Me
We need to talk.
His response is instant.
Dom
If it’s about earlier, I’m sorry. I got carried away.
Me
It’s not. Are you free later?
Dom
Yes. My place?
Images of me buck naked on his couch flash in front of my eyes.
No, I can’t go back there.
Me
No, come to Aaron’s. I’ll be home around eight.
“Zoe?” I look away to see a concerned Via staring at me.
“I’m good. Everything is going to be fine.”
Her lips tighten into a smile. “If you ever need to talk, I’m here.”
“Thank you.”
A wave of dread settles in my stomach, and I face my computer. When others notice my messy emotions, I know it’s time to tighten my mask and cut off all loose ends. And right now, Dominik is at the top of that list.
I can’t have him interfering with my life like this anymore, making things muddier and leaving me with the mess to deal with all on my own. I was fine before him. Okay, maybe not fine, but I was surviving, and now it feels like I’m drowning. I don’t need his help with work, and I think our little agreement has done its job. His team is doing fantastic, and he hasn’t been benched once. It’s time to end this, bring closure, and erase the memories that bind us. The weight on my shoulders lifts as I make peace with this decision and what I need to do.
Real or not, I’m going to call it and put an end to Dominik.
The sound of my phone buzzing on the desk grabs my attention instantly, and my heart races in anticipation of a message from Dominik. It’s just the earlier excitement, nothing worth over-analyzing.
But it’s not Dominik who texted me. It’s my brother.
Aaron
Are you okay? What happened?
Me
I’m sorry I ran off. It was nothing. I just needed a minute alone.
Bubbles pop up, disappear and pop up again.
Aaron
With Dom?
The last thing I need right now is for my brother to be suspicious.
