Chapter 23
Ajori
In my dream, the space between us was non-existent, leaving no room for rational thought. Domino had me pressed against something cool and solid. My breath came in uneven gasps, each inhale laced with anticipation as my body reacted instinctively, far ahead of my mind, which struggled to process the intensity of the moment.
“You enjoy testing me, don’t you?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that resonated deep within me.
Domino's presence enveloped me completely, his hand sliding expertly up my spine, igniting a fire that I couldn't deny.
“I asked a question,” I managed to reply, my voice softer than I'd intended.
His hand stilled for a brief moment, then tightened just enough at my waist to serve as a reminder of who commanded that space.
“That wasn’t a question,” he countered, his breath warm against my ear, steady yet stirring. “That was you testing me.”
My fingers curled against the surface, as my pulse quickened in response. “And what if I were?” I shot back defiantly, even as my body betrayed my bravado, craving his proximity.
A quiet chuckle erupted from him, low and teasing. “Then you should already understand what the consequences of that are.”
Before I could formulate a retort, he spun me around with an unexpected quickness, the firm pressure of his body against mine pinning me to the surface. The look in his eyes did something to me I couldn’t explain.
“You don’t get to talk to me any kind of way... not if you expect me to maintain my patience with you.”
My breath hitched in my throat, caught between confusion and exhilaration. “I wasn't—”
“Don’t,” he interrupted, raising his hand with a gentle authority, fingers brushing against my chin to tilt my face just the way he wanted. “You've got a sharp tongue,” he continued, his thumb grazing my bottom lip with a feather-like caress. “And I’m beginning to think you take pleasure in testing the limits, seeing how far you can push it.”
I swallowed hard. “And if I do?” I whispered.
His grip tightened just enough to pull me closer, his presence overwhelming in the best and worst way at the same time. “Then you’re going to learn... and I don’t have a habit of repeating myself.”
My breath came quicker, and my body reacted faster than I could control.
Domino watched me with a knowing intensity, as if he could see the very course my thoughts were taking.
“Say something else,” he teased, a playful challenge in his voice. “Let’s see if you still have that same energy.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could muster a word, a soft yet firm knock echoed through the room and jolted me awake. Sunlight streamed through the window,spilling across the room in warm, pulling me fully back to reality. I blinked rapidly, my chest rising and falling with a quickened rhythm, remnants of the dream still clinging to my consciousness.
I took a deep breath, dragging a hand down my face as I surveyed my surroundings. Kyrin was sprawled across the foot of the bed, half-tangled in a blanket, his mouth slightly open as if he had fallen into a deep slumber without a care in the world. On the other side lay Lainey, cocooned like a burrito, one leg tossed over a pillow she had clearly claimed as her own.
I let out a small, relieved breath, appreciating the comforting presence of them around me. Their plans hadn't included staying the night, but after everything that had transpired, neither wanted me to sleep alone. Lainey had flung herself onto the bed first, claiming she wasn’t about to leave me to “spiral and overthink in luxury,” and Kyrin followed right behind her, saying something about “doctor’s orders,” even though no doctor said that. I didn’t argue because, for once, I too didn’t want to face the silence of solitude.
The knock came again, sharper that time. I slipped out of the bed as quietly as I could, making sure not to disturb either of the sleeping forms beside me. With a quick motion, I grabbed a soft robe hanging from the back of the chair and tied it loosely around my waist, the fabric brushing against my skin as I moved toward the door.
When I opened it, I was greeted by one of the house staff, dressed crisp and composed, his expression chipper.
“Miss Ajori. Your father requests your presence for a private breakfast.”
My stomach flipped at the wordfather.
“Give me ten minutes,” I responded, almost hesitantly.
He inclined his head slightly before stepping away.
I leaned against the closed door for just a moment, drawing in a deep breath to regain my composure before moving away to get ready.
I traded the robe for a soft, fitted lounge set that hugged my figure without being overly formal. It was comfortable yet still put together. I pulled my hair back with an elastic band, allowing a few loose strands to frame my face softly, then slipped on a pair of casual slides.