Chapter 35
Ajori
Iswear the sun was shining extra bright that morning, almost as if it had a personal vendetta against me. My thighs were still sore, my neck was stiff, and my voice was barely there… all because Domino decided to show me how much of atalkerhe really wasin bed.
I laid there for a good hour staring at the ceiling, lost in a whirlwind of memories, replaying every stroke, every breath, and every word Domino growled in my ear.
“You’re mine,” he had said, his voice low and commanding, and I knew what he meant. I understood all too well, maybe too well for my own good.
The abrupt buzz of my phone on the nightstand jolted me back to reality. I reached for it gingerly, wincing at the pain that shot through my body.
Lainey: Rise and shine, boo! Let’s go sightseeing! I’m not about to waste these days lazing around!
I let out a soft huff, fingers tapping against the screen as I composed my reply.
Me: Good morning, boo! But raincheck on the sightseeing today. I’m exhausted. If you decide to go, take Kyrin with you. I’m sure he’ll be down. Just swing by and grab the card my daddy gave me in case you want to do some shopping.
Three dots popped up instantly, then disappeared. Then my phone rang.
“Of course she’s calling,” I mumbled.
I stared at the screen, knowing I couldn’t avoid that conversation.
I answered, bringing it to my ear. “Lainey—”
“Um, ma’am!” she interrupted with her usual enthusiasm. “Please give me one good reason, aside from ‘I’m tired,’ for why you don't want to get up today, step outside, soak in some fresh air, and act like you’re not living under a rock! Because right now, you don’t even sound like yourself.”
I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh. “I’m not,” I said honestly. “I’m somebody’s victim right now.”
“Somebody’svictim?” she repeated, her tone shifting quick. “Somebody put their hands on you?”
Frowning, I retorted, “Lainey… I'm not talking to you from the county jail’s phone, am I?”
”No,” she replied in a knowing tone.
“Exactly.”
“Well, is it your period that has yousooooooexhausted? Hold on! No, it can’t be! We’re in sync, and mine’s not due! So unless your body decided to stray from the schedule, that’s not the reason.”
I chuckled.
“So, what is it then?” she pressed, and I could sense the gears in her mind turning. “Oh my God!” she gasped suddenly. “You’ve had some soul-snatching, back-cracking, knees-weak, can’t-walk-straight, call-out-of-work type of—”
“Lainey!” I whisper-yelled, sitting up slightly and instantly regretting it. “Ow—”
“Oh…andit hurts?” she taunted, voice dropping into pure messiness. “So, who’s the luckyhome-wrecker of your spine?Spill the tea and shame your ancestors!”
I covered my face. “You are ridiculous.”
“Come on! Don’t be shy about it now!” she urged, laughter dancing in her voice.
With a resigned sigh, I finally admitted, “It was Domino.”
Lainey gasped like she'd just heard a shocking plot twist in her favorite drama. “Not my friend don’ gottore up, by Mr. ‘I Don’t Smile Unless It’s a Threat’! I knew that man wasn’t just sitting around looking mean for no reason! That wasn’t no attitude; that waspent-uppressure! I know that kitty ain’t stand a chance!” she carried on, a bit too loudly, and I cringed at the volume.
“She didn’t, okay? But must you be so loud?!” I hissed, half-amused, half-embarrassed.
“Must you be so sneaky?” she countered, her playful tone unyielding. “So when did this freaky escapade take place, anyway?”
