“This is Deputy Alvarez, Charlie-Four-Eight. I’ve got a trespasser in violation of a no-contact directive. Requesting immediate pickup.”
“What?” I choke out. “That’s not—there’s no?—”
Dominic doesn’t look at me. Doesn’t even blink.
He knows there’s no official order. He’s lying through histeeth.
But he doesn’t care.
Stuart’s wide-eyed now. “You’re full of shit, man. There’s no restraining order.”
Dominic’s voice drops so low, I hardly recognize it. “There will be.”
By the time RMPD shows up—faster than I expect—Stuart’s near tears. Maybe it’s because he’s terrified of being arrested or it’s because Gavin’s massive hand has likely dislocated his shoulder.
Dominic stays by my side the whole time, acting as a barrier between me and Stuart.
The cops don’t question him. They take one look at Dominic, take one look at me, and slap the cuffs on Stuart.
As they haul him out, Stuart shoots me one last look.It’s pleading and apologetic, making me question what’s real and what I’ve built up in my head.
Dominic already told me he was ruled out as a suspect for vandalizing my car, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s innocent of the other incidents.
I should feel relief. Maybe I do. But mostly, I feel my pulse pounding and my legs unsteady.
When Dominic finally turns to me, the hard edges of tension in his expression have softened.
“You okay?”
I nod slowly, unable to look away from him.
“Good,” he says. “Because I’m not.Time to wrap it up. We’re leaving.”
I cross my arms, hating the control he’s trying to place over me, even if it’s justified.
“What if I don’t want to leave?”
His eyes skate down me briefly—so brief I almost miss it—and when they come back up, they’re darker, more intense.
He steps closer, invading my space. “Was that nightmare not enough of a reason to leave? I just had to watch some pieceof shit put his hands on you. I had him arrested fortouchingyou. Don’t make me break every law because I can’t keep my jealousy under control. When it comes to you, I’m fucking weak. Cut me some slack. Please, querida mía.”
All the fire drains from my body, leaving me a useless puddle on the floor.
He steps in close. “Go wait by the bar with the others. Don’t go anywhere alone, okay? I’m going to check in with RMPD, make sure he actually gets booked.”
I can’t find words—just a tiny nod that barely feels like enough—and turn toward the bar, legs moving on autopilot.
Rhonda sees me coming and doesn’t say a word. She just slides two double shots across the counter.
“On the house, princess. The good stuff—99-proof. What a fucking night.”
I knock them back without a second thought.
CHAPTER 34
Dominic
DEPUTY ALVAREZ
