Why, oh why, am I obsessively wondering what it would be like with him?
‘Black, thanks,’ I avert my eyes to the swimming pool outside the window.
He closes the distance between us and holds the cup. I accept it, carefully, ensuring our fingers don’t touch again.
‘So, I thought we could go shopping today,’ he says breezily, like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
‘You want to go shopping?’ Have I died and woken up in a parallel universe? Apparently Sheila was serious.
His lips hitch upwards again. ‘We need to get you an entire new wardrobe.’ He takes a sip of his coffee. ‘Although, my shirt did look good on you.’ He shrugs and fires a wink my way.
My stomach flips. I’m saved from answering by Sheila cannoning into the kitchen, bright eyed and bushy tailed. She’s wearing a pair of jeans and a pale jade top that matches her glittering eyes. They dart between us gleefully. It hits me then—this is the first time she’s seen us together.
I step closer to Dominic almost unconsciously, and he drapes a powerful arm around my shoulders. Every atom inmy body explodes with sheer awareness as his now familiar scent seeps into my lungs.
‘Morning, lovebirds,’ she shrieks. ‘Look at you!’ She strides towards us, pats my forearm and reaches for Dominic’s face.
Did she just pinch his cheek like a fucking baby?
Yep, it’s official, I’ve woken in a parallel universe.
‘I never thought I’d see the day. A woman in your kitchen!’ She shakes her head in wonder, then turns her attention to me. ‘How did you sleep, love?’ Her palm covers her lips. ‘Assuming he let you sleep at all!’ She cackles, and my cheeks flame further.
‘Good morning to you, Sheila.’ Dominic drawls, pulling me tighter against his chest. My pulse skyrockets, and it’s a battle to breathe evenly. ‘I assume you’re here early this morning because you’re going to ten o’clock mass? That could be the only reason you’re in my kitchen at eight a.m. on a Sunday, right?’
She scoffs. ‘I was hoping to surprise you two with breakfast in bed,’ she shrugs.
‘No need, we’re heading out,’ he says.
Her face falls. ‘Oh.’
He twists his face to look at me, and he rolls his eyes. ‘But seeing as you’re here now, maybe we could manage something small before we go.’
She beams at him. ‘I’ll make some eggs.’
I tear myself away from his torso before I combust with a million different sensations that I wasn’t even aware my body was capable of. ‘I’ll set the table.’
‘You’ll do no such thing!’ Sheila scolds. ‘You’re the lady of this house.’ She flicks on a small radio in the corner of the kitchen and sets about her work.
I look at Dominic for some sort of cue. ‘Come on, we’lltake our coffee outside.’ He points to the outdoor lounge area overlooking the pool. Blue skies promise another beautiful day. He offers me his huge hand, and I let him tug me towards the terrace.
Sheila squeals excitedly again. ‘You two are adorable! You’re going to make beautiful babies. Lock her down, Dom. Buy her the biggest ring you can find.’
He turns to look at Sheila, pausing at the sliding doors. ‘Don’t worry, I intend to.’
An hour later, after Sheila plied us with enough food to feed the five thousand, we’re in the back of the BMW. Two of Dominic’s security staff sit in the front. In dark suits and sunglasses, they’re almost as intimidating as him.
‘Are you sure it’s safe to go out?’ I thread my clammy fingers together, peering as the world blurs outside the window.
Dominic informed me that Rory Kavanagh is tearing the city apart in his search for my father and me. I knew he’d be livid, but hearing it confirmed has done nothing to ease the nausea roiling in my stomach.
His dark eyes dart to mine behind his glasses. ‘You’re always safe when you’re with me.’ He glances at the two men in the front. ‘And Lewis and James would die before letting anything happen to you.’
I shiver. His words were meant to comfort me, but I don’t want anyone dying, not because of me. Well, no one other than Rory Kavanagh.
A short while later, we pull into the Kildare Village. Big names dominate the signage on the building. Gucci. Prada. Burbury. Brands I’ve never bought in my life. I twist my head to meet his eye as one of the security staff opens the vehicle door for him.
‘I don’t need anything.’ I plead. The quiet sanctuary ofhis home has never felt more appealing. I glance around the carpark as he helps me out of the back seat and out into the sun. Instead of letting go of my hand, he grips it tightly in his as the two security guards fall into line beside us. We stroll towards the shops.
