“Shit! I’m sorry.”
We both burst out laughing. Dominic has a rich, sexy laugh. It’s the first time since I’ve known him that I’ve heard it. The closest to it that I’ve witnessed from him is a smirk, or a lopsided smile. Our laughter suddenly stops. I find myself staring at his lips. When our eyes meet it’s no longer shining with amusement, but it is heated with arousal.
Dominic tilts his head to lean closer to me and then our lips meet. I wrap my hand around his neck, drawing myself deeper into the kiss. The kiss is as delicious as I remember. But then he pulls away suddenly. “I’m sorry Elle, this is not why I’m here. I came by to get you out of this room. How about coming for a run with me? And if you want I’ll show you around afterwards.”
When I am finally free from the sheets Dominic helps me to my feet. He stands a few feet away with his hands in the pockets of his grey slacks waiting for my response. “Ah, sure.” I finally say.
“Get ready, I’ll meet you at the front door in half an hour.” After he leaves I stand staring at the closed door for a few seconds before rushing into the bathroom to shower and get ready.
Exasperating man! One minute he kisses me passionately and in the next he is apologizing. I’m no weakling. He probably sees me as fragile. And in the last few days my behavior hasn’t helped my case at all. I’m done being a victim. They’ll see my resilience. I promise myself. My pity-party has officially come to an end.
After years of going from one foster home to another. I had no stability or love growing up. My goal for the future was to have stability. I studied hard to earn a scholarship and complete medical school. I wouldn’t let fear rule me anymore. I must rediscover the confident, self-reliant woman who has always persevered.
As for love. I haven’t been lucky enough to find it yet. Being an introvert has made it difficult for me to form any type of lasting relationship. But I have hope for the future. I can't be destined to always be alone just because I was abandoned as a baby at Saint Thomas Church all those years ago..
Chapter 14
~Elle~
Half an hour later.
I approached the winding staircase from the second floor. There’s light spilling inside through the beautiful stained-glass windows that runs along the entire left side of the stairs. The projection of colors lights in hues of red, blue and yellow washes the stairs and surrounding walls in a vibrant shifting pattern of light and shadow. Creating a peaceful ambiance.
The bottom of the staircase leads into a wide open foyer with a pristine white and black marble flooring. Directly ahead is the arched front door to the mansion. Hanging from the ceiling is a massive crystal chandelier. This illuminates the entrance to the mansion. On the left of the foyer is a sitting room.
My sneakered feet pauses just as I’ve almost completed my descent. Familiar voices that are hushed in conversation interrupt my appreciation of the beautiful interior aesthetic of the mansion. “Our last shipment was intercepted on its way to the docks, Dom.” I recognize Dario’s voice. “How the hell did this happen? Weren’t there men posted along the route?” Dominic asked, obviously annoyed by this information. “Yes, but somehow they were—” Dario stops abruptly when he looks up to see me standing on the stairs.
“Oh Elle, how are you? You’re looking well.” Dominic, who was facing Dario, swiftly, turned around to look at me. “I’m fine Dario.” Without sparing Dario a glance, Dominic dismisses him. “We’ll continue this discussion later.” Dario takes the hint and exits the mansion. Leaving us alone.
I appreciate the sight of Dominic in his grey track pants that hang low on his hips and a sweatshirt which is open at thecolor. Tattoos peak giving me a glimpse of the markings I’ve been dying to trace with my fingers. I force my eyes to move down his big frame to the grey and black, Nike sneakers on his large feet. His casual, sporty look is drool-worthy.
Clearing my throat I complete my descent to the bottom of the stairs. Dominic's intense gaze tracks my movement. I feel scrutiny of my lavender yoga pants and white tank top that fits me snugly. It’s paired with a lavender sport jacket that's not fully zippered. My hair tied up in a high ponytail.
He doesn’t utter a word as I follow him outside. I’m awestruck by the enormity of the compound. When I was brought to the mansion three days ago it was dark and I was too distraught to take in my surroundings. Dominic had lifted me out of the car as soon as we arrived, taking me directly to a guest bedroom. A room that I assume is very close to his room. How else was he able to hear my screams each night?
I study my surroundings ignoring the chilly outdoors. There’s a circular drive at the front of the mansion. It intersects with a tree-lined driveway. At the end of which is a large wrought iron gate. A tall white stained wall surrounds the mansion that isolates it from the rest of the world. There’s a security booth adjacent to the gate. Security cameras are visible at various locations. This place seems to be more impenetrable than Fort Knox.
At the center of the circular driveway is a fountain. There are perfectly manicured gardens on either side of the house. Attached to the right of the mansion is a wide garage. From the outside it looks as though it could hold at least ten cars. Dominic leads me to the pathway that runs along the entire interior perimeter of the wall. We both begin a brisk jog in silence. After half an hour of following the path we made our way back to the front of the house.
The physical activity has me feeling like my old self again. Despite the cold weather, I’m sweaty and a little breathless. Meanwhile, Dominic looks as if he has hardly worked up a sweat. Based on how fit and muscular he is, I’m sure he works out regularly.
I’ve missed my early morning run that helps me relax. I also find peace in dancing. Not in public of course. I’m too self-conscious to do that.
“Dominic, I needed this, thank you for making me come out today. I usually jog every morning before work.” He stops and turns to me. There's a brief flicker of emotions in his eyes that I can quite decipher.
“Of course, hiding out in your room for so long can’t be healthy. The exercise has already added some color back to your cheeks.” He brushes a finger on my right cheek bone. Then he moves the hair that has become loose from my ponytail away from my face and tucks it behind my ear. “I know that I didn’t tell you this before Dominic. Thank you for saving me.”
“There’s nothing to thank me for. It was my fault that you were attacked in the first place.” He says as I’m led around the side of the mansion to a gazebo. It’s enclosed with glass to keep the cold air out. Dominic leads me inside where there's a glass table set for two. “I know you haven’t had breakfast yet, so I asked Anna to bring it out here.”
Anna is the housekeeper who has been bringing food to my room for the last three days. I refused to leave my room. I was too overwhelmed with misery to pay attention to her or to appreciate her efforts. She probably thinks that I’m a spoiled brat.
As we sit at the round glass table Anna comes bustling in with a tray. The smell of the food makes my mouth water. I’ve hardly had anything to eat recently. “Good morning, Miss Elle. I’m happy to see you out of your room. I hope you enjoy yourbreakfast.” I smile shyly. “Thank you, Anna. I’m sorry. I haven’t had much of an appetite lately. That’s why most of the food you brought for me remained untouched. I didn’t mean to be rude. But I’ve built up quite an appetite after jogging and this all looks very delicious.” I rumble nervously as Dominic stares at me.
Anna pats my hand into a motherly fashion and beams with pleasure. “It’s understandable child—after what you’ve been through.” Dominic observes our interaction in silence. When Anna leaves I find myself feeling ravenous. I place Dominic’s plate heaped with omelet, bacon and toast in front of him before taking mine.
“Coffee?” I offer. When he nods, I pour each of us a cup. “Sugar or milk?” “No, I like mine black, no sugar.” While he sips on his coffee his eyes go wide looking at me as I load mine with milk and sugar. I take a sip and close my eyes with pleasure. When I open them again it’s to see him looking at me strangely.
“Aren’t you hungry?” I ask him as I start shoveling food into my mouth. Dominic nods before picking up his knife and fork to follow suit. After I finish my meal, I wipe my mouth gently with a napkin then cradle my cup of coffee with both hands enjoying the warmth.
