Dominic's Touch Read online

  Her stomach turned with disgust. She tried to push him away again but got nowhere. “Real nice, Jake. Any other asinine things you want to tell me?” In the next instant, he had his hand wrapped tightly around her hair. As she cried out in pain, he held her head at an awkward angle.

  “You’re a cock tease, Chloe. A fucking cock tease.”

  She struggled against his grasp.

  What the hell was happening? This was like a bad scene out of a movie. This certainly wasn’t the Jake she knew.

  “I am so sick of trying to be someone I’m not. For two fucking years I’ve sucked up to you and your family. I, for one, think I’ve been a trooper. I’ve stayed with you even though you don’t put out, even put up with your mother's incessant bitching. All for what, a few make-out sessions here and there? You won’t even let me touch your tits or finger you.” He breathed heavily. “I am a man, Chloe. I have needs.”

  A man my ass.

  “Real men don’t try and force themselves on a woman, Jake. Real men don’t say this shit.” Biting the inside of her cheek, she refused to cry out in pain. “Seems you’re a pervert and an alcoholic, too.”

  He stared at her, narrowing his eyes.

  She used that moment to get out of his grasp. Successfully pushing him away, she started off for the house.

  “Asshole,” she said over her shoulder.

  The sound of his drunken mumbling had several emotions going through her. She didn’t think Jake would really try to do anything to her, but then again, the way he’d acted was so foreign to her that she really didn’t know him anymore.

  She made it ten feet before Jake grabbed her arm with bruising force and spun her around. Chloe lost her balance and fell backward. Jake still had a grip on her arm and fell with her. Pine needles and rocks dug into her back. The momentum had him landing on top of her, the air leaving her on a whoosh.

  “Looks like you do want me. See how easily you got on your back?”

  “You’re such a prick.” She tried to shove him off, but he was stronger than she was. No matter how hard she pushed, it was no use. Even drunk he was stronger.

  “You’re going to regret this, Jake. When you’re sober and realize what a bastard you’re being, you’ll regret this.”

  And she’d make sure he did. She just had to get out of this situation first.

  Chapter Five

  The air wheezed in and out of her mouth as the heavy weight of Jake’s body suffocated her. Struggling a little harder, she knew she couldn’t let this happen. She mustered her strength and lifted her hands to rake them down his face. The sound of his grunt of pain brought a semblance of victory to her. Before she could do it again, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head with one hand.

  “Jake, you’re not thinking clearly.” Tears welled in her eyes as she struggled fruitlessly.

  “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 vison 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.

  Chapter Six

  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. He bent down on one knee and started stacking them. Ever since she’d been home that’s all he’d been doing … random stuff around the cottage. She knew it was because he needed to keep busy.

  “Pack your bags, Chloe. I think we need to go. We need to get back home and just get back into the swing of normal life.”

  She looked over at her mother.

  Normal life?

  “Your mother is right. We need to go.” Her father was the next one to speak.

  Chloe faced forward and took a second to think. “I’m not going anywhere,” she finally said. This was the only place that made her feel at home, safe. And despite what had happened just hours before, Chloe still felt that way.

  A collective silence filled the room, and she felt everyone staring at her.
>
  “I’m not ready to go.” But she wished they would go.

  Because if she were being honest, they made everything so much worse.

  ****

  How could Chloe ever find it in herself to trust another guy? After two years of being with him, she’d had to find out the hard way who he truly was.

  That’s what kept playing through her mind on repeat as she sat on the back patio, her legs pulled up to her chest, her focus on the lake.

  Had she been too stupid to see the signs? She closed her eyes and rested her head back on the chair. What difference did it make now? What she needed to do was go for a run around the lake, clear her head and try to put things in perspective. She had too much anger and energy to just sit around and wallow.

  Her parents had left hours ago, but to be honest they hadn’t up much of a fight about Chloe staying. It’s not like they could force her to go. She was eighteen, after all, and Dominic and Clara had said it was fine if she stayed.

  She stood and headed to her room, changed into some running attire, headed into the kitchen for a water bottle, then set off to get rid of the feelings inside of her. She knew a nice long run was exactly what she needed. At least she hoped. She needed to let everything fall away so that her mind was open and free again.

  And so she took off, running harder and faster than she ever had, and finally letting the tears fall that she’d held in the whole day.

  ****

  The sun was setting by the time Chloe made it back to the cottage. Covered in sweat, she was exhausted, but also felt pretty good. She’d had a good cry, gotten rid of all that sadness and anger, and just let herself focus on the things that mattered.

  When she stopped by the back door, she could hear Clara shouting and cursing from an open window. Maybe she should do another lap around the pond, but she found herself listening.

  “It’s always about you, Dom. When are you going to start thinking about me?” Her aunt’s voice was high and filled with anger.

  “I don’t know what you want me to say, Clara.” Dominic’s voice was low, calm, and steady. “You’re acting like a child, a self-centered child. This isn’t my fault, yet you’re trying to place the blame on me.”

  “Self-centered? Seriously?” Chloe heard cupboards slam shut. “This is why our relationship is shit, Dom. This is why I’ve gone elsewhere for what I need.”

  Gone elsewhere. Was that why they divorced? Had Clara cheated on Dominic?

  Man, Chloe should really go for another lap.

  “Our relationship is shit, and has been for years, because you went off and fucked someone else instead of just agreeing to the divorce.” There was a moment of silence, and Chloe could imagine what her aunt’s face looked like right now. “But nope, you wanted to keep up appearances, but look how well that has gone.”

  Chloe covered her mouth with her hand as she heard her aunt and uncle's private conversation. She felt like a voyeur, but still she couldn’t move.

  “Would you have even told me about the affair if I hadn’t caught you in the act?” Dominic’s voice was pitched low, but still calm. “You know you wouldn’t have.”

  Clara scoffed. “Oh please. Our marriage has been over for years.”

  “You’re absolutely right. Which is why I served you with divorce papers, but because you want to seem like your life is perfect, you refused to sign them.”

  “I signed your damn papers.”

  Dominic laughed humorlessly. “Yeah, after I got my lawyer involved.”

  “If you're so miserable why did you stay?”

  “Because this house is just as much mine as yours. I worked my ass off with renovations, with making it a home I could live in. I wasn’t, and still am not, ready to just give that away, Clara.”

  “You’re right. I can’t keep holding on to something that isn’t there.”

  “I wish I'd never wasted all these years with you. Look at what it's gotten me!” Clara screeched. More slamming of drawers and cupboards followed her aunt’s harsh words. “There is no way I’m staying here.”

  “You’re just going to leave Chloe, after the shit she went through?”

  “Chloe is a big girl. She’s doing fine. Besides, you’re here and can look after her.” Her aunt’s voice was deceptively low. “I don’t even want to be here, not with you, not when the very sight of you makes my stomach turn. And you wonder why I cheated?”

  “No, I don’t wonder,” Dominic said. “I’m sure the guy you wrangled is loaded. That’s what you’re after these days, right? Bottomless pockets and someone who lets you get away with whatever?”

  Chloe was about to leave, to take that second run, but she was frozen in place as she heard her aunt spit out a string of insults to Dominic. A second later the sound of a car starting and peeling out of the driveway had Chloe swallowing roughly in unease.

  As the sound of the car grew distant, Chloe turned to go back toward the lake. The sound of the back door opening had her glancing over her shoulder. Dominic stood there with his hands in his pockets, his focus on the lake. His expression was like stone. He held things in, concealed them behind a mask of cool and collected composure. He’d always been like that.

  He didn’t realize she was standing there, but she swore he had to have heard how fast and hard her heart was thundering. And then he turned, and their gazes clashed, held. Neither of them sp oke for several moments. Chloe started to feel the tension in the air. Awkwardness didn’t even begin to describe the situation.

  Should she pretend she didn’t hear anything? Surely by the weirdness happening right now, he had to know she’d heard it all.

  “You heard.” He didn’t phrase it like a question.

  Chloe moved over to where he stood and nodded. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to.”

  He sat down, and she took the seat beside him.

  “Should I just go?” How could she stay here after all this? Surely, he wanted to be alone.

  “No, I don’t want you to leave.” He turned and smiled at her. “And you have nothing to be sorry about. I’m just sorry you had to be here when the shit finally hit the fan. I know this has to be awkward for you.”

  It was none of Chloe’s business, but she loved his honesty and wanted him to feel like he could tell her anything. So against her better judgment, she asked, “If things were this bad why did you go along with keeping up appearances?” His heavy exhale made her instantly regret what she’d said. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business."

  “No, it’s all right.” He didn’t speak for a long moment, and she could see he was mulling over all of this. “I honestly don’t know why I let her control the situation. The marriage has been over for years, and the ink on the divorce papers long since dried.” He looked at Chloe then. “I think I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt. I didn’t want things ruined because I knew you guys were coming up, and I wanted it good and memorable.” He shook his head and looked back at the lake. “But all of that got fucked up anyway, so…”

  “I’m sorry everything went down like this.”

  “Yeah. Me too, Chloe.” He sounded tired, but not in the physical way. He breathed out wearily, leaned back in the chair, and ran a hand over his jaw. “It is what it is, but I’m glad it’s all out in the open now. It’s a weight off my shoulders.”

  They stayed silent a while longer, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Chloe didn’t know what to say, but knew that right now saying nothing was probably better than trying to force it.

  When the sun had finally set, she made her way inside and washed up. Chloe wished there was something she could do to make things different, wished she could wipe away the broken disappointment, the soul-crushing … pain.

  Would things ever be the same?

  She had a feeling they wouldn’t.

  Chapter Seven

  A week later

  A full seven days had passed since everything had happened with Jake, then finishing off with Clara screaming at Dominic
and the infidelity coming out, and her storming away. She hadn’t been back since. Chloe had overheard a phone conversation with Dominic and who she assumed was Clara on the other end. And it had ended with him saying that he agreed … it was best she didn’t come back.

  Yet Chloe was still here. Maybe she should have left, because she had a feeling even if Dominic wanted her to go, he wouldn’t tell her. He’d let her stay here forever if she wanted to.

  And things were tense, really tense if she was being honest. She tried to stay out of his way, to give him space, because she knew if she was going through that, she’d want to be alone.

  Then why are you still here?

  That was the question she kept asking herself. And as much as she wanted to give him that space, she didn’t want to leave because a part of her thought maybe he needed her here, too. Maybe he shouldn’t be alone right now, going through this, living with this pain by himself.

  Although she attempted to make it not so, she knew Dominic was also trying. It was just a difficult situation that made everything awkward, no matter how hard they tried to ease the tension. Meals were eaten in silence, and when either of them did strike up a conversation, it was short.

  But the idea of going back home was starting to sound better because maybe she was intruding.

  As they sat at the dinner table, the only sound was the silverware clanging against the china. She glanced up as she brought her fork to her mouth and watched Dominic, who seemed distant, as if he were thinking. She went through the motions of chewing and swallowing, trying to push everything away. She reached for her glass, brought it to her mouth, and took a long drink.

  “So … today really turned out to be beautiful,” she said after she set her glass down.

  He nodded. “It was nice weather. We should have gone on the boat.” He didn’t raise his gaze to her when he responded.

  She cleared her throat. “I was thinking about going back home.” He did look at her then. “I wouldn’t expect you to drive me back or anything. I can take the bus.” He carefully set his fork down and leaned back. She shifted in her seat, acutely aware of the thick tension. “I just think now isn’t the best time for me to be here. Things are just … weird. I hate to put it like that, but I want to be honest.”