But the forbidden element only intensifies the fire within me. If anything, my attraction toward him has only increased. The struggle to resist is becoming more and more difficult.
And being close to him like this, sharing a room with him and getting stuck on a flight with him is only making me itch. He’s a force that draws me closer despite my every attempt to resist. When our eyes meet, a spark ignites between us, sending shivers down my spine and jolting me to my core. It feels like the universe is conspiring to keep us intertwined, tormenting me with the fact that I can’t have him.
It’s more than just the physical appeal that engrosses me. It’s the way he challenges me, the way he stimulates my mind with his sharp wit and intellect. I think that’s the most surprising part about all of this, how well we seem to be matched in that way. I’ve never found anyone who has kept me on my toes like he has. The last time I felt anything close to this was with Runi, and how ironic to find out all these years later that it was Dominik.
It’s alwaysbeenDominik.
Each conversation leaves me craving more, longing for the connection that I know we can’t have. A line we cannot cross. We’ve been there once, and we can’t go there again.
Aaron would never forgive me.
I need distance. I need to run, to escape this infuriating pull that threatens to destroy me. But a part of me secretly hopes for a moment of weakness, when the boundaries blur and I finallygive in to him. Maybe if I give in, if I allow myself to enjoy a night with him, this desire will fade.
I could get him out of my system, could I not?
The forbidden temptation is making both of us a little crazy at the moment. My resistance only motivates him to try harder, but if I were to give in, we could both move on. It’s the only thing I haven’t tried. And it might be the one thing that finally sticks.
Emerging for a breath, I squeeze my eyes tightly, persistently circling the vacant pool. The rhythmic movement of swimming acts as a comforting remedy. My muscles start to ache, yet this only motivates me to exert more, stroke after stroke.
Lift, breathe, submerge.
The water drowns out my thoughts, providing me with a fleeting moment of peace.
I touch the wall, flip, and repeat the cycle until my lungs protest. But I refuse to stop because I need my emotions to cease control, stop causing me to doubt the line between right and wrong. I’m struggling with the inevitability of what I know is the truth.
Gasping for air, I surface, resting my elbows on the tile. I keep my eyes shut, waiting for the stinging sensation to fade. I finally open my eyes and startle, finding Dominik crouching just a few feet away, staring at me with a smile on his face.
“Goddamn it. How the hell did you get in here?” I wheeze.
With a smirk, he quickly reveals a hotel card before swiftly tucking it away in his pocket. Looking freshly showered, he dons a casually stylish ensemble consisting of black jeans, white sneakers, and a perfectly fitted gray sweater that accentuates his physique. His sleeves are messily rolled up, unveiling an array of tattoos that make me weak.
I’m curious about the appointment he had that made him dress up like this.
Maybe he was on a date.
Shut up. He wouldn’t jeopardize everything we’ve done so far to take another chick out on a public date.
Maybe it wasn’t public.
What do you care?I shouldn’t, and I don’t.
But he looks so fucking good that I need a second to compose myself. I wish the pool water were cold. Taking in a deep breath, I quickly disappear underneath, staying submerged for as long as possible.
When I come up for air, he’s like a statue. Watching me curiously in the same position as before.
“Sorry if I scared you. I checked the room and saw your clothes on the chair and a robe missing, so I figured you’d be down here,” Dominik explains.
“Great work, Sherlock Holmes.”
A lopsided smile tilts his lips. “Do you always have to give me a hard time?”
“Yes,” I blurt out, liking the way he keeps up with me.
“I’ll break you in, Zoe. Guide you into submission,” he whispers, his voice a low, seductive rumble. He gracefully lowers himself before me. Tracing a finger along the curve of my neck, capturing a single droplet of water crawling over my frantic pulse. The sound of my pounding heart echoes in my ears as his touch lingers, sending shivers of anticipation through my overheated body. “Tame you exactly the way you want.”
His words hang in the air, heavy with promise as our eyes remain locked. I push away, swimming to the center of the empty pool where I’m safe.
Dominik stands up, crossing his arms and flashing me a victorious smile.
