Page 25 of Always You
“Mila, I searched for you. I was a broken mess, baby. I fucking searched for you, Mila.”
I laugh. “Oh yeah, you searched for me. Sticking your dick around town parading around with your artsy, soon-to-be trophy wife. Don’t play the martyr with me, Dominic. Get the fuck out of my studio, get back to your fiancée, you’re so in love with, right? The love of your life, you said oh, and the only woman you ever loved.” My voice comes out hoarse and raspy from all the shouting.
His Adam’s apple bobs, and his shoulders hunch forward. He sighs, as I walk to my office, tempted to shut the door and scream cry. He follows behind, shutting the door to my office.
“Mila, it’s true I looked for you, but I was hurt and pissed. I thought you left me. And I do love you, I still do. But why would my mom lie, Mila?”
His words hurt. What does it matter now? Five years have passed, he’s moved on.
“Just leave.” I grit my teeth. “You chose to believe your mom over what we had. She’s always loathed me. You might have looked for me at first—it wasn’t because you loved me enough to believe I would never leave you. It was because you believed what your mom claimed and wanted to hurt me with your words. You made it clear.”
“Are you with someone?” he blurts out as his hand shoves its way into his pockets. His body is tensed and his jaw’s clenched. He catches me off guard. His muscles twitch as his jealousy courses through him.
He has some fucking nerve to ask.
“That’s rich considering you’re engaged, and It’s not any of your business who I date or fuck, but if you must know he’s, my boyfriend.”
He growls and leans into me, pushing me against the desk. “Mila, let me talk, please, I’m sorry, I want to be in you’re and Dante’s life.”
I shake my head at him.He thinks a sorry will make it all better. Is he kidding me?
“First of all, I overheard your conversation. I decided to come to the restaurant to speak to you. I heard you say you didn’t want kids. Dante and I don’t need you, get back to your fiancée. Leave, please. I don’t want to see you again. You’re five years too late.” I snake around him, walking back to the front.
“Mila,” he begs, trailing behind me.
I want him to leave—his presence is too much for me. His eyes scrutinize me, painted full of regret. That’s on him. He believed what others said rather than follow his own heart.
“Angel, I lo—”
I spin around to his chiseled face. My brows furrow in disappointment.
“Don’t you dare say it.”
His mouth crashes on mine unexpectedly. His lips intertwined with mine. The heat in his kiss feels like wax melting under the fiery flames of desire. The familiarity of his lips I missed so much. His arms wrap around my waist, lowering down to my ass, circling his palms around my ass as he squeezes. He groans and moans into my mouth. His legs wedge between mine as he deepens the kiss, making me dizzy and lightheaded. Waves of pleasure heat my core. His erection grinding on my belly.
I’m panting—angrily for allowing myself to be degraded over lust.He’s engaged, for God’s sakes.
“Go, Dominic, you’re engaged, and you made it clear when you said you loved her and only her.” I jerk away from him. My chest rises and falls as I rapidly take in breaths.
“Angel,” he whispers softly.
“Leave, please. We’re done. We have closure now. You clearly moved on. It’s time I do the same. Go, I’m sure your fiancée is waiting.”
Dominic’s jaw tightens, his fists clench into a ball. His lips are swollen and tinged with red, his eyes reflecting pain and pleading. His breathing is shallow and desperate, as if panic is squeezing his throat.
I close my eyes, not wanting to bear witness to any more of his pain, and turn away. The door slams shut behind me like a thunderclap, and my knees buckle beneath me as I sink into my chair and break down into sobs. My chest tightens painfully. His family did this. I know it’s not entirely his fault they manipulated him, but what hurts is he belittled me. I loved him with everything I had. He once was the oxygen I needed to breathe. We lived a life without him. A part of me will always love him. It’s time for me to let him go and move on with my life. I’m with Brian now. He’s safe, compassionate, and cares for Dante.
eight
DOMINIC
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I shout as I jump into my truck, startling the old lady walking her dog.Goddammit,I pound my fist into the steering wheel.
My own flesh and blood lied to me, kept me away from the only girl I’ve loved. I lick my lips, tasting her remains lingering on my lips. All this time I thought Mila betrayed me when it was me who betrayed her. I feel like an ass flaunting Samantha around, kissing her in front of Mila, fucking with her head. The bitter asshole in me took over. Five years, five damn years, they lied to me. My own mom—why would she lie?
I pull the truck out of the driveway, speeding to Santiago’s auto shop. I’m paying a visit to my lying shithead of a brother.
I stalk across the garage, my boots crunching gravel and leaves. When I reach Santiago, he is bent over an engine, grease, and sweat glistening on his face. On hearing my approach, he lifts his eyes to meet mine.
