“I have died every day waiting for you.”
“Darling, don’t be afraid.”
“I have loved you for a thousand years.”
“I’ll love you for a thousand more.”
Chapter 27
~Elle~
I never thought that I’d derive such satisfaction from physically doing harm to another. But the crunch of my fist connecting with the bitch’s nose was worth the throbbing ache in my hand.
She cornered me in the bathroom unexpectedly. Her insinuating that I had somehow taken her man……that Dominic was only marrying me because he felt sorry for me. That devastated me more than anything else could.
The shock of their mean girl tactics caught me completely off guard. It was reminiscent of my bullying in High School. I was always the new girl. Moving from one foster home to the next. Which meant that I had to change schools often. Wearing secondhand clothes, the fact that I was somewhat of a nerd, all made me more of a target for the bullies. All of them, Catalina’s type. Beautiful, fashionable, selfish and mean. A pack of hyenas waiting to pounce on the weak.
I’m ashamed to admit it—even to myself—that in the bathroom, cornered and shaken, I was pulled back to those years. Back into the endless cycle, my younger self was too powerless to escape.
It took years of work, of painful self-reflection, to leave that timid, insecure version of me behind. I carved myself into someone stronger: confident, independent and unyielding. Someone who swore never again to be prey for bullies.
And yet tonight, I faltered. For a moment, I slipped back into the cage of my younger self’s fears, forgetting the armor I had built.
I was mortified when Dominic realized what had happened. But then he stood up for me. In front of his entireFamily. Me, an outsider. No one has ever done that before. Showing everyone how much I’m valued—by him. Giving me a sliver of hope. Maybe, there’s a possibility of this marriage working. The man who had vowed to never commit to a marriage chose me. When Dominic stood up for me, it gave me the courage to be strong.
After the song ended, he escorted me to his room. It’s now our room, he had said. Telling me that I could make changes to the room if I wanted to.
Looking around the walk-in closet, I was surprised to see my belongings hanging alongside his. Anna has been busy. She must have done this during the ceremony. With all the upheaval and planning, I really didn’t think this far ahead. Foolishly believing that Dominic and I would still be maintaining separate bedrooms. Proving again how naïve I am.
We entered the bedroom a few minutes ago. Dominic lifted me over the threshold. The room was illuminated by moonlight streaming through the shear curtains. This is combined with the flickering glow of candles, which are scattered around the room. The entire bed is covered in a forest of rose petals. A bottle of wine, two wineglasses, strawberries, and chocolates are on the glass table by the sitting area.
The room hums with the promise of desire. Making me suddenly anxious. Yet excited. My lack of experience makes me fearful that I may be a disappointment for Dominic. I.m sure he’s accustomed to bedding women who know what they are doing.
Earlier, Dominic lowered me gently to my feet, his voice soft as he acknowledged the strain of my day. A warm bath, he decided, would ease me and with quiet purpose he disappeared into the bathroom to prepare it.
Curiosity got the better of me—left alone, I was free to explore. Wandering into the closet, is how I found my clothes folded neatly beside his.
My fingers brushed over silks and satins until I chose a white robe, its sheen catching the light. With deliberate care I slip out of my wedding gown and drape it over one of the white cushion seats. The satin robe falls mid-thigh exposing my legs to cool air. Just as I’m securing the satin belt at my waist Dominic returns.
“You should’ve waited for me to help you with it, Angel.” Dominic points to my discarded gown. I can’t seem to see past his naked chest. It’s impossible to take my eyes off the exposed skin. The glistening muscles are on full display. My fingers itch to trace them, starting at his pectorals all the way down to the hard muscles of his abdomen. My goodness, he’s fine. The tattoos on his chest are running down his arms, begging to be licked.
Damn it, I need to stop this. I’m turning into a sex craved hussy. He looks at me with a smile which says he knows exactly what I’m thinking. I feel myself flush crimson red—heat suffusing my cheeks.
“Come, everything is ready, the warm water should help your hand, little warrior. And relax you. I need you in a relaxed state, for what I’ve planned.” he says with a wink at me. My heart flutters. The cat must’ve gotten my tongue, because I’m unable to respond.
Dominic guides me into the bathroom, I’m amazed at its enormity. When really, I shouldn’t be. Dominic is a man used to living in the lap of luxury. Something he takes for granted. The space is almost the size of the bedroom. A hot tub commands the center of the space. It’s currently covered with foam, as the jets cause the water to bubble. Steam coming off the surface.
Opposite is a grey counter with twin glass sinks. A shower is next to it with a glass enclosure. The overhead lights are dimmed and candles are scattered about. The scent of wax and faint lavender mingled with the steam, wrapping the room in a cocoon of indulgence. Soft classical music is playing in the background.
Dominic definitely knows how to set a scene. “Come on Angel, get in.” He’s standing in front of me expectantly—waiting for me to strip down while he is looking on. But there’s no way it’s going to happen. He reaches for the tie of my robe and I swat his hands away.
“Not until you turn around, or leave so that I can get in.” My husband is looking at me, like I’ve suddenly grown two heads. Trying to figure out if I’m for real.
“Elle, what are you afraid of?” He asks gently. “Why do you want to hide your body from me? Very soon I’ll be touching every inch of it.” Despite my nervousness—his words cause my nipples to pucker. My grip on the front of my robe tightens and I refuse to budge.
“Very well.” Dominic sighs. Then he turns, his back facing me. I use the opportunity to remove my clothing and dash into the water, naked. I recline so that the foam covers the tips of my breasts.
The sensation of the water against my bare skin makes me forget my self-consciousness. Its warmth is soothing, the jets of water massaging my body. I’m in a state of perpetual relaxation, so I close my eyes, enjoying the sensation.
