Page 9 of Untouchable

“Chloe, don’t act like you don’t want it. You’ve been teasing me for two fucking years. There’s no way you’re not just as hard-up as I am.”

Horror encompassed every part of her.

She closed her eyes, about to use all her strength to get him off, try to kick him in the balls, then haul ass to the cottage and demand Jake get the fuck out of here. But the sounds of muffled grunts filled the air around her, and then the heavy weight of Jake was off of her.

Chloe opened her eyes, feeling them widen as her vision adjusted to the darkness. A massive, imposing form stood over Jake’s body, which was propped up against a tree.

“What the hell, man?” Jake muttered out, pain thick in his voice.

She lifted her gaze back to the shadowed figure and slowly pulled herself into a standing position, brushing off the dirt and leaves that covered her.

And then she saw Dominic, a slash of moonlight breaking through the trees.

His eyes were set hard, his jaw clenched. He was enraged; she’d never seen him this angry before.

“Are you okay, Chloe?” His voice sounded strangled, as if he had to force the words out.

She was stunned, embarrassed, and most of all confused. All Chloe could do was nod.

And then the tears came, despite the fact she tried to stop them, tried to be strong. Maybe she was in shock? Maybe she was humiliated because Dominic had found them this way? Or maybe she was just so betrayed by Jake that nothing made sense anymore?

But before she could stop her tears, before she could get control of herself, she was pulled into the hardness of Dominic’s arms. He held her, stroked the back of her head, and told her everything would be okay.

And all the while she heard Jake groaning, mumbling about his nose being broken.

“You’re fucking lucky that’s the only thing I broke, you little fucking bastard.” Dominic’s words were fierce, dangerous, as he spoke low to Jake.

When she got a semblance of control of herself, Dominic pulled her back and looked down at her. The sorrow and pain on his face were tangible.

She glanced around Dominic’s arm to see Jake still pressed against the tree, his hands cupping his face, blood pouring down his chin. It looked dark, like ink in the moonlight.

“Come on. Let’s get inside.” Dominic let go of her, and she started walking toward the house. She looked over her shoulder to see him haul Jake off the ground as if he weighed nothing.

“Move, fucker,” Dominic gritted out.

She didn’t want her parents knowing, but then again, this was something that was unavoidable. If Dominic hadn’t shown up, who knew how far Jake would have gone?

But they also loved Jake and thought he was perfect. No way would they believe he could try something so heinous. But whether they believed her or not didn’t matter. She had to tell them.

They had to know what a piece of shit they all had let into their lives. They had to know the kind of predator Jake was.

But the drama was just unfolding even more. First the bombshell Dominic and Clara had given them … now this.

7

Chloe had stood on the porch and watched the police cruiser cart Jake off. It would be a sight she’d never forget.

But that had been hours ago. She’d gotten back from the police station after giving her statement not that long ago, and although she was exhausted, she couldn’t fall asleep. She lay on the couch, the flurry of her parents and aunt discussing the next move surrounding her. But Chloe was in her own world.

Dominic was around, coming and going, but he was keeping himself busy, as if it was just as painful for him to listen to all of this as it was for Chloe.

But the kicker with all of this was the fact Jake didn’t seem sorry at all. Sure, he did because he got caught, but the shit he’d put Chloe through? No shred of remorse. Last she heard, his parents had been on their way. But she didn’t want to see him, them, or anyone else for that matter.

She didn’t even want to be with her aunt or parents. They were loud, acting as though the situation was all about them. Not once had they stopped the arguing and panic to make sure she was okay.

Since she’d been back home the only person who had was Dominic.

And as if he’d heard her thoughts, he came in with an armful of firewood. He had a stern, angry expression on his face as he headed toward the fireplace and set the logs down.

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