into the distance. I was ensconced in the plush back of Dominic's car, fighting not to let the silence engulf me, but it was oppressi

help but look over at him-at the sharp planes of his face, at the blackness in his eyes

But my words were as smoke, engulfed by the softness of

not caught up with him at all. Then, as though he'd reached

stated, his voice a

manded we go back home, that I keep him at arm's length, that I keep myself and this moment at bay. But my

I could stop, my voice

ou'll be absolutely certain about what you're missing if you don't." They were offer and challenge in

ng too fast. What was happeni

ing. The sleek, silver building loomed above us, its height reducing me to size and in

rking. I hesitated, my legs unsteady, my mind clouded. I wasn't sure if I was ready for

nothing at all other than the soft echo of our footsteps on the shining marble floor. Domi

no idea where this was goi

r we ascended brought me nearer to something I did not understand, something dangerous

could escape the world and rule over all that lay before him. From the grand staircase to the rich leather couches

ly leaping onto the edge of one of the leather couches, my heart thudding in my chest

s able to close my mouth. The question linger

nything for a moment, simply looking at me with a ferocity that made me feel like I was the on

ute and unshakeable. "I want you to stop doubting whether this is

to look away from him. "But I don't u

, and for the first time, I could sense the entire force of his presence, enw

but my mind thrashed in despair. This w

" I gasped, the words a

ho knew he was winning, who knew exactly how to manipulate. "No," he murmured, leaning closer. "

to curse at him, to scream out inquiries. But in his eyes, something-

reathed, my trembling

rolled, he crossed the room and stood in front of me. He reached do

his voice a dangerous whis

that I might offer. The kiss was raw and overwhelming, the physical expression of all that tension between us that had been accum

dominate, but now it didn't matter. My body responded to his touch with a hung

athing harsh, his face black with pleasure. "You'

plain, but nothing came out.

he point o

d alread