Adaline (The Wallflower Series Book 3) (19 page)

“I was a coward too,” Dominic finally spoke. “You were a bigger risk than Audrey and Carla. But you’re worth it, and I believe in what we could have. So I guess you have to ask yourself the same thing. And stop making assumptions that only serve to placate your fears.”

They stood in the middle of the hotel room, breaths panting and hearts racing. Even as they fought, they both felt the tether pulling them together. The temperature of the room rose with the desire that always seemed to be seeping beneath the surface any time they were near each other.

“I-If we do this…”she started.

Immediately, Dominic shook his head to stop her. “There are no guarantees with relationships, Addy. You either want to be with me or you don’t.”

She removed the space between them, her body feeling compelled to be closer to him like earlier when she had awoken. Slightly above average height, she still had to look up at him. Adaline could tell that despite the bravado and assurance in his words, there was a slight tremor around his lips as he waited for her to respond. It was satisfying to know just how much he wanted her and the nervousness he felt waiting.

“I do, Dominic. I want to be with you.”

Within seconds, his lips came down and claimed her mouth. She released a moan as he adamantly and aggressively explored what was now willingly his. Adaline wrapped her arms around his back as he took a possessive hold of her head and waist. Her stomach fluttered erratically as she felt his tongue drag roughly across hers. Playfully, she tried to capture it between her lips but Dominic was too overcome by the moment to give her any control. She liked how he directed her and how the feel of the cochlear implant hiding beneath her wild hair as he cupped her scalp didn’t put him off.

Dominic pulled her closer to him so that she could feel the growing hardness fighting to be released from its prison. He knew they were not ready, and until she officially broke up with Murphy and was completely his, he would not pressure her into going any further. But Dominic couldn’t help the thoughts that ran through his mind at the feel of her lips and the sound of her gasps for air as he seductively explored her mouth. She tasted so sweet and her lips were like juicy, soft pillows. He couldn’t wait to see them encircling his thickness as she took him down her throat.

As the image ran through his mind, his body responded of its own accord. The hand at her waist suddenly drifted downward until he was cupping her rounded ass cheeks within his large palm. She whimpered into his mouth in response as he caressed her through the thin material of her dress. The friction between them had brought it up to the point it barely covered her. With her skin so close to his reach, his fingers teased the hem of the material as his tongue played with hers. When she swiped at it before retreating, he released a growl of desire. And suddenly her dress was now at her narrow waist, and he had access to what he had been craving.

“Dominic!” she gasped with heated breath. She arched her back to allow him the freedom to more deeply explore the treasure between her legs.

Despite the presence of her silky undergarments, Dominic’s fingers immediately found the sensitive nub and rubbed it gently with the pad of his forefinger. She tore her mouth from him to let out her cries of pleasure and rocked her hips against him.

With his other hand, he grabbed her chin so that she couldn’t hide. Looking deeply into her eyes, he confessed, “I love watching you cum. I can’t wait to feel how wet and tight you are when I fuck you with my cock, baby. You want that too, don’t you? You want me inside you?”

Adaline’s hands fisted the material of his shirt. She couldn’t find the words to speak; she could only nod her assent as the pleasure created waves through her body.

Dominic shoved the silk of her underwear to the side and physically shuddered at the wetness that greeted him. Her skin was so soft as he reached over to explore her more deeply. His thumb burrowed between the plump cheeks of her ass to find her forbidden rosebud. The increasingly louder sounds of her gasps and whimpers were music to his ears as he once again laid claim to his woman. She had yet to reciprocate in their encounters, when they could no longer hold back their desire for one another, but Dominic found just as much pleasure in seeing the look of wander and astonishment upon her beautiful face as she reached her peak.

Their eyes locked as he gently entered her. Though his expression remained unchanged, his cock wept at the feel of her pussy tugging his finger deeper and sucking greedily at the invader.

“Damn baby, I don’t know how long I can hold back. Do you like that?” At her silence, he threatened, “Tell me or I’ll take it out.”

“No!” She burrowed her body closer to him, resentful of the layers of clothing that separated them. “Yes, Dominic! I like it. Please don’t stop!”

From the quivers of her inner walls, he could tell she was close. “Is this mine, baby?”

Knowing what he was really asking, Adaline wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and raised herself onto her tiptoes to kiss him. “No,” she revealed against his lips. “I never let him touch me like this.” She lifted her leg up onto his hips to give him greater access to fill her more deeply. “It’s all yours, Dominic. I’ve always been yours!”

Keeping one cheek open with his left hand, Dominic began to more roughly caress the entrance to her ass as he filled her more deeply with two fingers. He momentarily closed his eyes to take in the sound of her juices as he pumped his fingers in quicker succession. Her hips pumped at him desperately and her arms tightened around his neck as she began to shiver at his ministrations.

“Yes, baby. Cum on my fingers. Give me that hot, juicy pussy.”

“Dominic!” Adaline screamed at the top of her lungs. Sporadic spasms ran through her body from the pleasure overtaking her core. Her fingers desperately held onto anything within reach.

Dominic felt her pulling at his hair and the collar of his shirt as she grinded herself against him. The wetness from her orgasm covered his hands and some had leaked onto his pants. And though he hadn’t come to his own release, Dominic felt a wealth of satisfaction when Adaline’s body finally slumped against his in exhaustion. Ignoring the erection pressing against the material of his pants, Dominic lifted her into his arms and settled her onto the bed gently.

With a kiss to her parted lips, he allowed her to recover.

“You know we have yet to have actual sex,” she commented when she finally caught her breath.

“And we’re not going to until you dump him,” Dominic replied noncommittally. 

Adaline couldn’t fault his reasoning. So instead, she apologized, “I’m sorry I haven’t reciprocated.”

Dominic looked at her through narrowed eyes. “Have I ever given you reason to believe that I need or want your apology?” At the shake of her head, he reached over and caressed her cheeks. His fingers spanned the curve of her face until stopping gently at the corner of her lips and tracing the soft skin there. “How much experience do you have, Addy?”

She knew he was already aware that he was her first. But his question wanted to know more. He wanted to know how far she had gone with Murphy. “I’ve only ever been with you, Dominic.”

“I would never force you into anything you are uncomfortable with. When I touch you, it is not with the ulterior motive to receive it in return. It’s because I want you to have pleasure. I want to see that adorable look on your face when you cum by my hand...” he leaned in closer until they were hair’s breadth away from each other. “Or by my mouth. And soon, you’re going to cum on my cock again.”

Adaline closed her eyes in anticipation of feeling his lips on her. But when no such sensations occurred she opened them to see him leaning back with a grin.

“I look forward to making love to you, but we are so much more than that. And I want you to know that as well.”

The two of them sat gazing into the distance at Pegan Hill. The view of Mount Wachusett and Mount Monadnock was breathtaking and reminded her of all she had loved about growing up in Dover. They had been lucky enough to find two chairs beneath a large tree in a wide-open field before more visitors came to take in the sunset. It was one of the most romantic places Adaline had ever been, aside from the bench that constantly inundated her with their memories together.

Dominic took her hands into his and leaned closer to her over the armrests of the Adirondack chairs. “I feel old,” he told her.

Adaline couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her. Dominic still looked far from old with his unconventional hairstyle and his strong features. Placating him, she patted his hands, “I can see the wrinkles.”

He rolled his eyes, “I’m serious. Here I am at one of the most breathtaking views, and I haven’t even made a move.”

“A move?”

“This place is a certified pussy goldmine. Every guy knew growing up that if he wanted his girlfriend to finally give it up all he had to do was take her here. And then like that,” he snapped his fingers, “her legs were spread.”

Adaline wrinkled her nose at him. “You’re disgusting.”

Dominic leaned over and chuckled slightly at her abject look of horror. “Why do you think I didn’t want to sit on the benches?”

She gasped and stood to her feet. “Ew, Dominic!”

He let out a roar of laughter and followed her as she took several feet away, her mind overcome by images of what had been done on the wooden surfaces. “But here I am, more content just sitting with you than thinking of ways to seduce you. I’m getting old, I tell you!”

“Or,” she emphasized loudly as if he was the one who was hard of hearing, “you finally grew up and your every waking thought isn’t about what hole you can stick that thing into.”

He paused dramatically as if considering her idea. Until finally, “Nah, that’s not it.”

Adaline could only roll her eyes at his antics.

Enjoying teasing her, Dominic threw his arms around her waist and pulled her toward his chest, “If spending moments like this with you is what it means to feel old, I’m ready for the geriatric life.”

Closing the small distance between them, she kissed him gently on the lips with a smile. “You need better lines, Casanova, ” she teased.

Because Adaline still refused to return to the wooden chairs, they both took their seats in the grass and continued to watch the amazing view of the mountains. Though he had been jesting with her, Dominic truly felt an inner sense of peace as they sat down next to each other. Adaline innately rested her head against his broad shoulder and cuddled into his warmth. For a moment, he looked down at the sight they made. As a teenager, he would never have believed he would be in such a position. He had been steadfast and determined to only see Adaline as a friend despite the slight stirrings of attraction he had felt for her. In truth, she was the exact opposite of her cousin Carla. In place of the honey-toned skin was a dark-chocolate that seemed to gleam in the sunlight. And instead of the straight golden strands were wild and unruly curls that formed an Afro around her head. He secretly referred to it as her halo because Adaline had always been an angel to him.

Dominic wouldn’t deny it to himself. In their community, Carla was beautiful and Adaline didn’t exist. Not only because of her looks but also because of her disability. And now that Dominic truly understood the basis behind his refusal to acknowledge their mutual attraction in high school, he was ashamed of his weakness. Taking a hand to gently remove the curls that had fallen across her face, he wondered how he could have been so blind to her beauty in his youth. Why hadn’t he acted sooner?

“I want to come with you to see your uncle today, Addy.”

She looked up at him curiously, “Why? It won’t be the most welcoming environment. My aunt and Carla are bitchier than ever these days.”

Not used to hearing her curse, especially not at her aunt, Dominic grinned mischievously. He found that he liked this side of her. “Well, I want to be clear about my intentions to your aunt and uncle”

At that, she laughed, “What is this the 1800s? I hate to break it to you, Dominic, but women can actually voice their own opinions today. I know, the horror!”

He rolled his eyes at her condescending tone. “That’s so funny, Addy,” he supplied in a dry tone. “But seriously, how do you think it looks that I used to date Carla and now I’ve moved on to his other adopted daughter. It’s important to me that they both know- and that
you
know- this isn’t a passing fling. I’m approaching this seriously.”

Adaline smiled slightly at his words, “Then I guess I’m bringing you home.”

~~~~

She would never forget the look upon Carla’s face as they both walked into the entryway of the house. Adaline had never seen someone’s mouth drop so quickly before. She immediately brought her hands to her face in order to hide her smirk. Of course, it was childish of her to feel vindicated by her cousin’s shock of seeing her and Dominic together but tell that to the multitude of memories she had of Carla’s snarky arrogance. How many times had she heard that Dominic would never end up with her after being with someone like Carla? In her cousin’s view, if he was initially attracted to someone like her, there was no room for him to have feelings for Adaline. Put simply, Adaline couldn’t be his type.

And maybe she still wasn’t his actual type, but that didn’t stop him from being attracted to her. Adaline met Carla’s eyes head on as they walked through the house, and her cousin followed them. Eventually yelling,

“What the hell is going on here?”

Dominic shook his head at her greeting. “Adaline came to see your father. Why the hell else would we be here?”

“You know what I mean, Dominic!” The other woman’s breathing increased as her eyes flitted from one to the other. Just standing together wouldn’t normally indicate that two people had been intimate and were together, but it did for these two. Because it wasn’t merely their proximity to one another, but it was also how they stood together, slightly leaning in to the other’s warmth. The energy around them was potent and filled Carla with the same insecurities she faced after he had so ruthlessly dumped her. She hadn’t felt that in years! And now it had come back at the hands of her cousin, someone she had always seen as below her in looks and worth. How was that fair?

“I do know what you mean. But, to be frank, it’s really none of your concern, Carla,” Adaline provided calmly.

When they made to move, Carla jumped into action. Standing in front of them in order to block their way, she firmly placed her hands on her hips and stated, “Oh, it is my concern. When you date
my ex
like some wannabe, all I can feel for you is pity. You always wanted to be me!”

Dominic and Adaline exchanged glances, completely disturbed by her words. They both knew Adaline had never once dreamt of being Carla. And this entire situation clearly exemplified why. Despite her aim to always appear self-assured, Carla was the exact opposite. She was evidence that knowledge of one’s beauty and attractiveness to others did not presume high self-worth and esteem. In fact, it seemed for Carla that it was the exact opposite. It left her constantly seeking validation, and having the one person who rejected her willingly choose someone else-her own cousin- was her breaking point.

“Wow, Carla, are you serious?” Adaline looked at her pitifully. “No, honey, I never wanted to be you. I knew you were self-absorbed, but I had no idea you were that delusional!”

Carla’s ire seemed to falter a bit at the response.

“Now, I’m not a psychologist,” Dominic entered the conversation gently, “but I believe what you should think about Carla, is why you felt the need to be envied by Addy.” His signature cocky grin was on full display as he chastised her.

If smoke could be seen blowing from someone’s ears, Adaline and Dominic would swear that was what they saw after his comment. Carla’s blue eyes settled on his with such ice and contempt, he was sure she was going to lash out. But instead of throwing punches or slaps, Carla took in a deep breath.

“You can go straight to hell, Dominic!”

They both said nothing as she stormed from the living room, but as soon as she was no longer in hearing distance, they found themselves laughing at the humor in the situation. Playfully, Dominic slapped her bottom,

“C’mon, it’s time for me to get grilled by your uncle.”

“You keep that up, and I think you’ll get more than grilled but physically assaulted. Don’t let his accident fool you.” Despite her words, Adaline put an extra sway in her hips as she led him from the living area towards the grand entrance of the stairway. She could feel his eyes exploring her body, paying particular attention to her hips and ass in the sweater dress.

“How the hell do you expect me to behave myself when you look like that, baby?” He enjoyed the blush and girlish giggle that escaped her at his compliment.

Their flirting continued until someone loudly clearing their throat interrupted them.

“Would someone like to tell me what is going on?”

The carefree grin upon Dominic’s fell immediately. He looked up, shocked to see his father looming over them from the long, winding stairs that led up to the bedrooms. He shouldn’t have been quite as taken aback to see Nikolai. After all, his father was good friends with Dean and so of course he would visit to pay his concerns and blessings for a speedy recovery. But of all days for his father to make an appearance, why did it have to be now?

Behind Nikolai, Victoria stood with her signature look of disapproval. In their playful flirtation, Dominic and Adaline had stood closer to one another. His arms had found their way around her waist, holding her close to his strong chest. At the interruption, they slowly spread apart, straightening their clothes. Dominic didn’t want them to think they were guilty for being caught, because they had nothing to be ashamed of. It wasn’t like they weren’t teenagers sneaking into a broom closet to fool around.

“Hello father.” Dominic’s tone was cold as he looked up at Nikolai. He was still resentful of what had occurred in their last meeting and did not plan on forgetting it any time soon. Though he had told Adaline it gave him the final push to no longer care what his father thought of him or to constantly strive for his approval and respect, the anger still resided in him at the memory. Dominic knew it would subside eventually, but the wound was raw. And he never realized before just how much his actions had been motivated by that same boy’s need to have his father
like
him. It had gone unacknowledged for so long, but as he stood there with Adaline by his side, he knew that he may have to forgo the desire for his father’s approval to protect his relationship.

“We came here to see Uncle,” Adaline supplied to her aunt. “Is he awake?”

Victoria nodded, but everyone’s attention soon turned to Nikolai’s descent. Adaline had always seen the man as an intimidating figure. But even more so now as he towered over her in his tailored suit with a dark, icy gaze. He looked over her dismissively before turning to his son with a raised brow.

“Following in your brother’s footsteps, I see?” He snorted derisively with a shake of his head. He spoke quietly so as to keep their conversation private. “Why am I not surprised? Well, at least you chose a rich one.”

“Keep your opinions to yourself because I’ve officially stopped giving a shit,” Dominic replied back quickly.

Nikolai didn’t even blink at his response. He remembered his wife’s threats to leave him if he ever made his children suffer again. And that included interfering in their chosen romantic partners. The backlash would be even greater because Dominic had always been her favorite. She understood him in a way that he never could. And so, while he disapproved of Dominic’s choice, he said nothing else as he passed him. But before Nikolai left, he paused and turned to the young woman again.

“I expect I’ll see you soon during one of our holiday dinners, yes? I’m sure Natalia would love to get to know you better.”

Even through the neutrality of his words, Adaline understood the slight warning in his tone and could tell from the firmness of his mouth as he spoke that she wasn’t actually welcomed in their home. But Adaline could care less about what he thought because she had never been a fan of his to begin with. Playing along, she said with a saucy sway to her hips,

“I would love to. Be careful with those invitations though. I may end up being there more than you want.”

When the tall Russian finally left their presence, the tension in the room receded once more. They had only been there for a short time and already had two less than stellar encounters with each of their families. Adaline felt herself growing increasingly irritated by how things had gone since returning home; it was a stark reminder of why she had needed to leave in the first place. And they wouldn’t be able to guilt her into returning.

Dominic signed to her, “
I think I like this side of you.
” He winked and laughed as she rolled her eyes at him.

When they made their way up the stairs, they stopped at her aunt, who reached out suddenly to grab her arm.

“Can we talk after you’re done?”

Adaline was shocked to hear the uncertainty in her aunt’s voice. If she were honest, Victoria was the person she was most nervous to see after their last night together. She didn’t know if she wanted to talk to her afterward. Maybe it was best to just let bygones be. She was now aware of why their relationship had always been less than loving. What more did they need to talk about?