chapter 7

•SOFIA•

The numbness biting at every muscle in my body, mixed with a nauseating wave of disgust overwhelmed me to the point where my tears ran dry, the silent battle in my head quietening eerily.

I had no idea how long I'd been slumped on the cold floor against the shut door, recollecting memories, overthinking and fighting to bear the stabbing pain in my chest.

The torrential rain hadn't toned down an inch, the intensity strengthening into a horrendous thunderstorm.

Rain pelted loudly on the rooftops, purple streaks of lighting flashing before thunder roared loudly, shaking me to my core.

I'd lost count of the number of times the lights had flickered on and off, violent wind howling, creating an eerie sound that made blind terror seize me ruthlessly.

The night was scary, cold and dark. I was alone, hurting and broken.

Was he still there right behind the door like he'd promised? Had he been patient enough to wait for me to calm down and decide if I could trust him or I was just too slow and indecisive for him?

I felt more tears prick my eyes at those thoughts.

I needed someone to hold me and tell me it was okay so bad. I needed to listen to someone's heartbeat while they held me close to their chest and convince me I'd survived and not everyone was a monster.

He'd offered that, asking me to let him in, but I couldn't. My mind was a frenzy, thoughts scattered and chaotic.

I hugged my knees a little bit tighter, sniffing and sobbing into my lap.

I needed him. I needed him so bad I felt my heart call out to him.

I didn't want to be afraid of him or take heed of everyone's words about the kind of man he was.

He was my husband and he'd been nothing short of caring and humane since we'd met. If he'd shown up even a minute later-

No.

I'd made it out alive and unharmed. I couldn't punish myself by thinking of what could have happened. I deserved so much better than the pain I was feeling. It was breaking me and I wasn't sure I could take it any longer without shattering beyond repair.

I quietly stood on my feet, flinching a little at the sound of lightning with my hands crossed, rubbing my goosebumps-peppered arms. I was still in a towel, cold and shivering. I'd most probably catch a cold sooner or later.

I slowly walked across the room, aiming at the navy blue robe hung on a hook on the wall. I grabbed it and slipped it on, fastening the belt into a comfortably secure knot on my waist. The fabric was soft and warm enough to slowly replace the coldness seeping into my bones.

I looked to my side, facing a mirror. I looked terrible, eyes and face in general puffy and red. I wasn't okay and didn't feel like concealing it because the more I did, the more it ate me up from the inside. I was done bleeding emotionally and hurting while pretending I was okay.

I didn't want to be alone. I needed someone to be there for me and for that to happen, I had to be bold enough to open that door and overcome my insecurities.

I slowly ambled towards the door, different thoughts eddying around my mind. Did he mean his words when he said he wouldn't leave me? I didn't want to get disappointed after taking this big of a leap of faith.

I stood facing the wooden door, taking a deep breath with my hand on the doorknob. Just a twist to the knob and I'd expose myself to the real world, flashing my pain and scars. Was I ready? I'd never find out if I stayed secluded inside my cocoon.

Without much contemplation, I twisted the door knob, slowly pushing the door open with a soft click.

The door creaked as I fully opened it, revealing the back of a man who'd been sitting by it the entire time.

My heart skipped a beat, warmth blossoming in my chest and bursting into tiny rivulets, flowing through every vein in my bloodstream. He kept his promise.

Dominic seemed a bit startled as he stood up straight swiftly, standing three feet away from me as he faced me.

I lifted my eyes to his, my hand weakly anchored on the door frame for support.

He didn't have to say anything for me to know his words had been sincere. For the first time since we met, his eyes weren't flickering emotions and trying to shield them.

I could see it clearly in his softening eyes. He fucking cared.

I felt my lips quiver, hot tears burning at the back of my eyes all over. My heart swelled so much with overwhelming emotions I feared it'd burst out of my chest, an inexplicable lump lodging in my throat.

Shit.

My feet wobbled as I made my way towards him, tears blurring my eyes completely as he spread his arms wide open, meeting me halfway and fully embracing me.

Dominic's large arms wrapped around me powerfully like a warm blanket, my petite frame swallowed whole by the caress I didn't know I deeply craved.

His hands settled at the small of my back before he fully closed me in, pulling me closer into the muscular frame of his body.

My forehead pressed into the strong muscles of his chest, tears instantly pouring out of my eyes and soaking through his damp shirt that clung onto his body like a second skin.

My trembling hands looped loosely around his neck, holding onto him for full support as I broke down from the inside out.

Dominic buried his head in the nook of my neck, his fingers spearing through my damp hair and pressing my head gently further into his chest.

I'd never cried so hard in someone's arms, voluntarily letting it all go. My insides trembled, my entire body convulsing with emotions I didn't know I had violently contained within me.

With my hot torrent of tears soaking through Dominic's shirt, our bodies firmly pressed together, I could feel all of him. He was right here, with and for me.

I never knew I needed someone so badly until now, someone to hold me so dearly like their entire life depended on it.

I could feel his fingertips gently rubbing my scalp, his hand stroking my hair back and forth while his other hand on my waist rubbed soothing circles in my back.

I felt like I had someone to lean on, a friend to rely on to hold me together while I ugly cried and let out my shittiest emotions.

"It's okay, Sofia," he breathed against my skin, calming the silent storm in my head with both his hands and soothing presence. "I've got you and I'm not letting you go."

"I'm-I'm in so much pain I-" I stuttered in a deep sob, holding onto him a little tighter. "Fuck."

I couldn't speak without my lips trembling and my stomach rumbling. It hurt that much.

"Release your pain to me, Sofia," he beseeched softly, his fingertips massaging my scalp. "Give it all to me and let my soothing touch heal your broken parts."

At this point I wasn't even sure why I was crying so much, the fact that I'd been hurt or how much he cared. They'd said he'd be cold and heartless, but all I felt was warmth and a tangible feeling of home.

My husband was the warmest person I'd ever had the privilege to be held so caringly by.

It felt like an eternity before I felt the pain slowly fade away, the suffocation leaving my chest. He was still there even, patiently holding me and giving me the time I needed to recover.

I gently tore my head from his chest, my grip on his neck loosening.

He helped me draw my head back from his chest, his eyes gazing down into mine. His eyes were teary like he'd shed a few tears as well while I bawled. My heart couldn't handle it.

Dominic framed my face softly with his warm hands, his thumbs brushing away my tears.

"Did they fucking hurt you, Sofia?" he asked, a bittersweet tone of concern and anger evident in his voice. "What did they do to you?"

"You came just on time," I croaked, feeling the warmth of his hands against my cheeks. "If you hadn't, I'd be broken completely. You saved my life."

"Hey," he cooed, wiping away my trickling tears with his fingers. "You saved yourself. You were strong, brave and you fucking made it."

I'd really fought hard until he'd arrived, holding on to every shred of hope I had in someone jumping in to save me. I was glad I persisted long enough to avoid the intense feelings that lingered afterwards.

"I'm sorry," he apologised profusely. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here when you needed me. I'm sorry I wasn't careful enough and-"

"Dominic," I interjected, putting my hands on top of his. "You're here now. That's more than enough."

"I can do better," he affirmed, "but don't worry. They'll pay for what they did to you. I'll personally see to it they're punished. We don't have to stay here anymore. I'm taking you somewhere safer where your safety is guaranteed."

His words washed major relief over me. I couldn't stay another day in this hellhole and not get haunted by ugly memories.

"Thank you," I whispered gratefully.

Dominic pulled me back into his chest one more time before he let go of me. "You're freezing," he observed. "Let's go somewhere warmer," he suggested.

I nodded, agreeing with him. I felt safe with him. My heart wanted to trust him, but I couldn't shake off the uncertainty in my heart. He was Teodoro's son and I knew his father was behind my attack.

He wasn't like him, yes, but what if he'd be forced to hurt me at some point by that manipulative monster? Would he do it?

My thoughts ate me alive and made me worried. I'd have to talk to him about it to know where he stood and what our relationship entailed at some point, just not tonight.

Tonight I needed my peace and he was giving it to me.

Dominic took me to a room that seemed pretty much like a fancy lounge to me with comfortable large couches.

I sat on the couch and watched while he made a fire in the fireplace. In no time, the fire was cackling in big flames, the heat the flames produced warming up the entire room.

By then, the lights went out completely, but with the fire burning, I could still see around the room.

Dominic joined me on the couch, throwing a fluffy blanket over us both and reluctantly scooting over towards me.

"Do you feel safe with me around?" he asked reasonably, a considerable gap between us.

I looked over at him, pulling the sleeves of the robe down to cover my cold hands completely. "Yes," I told him softly. "I feel safe enough to trust you."

His features softened a little as though he was relieved. "Can I-hold you?"

He sounded uncertain as though he doubted I'd say yes. After the way he'd held me, he didn't have to feel that way. I needed him more than he knew.

I didn't reply, but rather took the first initiative, closing the gap between us. I looked up at him as I bent my knees, lifting my feet onto the couch.

Dominic gently guided me as I placed my head on his chest, my ear pressed into his chest. He wrapped his arm around me, tucking loose strands of hair behind my ear.

"Listen to my heartbeat and try to get some sleep," he said softly. "I'll watch over you."

I hummed in response, adjusting comfortably in his arms.

I could already hear his heart beat calmly and vibrations ripple across his chest when he spoke. It sounded like a lullaby, a soothing rhythm luring me to a much more peaceful life I deeply craved.

I felt my stress melt away, my muscles relaxing and giving into Dominic's embrace.

My hand found its way to his, my eyes glazing over his knuckles. They were red from defending me. The only thing I could do was diligently rake my thumb across them in an attempt to soothe the pain and reddening.

Sleep slowly enveloped me in a warm haze, my eyes fluttering closed. This was the most peace I'd gotten in ages.