17
Chapter Seventeen
Sophia
“We really don’t have to do this,” I try to reason with Shadow as he puts our suitcases in the back of the SUV. “We can just go back to the airport instead.”
He puts the last of our bags in and closes the vehicle door. With one hand still on the door and the other hand on his hip, he levels his gaze at me. “Sophia, you know I can’t do that.”
“This is a really bad idea, Shadow. I know what my dad was when I was younger and I know how it was when he finally showed back up. He could just as well be the one behind Dom’s car wreck and his house burning down! How can you just let him walk right into this situation?”
Shadow doesn’t respond verbally, but his lack of response coupled with the look he gives me tells me he already knows everything.
“What do you know, Shadow?”
“I know,” he pauses, “better than to get in the middle of family drama unless I absolutely have to.”
Dominic and Tucker walk out of the hotel and join us at the vehicle. Dom senses the tension in me, his eyes dart between Shadow and me. He gives me his best smirk before he addresses Shadow.
“Has she been trying to talk you out of going to her family’s house, Shadow?”
Shadow’s smile spreads across his face and I see the mischief dancing in his eyes. I have a feeling he’s coming up with a response that will get me in just enough trouble so that Dom punishes me, but not enough trouble to make him mad over it. Narrowing my eyes at him, I respond with a challenge of my own.
He accepts it. Dammit.
“Well, you know Sophia, Dominic. She’s playing the maternity card and her‘mother knows best’routine. She says that the dad is clueless,” Shadow replies in mock offense.
“Is that right?” One side of Dominic’s mouth quirks up as he tries to hide his smile. “I will definitely have to correct that line of thinking,” he replies, turning his seductive gaze to me, “Later.”
Electricity shoots through my body, causing it to hum with excitement at what playful ideas he has in store for me. He knows Shadow is only joking but he’s using it to set the stage for us.Later. He also knows that throughout the rest of the day that thought will be in the back of my mind, pulling me back to him right when I need it most.
The truth is, he knows how much I’m dreading this visit today. I fully expect my family to belittle me, try to shame me, or tell me I’m weak. They have no clue what weakness really is. Just because I’m Dom’s submissive doesn’t make me weak or spineless. If they push the wrong buttons, they will see first hand exactly how strong my spine is.
I roll my eyes as Dominic and Shadow walk off since I’m sure it’s to talk about exactly what I said to Shadow. Tucker gives me a single nod and turns to walk off before I call his name.
“Tucker?”
He turns to look at me, “Yeah?”
“I haven’t had a chance to really thank you for helping me that night. You even stayed with me in the hospital. You have no idea how much I appreciate that. You saved me from him and you didn’t leave me to face it all alone. You’re a good man, Tucker. There’s a woman out there who will be so happy to find you one day.”
Tucker wraps his arm around my neck and pulls me to him in a friendly hug. “For the record, you never have to thank me for helping you, Sophia. But, you’re welcome and I’d do it all over again if you needed me.” Releasing me, he continues, “Dominic is a different man with you. He loves you, Sophia.”
Doubts about me still linger–in all of three of these men. I can’t blame them but I can’t help that it hurts, either.
“I love him more than anything, Tucker. I’ve meant every word I’ve said to him.”
“He’s very excited to be a father,” Tucker says with a glance at my stomach. “You’re going to be a great mother, too, Sophia. Congratulations.” He flashes his rare smile at me and it makes me think that we’ll be okay again.
“Thank you, Tucker,” I say sincerely. “For everything.”
Half an hour later, we turn into the drive at what I presume is my parent’s house. It’s a small, modest house on the outskirts of west Austin. The neighborhood is nice, quiet, and the streets are lined with well-kept older homes. It gives me a homey, cozy feeling as I look around, picturing the neighbors congregating for summer cookouts. Not that I’d ever experienced that with my parents growing up, but it’s still a nice scene to picture here.
Dom squeezes my hand and draws me from the longings of my childhood. “Ready?” he asks, but we both know that question is asking so much more than the one word implies.
Giving a simple nod, we all exit the vehicle and walk up to the front door. The sidewalk is lined with well-manicured flowerbeds and the yard is dotted with ornamental trees. Everything looks so welcoming but I know that looks can be deceiving–because people are deceitful. Looking for the comfort that my Dom provides, I run my hand down the inside of his arm until our hands are once again locked. He simultaneously anchors me and sets me free.
Tucker knocks on the door and we all wait patiently. My heart is pounding in my chest as my confidence wanes and the trepidation sets in. Dom pulls me into his side, wrapping his arm protectively around me, and kisses me on my temple. If this visit stops the attacks on him, it’s well worth the discomfort I feel now. Taking a deep, calming breath, I let go of the tension and see this for what it is. If they’re not part of my life after today, it’ll be no different than it was yesterday.
