Written By Fate (11 page)

“You drive me crazy,” he breathes. I ignore him and continue
staring out the window. “I can't seem to disarm you.”

“Does that scare you?” I murmur, avoiding his eyes. His gaze
is dangerous and if I let him get too close I know I’ll get lost in him.

“I let you run away but my heart won’t oblige me. You haunt
the world inside me,” he whispers. “I covet your attention, Clara, and I'm
willing to invade your life, because eventually you will yield to me,” he
finishes firmly. His words are passionate and genuine and scare the shit out of
me because I would yield to him if I could. I cock my head at him as the car
comes to a stop at my house.

“Do you spend your nights wondering what it is about me or
do you know it's my big secret that keeps you coming back for more?” I blow out
a breath, sending my bangs flying. “Once that’s gone our fantasy and reality
are too far apart for this to work, Dom. So pardon me if I call bullshit and
walk away.” The driver opens the door and I crawl out of the car.

“Must I release you? Is that what you really want, Clara?”
he says softly.

“Yes,” I clip and storm into the house. Sawyer stands just
inside the front door, arms crossed over his chest, pissed, waiting for me.

“Not now,” I bark and throw a hand up at him. He snags my
waist as I stomp by him and pulls me to him. “Please tell me nothing happened,”
he pleads and my heart breaks a little. This is too much. I can't have Dom but
I want him and I can have Sawyer but I don't want him, not like that. I can't
seem to please either one of them.

“Nothing happened. I’m pretty sure I clearly drove the point
home this time,” I tell him. Sawyer’s face softens. He plants a light kiss at
my temple and lets me go. I blow up to my room, slamming the door behind me,
and crumble on the bed. This is ridiculous. My phone vibrates in my pocket. I
yank it out and check it.

Dom: See you September sixth

“Arrrhhhhhhhhhhhh!” I scream and chuck my phone against the
wall, watching the back fly off and the screen shatter. Footsteps pound up the
stairs and my door flies open, hitting the wall behind it.

“What is it?!” Sawyer bellows and looks frantic. Despite my
mood I burst out laughing at his expression.

“I think I need a new phone. I'll call it a smart phone the
day I yell, 'Where's my fucking phone?!' and it answers, 'I'm here! Under your
jacket on the floor!'” I laugh uncontrollably and point to the mess. I know I
just lied to him. I know he’ll never question how the phone broke. I almost
feel bad about it but he belly flops onto the bed with me, making me bounce and
starts tickling my sides.

“If you tickle me I'm not responsible for your injuries!” I
squeal. I wrap my arms around his neck and take his earlobe between my teeth.
He stops tickling me and stills.

“What are we going to do with you?” he chuckles.

“What do you want to do with me?” I purr in his ear. I
really have to stop doing this. I’m being careless with a good, decent man but
I keep living for today like tomorrow will never come. I’m a horrible, horrible
person.

School starts the end of August and I dive back in, getting
the chorus ready for the Fall Showcase. Between work and school the weeks pass
quickly. Sawyer and I are way past our routine connection and sinking further
and further into a committed full-blown relationship. Most days I’m extremely
happy and content with the turn my life’s taken. The three of us are thriving
together. Every time that niggling doubt pushes its way up I shut it down and
tell it to fuck off. When my dreams leave me panting for Dominic I shower them
away. But he stills creeps into my thoughts when I least expect it. It’s evil
the way he permeates my mind even after a month of no contact. He lingers in my
head without permission and it’s really starting to piss me off.

When I replaced my phone I got a new number, being sure to
only give it to Amanda and Marg with strict instructions to keep it to
themselves, and I haven't received a text from him yet. Flowers are delivered
to the shop every Tuesday and every arrangement is more extravagant than the
last. The shop is slowly looking more like a florist's than a tattoo parlor.
Every week Sawyer grits his teeth and does his best to ignore the flowers but I
know they really bother him. The cards all read the same thing; “I don't give
up - Dom.” All the cards end up in the trash can.

I still haven't figured out the pull to him, the devastating
attraction and need I feel for him, but I try not to dwell on it. Every once in
a while I pull out the necklace and let my fingers run over the wings of the
butterfly. Dom’s been a busy little bee as of late, popping up in the pages of
Us
Weekly
and
People
, always with some little tart attached to him. He
doesn't smile and he looks tired and it makes me sad, wondering why he appears
that way.

Amanda: Hey chica how’s things?

Good enough, what's up?

Amanda: Marg and I need a girls weekend soon, think you
can get away?

Where?

Amanda: The Cape second weekend of Sept

I’ll ask Sawyer and let you know.

“Muffin!” I shout to the front of the shop.

“What’s up, love?” he calls back.

“Manda and Marg neeeeeed me,” I say in my sweetest begging
voice.

“When?” he laughs.

“Second week of September. Can I go? Pretty please?” I bat
my lashes shamelessly at him.

“Who could say no to that face?” he chuckles.

“You are the best!” I squeal and race across the shop, leap
into his arms, and hug him tight before responding to Amanda

I’m in!

Amanda: Score! Harbor View Hotel under my name.

Sweet. See ya in two weeks.

Impulsive Mistakes

“Holy shit. This is nuts,” I say, looking around. The Harbor
View Hotel has rooms, luxury suites, and one, two, and three-bedroom cottages.
The wrap-around porch shows off the spectacular views of Edgartown Harbor and
Lighthouse.

“Yeah, Marg’s dad’s friend paid for a weekend here but they
couldn't come so they offered it her,” Amanda informs me.

“Well, I’m not complaining.” I laugh and set my suitcase on
the bed and start to unpack.

“Any word from Dom?” she asks nonchalantly.

“Nope. He didn't even show for his last appointment.” I
shrug, trying to feign indifference. When he pulled a no-show I’d been really
disappointed and pissed. His loss though, since he paid in full up front.

“I’m here!” Marg barrels into the room, hugging us both.
“Tonight we hit The News, ladies, slutty dress required.” She laughs.

We spend the next two hours sharing the bathroom, primping
for our night out. I have this hot little sequined skirt, paired with heels
that make my legs look like sex. To offset it I kept it simple with a plain
black sheer tank although the zebra striped bra I’m wearing is clearly visible.
I like it. It’s edgy and fun. Marg piles my long hair on top of my head in
curls leaving some to cascade down around my face, and Amanda nails my make-up:
it’s vampy and dark and I love it. The neon pink streak in my hair adds to the
look nicely.

Once the three of us are ready it’s nearing ten. We head
down to the lobby to wait for our cab, looking like high-end call girls and
ready for fun. Heads turn and a few drunk guys whistle at us but we ignore them
all, this is girl-time only.

Strutting through the doors of the bar, lights flash, “As
Long As You Love Me” blares, and the dance floor undulates with the throng of
people. I squeal, secretly loving this song, and drag my girls to the dance
floor with me. Twisting my hips, I move to the music and close my eyes, letting
the bass vibrate through me. Amanda disappears, yelling something about
grabbing drinks, leaving Marg and I on the dance floor. A tall handsome guy
dances up on Marg and I give her the thumbs up that he’s not creepy. She leans
back into him and starts dancing with him. A pair of hands lands on my hips and
start guiding them back and forth to the beat. I lean back into the firm body
and roll my hips seductively against him, enjoying myself.

A breeze blows gently through the crowd, and the smell it
brings with it makes me dizzy with memories and I still slightly. The fingers
at my waist dig in, keeping me moving as my heart starts beating frantically in
my chest. Dominic’s distinct smell infiltrates my nostrils as his hands grind
my rear into his crotch. I’m overrun with conflicting emotions but too caught
up in the moment to move away. I’m frozen in the ecstasy of his touch. I tilt
my head up, looking at his throat, his Adam’s apple bobbing sexily as he
swallows and drops his face to mine. Funny how firm pecs and amazing biceps can
thwart a girl's best efforts. Why do I always want the wrong thing?

“Clara,” he blows into my ear. And just like that I’m lost.
I feel like a starving, depraved person. I’ve fought off the very thought of
him for so long that my body rejects the idea of doing it any longer. The bass
thumps, it’s hot, and a light sheen of sweat coats my body. His fingers slither
under the hem of my tank. The contact of skin on skin blows my mind and I fear
my knees might give out. As if sensing my overwhelming reaction he spins me so
we’re chest to chest. One hand cups my ass firmly as the other slides up my
spine to the nape of my neck and grips my hair. Holding every inch of me
pressed into his length he moves us together fluidly. I can't control my ragged
pants as the beat picks up. His eyes devour me. The intensity is startling as I
look at him.

He dips me, and trails his tongue from my collarbone to my
earlobe as he pulls me back up. Every inch of my body is on fire as he moves
us. His white button down shirt clings to him. His sleeves are unbuttoned and
rolled to his elbows and he’s wearing those faded jeans I love. His eyes never
leave mine and when my tongue darts out to wet my lips he growls. My panties
dampen at the sound and I know tonight’s a lost cause. If he wants me he can
have me, all he has to do is ask.

His knee pushes between my legs hiking up my skirt as he
moves me to the music against his thigh. His hands firmly hold me at my ribs as
I close my eyes and let go. I let the bass line rush through me, drop my head
back, arms hanging at my sides and grind against his thigh as he carries my
weight. One hand snakes around my ribs, freeing his left hand. He palms my
throat and drags his hand down between my breasts to my belly, never breaking
my rhythm. I gasp at the sensation and slowly reach out, fisting his shirt and
pull myself up to his chest. The music changes to something faster paced and I
pull his face down to mine. “Get me out of here.” He smiles devilishly before
bending at the waist, throwing me over his shoulder and like a caveman carries
me to his waiting car.

As soon as the driver rolls up the partition, I straddle Dom.
Unbuttoning his shirt, I yank it down his arms and kiss every inch of his
chest. He tugs my tank off and unclips my bra, sending my breasts spilling out
as the straps slide off my arms. Palming them, his breaths come in short rapid
successions. He takes them in his mouth one at a time and suckles, sending me
teetering close to the edge of insanity. His hands come to my waist, grasping
me hard, fingers digging into my bottom. He lifts me and slides off the seat
before bringing me down to his mouth. Licking a path to my opening I start
shaking uncontrollably. “Not yet, Clara,” he demands low and raspy.

His fingers rip the underwear from me and slide inside as he
licks me. I grind my hips into his face uncontrollably when he pauses to suck
my clit between his teeth. He bites down gently sending the most luxurious
tingling sensation shooting from my core throughout my entire body. “I’m going
to come, Dom.” My voice shakes as my body trembles viciously with pleasure.

“Not until I say you can,” he demands.

“I can’t stop it!” I cry out. His mouth and fingers leave me
and I feel a desperate need to get it back. He nips and tongues his way across
my thighs, pushing my skirt up around my waist and kisses my belly. He
unbuttons his pants and shucks them and his boxers down around his ankles.
Kneeling between my knees he pauses at my already wet entrance and trails his
fingers over the sensitive spot until I squirm and writhe beneath him.

“Are you ready?” he growls low. I nod my head and try to
control my breathing. He lifts my hips off the floor and wraps my legs around
his waist as he slams into me. I cry out at the feeling of him filling me and
he instantly stills. “Did I hurt you?” he asks.

“No. Don't stop,” I beg. He drives deep and hard again and
again and my world explodes. Skin filters through the speakers, adding to the
erotic tension between us. The three-inch heels of my shoes dig into his rear
as I cling to him. Flipping us, he lies beneath me watching me heatedly as I
ratchet up and down like a piston on top of him.

Letting me set the pace, our bodies settle into a steady
rocking motion leaving me feeling more replete than I’d ever felt. Rolling
again he pins me down and increases our pace. Slamming into me, my legs start
to quiver and I can’t control my hips as they buck wildly. He lightly bites my
neck sending me over the edge. “Dom!” I cry out as I lose control of my body.
My nails pierce the skin at his shoulders as I ride out wave after wave of
pleasure. When he finally collapses on me grunting my name, I lay still, unable
to move as my body shakes with the intensity of the orgasm he just gave me.

“Are you all right?” he whispers in my ear as he nuzzles my
neck.

“I will be,” I rasp, trying to still the trembles that don’t
seem to stop. He rolls to my side and pulls me tightly into him. I sling an arm
over his chest and breathe deeply.

“What are you doing here?” I question as I regain some
composure.

“My cousin’s getting married tomorrow. We were out for his
bachelor party,” he explains in between peppering my face and neck with light
kisses. His fingers linger between my legs, taking their time toying with me.
“Come with me, Clara,” he pleads softly, continuing to trail kisses down my
neck and over my chest.

“Yes,” I murmur, lost in the sensation of his nips and lips.
“Yes,” I breathe again, ready for more. His fingers leave me and he slides in
and moves gently in and out, making love to me again. It’s lazy and tender and
every bit as fulfilling as the needy rough sex we just had. Moments later I
come apart around him as he holds me, thrusting and swiveling his hips, setting
every nerve I have on fire. He calls my name as he comes and collapses again at
my side. We lie together holding one another for a long time before he tugs my
skirt down and asks me to come home with him. I know I shouldn't, but now that
I’ve had him it’s not enough and I want more. I text Amanda and Marg letting
them know I’m with him and join him back at his room.

He lavishes my body with attention a third time upon
entering his room and all my worries disappear as he leaves no inch of my body
undiscovered. He knows just where and how to touch me to make me fall apart
with ease and I give myself to him anyway he wants, willingly letting him have
all of me. As we snuggle together, sated and spent, he traces the outline of
each butterfly from my shoulder to my thigh. “It’s stunning,” he breathes in my
ear, the warmth of his breath making me shiver. He pulls the comforter over us
and tangles himself with me. “Do I need to get you a dress?” he murmurs.

“A dress?” I ask, confused.

“For the wedding tomorrow.”

My breath hitches and I swallow a lump of air. I vaguely
remember something about a wedding being mentioned in the height of our
passion.

“What?” I croak.

“I asked you to come with me, Clara, you said yes.” He
sounds slightly irritated.

“I thought you meant come with you. You asked while you were
doing things to me.” I blush a little at the memory.

“You knew exactly what I was asking,” he clips. “You agreed
and you’ll come.”

I roll away from his fatherly tone and sit up.

“You’re not the boss of me, Dom. I don’t like your attitude,”
I snip, reaching around the floor for my clothes.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” he asks, his
tone now panicked.

“To my hotel!” I wail.

“NO,” he barks.

“YES,” I retort, not phased by his tone.

“Clara, no. God, please don't go. Stay tonight.” He sounds
frantic as his strong arm snags my waist and pulls me back to him. “Stay with
me,” he whispers in my ear tenderly. I’m a goner because I know I can’t say no
to him. Worse, I don't want to. I don’t want to leave, ever.

“Okay. I’ll stay.” I relax into his arms and enjoy the feeling
of security they bring. “How big's this wedding?” I ask. He trails his fingers
up and down my arm. It feels heavenly.

“Family and close friends only. I think about two hundred
people,” he mumbles.

“Two hundred people is family and close friends?” I snort in
disbelief.

“To my family, yes,” he replies.

“Mercy,” I breathe.

“Mercy?”

“Mercy. I give up. I’ll go,” I relent in a moment of utter
submission and weakness. His arms squeeze tightly and he kisses the tender spot
behind my ear.

“Thank you,” he whispers. I sigh and let myself succumb to
the exhaustion of hours of lovemaking. The last thing I hear before I drift off
is Dom’s deep voice whisper, “You’re amazing,” as his hand finally stills,
resting flat on my belly.

Light filters through the curtains as my phone vibrates off
the side table. Without opening my eyes I fumble for it but as I reach down I’m
hauled back across the bed into Dom’s strong arms.

“Morning.” He smiles at me.

“Good morning to you,” I flirt. He shakes his head at me,
grinning. “What?” I ask.

“I’ve waited a long time, four months almost, to have this
happen.”

“Have what happen?” I ask suggestively.

“To wake up with you, Clara.” He leans in and brushes a
feather light kiss across my lips. “To spend the night with you,” he breathes
in my ear while nipping at it.

“If you wake me up and I don't get angry you must be pretty
effing special. I hate waking up,” I say. A hot flush breaks out across my
chest as he kisses a path down my neck.

“We don't have time for this.” He stops at my collarbone and
I whine in protest.

“Why not?” I ask, running my hands along all the hard ridges
of his torso.

“We have to find you a dress and the wedding is in four
hours.”

I pout and relax back into the pillow.

“Fine.”

“Don't look at me like that. We’ll have plenty of time for
fun later.” He winks and smacks my thigh playfully.

“I don’t want to alarm you,” I say, sitting up and
straddling him, “but you may have unleashed a monster last night.” He hardens
at my opening. “An insatiable monster.” I breathe into his mouth as I kiss him.
With ease he lifts my hips and slides me down on him while I wrap my legs
around his back. He stands and crashes my back into the wall opposite the bed
as he stays deep and swivels his hips. My head dips back hitting the wall and
my eyes close as he quickly brings me racing towards release. Suckling and
kissing my exposed throat he drives deep, skidding me up the wall some and
stays planted while he rotates his hips. My muscles clench, my breath catches,
and, gripping my hips to steady me, he rolls up and nips my neck before my
orgasm rips through me at an alarming rate. He finishes just after me and
carries me to the bed, setting me down carefully and slowly pulling out. “Will
that hold you over, my dear?” he teases.