Chapter 90: Chapter 90 I Think I Have Nail Marks
Elara
I woke up feeling stuck, my body stiff and awkward. Something warm and solid was pressed against my back, and I could feel steady breathing on my neck.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself staring at a ridiculously handsome face just inches from mine.
My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
Somehow during the night, I had rolled into his embrace, and now I could feel his strong arm around my waist like a steel band.
Even worse, my thigh had somehow ended up draped over his leg. Talk about mortifying.
I tried to carefully move my leg away, holding my breath and moving inch by inch, but this only made Dominic hold me tighter.
So tight I could feel his heartbeat against my back and hear him breathing in my ear.
Since I was clearly trapped, I couldn’t help but study his features while he slept. Up close, he was even more annoyingly perfect.
His eyelashes were way too long for a guy. They cast shadows on his cheekbones in the morning light. His nose was strong and straight.
His lips looked softer without that usual smirk.When he was awake, he always had that annoying "I know something you don’t" look.
But sleeping, he seemed almost innocent.
I tried again to roll away from his embrace, and this time I woke him up.
His eyes opened slowly, those eyes that always seemed to see right through me.
"Awake?" His voice was rough from sleep.
"Mmm." I turned away awkwardly, practically doing a full body twist to showing him my back.
Maybe if I couldn’t see him, this would be less embarrassing.
Dominic chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest against my back. "Feeling shy? You’re the one who came to my bed yesterday, then wrapped yourself around me like a koala. Wouldn’t let go all night."
My face burned hotter than a furnace. He rubbed his chest dramatically. "Look at this - I think I have nail marks."
"I tried to push you away, but you kept cuddling into me. Wouldn’t budge." His tone was absolutely gleeful, like he was enjoying every second of my embarrassment.
"Feel this," he continued playfully, reaching for my hand."I think you might have bruised my chest."
The moment his warm hand touched my fingers, I jerked away like I’d been electrocuted. "Don’t come any closer."
"I did no such thing," I said stiffly, pulling the covers up to my chin like armor. "Don’t make things up. And I didn’t choose to sleep here. Your father came by yesterday, saw we were sleeping in separate rooms, and moved my stuff here."
"Fine," Dominic said with a laugh, clearly not buying a word of it. "If you say so. But you slept like a baby last night. Best sleep I’ve had in months, actually."
That did it. I jumped out of bed, my face burning. "I’m going to get ready." The words came out in a rush as I practically fled toward my clothes.
I grabbed some clothes in a messy armful and headed for the bathroom. The door couldn’t close fast enough behind me.
After a quick shower and getting dressed, I took a few deep breaths to compose myself before going to check on Orion.
I knocked softly on his door. "Orion? You awake?"
"Aunt Elara!" came his sleepy voice. "I need to change my clothes."
"Oh... of course. I’ll wait for you downstairs," I replied, actually surprised by his manners.
Orion and Dominic came down at the same time, but the little boy darted ahead and grabbed the seat next to me.
Dominic rolled his eyes as he sat across from us.
"Alright, pup," Dominic said. "My house, my rules. Bedtime’s at nine. No midnight adventures."
"Eat what Linda cooks. Do your homework alone."
Orion crossed his arms. "It’s Aunt Elara’s house too!"
Dominic smirked. "Sure is. But one phone call and you’re back home. Your choice."
Orion knew when he was beat. He grabbed his cereal spoon, muttering, "Whatever."
Dominic rolled his eyes, then looked at me. "I have a business trip tonight. I’ll be back Monday."
"Don’t miss me too much," he added with that smirk. "Call if you need anything."
"Oh, I’ll try to survive," I replied dryly.
Honestly, him being gone would be better. At least I wouldn’t have to deal with awkward mornings like this.
