CHAPTER 6

The air between us felt thick with intensity as Dominic’s lips traced a line down my neck, igniting a rush of shivers that I couldn’t control. I wanted to protest, to push him away. Yet the warmth of his touch, the way his eyes captured mine with a fierce possession, scattered my thoughts, leaving only the thrill of his presence.

His hand moved from my shoulder to cup my chin, lifting it until I had no choice but to meet his gaze. His eyes were a shade darker, feral but calculating, assessing. “You put yourself in danger back there, Elisse.” His voice was low, almost a growl. “Do you even realize what could have happened if I hadn’t arrived?”

I fought for my voice, though I could still feel the weight of his touch, holding me captive. “I didn’t… think things would get out of hand,” I stammered, more to myself than to him. The truth was, it had started as an attempt to reclaim some sense of control, to rebel against the quiet neglect Harold left behind. But now, under Dominic’s gaze, I questioned everything.

“Didn’t think?” His thumb brushed my cheek, and I was suddenly aware of how closely he watched me. “Elisse, you need to understand—you belong to me.” His words burned, his voice like velvet around iron, possessive yet oddly grounding. “No one else. Only me.”

There was a twisted satisfaction in his words that I couldn’t fully deny. Harold’s betrayals, his casual disregard for my presence, had left me hollow. But here, in Dominic’s touch, I felt more alive, seen in a way that filled the emptiness, even if it was dangerous.

“What?” I whispered, searching his face for any trace of softness, the Dominic I once knew. “Why are you doing this?”

A dark smile played at the corner of his mouth as he traced a thumb over my cheek. “Because you deserve more than to be abandoned, ignored. If he won’t see what he has, I will.”

My body betrayed me, leaning into his hand, craving something I couldn’t name. The memory of Harold’s neglect tightened inside me, and suddenly, I felt justified, freed even. Here was someone who wanted me, needed me, and it was that raw, undeniable need that I found myself sinking into.

“Come home with me,” he commanded, his voice softer but unwavering.

I hesitated, feeling the enormity of this choice. There would be no turning back if I followed him. My life would be altered, every line I’d drawn would blur, perhaps forever.

“Dominic… we can’t.  You know we absolutely can’t. Don’t you know what you’re doing right now? This is too…” I couldn’t find the words. My resolve wavered under the force of his stare, and he knew it.

Without waiting for an answer, he leaned forward, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that left no space for hesitation. It was slow, consuming, breaking down my last shred of resistance. I was lost in him, in the certainty he offered, in the intensity that demanded everything from me.

When he pulled back, his hand tightened around my wrist, his eyes searching mine. “Stop fighting yourself, Elisse. You’ve got nothing left to prove.” He paused, his voice softening in a way that was almost pleading. “Just be honest—for once.”

I let out a shaky breath, the weight of his words settling over me, filling the emptiness with something dangerous and heady. I was finally confronting what I’d buried deep inside—despite the risk, despite the shame, I wanted this. I wanted him.

With a quiet nod, I followed Dominic out of the car, the night air cold and biting against my skin, heightening everything. The gravity of my decision pressed down on me, yet beneath it was an exhilarating sense of freedom, the knowledge that for the first time, I was stepping into something entirely my own.

We walked in silence, my heart pounding in my ears, every step a rebellion against everything I thought I should be. When we reached his place, he opened the door, pausing to look at me, as if giving me one final chance to turn back. I didn’t. I stepped inside, feeling a strange sense of ease wash over me, like shedding a heavy coat.

Inside, the air was thick with anticipation. He led me to the living room, his fingers intertwined with mine, grounding me in the moment. The silence hung between us, an unspoken promise and an equally unspoken fear. Finally, he spoke, his voice a quiet rumble.

“Tell me,” he said, watching me with an intensity that left no room for lies. “What are you afraid of, Elisse?”

I swallowed, feeling the weight of the question settle. “I’m afraid… of what this might lead us to,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. “Of the consequences it will befall us and of what I’m becoming.”

He moved closer, his hand cupping my face as his eyes softened, almost tender. “Fuck the consequences. You’re a bold one to send me those nude photos and now you’re afraid to become true to yourself.” he murmured, “Just do what you truly want for yourself. No more denying, no more resisting.”

For a moment, I forgot everything else. Here, with him, the world outside faded. Harold’s face, the whispers of judgment, my own fear of losing control—they all vanished. It was only Dominic and the quiet assurance in his gaze.

“Give yourself to me tonight,” he said, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it.

I didn’t answer, letting my silence speak for me. The walls I’d built, the façade I’d maintained, crumbled. And in their place was a raw honesty I hadn’t allowed myself in years

He stirred, pulling me closer, his voice still thick with seduction, “I’ll make you feel all the pleasure in the world that your dearest Alpha had deprived you. And all that you have to say is yes to coming with me, Elise.”

I looked at him, unsure of what to say. For some reason, I don’t know whether I should go but my freaking body was pulling me towards his face and before I knew it, my hands were already curling around his neck as I grabbed him close and allowed the carnal desire to overwhelmed as I sealed the two of us under a steamy passionate and forbidden kiss.