Looking at the vast, gray emptiness around us, I consider his question. How could I even contribute to a massive project like this? I don’t have any experience. I studied architecture at school but never practiced in the field. I would undoubtedly fail and get fired, which would also make Dom look bad for recommending me in the first place.
“I think you should. I’m not qualified. I’m sure I wouldn’t even make it through the initial round of interviews.”
Dominik sighs audibly, staring up at the ceiling for a brief second before his eyes meet mine. “Is that what you want?”
“Yes,” I breathe out and he doesn’t say another word. Dominik extends his hand to me, and I reach for it instantly.
We walk back to the car in total silence. It may have been harsh, shutting down his nice gesture like that, but it’s a waste of time. This is for the best.
19
DOMINIK
I don’t want to jinx it, but life has been good lately.
Better than good, actually.
My complete focus on the ice has resulted in a series of wins for us. Even Coach has noticed the change. My sleeping and eating habits have been excellent, and it all comes back to her. The way I’ve been feeling lately because of Zoe has brought total bliss into other parts of my life. She is stillness, the edge of light in everything I do. It’s like walking into a house and instantly feeling at home.
Things have been oddly calm between her and me. It feels as though we’ve resolved our past issues without ever directly confronting them.
Maybe it had to do with me pretending to listen to her at MSG when she asked me to pull her name out of the application pool for her dream job.
As if I’d ever do something that stupid.
I went with it, bit my tongue and pretended like I was listening, but I wasn’t. She needs an advocate to fight for her when she lacks confidence. She needs someone to support her as she discovers her true potential and heals from her parents’hurtful actions. I will always be that person for her. Even when she tries to tell me no.
Is it a little psychotic and twisted? Sure. But it’s what she needs, and when she finally gets a call for the interview, she’ll thank me.
Sometimes the people we love just need a little push in the right direction.
I know she’ll get there on her own. I’m just here to ensure her safe arrival at her final destination during this journey. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I smile when I see Zoe’s name pop up on my screen.
Zoe
Basement parking garage. Five minutes.
Something feels off about that text. I don’t even bother with a response. I’m out the door and heading downstairs in less than two minutes. It’s very telling how easily she commands me. I’ve been trying to get her to submit, to fully claim her, but the truth is, it’s me who belongs to her.
I have always been hers.
She owns me in every sense of the word. She could say jump, and I wouldn’t even hesitate. I’d walk through fire for her. I would give up everything if I knew it would make her happy. If I could erase all her pain and allow her to live a normal life without the trauma and burden from her past. Sometimes, I wonder how she would have turned out if someone had loved her like she deserved from the beginning.
Zoe texted me without any context. I’m not sure why she wants me to come to the basement at night. Maybe she wants to play hide and seek? My girl always keeps me on my toes, leaving me wanting more.
That’s how it’s always been with us, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Zoe is wearinga mask and dressed in all black. She is leaning against my R8, giving off an air of ownership over the entire building and the cars around her. Her hooded face tilts to the right and up, intoxicating me.
She’s wearing the same mask I wore the night of the BDSM ball, but mine was red while hers is glowing icy blue.
The perfect contrast.
Walking down the ramp, I don’t bother hiding the smirk plastered on my face.
“I like the getup. If I had known, I would have broughtmymask,” I say.
