***
Keeping my eyes on the dress that flows down my fuller curves, I walk beside Dominic as we head for Eagle Lake, situated between the Mount Desert Campground and Nightmist. Though we're not allowed to leave the campsite just yet, we're still in Lunaris territory, so we're not breaking any rules.
I'm breaking a personal rule, however, by agreeing to spend the day at the lake with the others. I'm not blind or oblivious to what they think of me—I've been faced with their animosity while in Nightmist.
“You good?” Dominic asks just as we approach the clearing in the woods that leads to the lake. Faint chatter drifts over, slowing down as my steps and filling me with anxiety.
“I'm fine,” I lie as I gulp on the lump of my nerves, but Dominic slows down with me when he matches my slow steps, then turns to me with a frown.
To my surprise, he holds out a hand.
“You have nothing to worry about, Cece. Here, hold my hand, so we can show them that nothing can tear us down …”
There he goes, calling me by my nickname.
Only this time, I'm so stunned by how kind he is that I don't fight him about it. I must be too vulnerable to my trepidation, and end up tentatively slipping my hand into his.
Why is he being so sweet to me? Is this some kind of game he's playing?
I can't tell.
All I know is that holding his hand as he leads me toward the lake is what comforts me when we approach the group of contenders and their partners.
“Hey, guys!” Dominic greets with a casual wave of his free hand. “Sorry, we're late. I couldn't wait for the barbecue, so I had to eat before we came out here.”
Dominic's friend, Santo, comes over to greet him with a cool handshake and bump of their shoulders. Dominic doesn't let go of my hand.
Frowning discreetly at him, I remain quiet as he speaks to Santo briefly before Nigel, one of the other contenders, whistles to call their attention. He's with Bart and their she-wolf partners on the deck, the ladies stripping down to their bathing suits.
“Hey, Dom! Come join us for a dip! The water's crispy!” Nigel calls out.
“Yeah, better get that practice on your strokes!” Bart chuckles as he makes swimming gestures with his arms in the air. “Maybe tomorrow's test has something to do with water!”
Alex and his partner join them on the deck, and Santo lightly slaps Dominic's chest.
“They don't even stand a chance; they're at the bottom of the scoreboard,” Santo chuckles.
“Let them have their fun,” Dominic titters back. “They're just the extras, at this point.”
Santo grins. “I'm gonna check if Lily wants to swim.” He nods at Dominic before jogging off toward his partner, who sits by herself on a grass patch near the lake. I remember her from the pack center, getting scolded by Agatha for not setting out enough plates for dinner one night, and frowning as I wonder if I wasn't the only one who received harsh treatment from the old lady in the pack.
What if I internalized everything I faced based on what happened with my father?
But then again, I was ridiculed for my size…
Something that I can't overlook now that everyone strips down to their bathing suits, and Dominic turns to face me.
“Wanna go for a swim?” he asks, brows lifted expectantly.
How can I deny him when everything I've done today has been only to see the smile on his face? A smile that I've suspected is a genuine one?
Have I lowered my guard so much that I even go as far as nodding gently?
There's no reason for me to feel anxious while Dominic continues to hold my hand.
Following him as he leads me toward the deck, he must sense my hesitation when he throws me a wink and kicks off his shoes.
“Don't worry about what anyone says,” he assures me as he pulls his T-shirt over his head and drops it to the side. “I won't be leaving your side, okay?”
