DOM: Alliance Series Book Three, page 23
My hand starts to shake too much, and I have to set the frame down.
Bibi says something, and I see Dominic hand her the photo.
How are there even photos?
Why would he give that to me?
And why did he look so sad?
“If we’re doing gifts now.” Dominic’s mom pulls a tiny gift box out of her purse and sets it on the table in front of me. “I know you two decided to do tattoos. But I want you to have this.” She nudges it a little closer to me.
Half-numb, I reach out and pick up the box.
I untie the red ribbon, then slide the lid off, and the tiny amount of composure I have left cracks down the middle.
Sitting alone at the bottom of the box is a ring.
I take it out with numb fingers.
The thick band is polished gold with swirling engravings twisting around the thin row of diamonds circling the ring. And in the center of the band is a large, sparkling diamond.
It’s stunning.
Beautiful.
It’s the vintage version of the ring I threw onto the highway. Different, but too similar to be a coincidence.
“It belonged to my mother. And now it belongs to you,” Bibi says, like it’s as easy as that. Here, take this amazing and priceless heirloom. “I know you kids nowadays like to do your own thing, so no pressure if it’s not your style,” she continues, being so nice and making me feel like an asshole. “But maybe you could use it for special occasions.”
“It’s perfect.” I hold it up a little, and the light catches the gorgeous diamond as the ring trembles in my grip. “I love it. Thank you,” I practically whisper.
“I’m so glad,” Bibi exclaims, and Dom’s aunt makes a cooing sound.
I move to put it on but realize it won’t fit on my ring finger, so I slip it onto my pinkie. “I’ll have to get it resized, if that’s okay.”
Bibi is tiny, so if this last belonged to her, it’s no surprise it’s too small for me.
“Of course.” She flutters her hands. “If I’d been thinking, I would’ve done that for you.” Then she turns her gaze to Dom, narrowing her eyes. “Or if someone had told me before you got married, I could’ve had it ready for you then.”
I almost wince, thinking about how horrible it would’ve been to have thrown this ring out the window. And I’m eternally grateful that Dom didn’t tell his mom ahead of time.
“Either way, it’s yours now,” she tells me. “And you can keep it until your daughter gets married.”
Her statement is so casual, but it shatters my abused heart into a thousand pieces.
My daughter.
My head tips down as I squeeze my eyes shut.
I would love nothing more than to have a daughter.
My chest tightens almost painfully, and I have to open my mouth to pull in a breath.
Calm down, Val.
You need to calm down.
“Speaking of…” Bibi taps the picture frame still in front of her. “Will someone please tell me about the ceremony? I’ve always been curious about how it works in Vegas.”
Oh god, please don’t ask me that.
A buzzing noise builds inside my skull until I can’t hear anything else.
I need separation from this situation.
I need distance.
My chair scrapes across the floor as I push away from the table.
“Excuse me,” I try to say, not sure if I manage.
When I stand, I sway, the shots and the old-fashioned and whatever was served with dinner all catching up to me.
A large hand, which I know is covered in ink similar to my own, presses against my lower back, steadying me.
“Val,” he says quietly, but I don’t look back. I can’t.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell him.
I don’t know if he hears me, but I hurry away from his touch.
I head toward the little hallway in the back corner that I spotted earlier, hoping it has the escape I need.
And on my way, I pass another cluster of brightly colored balloons tethered to the wall, reminding me that everyone is here for me.
Dominic’s whole family is here for me.
Not his family, our family. Because we’re married now.
Just breathe.
One of the tables is full of men, and as I walk past, they all raise their glasses and cheer.
They’re having fun. They’re happy to be here.
And it’s the final straw.
I manage to turn down the hall before the first sob breaks free.
CHAPTER 50
Dom
“I’m sorry.” My mom wrings her hands. “Is it something I said?”
I watch the corner where Valentine disappeared. “No, you’re good, Mom. She’s just had a stressful week, and I’m afraid this all might be a little overwhelming for her.” None of that is a lie. “Just stay here and keep everyone occupied. I’ll go check on her.”
I reach across the table and pat my mom’s hands.
Her smile is a little wobbly. “I really like her.”
I smile at my mother’s approval. “I really like her, too.”
I slide back my chair, then follow Valentine’s path away from the table.
My uncles cheer for me just as loudly as they did when Val passed them.
I almost keep walking but then stop and snatch a shot of something brown out of my closest uncle’s hand.
Before he can protest, I tip the shot back and swallow it down, then hold the empty out to his table. “To marriage.”
They all laugh and tip back their own.
I’m far from drunk, but the extra booze will hopefully help ease my guilt.
I don’t know why I thought Val would like that photo of us from the wedding. I know it’s a bad moment in her memory, but I…
I drag a hand down my face.
I thought I could change that. Thought showing her how content she was in the moment would change that. But in reality, what I did was hand her a photo of a memory she can’t remember because she had been drugged by me.
And then my mom’s ring. Followed by her asking about the ceremony…
I’m thinking this whole night was bad planning on my part.
I depress the handle and enter the women’s restroom.
Similar to the men’s, the room is small. Just two stalls and two sinks.
My cousin’s wife is at one of the sinks, washing her hands, and when she spots me, she hurries to turn off the water.
I don’t know her well. And she must be a little scared of me because she doesn’t so much as touch her hand to a towel to dry off before scurrying past me and out the door.
The farthest stall is closed, the other unoccupied.
And my wife’s soft cries fill the room.
Because I don’t want to traumatize her more, I bend down and look under the door. But her feet aren’t in front of the toilet. They’re facing the wall.
I pull the knife out of my pocket, flick it open, and use the blade to unlock the stall door.
Slipping the knife back in my pocket, I push the door open.
The hinges squeak, and Val spins around.
Her hands are over her mouth, and tears are streaming down her face, but it’s her hunched shoulders that break my heart.
I step into the stall and close the door behind me. “Angel—”
But before I can get out more, she closes the distance between us and throws her arms around my neck.
I don’t question it. I just wrap my arms around her in return. And when she tightens her grip, I tighten mine, hoisting her into the air.
I hate seeing her cry. Hate knowing I’ve caused it. But a part of me relishes in her coming to me. In her reaching for me.
I hold her tighter.
She’s so warm. So soft.
So mine.
And then she rocks my world completely.
“Thank you,” she says against my neck. “Thank you, Dominic.”
Did she really just thank me?
I boost her higher, and she wraps her legs around my waist, her loose skirt bunching at her hips.
“What are you thanking me for, Valentine?” I rub my thumb in a circle on her spine.
I feel her sniff. “This is my first birthday party. And… And you even have balloons.”
I slide my hands down to grip her by the ass so I can lean back a little to hear her better. “Your first surprise party, you mean?”
She sniffles again, then shakes her head.
My brows furrow in confusion. “You’ve never had a birthday party?”
“No,” she whispers.
“How is that possible?”
Val finally meets my eyes. “No one ever wanted to give me one.” She lifts her shoulders.
“What about your family?”
Val presses her lips together as she shakes her head again.
I swallow against the uncomfortable feeling closing around my throat. “Why?”
“Because no one ever cared, Dominic.” She heaves out a breath. “I never had anyone.” More tears drip down her cheeks. “And even if you did this for—”
“I did this for you, Valentine.” I can’t let her finish that sentence. Can’t fucking bear to hear her say it. “I did this for you. Because I do care.”
Her lungs hitch.
She’s ripping my fucking heart out.
Her eyes search mine, looking for something, and I wish I knew what it was so I could make sure to give it to her.
“I do care, Angel.” I try to make her believe me.
Another tear rolls down her cheek before she leans closer. “Show me.”
Val slams her mouth against mine.
It’s desperate.
Searching.
And I think I need this as much as she does.
I raise a hand to cup the back of her head before I shove her against the wall.
Val’s tongue laps against my lips, and I open for her, angling my head and meeting her lash for lash.
“Hurry,” she whines into my mouth.
“I’ll show you just how much I fucking need you. Anytime you want.” I press my hips into her, pinning her against the wall so I can yank her skirt out of the way. “You just need to ask.”
Val moans and her hips tilt, searching for that friction.
“I’ve been away from this sweet pussy for too long.” I boost her higher, above my belt, so I can undo my pants.
“Please, Dominic.”
“Are you ready for me?” I have no right to ask her that. I’ve hardly even fucking touched her. But I know her body and how she’s always fucking primed. “Is that juicy slit dripping for me?”
She doesn’t answer my question, just drags her nails up the back of my neck and over my head.
My eyes roll back. “Do that again.”
She does, and I have to focus to free my dick from my pants.
Val rolls her hips with a whine.
“It’s okay, Angel. Just pull those panties out of the way, and I’ll stuff you full of this dick.”
She shifts, leaving one arm around my neck and reaching down between us with the other.
My cock is there, bumping against the damp cotton, so when she pulls it to the side, I don’t give her even a second to prepare.
Thrusting my hips, I sink every inch of my length into my wife.
Before she can scream over the intrusion, I seal my lips to hers again, catching her sounds and swallowing them down.
She’s everywhere. Her legs around me. Her arm around me. Her breath filling my ears. Her scent surrounding me. Her emotions, her sadness, her gratitude, her heartbreak… It’s all a part of me now.
And I’m never letting her go.
“You have me,” I tell her as I claim her body. “You’ll always have me.” I promise her by pressing my mouth back to hers.
Wetness touches my lips, and I can taste the saltiness of her tears.
I pull my hips back, my cock sliding through her wetness, then shove back in.
“You’re mine now, remember?” Her pussy squeezes me with each movement of my cock, and I can hardly form words anymore. She’s so goddamn hot for it. Hot for me.
“I remember,” she breathes.
“That’s right, Wife. You’re mine.” My fingers dig into her ass as I slam her body against mine. “And as mine, you’re going to do as I say.”
Val nods, breaking our kiss to gasp for air.
I tip my head down and press a soft kiss against the side of her neck. “Then be my good wife and come for me. Rub that little clit and milk me fucking dry.”
She slides her hand back down between us, and I can feel the tips of her fingers against the top of my dick.
I slow my movements, keeping them steady as I feel her response.
When her breathing starts to change and her pussy starts to clench, I pull back so only the tip is inside her. And I hold still.
“That’s it,” I murmur against her cheek, letting her exhalations fill my ear. “You’re so close.”
“I-I am.”
“Be my pretty birthday girl and come all over this dick.”
Valentine tips her head forward, and she bites my suit jacket as her channel clamps down around me.
I pull out just a little more so her entrance is spasming around the head of my cock.
And when her moan reverberates from her body into mine, I slam all the way in
Claiming her.
Spilling into her as deep as I can go.
CHAPTER 51
Val
My body is still trembling when Dom lowers me to my feet.
“Jesus, Val.” He presses his lips to my forehead. “You’re fucking perfect.”
I don’t know how to reply to that or really to any of my behavior today, so I don’t try.
Because I’m standing here, clenching my thighs together, trying not to make a total mess of myself since I just had sex with my super-hot, super-strong husband in a public bathroom at my birthday party.
Dom tucks himself back into his pants and straightens his clothes. “I’ll step out so you can get cleaned up. And then we’ll walk back to our table, you’ll eat your dessert, and then we can go home. Sound good?”
I nod my head, biting my lip.
Dom exits the restroom, and as soon as that door shuts, I shuffle over the toilet.
Once I’m standing in front of the mirror, I accept there’s no way to fix the fact that it looks like I’ve been crying. I don’t have any sort of makeup with me, let alone on me, so I dampen a paper towel with cold water and press it to my face for a few seconds.
When nothing else can be done, I pull open the bathroom door and stop short when I find Dominic leaning against the wall next to it.
I know he said we’d walk back to the table, but I guess I hadn’t realized he meant he’d wait for me.
“Ready?” He straightens.
I blow out a breath. “Sorry I ruined the party.”
Dom lowers his brow as he moves to face me. “Don’t apologize. And you didn’t ruin anything. Why would you even think that?”
I gesture at my face and aim for a duh expression. “Everyone is here for me, and I look like I’ve been crying, because I have been crying.”
The side of Dom’s mouth pulls up in that stupid smile I love so much. “Shorty, your face is flushed.” He trails a fingertip down my cheek. “Your eyes are bright.” He traces across my bottom lip. “You don’t look like you’ve been crying. You look like you’ve been well fucked.”
He startles a laugh out of me. “Dom!”
“What?”
“I don’t want your entire family thinking we had sex in the bathroom.”
He grins. “We did have sex in the bathroom.”
“Dom.”
“Valentine, I hate to break it to you, but my mom knows I’m not a virgin anymore. She’s known since she accidentally walked in on me and Stacy having sex on the couch when I was in high school.”
I narrow my eyes. “Who the fuck is Stacy?”
Dominic leans down until we’re eye to eye. “A name I made up just to make you jealous. Now come with me so I can watch you eat your fucking dessert.”
Watch me?
Dom grabs my hand, lifts it into the crook of his arm, and then guides me back into the main dining room.
No one stops talking.
No one stares.
Even the table of guys that cheered me earlier keep their conversation steady and their eyes on each other.
I don’t know if they all really don’t care about our little disappearance or if they were told to act this way after I left. But either way, I appreciate it.
When we reach our table, Bibi smiles and pours me a cup of coffee to have with my dessert, pointing out that it’s decaf.
Bibi starts talking about some Christmas market that the family will be going to soon, and I do my best to tune it out. I can’t add my Christmas baggage to tonight’s tension. That’s too much.
As if he can sense my building stress, Dominic leans closer.
I put the spoon in my mouth, expecting him to tell me to relax when he says something completely different.
“For the record, I wouldn’t mind watching you drip out the cum I filled you with. I stepped out of the bathroom because I figured you’d prefer the privacy.” His voice rumbles low so only I can hear him, and I nearly choke on my mouthful of cream.
A finger trails down the side of my neck. “You just let me know if you want me to stay and watch next time.”
I force myself to swallow, then hold the cloth napkin over my mouth. “Jesus, Dominic.”
He hands me my coffee. “Just being honest, Wife.”
“You’re a menace,” I scoff.
But when he grips my chair and pulls me closer to him, I let myself rest against his side.
CHAPTER 52
Val
I take as long as I can to get ready for bed. But when I can’t delay anymore, I turn off the bathroom light and step into the bedroom.
Our bedroom.
I know Dominic is going to ask me about tonight—why I reacted the way I did.
