

“No. Stay here with Angel.”

As I move away, Blanca grabs my wrist.

“Make sure you don't take too long, so the guys don't ruin our evening.”

I nod and start walking among the people, looking them straight in the eye, feeling threatened. My head spins a little, perhaps because of my own thoughts. What's going on? Whatever it is, if I walk away, if I stay alone, it's going to come after me. I can't put anyone in danger.

The sound of the music seems to muffle in my ears as I walk, my eyes scanning the place, darting between people, until I reach the ladies' room. I open the door and a few girls come out, then I quickly close it behind me. The restroom is empty. I go straight to the last stall. My breathing is ragged, my body shakes, the air doesn't come in properly and a knot forms in my throat. It feels terrible, suffocating. The space around me seems to shrink and panic takes over. I lean my head against the cold wall, trying to calm down, but despair consumes me.

Suddenly, I hear the bathroom door open, and I immediately hold my breath, swallowing hard. My whole body goes rigid, fear sets in. Heavy footsteps echo through the room. One of the cabins opens with a bang.

POW!

My heart almost stops. I take two steps back, away from the door, my fists clenched. Another cabin is opened in the same violent way.

POW!

The sound echoes through my veins. My heart races as if it were going to burst out of my chest. Every knock on the door reverberates through my body, every second is an eternity, the next booth being opened... And then, mine. It's going to be mine! My chest rises and falls, my breath caught in my lungs. Desperation now mixed with explosive anger, I'm ready to strike.

“Are you going to leave or am I going to have to burst?”, I hear Dominique's voice and my body immediately relaxes.

I open the door at once to find him standing there. His gray gaze carries a nuance of concern and we exchange a brief intense look before I hug him tightly, feeling his arms squeeze me back.

“What happened?”, he asks, in a direct tone.

“I was feeling watched... what if it's Lohan? What if he's here?”, I speak quickly, panting.

“I'd know. There are a lot of people after him, he's marked.”

Dom pulls me close enough to hold my face and fixes his gaze on mine.

“But I'll let security know about it. I don't want you to worry about anything. Understand?”

I nod, trying to calm down, but still on alert. Dom takes me by the hand and leads me outside. Vlad is at the door, preventing other women from entering.

“Is everything all right?”, he asks, puzzled.

“Go up to the mezzanine. I need to talk to you.”

Vlad agrees, with a brief nod, releasing the entrance to the queuing women. They give us annoyed looks while Dom still holds my wrist, guiding me through the crowd. Before we climb the stairs to the top floor, I see Maurice at the edge of our box, gesturing angrily towards the dance floor. I strain my eyes to see who the victim of the night is, but I have no idea. There's a crowd of people dancing, which makes it difficult to identify anyone. His displeasure seems to grow and he calls out with his fingers. Then he slams his palm against his closed fist, indicating that the person is fucked.

We climb the steps with Vlad behind us. As we enter the cabin, I see Louis and Pierre standing a little apart, each with a girl on their laps, kissing them like there's no tomorrow. One girl's ass is showing. Simon and Thierry are drinking while chatting in a relaxed way. Maurice has his back to us, still in the eaves, gesticulating. Dom takes me to the bar, and I sit on the high stool, signaling to the waiter, ordering a bottle and two glasses. As soon as the drink is poured, Dom takes a long swig straight from the neck.

“I'll be right back “, he says as he finishes pouring the drink into my glass.

Dom walks away, heading towards Vlad, while I turn around on the bench, downing the liquid in one go, feeling the strong, bitter taste go down my throat. I look around and see Louis sticking his tongue down the long-haired redhead's throat, while Pierre slaps the brunette on the ass. The door to the cabin opens and Céline rushes in like a hurricane. She walks over to the sofa, asks Thierry to excuse her, and touches Maurice on the shoulder, who turns around with frowning eyebrows and an annoyed look on his face. Céline throws herself into his arms, grabs his neck and gives him a crushing kiss, which is not reciprocated. Maurice pushes her away without any delicacy, throwing her into Thierry's lap.

“What the fuck do you think you're doing?”, Maurice shouts, his voice overlapping the music.

“I was just corresponding with you! You keep calling me”, Céline says, while Thierry helps her up.

“You're drunk. I don't even know you. Get out!”, Maurice replies angrily.

Céline blinks, nonplussed, fixing her dark hair and silver dress. I get up and walk towards her, realizing that she's about to cause trouble, something Maurice knows how to handle very well. I approach her and take her by the arm.

“Do you know her?”, Maurice asks, looking at me.

“She's my friend.”

“Of course she is”, he replies, sarcastically.

“Kiki, I swear, he was gesturing at me”, Céline tries to explain.

“You were, I saw”, I say, looking at Maurice doubtfully.

“I don't have to give you any satisfaction”, he replies, dryly.

“Not for her, but for me. What the fuck is it with you intimidating people downstairs, Maurice?”, Dom comes up behind me and stares at him.

“What a lie!”, Maurice spreads his arms, looking offended.

“The security guard told me that box 01 had just been asked to leave because there was a clown telling everyone to fuck off and threatening to beat everyone up. The complaints were very direct”, Dom speaks with a disbelieving tone, “Fucking again?”

“Does he usually do that?”, I ask, incredulously.

“This one was a bit of a breeze, he's thrown punches before.”

Maurice shrugs, satisfied.

“This place is too noisy. I'm tired and, by the way, shut up. I don't want to talk about my life.”

“What an ass!”, grumbles Dom, running his hand through his hair.

“I was watching, I don't know when he did it”, Thierry comments, in disbelief.

“Now we can play again, I was winning”, says Maurice, passing in front of us and leaving the box with a smile of victory.

I look devastated at Dom, who doesn't seem the least bit bothered at having been kicked out. The boys leave the cabin and I roll my eyes, out of patience, knowing that when my fun isn't destroyed by my paranoia, it's by others. How long has it been since I tried to do something nice and everything went to shit? Dominique grabs my arm, pulling me out of the cabin.

“Too bad, we're going to have to leave…”, his tone makes me look in his direction, narrowing my eyes.

“No... is this all a set-up?”, I ask, indignant.

Dominique looks outraged.

“Do you think I'd want to stop your dancing? Your fun? Worse still, do you think it was all agreed before we even walked through the door? What are you talking about, dolly?”, he replies ironically.

“Oh, I can't believe it! Why am I still surprised?”

I pull hard on my arm, overtaking him, furious. It's not going to be like this. If he thinks it's all going to be his way, he's mistaken. I'm not going to stand still. Let him wait for me, because I already know exactly how I'm going to pay him back.

I get into the car and slam the door. I sit behind the driver's seat, without waiting for Vlad or Dom. My plan begins to take shape. I quickly remove my panties, sliding the fabric down my legs and kneading it in my hand. The next door opens and Dominique enters with a satisfied look on his face, as if everything is going according to plan. Oh, what a shame, little does he know what awaits him.

Vlad gets in and starts the car. I look back and see the boys' cars lagging behind. I hope someone is taking Blanca back. The interior of the car is dark, but the streetlight reflecting in the glass allows us to see inside. Dom gives me a sideways glance and I turn around in the seat, leaning my back against the window. I stretch out one leg and place it on his thigh. His eyes follow the movement, sliding down the length of my leg. I open my legs just enough for him to see, slowly pushing up the fabric of my dress. His gaze sparks, intense, hungry. He loves what he sees. His gaze flicks between my legs and Vlad, checking to see if he's noticed anything. Of course not, I know exactly what I'm doing.

When our gazes meet, the desire is clear in Dom's eyes, but there's anger there too. His jaw clenches when he sees my fingers slide down to my sex, starting to caress it the way he knows I like. He seems to forget where he is, leaning towards me, but I shake my head in denial, as I throw the panties in his face, catching them and squeezing them in his fingers. I continue the slow, teasing movements on my clit, enjoying every wave of pleasure. I bite my lips, rolling my eyes, teasing him mercilessly.

The reflection of the city lights reveals Dominique breathing heavily, his expression filled with anger and frustration. He wants to follow my every move, but he's furious at losing the control he's always had over me. And it's delicious to see him in this situation. I intensify my thrusts, my arousal mixing with the adrenaline of teasing him. My body boils, begging for him. My hand goes to my hair, rolling my eyes with the pleasure that runs through my body, leaving me drenched. I let out a moan, unable to contain it.

“Hm... wow, I danced too much today”, I mutter, staring at Dominique in defiance, who is completely enraged, his eyes grayed in an angry haze.

His hand grips my heel tightly, and just feeling his touch sets my body on fire. I continue without stopping, spreading my legs even wider, slipping a finger inside me.

“That's fucking enough!”, he explodes, but I don't stop.

“What happened, sir?”, Vlad asks, with no idea what's going on.

“Stop the car now!”, Dom orders, and Vlad, without question, quickly pulls over

Dominique opens the door and gets out of the car, furious. He pulls me by the heels in one fell swoop and my body slides across the upholstery as I let out a shriek. Dominique throws me over his shoulder with annoying ease.

“What the fuck do you think you're doing?”, he growls, as he slaps my ass hard, eliciting a scream from me.

I hear waves crashing in the background and realize that he is walking down the stairs with heavy, fast steps, heading towards the beach, which is empty. I catch a glimpse of the galets[2] on the ground as he goes. He stops abruptly and places me on the ground, throwing me against the stone wall that supports the stairs. Without wasting any time, his hand slips between my legs, squeezing and rubbing my sex hard, while his other hand wraps around my hair, pulling brutally.

 “Is that what you want, you slut?”, his voice is harsh, full of desire and anger, as heavy as my breath, “I'm the boss, Kiara…”, he bites my earlobe, eliciting a moan that I can barely contain.

“Yes, you are... but you did what I wanted”, I say, with a broken voice, staring into his hungry gray eyes.

The hand that was holding my hair slides up to my neck, squeezing it. The air becomes scarce in my lungs and the sensation of breathlessness makes me even more aroused. His fingers start to move inside me, making me open my lips in voluntary pleasure.

He looks at me with an overwhelming intensity, his hands go to my waist, and he leans in, brushing his lips against mine, creating an anticipation that makes me burn inside. I close my eyes, waiting for the impact of his mouth... But suddenly, he turns me around with a jolt, pressing my face against the stone wall. I feel my wrists bound behind my back with a light cloth.

“At least your panties will be good for something…”

I let out a giggle. The night breeze chills every inch of my exposed skin. The waves crash behind us as his body presses against mine and I soon feel his hard cock rubbing against my ass. The glans plays with me in a slow, torturous in and out.

“All that control you think you have…”, he thrusts his cock in hard, making me arch my back, a moan escapes my lips, “You belong to me”, he whispers hoarsely in my ear.

He presses me even harder against the wall, and I squeeze his cock hard inside me, feeling it fill me deeply. His movements are firm, strong and precise. Each thrust leaves my legs wobbly and my heart racing, knowing that he's right. He's in control. I am his.

The thrusts become more and more intense, and I bite my lips to try to contain the maddening pleasure that is taking hold of me.

“Hit me…”, I whisper, my voice hoarse with desire.

His hand snaps against my ass, the impact stinging my skin, and then he squeezes hard, kneading my flesh between his fingers.

“I'll decide when it's over... until then, you're all mine”, he growls, biting my shoulder fiercely.

“And who said it would end?”, I breathe heavily, each word a challenge.

“If you dare do what you did in that car again... I will punish you. And this time, there will be no fine to pay.”

Dominique says with a threatening tone, hitting me deep, each thrust tearing me apart between burning slaps and violent thrusts. I twist my hips, teasing him even more and I hear Dominique growl behind me, desire taking over. His fingers tangle in my hair, pulling my head back and his mouth meets mine in a fierce kiss, our tongues tangling in an intense battle that takes me completely off axis.

And I come, feeling my whole insides contract. My lips pull away from his only to bite them as the spasms run through me, driving me crazy, my body collapsing in pleasure. Dominique squeezes me even tighter against the wall with one last thrust, pouring his cum inside me. His fingers still pull my hair tightly, his body glued to mine, his breathing as heavy as mine. He loosens the knot around my wrists, freeing my numb arms. I turn to him, watching him button his pants.

“Let's go”, he says, putting his hand on my back, trying to guide me towards the stairs.

I lock my feet on the floor, kick off my sandals and throw them aside.

“What are you doing?”

“Not yet, Dom!”

I run towards the sea, casting a quick glance over my shoulder, seeing him run his hands through his blond hair, hesitating to follow me. I step into the icy water, the salty night breeze mixing with the sweat on my body, and sink into the sea, feeling a delicious sense of freedom. I close my eyes for a moment, appreciating the vastness in front of me. I love the beach! It's so relaxing, I feel alive. Suddenly, I feel Dom's arms holding me from behind.

“I've got you!”

I turn in his arms, facing him and wrapping my legs around his hips. Our gazes meet and I brush my nose against his.

“Happy birthday, Dom! It must be midnight.”

He kisses me and the world seems to stop around us, only the sound of the sea accompanying us.

We got home from the beach yesterday and there was no one there, just Jolie and her nanny, who was sleeping on the sofa. So, we decided to play cards by the pool until two in the morning. I've never seen Dom so tired. When we went upstairs to have a shower, he threw himself on the bed and immediately blacked out. I tried to wake him up, but it was impossible. Sleepless, I decided to bake a birthday cake, even though I didn't know where to start. Vlad brought the ingredients I'd asked for and I went into the kitchen with the recipe on my phone and an expectation that was soon dashed when I realized I couldn't even crack an egg. At three in the morning, Blanca appeared in the kitchen, astonished to see me here.

“Where were you? I didn't see you arrive.”

“I went to sleep, I was in pain, exhausted... I saw you and Dominique in the pool playing, I didn't want to get in the way... “, she says, looking at the mess on top of the counter, “What are you doing?”, she asks, curiously.

“Third attempt at making a cake for Dom.”

“Mathilde is there, why don't you ask her?”

“Because I want to do it”, I reply, beating the dough with a fouet[3].

“I'll give you moral support and give it a try…”, she says, smiling.

Blanca went to the door, looked around and closed it when she saw that no one was around.

“Here's the thing”, she begins in a conspiratorial tone, “I've got a big one to tell you. I was waiting for us to get back for privacy reasons, but since we're alone…”

She whispers, taking her cell phone out of the pocket of her black satin robe. I continued to beat the dough, intrigued.

“Remember when we came here, and you took Thierry's cell phone and I kept checking it along the way?”

“I remember.”

“So, when we got here, I took Vlad's cell phone with the excuse that I needed to talk to Gabrielle and took some pictures of Thierry's gallery. My phone had been left at his house, so I sent it to myself and then deleted everything. I didn't do this with Thierry's cell phone, because he's a lawyer, and surely has some kind of security system to protect his data but take a look at this.”

Blanca turned the viewfinder towards me, and I stopped beating the dough, incredulous at the information on the photo.

“Holy shit!!!”