003

Rosie's POV 

 Have you ever heard of a kiss with a promise? 

 That was how Dominic's kiss felt, it made me fantasize about what more he would do with his tongue that kept snaking so skillfully over mine. 

 His hot breath made me lean forward. Goddess, I was so eager to feel every inch of him against me. My eyes slammed shut. Time froze. The world around me disappeared somewhere into the back of my mind. His scent fucking intoxicating, like its owner made me dizzy.

Then, everything went south.

One second, I was lost in the warmth of his mouth. Next, he was ripped away from me by a violent force, no, by someone. My eyes flew open just in time to see Xylus lunging, his fist colliding with Dominic's jaw. The sound cracked through the air, and I felt myself shrink, my eyes widening at the scene before me.

"What the hell?!" I gasped, stumbling back as they crashed into each other.

Dominic barely flinched. He wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand, his eyes flashing dangerously. " Have you've lost your damn mind?" he sneered.

Xylus didn't even say a word, from how his chest heaved and his flaring nose, I knew better than to think the fight was over, at least on Xylus' part. His eyes never went off Dominic's; instead, he swung again almost in a flash.

 Shit!

I rushed forward, shoving at his chest, trying to wedge myself between them. "Xylus, stop it! Please!"

It was no use, instead, he pushed against me, his grip tightening as he glared at Dominic like he was ready to tear him apart. 

"Stay the hell away from her."

Dominic let out a slow breath, his jaw tightened as he wiped a trickle of blood away from his nose. 

"She's not your damn property, Xylus." he sneered. Even in the dark, I could see his eyes had darkened, anger swirling in them.

Cassie appeared out of nowhere, her bare heels thumping against the floor, the glare directed my way was unmistakable– like she hadn't proposed the stupid dare. She moved in front of Dominic and passed him an icy glare.

 Oops...

"Are you guys serious right now?" she snapped, folding her arms over her breasts, her left foot tapping impatiently. "We're not in a damn war zone. Get your shit together."

Xylus barely acknowledged her. His eyes burned into mine. I bit my lip. "Go back to your room, Rosie."

 "Xylus-" I began.

"Now." shit, shit, shit.

Cassandra's stare drilled into me. " You heard your brother. Go! "

Maybe I should have insisted and stood my ground, but Xylus's tone left no room for argument. My brother was pissed. Pissed at me.

My feet moved before I could think. I turned and ran, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. Their voices faded behind me as I raced through the hallway, my mind spiraling. By the time I reached my room, my hands were shaking so bad that I had to press them against the floor boards.

I collapsed onto my bed, pressing my face into the pillow, a choked sob escaping my lips. Goddamnit, I'd never felt so overwhelmed with emotions like this my entire life! 

 One minute I was feeling guilty as hell for enjoying that kiss even when I knew I'd cross an invisible line and the next I was feeling so stupid for getting involved in what I was sure would be a mess.

Then it hit me. I had just been kissed...by Dominic 

The realization slammed into me, and my spine straightened. My fingers brushed over my lips subconsciously, still tingling from the pressure of his mouth. If only I could relive the moment. 

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing my breath to slow, but my heart refused to calm.

A laugh-small, shaky and disoriented-rolled out of my throat and my sobs seized.

I pushed up, crawling off the bed, and reached for the small, battered box hidden under my nightstand. My fingers trembled as I pried it open, my gaze locking on the folded sheet of paper inside.

I smoothed it out, my stomach twisting as my eyes landed on the list.

A List of Crazy, Reckless Things I Shouldn't Do.

My fingers skimmed over worn page and my gaze dropped to number four.

Kiss Dominic.

I swallowed hard, grabbing a pen and scratching a thick line through it. I was just in ninth grade when I write this silly list, I wasn't sure it would happen but if wrote it anyway and here I was...a silly grin pulled the corners of my lips and I clutched the paper to my chest.

The Moon Goddess help me if this cringe list ever got out. The trauma would probably hunt me forever.

 With hurried movements I folded the list properly and tucked into the box and was about to close it when the door flew open.

I jerked, clicking the lock just as Xylus stormed in. I didn't need to face him to know he was the one , afterall he was the likeliest person to barge into my room without knocking given this situation.

 At first he didn't say anything, only stared at me silently, his gaze burning into my head. I let my hair fall over my face like it was able to hide me from him.

"You're unbelievable," he bit out. Finally.

I shot to my feet. "Xylus-"

He cut me off, his eyes blazing. "What the hell were you thinking Rosie? Huh?"

I folded my arms, trying to steady myself. "I was drunk." I said weakly, in my defense I was a shitty liar.

"Drunk?" He let out a mirthless laugh. "That's your sorry ass excuse?"

I swallowed hard. "It's the truth." I mumbled, twisting my fingers 

His jaw clenched. His breathing was harsh. I had seen Xylus angry... But not like this.

"Stay away from Dominic," he said, voice dangerously low.

I frowned. "Why do you care? It was just a truth or dare. It's not even anything serious. Seriously,"

His gaze locked onto mine, something unreadable flickered in his eyes, his expression softening a bit.

"Because I do. Dominic isn't someone to mess with. He's a playboy, and the fact that he kissed you right in front of me and Cassie only proves what a jerk he is," Xylus said, shaking his head.

And then, so casually, like he hadn't just turned my entire world upside down-he added, "And don't act surprised. I know you have a crush on him."

My stomach dropped. Was it that obvious? Who else knew? Did Dominic know? Is that why he kissed me? My thoughts all swarmed for attention in my brain. 

I opened my mouth to argue, but nothing came out.

 Fuck.