Page 60 of Broken Prince

He frowned. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

My stomach dipped at the sadness caused by his rejection. What did I expect? I was just a silly naïve girl. He cared for me but just the way Dom did and it was probably also why he had been distant since I’d kissed him.

He didn’t want to have to openly reject the sweet idiot.

I gave him a resigned nod. I was done hoping for more. He was powerful, older, educated, and most of all deeply broken. He needed so much more than me.

I stood up. “Thanks again for the necklace.”

“I’m not worried about Dom because he doesn’t touch what doesn’t belong to him.”

I stopped, my hand on the handle and turned my head to look at him.

“And who do I belong to?” I asked, my heart starting to gallop like a mustang in my chest.

He leaned back in his seat, resting his hand on his lips, looking at me with his piercing dark eyes as if he could see right through me.

“Have a good day, Cassie.”

Despite him dodging the answer, I couldn’t help but smile when I stepped out of his office, clinching the box against my chest. He may not have claimed me with his words but his eyes did and it was enough for now.

* * *

When I came back to the house on Thursday after my weekly outing with Jude, I found a black box from a famous designer in front of my bedroom door as well as a shopping bag containing various smaller boxes.

I took the boxes in my room and found the most beautiful dress ever. It was a floor-length, one shoulder, emerald-green evening dress. The top was embroidered with thin golden flowers, flowing down in a relaxed A-line from the waist with a slit so high I expected it to be indecent once I wore the dress.

The first box in the bag contained golden and green shoes exactly my size, the second had a gold shawl, and the last box contained a golden venetian mask ornated with light emerald lines creating a beautiful intricated design.

Dom had outdone himself. Everything was so beautiful and well coordinated. I trailed my fingers on the dress and decided to try it on right away.

I discarded my clothes and stepped into the dress. Once I closed the side zipper, I swirled around to face the mirror and was taken aback by how stunning the dress looked on me, the perfect contrast of colors between my milky skin and red hair. I ran my hands on the trimmed waist and flaring on the skirt. It fit me so perfectly.

I couldn’t help but blush a little at Dom’s awareness of my body… I took my phone out to snap a pic but my phone pinged with a text from Dom.

Can you come to my room?

I frowned. I knew where his room was but I'd never been there.Sure, I’ll be there in five.

I removed the dress carefully and put it in the wardrobe before going to see Dom.

“Come in,” he said after I knocked.

“Are you…okay?” I asked. It was a stupid question really. Dom was in bed at six p.m., his neck covered in a light rash. He was clearly not okay.

He sighed, shaking his head. “No, well, I’m okay now but you know I’m allergic to seafood, right?”

I nodded mutedly, studying him, my nurse training taking over.

“I ordered Chinese and I may not have been careful. My allergies flared and if it wasn’t for Luca getting my EpiPen.” He shook his head.

I rushed to his side and looked at his rash. “It must have been a really bad one.” I confirmed, as I moved the bed cover a little lower and noticed the rash ran down his chest too.

He sighed. “I’ve got…trouble for a few days after severe allergies.”

I nodded. “Yes, it’s pretty common.” Most severe allergic reactions and the EpiPen reaction had the tendency to cause an upset stomach. I understood what he was not saying.

I shrugged. “It’s okay, Dom; there will be other parties.” I was glad that my voice didn’t carry the disappointment I felt. I had been looking forward to going somewhere for once and looking like a princess.

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