Chapter 52

Samantha’s POV

I woke to the sound of soft, steady breathing beside me, and my heart instantly seized in panic. The events of last night came crashing back and I bolted upright, clutching the blanket to my chest. Dominic stirred next to me, his arm draped lazily over his face as if he did not have a care in the world. The sunlight filtering through the curtains illuminated his features, his sharp jawline, the messy strands of hair falling across his forehead, and the faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He looked peaceful. Content.

I, on the other hand, was a mess. My thoughts scrambled for clarity, guilt and longing clawing at me. What had I done?

“You’re staring,” Dominic murmured, his voice husky from sleep, his lips twitching into a lazy smirk as he cracked one eye open.

“I’m not!” I snapped, yanking the blanket tighter around myself, even though my face was burning red.

“Sure, you’re not.” He rolled onto his side, propping himself up on an elbow as his eyes roamed over