Page 31 of Hidden Hearts

“Don’t be so sure…” I pant. “I was on edge that night. Another push from you probably would have resulted in that evening ending a lot differently.” Like him in my queen-sized hotel bed with enough space to roll around in rather than my measly twin that we were currently making work.

“Hmm…” His beard scrapes over a particularly sensitive spot, the roughness matching the harsh drag of his tongue, and the intensity becomes too much.

My back bows at the onslaught of sparks prickling along my skin as Dominic’s thick arms tighten their hold and keep my legs spread.

“Dom!” I cry out, the orgasm rolls into a second deeper one as he draws out my pleasure, devouring me with hungry groans of satisfaction. When I’ve had enough—shoving at his dark head before I freaking pass out—he cleans me up with his mouth then crawls up the bed to rest his head between my breasts.

My hands sink into his hair, caressing him in silent gratitude. “It’s going to suck if I have to move.” Immediately, it’s obvious my unfiltered comment was the wrong thing to say because Dominic stiffens beneath my touch.

He lifts his head and growls, “Why the fuck would you move?”

“Because of a new job. I told you I want to quit Design Time soon. My savings goal is almost met, which means it’ll be time for the next step.”

“Leaving Suitor’s Crossing,” he spits out, his fingertips digging into my hip. “Leaving me.”

“We wouldn’t necessarily need to break up, but it’s not like we could have this every night depending on where I am. Though a move isn’t guaranteed anyway. That’s why I said ‘if.’”

“Yeah, but you’re not opposed to the idea of uprooting your life here.”

“What’s to uproot?” I ask. It’s been years of being stuck in a rut, and I’m done. Something needs to change before it’s too late. He needs to understand that. “Elsie and I are all we have in town. Everyone we used to know from college moved a long time ago. And no matter what, I can’t stay at Design Time forever. It’s slowly killing me as it is.”

“You have me,” he says quietly. The anger from earlier transformed into dejection.

Shit. Hugging him closer, I poured all of my feelings for him into the embrace. “I didn’t mean to imply you’re not important. Obviously, you are, or else tonight never would have happened. None of what’s occurred between us since the Summer Soiree would have happened. I don’t know if you realize this, but I’m not a hit it and quit it kind of girl. It takes time for me to warm up to someone.”

“An understatement.” There’s a note of humor in his voice which makes me feel a little better. God, why couldn’t I keep my mouth shut? Everything was perfect before my pleasure-addled brain decided to blurt out potential problems.

“We’re not going to figure anything out tonight, but why don’t I start pleading my case, hmm?”

“What do you—Oh. Oh!”

A condom appears from his pocket, and that’s when I realize Dominic is still fully dressed, while my bra remains rucked up underneath my breasts. The thin latex swiftly covers his dick before he notches the mushroom head at my entrance.

“Shall I start with my opening statement?” The savage thrust of his hips punctuates the question as his cock burrows deep.

“That’s… quite… an opening statement.” My breathless voice causes a knowing smirk to tip the side of his mouth then there’s no more talking. Barely enough oxygen between us to breathe as Dominic sets a punishing pace.

You won’t leave Suitor’s Crossing.

You won’t leave me.

I won’t fucking allow it.

He doesn’t say the words aloud, but I feel them. From the determination gleaming in his eyes. The possession outlining each ravaging plunge.

And, for once, his blunt aggression doesn’t rub me the wrong way.

It does the exact opposite.

CHAPTER TWENTY

DOMINIC

“Hey, baby. I’ve been thinking about our problem.” Dropping a kiss to Avery’s forehead after she steps inside Stone Precision, I offer her a blindfold. It’s been four days since she dropped the bomb of her potential move, and aside from that, I’ve never been happier.

Lunch dates. Sleepovers at my place since her roommate returned. Disney movie marathons. It’s all so normal. Wholesome. And I don’t plan on losing it anytime soon, which means figuring out a solution to Avery’s job problem.

She didn’t ask me to, but when has that ever stopped me from doing what I thought was right? What I thought would be in my girl’s best interest?

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