Page 15 of Rugged Soul

“You’re saying I’m your first?” I ask. My face flushes when I realize how that might have been interpreted.

Domino stops the tour and turns to face me, taking my hands in his. “Calista, you are many of my firsts.”

“You, too,” I whisper, swallowing thickly.

Our eyes meet, and so many unspoken words are hidden just beneath the surface. There's so much more to this man than I originally thought. He's undeniably sexy, powerful, tough, and confident in who he is. But there's a softer side that I think he only shows to me.

“Come, let me get you set up in your room and I’ll find some of my clothes you can change into if you want to shower or anything.”

I nod, letting him lead me to the bedroom. “Thank you,” I tell him, though the words feel inadequate for everything he’s doing for me. I didn’t think I’d be so tired this early in the afternoon, but a yawn escapes my lips and takes over my whole body.

“I’ve got you,” he whispers, tucking me into his side and kissing my temple. “I’ll get a towel and clothes set out for whenever you need them. I’ll be doing some chores around the house, but you just take your time, okay? Come find me when you’re all rested up.”

I nod, giving him a sleepy smile. “Thank you for taking care of me,” I say again. “I’ve never… I don’t think I’ve ever felt…” I trail off, not knowing how to put my thoughts into words. “I’ve never felt like I belonged before. But here with you… I don’t know. Never mind.”

Domino doesn’t let me get away with that. He takes my hand and places it over his heart, then tips my chin up with two fingers. His brownish-green eyes latch onto mine, conveying such vulnerability without even saying a word.

“You belong right here,” he whispers, pressing my hand against his chest. “Right here with me.”

I nod, unable to speak at the moment. Domino doesn’t mind. He simply peels my hand off of his chest and kisses my palm. Without another word, he leaves me speechless, standing in his guest bedroom.

Today did not go as planned. I’m still unsure of what the future holds, but for the first time in my entire life, I know I’ll be safe no matter what happens. I had no idea that’s what I was missing until Domino came roaring into my life with his motorcycle, muscles, and surprisingly tender heart.

8

DOMINO

I’ve been awake for hours, my mind racing and my guy twisting up with guilt. How can I sleep knowing my precious woman is on the other side of the wall, hurting and littered with bruises because of me?

Calista doesn’t think it’s my fault, but she would never have been put in this position if it weren’t for me and the club drama. I failed to protect her once, but I’ll never let her down again.

My bedroom door opens slightly, the dim light from the hallway spreading over the carpet. Am I dreaming or is that Calista standing there? I watch as her silhouette glides across the room until she’s in front of me.

I scoot over and pull the blankets back, inviting her to join me. She silently crawls in, curling up against my bare chest and clinging to me with all her might. I cover us up and cradle my woman in my arms, not knowing why she’s here, just happy she felt safe and comfortable enough to seek me out.

“Is this okay?” she asks after a few moments.

“It’s more than okay,” I reassure her, gently brushing my fingers through her long brown hair. “I’ll always be here for you. Whenever you need me.” She nods and snuggles closer, almost like she’s afraid I’m going to disappear.

I’m not sure how long we stay like that, but eventually, Calista sighs and loosens her hold on me. We readjust so I’m on my back and my woman is resting her head on my shoulder while I keep her close with an arm curled around her hips. I continue lightly combing my fingers through her hair, then switch to stroking my fingertips across her soft, delicate skin.

“I’m not used to being alone,” Calista whispers. I pause my movements, then continue, silently encouraging her to tell me more. “My mom and I were always going somewhere exciting and staying with her friends or moving into a new boyfriend’s house. We even lived in a compound for a few months,” she says. I can hear the smile in her voice, but it’s tinged with sadness.

“That must have been difficult to adjust to new places all the time,” I say softly. She nods.

“I always knew my mom loved me. She still does. We’re best friends,” Calista is quick to say. “It’s not her fault, it’s mine.” I hate that she feels the need to justify her emotions and experiences, but I understand. It’s something we’ll work on together.

“Two things can be true at the same time,” I tell her. “It can be true that your mother loves you as much as possible, and at the same time, it can be true that your needs aren't met.”

Calista stills in my arms, barely breathing as she takes in my words. I’m worried for a second that I overstepped or said the wrong thing, but then she props herself up on my chest, looking me right in the eyes.

“I’ve never considered that,” she says, her head tilting to the side in the most adorable way. “I didn’t know what I needed from her, I guess. I just always felt… out of place. She longed for adventure and freedom, while I wanted stability and somewhere to call home. Maybe that’s why I wanted to be a real estate agent.”

“You’re home now,” I whisper, tucking a few strands of her silky hair behind her ear.

Cupping the back of her neck, I pull Calista closer to me, brushing my lips against hers. Her breath rolls over my skin, the sensation echoing throughout my body and making my cock twitch. I sip at her lips, coaxing her tongue to tangle with mine. Her hands slide up my bare chest, pulling a groan from deep within when she digs her nails into my skin. Christ, I can’t help but deepen our kiss, running my hands up her thighs and under the hem of the thin, oversized t-shirt of mine she’s in.

When I feel her bare ass, I tear my mouth away from hers and growl savagely. Calista lies back and rests her head against the pillow, closing her eyes. I dip my head down and kiss her neck, nipping and licking at the sensitive spot below her ear.

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