Page 16 of The Accidental Pleasure Dom

She sighs, “Ok, but I might have to kick Dom’s ass for breaking your heart. Or rip out Jessica’s hair extensions for being such a skank.”

I laugh at her comments, feeling my mood lighten slightly at the thought of Claire kicking Dom’s ass.

“I didn’t know my little angel was so bloodthirsty.” Nick raises his eyebrow at Claire with a wicked grin, causing her face to go bright red.

“Okay, you two lovebirds. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid like kick Dom’s ass myself.” I try to laugh, but Dom’s name feels like ash in my mouth.

Nick and I continue walking to the garage, Claire staying behind, “Call me when you get home, so I know you are safe.”

“Yes, Mom,” I reply, rolling my eyes.

“I love you, Belle!” She shouts.

“I love you too, Claire!” I yell over my shoulder with a slight wave.

Once in the garage, Nick leads me to the car. “Thank you for not taking her away from me,” Nick says quietly as he opens the car door for me.

“She belongs here with you. Take care of her.”

“I will. And for what it’s worth, I know Dom loves you. When you’re ready, let him explain his side of what you saw tonight.”

“Thank you, Nick, for loving your brother. He needs that in his life.” I close the car door, not giving Nick a chance to reply.

***

The ride to the airstrip doesn’t take long, but it feels like a lifetime. I let the tears fall freely now. Mourning the loss of Dom. The future I so foolishly let my mind hope for.

I’m a hot mess of tears and hiccups when I board the plane. Thankfully, Rick is too polite to say anything about my appearance, guiding me to my seat without a word.

I sit down, secure the seatbelt around my waist, then look out the window and wait for the pain in my heart to go away.

“Is this seat taken?” I look up to find Joseph waiting for my reply.

“Um, no, go ahead and have a seat.” I motion to the seat across from me, wiping the tears from my face before Joseph can comment on them.

Sitting across from me, Joseph says, “It’s okay to cry, Belle. I feel like crying myself.” He scrubs his hand down his face. “Shit, they fooled me too, you know.”

“W-what are you talking about who fooled you?” I hold my breath and wait for him to clarify who he’s talking about.

“Dom and Jessica. I confronted her earlier today, and she admitted that she and Dom have been lovers for years.” He sighs, turning to look out the window. “Jessica cheating on me doesn’t really bother me, but Dom, Dom is my blood, the leader of our family. It’s disgraceful.” He looks back at me, a crazed look flashing through his eyes, which makes me flinch.

This man is unstable. I see that now. I need to be careful around him. So, I choose my next words carefully, “What else did Jessica say about, their affair.” I choke out the words.

“She said Dom approached her five years ago when we first started dating, and I introduced them. According to Jessica, that same night after I dropped her off, Dom went to her place, and they had sex. They have been sneaking around behind my back ever since.”

I don’t know how to respond, but he reaches out and grabs my hand before I can, “We need to get back at them. If we had sex, that would show them. Give them a taste of their own medicine.” The sneer on his face is almost inhuman.

I jerk my hand back, “Sorry, Joseph, I’m not ready to be with anyone else, even for revenge.”

“If you change your mind, let me know.” He shrugs and leans back in his seat.

I glance at the flight attendant sitting by the cockpit and notice her watching our interaction with interest. She stands up and moves to the galley, where she grabs the drink cart. “Can I get either of you a drink?” she asks, stopping her cart beside Joseph and blocking him in his seat.

I excuse myself and go to the bathroom to clear my head. Once I feel a little calmer, I return to my seat. Joseph seems interested in something on his phone and ignores me for the rest of the trip home.

nine

Dom

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