The Billionaire's Claim: Redemption

Chapter Thirty-Five

Elizabeth

Facing Monday morning feels almost strange. On the island, nights and days blurred, like chapters in a never-ending book, their sunrises and sunsets all running together like paint poured into a mountain stream.

I know I should get ready for work, but it’s impossible to get up and go when I’m feeling so languid from sweet, bone-melting sex with Dominic just before the shower. My body seems to sing, my nerve endings still humming from the two hot orgasms I got before he came deep inside me.

My clothes hang in Dominic’s walk-in closet, and my shoes line the built-in shelves. Half the center island holds my jewelry and accessories. Tolyan must’ve brought them over from Ryder’s. I select a fitted silver and purple dress with an asymmetrical skirt. I bought it a couple of years ago in Milan, but have never worn it. The colors are too bold. My usual preference tends to run to a soft, feminine style. But today, I don’t want to be soft. I want to be bold, brave and outrageous.

By the time I’ve put on my makeup and gone downstairs to the kitchen, everyone else is there. Tolyan and Antoine are dressed in button-down shirts and slacks with jackets to hide their weapons. Kristen’s in a sundress in hot pink and teal, the color combination surprisingly eye-catching and vivacious without being overly loud.

Dominic…

My breath catches. He’s stunning in a starched white dress shirt covering the gorgeous, lean torso I ran my hands all over just hours ago, and a pair of black slacks, the soft material skimming his tight ass and strong legs. He hands me a fresh cup of coffee.

“I put extra sugar in it,” he whispers into my ear.

I give him a small grin. “Thanks.”

“Bagel and cream cheese?”

“Yes, please.” I filch a couple strips of bacon from a plate. As I start to nibble on the perfect breakfast, Tolyan raises an eyebrow.

I arch an eyebrow in response. What?

He shrugs.

Dominic and Antoine leave first, but not before the love of my life gives me a lingering kiss first. “Have a great da

y.”

“You too.”

Kristen sighs as the door closes behind them, then grabs her purse and stands. “You guys have a great day, too,” she says forlornly to the foyer, then gives me a quick hug. “See you later, Liza.”

“Bye.” A couple of men appear from the vestibule and follow her out.

I swallow the last bite of my bagel and finish the coffee.

“Ready?” Tolyan asks.

“Ready.” I nod.

To be honest, I’m unsure if I’m really ready. It’s been a few weeks since I went to the office. I’ve never been away for this long. Although the people at the foundation are amazing, I can’t help but feel nervous.

“Relax,” Tolyan says, driving the Mercedes toward the office. “Nothing’s changed.”

“That’s what you think. I feel like everything is different today.”

He considers. “You’re right. Things are a little different.” His dark eyebrows pull together. “Dominic probably doesn’t deserve to have his face kicked in for hurting you before.”

I’m half surprised and half shocked. Tolyan never changes his mind about people. “Really? What makes you think that?”

“You ate dinner last night, and then breakfast this morning. Last night could be chalked up to hunger from travel, but not the breakfast. When you’re tense or anxious, you don’t eat…or you eat and then have indigestion.”

I smile. “You like Dominic.”

“Don’t push it,” he says coolly, but I know better.