My mind clings to the word tricked, and I wonder…
Then I brush away the thought.
It’s not like Dom would have a way to screw up my pills. Unless he’s been feeding me antibiotics without my knowledge. But I don’t know how he’d manage that. Plus, he promised not to drug me again. And that seems like it would count as drugging.
I take a deep, slow breath.
There’s no point in stressing about babies and what-ifs tonight. Tonight is for relaxation.
Dom shifts around me. “Want to go to bed?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. I’m comfortable.”
Dom accepts this and settles back to watch the baking drama unfold.
When we first got here and Dom punched King, I about had a heart attack.
I know them both well enough that I was certain neither would back down until the other was dead. And then when Dominic started talking and I realized he was attacking King because of me—for me—the tears just started.
Because no one has ever stood up for me like that.
And hearing King apologize. And then Aspen. And seeing Savannah’s tears…
I didn’t know how much I needed that.
I thought the past was something that I just had to get over, that I was stuck dealing with. But Dominic… He’s only known me, truly known me, for a couple of months. And in ten minutes, and with a few punches, he was able to lift a lifetime of weight off my shoulders.
It shouldn’t have worked. And having those simple apologies shouldn’t have made such a difference to me. But they did. Because I could tell they meant it. And I could see the self-loathing written all over King’s face when Dominic laid it out.
I know they never meant to hurt me. I can’t even imagine what it was like for them, finding out you have some much younger half sister, a product of an affair. So really, the fact that we’re friendly at all is probably a miracle.
I nuzzle my cheek against Dom.
This man.
He’s done plenty wrong. But he’s also done so much right. He’s made such a difference in my life already.
And ready or not, I think I’m in love with him.
I squeeze his arm tighter, and the movement causes my new diamond bracelet to catch in the light.
A freaking diamond importer. Why am I not even surprised?
I reach up and touch my tiny heart earrings.
“You know…” I tip my head back so I can look at my husband. “I could use some earrings to match my new bracelet.”
Something jostles me, and I groan.
The body against mine vibrates. “Keep sleeping, Angel. I’m just bringing us to bed.”
I feel myself being lifted into the air and blink my eyes open. “Dominic?”
I don’t know why I say his name. There’s no one else that would hold me like this, carrying me like a bride through the dark living room.
“Yeah, it’s me, Valentine.”
“I love when you say my full name.”
“I love saying it.” Lips press against my forehead.
“I can walk,” I mumble.
“I know you can.” Dominic’s words rumble through me. “But I want to hold you.”
So I let him.
And it’s the last thing I remember.
CHAPTER 72
Dom
Nero holds his hand out to shake. It’s an olive branch. An acceptance.
And I want it.
But I also love fucking with him.
So I take it but then use my hold to pull him into a hug.
Nero stiffens.
“Thanks for inviting us,” I say, patting his back.
He tries to shove me off. “King invited you, not me.”
Payton steps up next to us, and I start to let him go. “Alright, alright, ya big baby. Gotta hug your wife goodbye, anyway.”
Nero tries to get a jab to my kidney, but I’m expecting it, so I manage to get out of the way just in time.
I tsk. “Hit me and you won’t get your blinged-out knuckles.” Nero’s jaw works. “And don’t worry, I’ll order it in a lady’s size so it fits.”
“I take it back.” He stares at me with his black eyes. “I don’t like you.”
His little wife elbows him in the side, and he drapes his arm over her shoulder.
King approaches, Savannah already tucked under his arm. “Appreciate you making the trip.”
“It was our pleasure.”
Valentine finishes tying the belt on her jacket, having already done her goodbye hugs. “If you guys want to shell out a fortune to rent this place again, we’ll gladly come back.” She smiles. “And maybe next time I’ll stay awake for it.”