Chapter 6: The Ride to the Mall

The Ride to Mail 

Aurora's POV: 

By the time we finally emerged from the shower, the water was lukewarm; our bodies were wrapped more in each other's warmth than the heat of the water. Dominic wrapped a fluffy towel around my shoulders, his hands staying awhile as he dried me off.

"You're spoiled, you know that?" I teased, watching his every move as he moved to towel himself off.

"And you're worth it," he replied, flashing me a grin that sent a flutter through my chest.

I shook my head, feeling a mixed sense of warmth and nervousness. The intimacy between them was so natural, yet it bothered me how much I began relying on it.

Once we were dry, Dominic handed me one of his shirts. It was huge on me, but his scent wrapped around me like a blanket. "Here," he said, holding out a pair of sweats. "Until you're dressed, this'll do.

I took the clothes, sliding them on as he drew on casual attire himself-fitted jeans and a crisp white shirt that outlined his physique. The sight was enough to quicken my heartbeat.

"So, what's the plan?" I asked, tying my hair into a messy bun.

Dominic stepped closer, his hands settling at my waist. "I'm taking you shopping."

I raised an eyebrow. "Shopping?"

Anything you want," he said, his voice low. "I want to see you in something that makes you feel as beautiful as I see you."

I bit my lip, fighting the blush rising in my cheeks. "Dominic, you don't have to-"

"I want to," he interrupted, his thumb brushing against my lower lip. "You deserve to be spoiled, Aurora. Let me do this for you."

We went to the bedroom, where Dominic opened his wardrobe. He pulled out a sleek black jacket and put it on with practiced ease. "You ready?"

"Not yet," I said, looking at myself in his mirror. As much as I loved wearing his clothes, I knew I couldn't go out like this.

Dominic chuckled and stepped behind me. "Take your time." His hands fell on my shoulders, his lips lightly brushing the side of my neck.

I turned to him, catching his gaze in the reflection. "You're not making it easy to get ready," I said, half-laughing.

"Who says I want you to hurry?" he teased, his hands sliding down my waist.

His touch sent tingles down my spine, but I managed to pull away, laughing. "Let me get dressed, Dominic, or we'll never leave the house."

"Fair point," he said, leaning against the doorframe to watch me.

I opted for a simple yet flattering ensemble: a soft cream-colored sweater with skinny jeans and ankle boots. As I adjusted my earrings, I felt Dominic's eyes upon me.

"You're perfect," he whispered softly.

I turned to him, my heart swelling inside my chest at the emotion in his voice. "Thank you."

Dominic pulled out his phone and dialed his driver, his tone firm but casual. “Get the car ready. We’re heading out at ten.”

He hung up and turned back to me, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. “Are you ready to be pampered?”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the smile creeping onto my face. “You’re making a big deal out of this.”

"I'm making a big deal out of you, Aurora," he replied, taking a step closer and tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His touch lingered at the base of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

My response was cut short by his hand sliding to the small of my back, urging me towards the door. "Let's go," he said low, a promise in his voice.

The sleek black car was waiting for us in the driveway, the driver standing by the door. Dominic opened it for me; his hand brushed against mine when I slid into the plush leather seat. He followed, sitting so close our thighs touched.

As the car began to move, Dominic turned to me, his gaze intense. "Are you nervous?

"About shopping?" I laughed softly, trying to disregard how his closeness sped up my heartbeat.

"About being with me," he clarified, further-in low tones that were soft and seductive.

My breath hitched, and I turned away, feigning immense interest in the passing view. "Should I be?"

Dominic leaned in closer, his fingers gently angling my chin toward him. "Only if you're afraid of how much I want you."

The air between us thickened and the tension became palpable. His hand moved to my thigh, laying lightly but with enough pressure to make me hypersensitive to his touch.

"Dominic," I whispered, my voice quivering.

"Relax, Aurora," he murmured, his lips brushing my temple. "We're just talking, right?"

I turned to him, unable to hide the smile tugging at my lips. "This doesn't feel like just talking."

He chuckled, his hand slipping higher on my thigh. "You're right. It's not."

The car hit a bump, jolting me closer to Dominic. His arm instantly wrapped around my waist, steadying me.

"Careful," he said, his voice filled with amusement.

I looked up at him, our faces inches apart. The way he was looking at me-as if I was the only thing that mattered-made my stomach flip.

"Dominic, we're in a car," I reminded him, though my voice had no conviction.

"And?" he said, his lips now curving into a mocking arc.

And before I knew what was happening, his head dipped, and he started kissing me, an initial gentle peck that quickly escalated, becoming the kiss. His hands shifted behind my neck, urging me forward into him as his mouth fully connected to mine.

Everything outside the car faded away, the hum of the engine a mere hum. It was just the heat between us, the way his lips moved against mine, the electric touch of his hands.

When we finally pulled apart, his forehead was resting against mine, the both of us breathing heavy.

"You're dangerous," I whispered, my voice shaking.

He chuckled, his thumb tracing circles on my waist. "And you're irresistible."

The car stopped smoothly, and the driver coughed discreetly to bring us back to reality. Dominic opened his door and stepped out before turning and offering me his hand.

I stepped out and noticed that a sly smile was playing upon his lips. "What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nothing,” he said, though his eyes were dancing with mischief. “I’m just thinking about how much fun we’re going to have inside.”

Dominic walked into the mall beside me, his hand firmly resting on the small of my back. The contact was light, yet electric, and I was aware of how possessive the gesture felt. He was in his usual sharp style, tailored slacks, and a crisp white shirt that made him appear effortlessly powerful.

I looked down at myself, abruptly conscious of my simple outfit, but Dominic's voice drew me out of such thoughts.

"Relax," he said, leaning in close. "You look perfect, as always."

The warmth in his voice melted my nerves, and I allowed myself to enjoy the moment.

The mall was full of people, but Dominic's presence was like a force field that parted the crowd. Heads turned as we walked by, some recognizing him, others simply drawn to his commanding aura.

"Where should we start?" he asked, his lips brushing against my ear as he spoke.

I shivered slightly at the sensation and stammered, "I don't know. wherever you think.".

He chuckled, his hand constricting on my waist. "Let's find something that'll make you feel as amazing as you look."

We entered one of those high-end boutiques-the kind of place where the employees knew without a doubt who Dominic was. An attendant in a slick outfit bustled towards us, her polished smile faltering for a moment when she took in his arm wrapped around me.

"Mr. Dominic, welcome," she said, her voice dripping with syrup. "How can we help you today?"

He dismissed her with a lingering gaze and turned to me fully. "She'll need a few outfits. Whatever she likes."

The assistant's eyes flickered to me, and I saw the flash of curiosity there. "Of course. Right this way, miss."

Dominic guided me to a rack of beautiful dresses and stepped aside, crossing his arms over his chest as he turned to regard me. "Continue," he invited, almost in a whisper, though with authority.

I plucked a few from their hangers, and the attendant gestured to a dressing room. The first dress, deep emerald green and curving to my form, brought my nervousness into focus as I placed it on my body.

When I emerged, Dominic was immediately reacting. His eyes darkened and a slow, appreciative smile spread over his face.

"Turn around," he said, his voice low and husky.

I did as he asked, feeling his gaze like a physical touch.

"That one," he said finally. "We're getting that one."

"But I haven't even—"

"It's perfect," he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument

As we continued to browse the boutique, Dominic found little ways to touch me: a hand on my lower back, his fingers brushing against mine, his arm slipping around my waist. It was intoxicating, and I found myself leaning into him despite the raised eyebrows from the staff and other shoppers.

At one point, he pulled me into a quiet corner near the dressing rooms.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I teased, my voice low.

"Watching you? Absolutely," he murmured, his hand slipping around my waist to pull me closer. "But I'd enjoy it more if we were alone."

I felt my cheeks heat, but I couldn't look away from his piercing gaze.

"Dominic," I started, but whatever I was going to say vanished as he dipped his head and brushed his lips against mine.

The kiss was brief, but it left me breathless.

"Let's finish up here," he said, his voice rough. "I have plans for you."

After the boutique, Dominic steered me toward a glittering jewelry store.

"This isn't necessary," I protested as he led me inside.

"Hush," he said, grinning. "It's not about necessity. It's about spoiling you."

He pointed to a display case filled with delicate necklaces and bracelets. "Pick one.

I hesitated, but the look in his eyes told me arguing was pointless. I chose a simple gold necklace, but Dominic shook his head.

"Not enough," he said, motioning for the attendant to bring out something more elaborate.

The next piece was stunning-an intricate design of diamonds and emeralds that matched the dress he'd just bought me.

"This," he said, fastening it around my neck himself. His fingers lingered on my skin, and I shivered at his touch. "Perfect."

The attendant blushed at the intimacy of the moment, but Dominic didn't seem to care.

As we left the mall, my arms full of bags, Dominic guided me back to the car. Once we were inside, he turned to me, his expression softening.

"Did you have fun?

I nodded, my heart full with a rush of gratitude and affection toward him. "Thank you, Dominic. For everything."

His lips arced in a slow, sensuous smile. "It's not over yet, sweetheart."

The second before I could ask him what he meant, he leaned over and kissed me, sliding his hand into my hair to keep me with him.

The kiss deepened, "Dominic," I whispered against his lips.

"Hmm?" he murmured back, his voice full of humor and lust.

"You are going to ruin me," I told him, half in jest.

He leaned back a bit, eyes locked on mine. "No, Aurora, I'm going to show you what it is to be cherished."

And with that, the car started moving again, carrying us to the house, 

The only sound was that of the hum of the car engine and Dominic's light touch on my thigh, his hand resting light and reassuring on my flesh-a silent reassurance that he is present and I wasn't flying in a dream. I slouched back into my seat and tried hard to dismiss the buzzing phone inside my bag.

Dominic gave me a look sideways. "You don't need to answer that," he replied calmly but firmly.

I sighed. "It's Joanne. If I don't answer, she'll only get more suspicious."

"Then let her," he said dismissively. "She doesn't need to know everything about you, Aurora. Some things are meant to be private."

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that ignoring her would cause more problems later. Reluctantly, I pulled my phone out and answered.

"Joanne,"

I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Where the hell have you been, Aurora?" she snapped instantly, razor-sharp irritation lacing her tone. "Do you know how many times I've called you? Patrick is losing his mind.