"He's a goddamn prick, Cassidy," he says with his teeth clenched. "And I was one, too, for making that bet with him." I turn away, but he takes my chin between his fingers, making me look back at him. I struggle but give up in the end, even though the subject still makes me feel vulnerable.
"You have to listen," he says insistently. "It was never about that car. It was about you, Cassidy, it's always been about you. I hated the way they all looked at you, but I knew I could never have you myself… It wouldn't be right, with our parents married. The bet was the perfect way to keep Adrian away from you, and maybe have you for myself."
I look at him hard, and I realize he's telling the truth, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallows hard. "Trust me," he growls low in his throat. "If I'd known there was a chance of something real, I would have told Adrian exactly where he could stick his bet."
He takes a deep breath. "I never expected to fall in love with you, Cassidy Lynn."
And my heart soars.
He leans in close until our lips are almost touching and I tremble under his touch, so gentle yet firm. "I'm going to kiss you now," he promises me. "And if you tell me you feel nothing, absolutely nothing for me after I do it, I'll walk away."
Dom doesn't wait for me to answer, instead lowering his lips to mine. My body responds, and I’m unable to hold myself back. Melting into his embrace, my body fits the contours of his perfectly. I've been craving those lips for years, needing his touch like the air I breathe.
He deepens our kiss, making it rough and demanding as he plunges his tongue in my mouth. His hands are wrapping possessively around my waist. I'm losing myself in his touch, his kiss, his scent, and I know with dead certainty I will never be able to go back… Not this time.
"Nothing?" he groans against my lips, moving back for just one second. And I already miss him, already need another goddamn taste. But I don't answer, licking my bottom lip instead as my body trembles like it's recovering from the loss of his touch.
"What do you feel, Cassidy?" he insists, grasping my throat between his fingers. It feels so goddamn good, that motion which should be rough, but feels loving when he does it. Possessive, but so… amazing.
"I feel…" I begin, my voice breaking as I struggle to get the words out of my throat. "I feel loved," I admit, and it's as if a dam has broken as more words spill from my lips. "I feel like I can't go on without you. Can't go on without being me. And," I bite my lower lip, "the only way I can be me, is with you."
He stares at me hard, like he's trying to discern if I'm telling the truth. A small smirk begins to play on the edge of his mouth as I stare at him incredulously. "Knew it," he groans and tries to kiss me again, but I slap him away.
"You prick! So self-absorbed, I cannot believe it," I exclaim, my brows furrowing as he laughs out loud.
"Oh, how I missed that firecracker," he says, taking me firmly around the waist and pulling me into his embrace. And once again, I’m helpless as he smirks in my face, that teasing expression already back in his eyes. "No going back now, darlin’," he promises me, claiming me with another delicious kiss.
Chapter 31
DOM
I could kiss this woman all day, but we have to spring apart sooner or later, since she apparently has something else to tell me.
"I found my dad's notebook," she says, her voice trembling. "Did you know he knew about us?"
Her eyes implore me for answers, and I wonder how I should reply. "I had an idea," I finally say, kissing her to take her mind off everything. Because I still have another ace up my sleeve.
There's one person left that needs to give us her blessing, and Cassidy and I both agree we won't be able to do anything if we don't talk to her.
So, we go back to the wedding reception, which is now in full swing. Champagne is flowing and the guests are all happy and cheerful. We exchange worried glances, and then try to find my mother.
Cassidy is the first to spot her, and I'm shocked by the sight that awaits us. My mother is on the dance floor, laughing hysterically as her new husband whirls her around.
It should weird me out, but the sight makes me happy. After all, my mother went through some terrible things, first with my father, then with Cassidy's. And it's time for her to have some fun.