LOGINThe storm hit at 7:40 that evening, and less than fifteen minutes later, Manhattan had gone completely dark.And we were stuck in the elevator when it happened.Dominic had picked me up from D'Orleans again, which I should have found stifling, considering he had also taken me to work that morning, but I didn't.We’d come in through the private garage, and he was stripped down to his white shirtsleeves, holding two garment bags that I’d decided to take home with me, holding them on one arm as if they weighed nothing, while I dragged behind him, my expression forlorn.My earlier interaction with my mother sat heavy in my chest, like a stone I couldn't swallow. Neither of us had brought it up. He’d simply taken my bag at the door without asking, holding it in that effortlessly territorial way he did everything.The elevator climbed smoothly past the thirtieth floor. A low, violent rumble shook the steel shaft beneath us. Then the overhead lights flickered, buzzed, and died.The car shudd
I was woken by the sunlight streaming through the window and the sound of deep, slow breaths beside me. He was still here. I lay still, revelling in the moment. The luxurious feel of the sheets, the strong forearm draped around my midsection, almost as if he were scared I'd leave if his grip were any looser. I felt wanted, and just then I wished we could lie here forever without having to think about anything, without the interference of the outside world. I never wanted this to end. "You're awake," Dominic said suddenly, his voice a low rumble. "Yes,” I said softly. “I assumed you were still asleep.” I turned my head to find his eyes open, grey and clear but lacking their usual intensity because of the last remnants of sleep. His hair was a mess, too, but it worked for him because he looked years younger. Suddenly, I was reminded that beyond his intensity and reputation, Dominic Prescott was a man who was not yet thirty. "What time is it?" I asked, remembering that I had a busin
It was almost midnight when Dominic returned. I stood by my door, my ear pressed to the wood, as I tried to listen for any movement from him.Not long after, I heard the door to his room open and close, so I opened my door and stealthily walked down the hallway until I got to his door.I knocked softly but got no response, so, overtaken by annoyance at being ignored and determined to set things right, I turned the knob and pushed the door open.Closing it behind me, I took a look around, butThe vast bedroom was empty. His white sheets remained untouched, and the only source of light was the lamp on his bedside table and the city beyond.I heard the sound of water running, and before I could think better of it, I walked towards the bathroom door. I pulled it open, and a soft gasp was ripped out of me as I was greeted with a naked Dominic standing under the showers.The glass was a bit foggy, but I could see enough, and suddenly I realised that the last time I saw him naked was that ni
Leah's wedding was exactly what you'd expect from someone with her personality: a perfectionist who left nothing to chance. The ceremony was held in a ballroom at the plaza, and I was seated beside Dominic in the second row. I wore a plum-coloured maxi dress with a structured silhouette, a gown I'd made myself specially for this occasion. I watched my sister walk down the aisle on my father's arm, wearing an ivory satin ball gown with a pointed basque waist and a pearl neckline. She was beautiful, just as always. I tried to focus on how good she looked, because if I didn't, I'd notice that her smile wasn't as radiant as one would expect from a woman marrying the love of her life. I'd also notice that, unlike me, she'd chosen to have bridesmaids, and I wasn't one of them. The women lined up behind her were people I'd seen her hang out with over the years. I realized I wasn't really familiar with them, just as I wasn't familiar with most parts of her life. "You're tense," Dominic mur
The boardroom on SPEX's fifty-second floor is a long glass room that I designed myself, with a large portion of it occupied by a huge mahogany table. Currently, ten people were seated at that table.Nobody looked up when I entered. That, coupled with the oppressive air in the room, was a precursor to what eventually happened.But among the seated people was someone who shouldn't have been there: Gareth Monroe. Blue eyes as cold as ever, and that smarmy smile set in place."Dominic," Gareth said warmly, rising to shake my hand. "Congratulations. I see marriage agrees with you.""Gareth," I said as I took his hand. "I wasn't aware you were a part of today's meeting.""Oh, I'm sure you weren't." He smiled, his eyes following me as I took my seat at the head of the table. "But I'm here as a shareholder."From beside me, Darren lifted his gaze from his tablet and found mine. His expression was totally blank, which told me things were worse than I'd feared."Ten percent," Darren murmured as
Tonight, Dominic and I will be attending our first public event as a couple. And, of course, the recipients of that honor were Emma Cartwell and her family. The Cartwell Foundation Gala was being held in the grand ballroom of Cipriani 42nd Street, and the invitation had arrived without fail, which wasn't surprising. A part of me had hoped she'd forget, but of course Emma would never ignore an opportunity to have Dominic there. I wore a stunning crimson halter-style gown heavily encrusted with shimmering crystals that cascaded into a flowing, tiered chiffon skirt. I paired it with a red diamond-encrusted clutch and red heels. My hair was up in a loose bun, with curls framing my face, and for makeup, I went understated to complement the brashness of my gown. Dominic had opted for a classic tuxedo, with his hair slicked back from his face as he did at Cara's wedding. I'm starting to realize that this is my favorite look on him, with his features in stark relief and his face looking







