Chapter Eighteen
Candace
I just went for a late run around the block to calm my nerves, and now I'm heading back to my apartment.It's nearly ten, definitely too late for me to be out exercising, but I made sure I stuck to the paths where there were a lot of people and light.
I haven't been able to shake off what happened with Jacques earlier.I can't believe what the man said to me.It played on my mind all day.I came straight home after, thankful I'd done all my work for Massimo from this morning.
I usually end my night with one of my classic films, but I'm just going to shower when I get in and head to bed.I'm not even tired, I just want the escape of sleep, hoping it may rejuvenate my mind.
Mindlessly, I walk into my apartment.A few steps in and I stop short when I feel the strong presence of someone inside.It sends a quiver of awareness through my body.
"It's me," says a voice to my left I'd recognize anywhere.
My heart races when I turn to see a shirtless Dominic walking out of the kitchen holding an ice pack to his head.
I bring a hand to my chest and my lips part in an attempt to say something, but the words don't come.
I want to ask him how he got in my apartment, but quickly school my mind.When it comes to Dominic D'Agostino, there's little point in asking such things.
Besides, the heat that races over my skin at the sight of his perfectly sculpted tattooed body turns my brain to soup.
When he lowers the ice pack, my attention is drawn to the angry bruise on the left side of his face.The entire area is black and blue, with a little cut on the edge of his cheekbone.
Something happened tonight. He looks like he was in a fight.The thought sends me over to him.
"What happened?"
He shakes his head, a sign I'm not to ask questions."Better you don't know, baby."
"Are you okay?"
"Worried about me, Angel?" He leans forward and the scent of his musky cologne tickles my nose.
"You're in my apartment holding an ice pack to your head.Something must have happened to you."
"It was a cat. A fucking big, furry cat.It jumped out at me and tried to bite my ass." His lips slide up into a wild smirk.
When I try to restrain my smile, he chuckles.
"The bruise is on your face, not your ass," I point out.
A faint light twinkles in his eyes that calms me."Haven't shown you that one yet, baby.Want to take a look?"
"No." A blush flushes over my body whenI remember how perfect his naked ass looks.
Theimage of it is right there at the forefront of my mind thanks to the many mental files I have stored away on him.I knew how it looked long before that night we spent together.
Dominic winks at me and I can't resist the smile that tugs at my lips.When I shake my head at myself, he reaches out to touch my face and nods.
"There she is. My girl. The Angel.Haven't seen that smile of hers in two years.I feel better now, although... it's my fault she doesn't smile for me anymore." His hand drops to his side and just like that the twinkle in his eyes disappears.
Something did happen. I haven't been around him for so long that I've forgotten he always tries to take my mind off things with jokes.
But why is he here?
"What are you doing here, Dominic?" I ask.
Instead of answering, he sighs and gives me a look I would call sheepish if I'd seen it on someone else.It's too regular for a guy like him who always oozes so much confidence.When he looks away and walks back into the kitchen, I follow.