Fallen: Dominic

by Tiffany Aaron

  “Do I?” He shrugged. “I mix those sayings up sometimes.”

  Standing, he offered his hand to her. He helped her to her feet and threaded her arm through his as they made their way through the morning crowd. As they stepped outside to walk down the street, he hugged her closer to him. He found himself thinking about how different his life was since he had met her. She made the days seem brighter and more joyous.

  He had gone months without laughing because he hadn’t found anything good in the world for so long. Then one day he heard her laugh and he found himself smiling again. Inside her heart, she held a small piece of his soul. When they were together, he was complete. Nothing was going to happen to her. He wouldn’t let it. He had a feeling that if she were to be hurt, he might cross the line he’d been walking.

  “You’re so serious all of a sudden. What are you thinking about?” She tugged on his arm.

  He looked down at her and smiled slightly. “I was thinking about what I’d do without you.”

  “I don’t think you’ll have to find that out. I don’t plan on going anywhere.” She glanced at her watch. “Shoot. I have to go. I hired a new girl while you were gone. She starts today and I have to train her.”

  Leaning down, he kissed her quickly. “Do you want me to come by for lunch?”

  “No, I’m going to be busy all day. But I won’t say no to dinner.”

  “Then I’ll stop by and pick you up after the store closes. We’ll have dinner at my place.”

  “Wow. Who’s doing the cooking?” At his affronted look, she giggled.

  “I’ll have you know, I’m a gourmet cook. I only cook for very special people.” Pulling her close, he nuzzled her cheek. “I can’t think of anyone else I’d like to cook for more.”

  A shy light came into her eyes. “You’re going to spoil me if you keep treating me this way.”

  “That’s the point, love. You deserve to be spoiled.” He kissed her hard and pulled away. “You have to get going. I’ll be there tonight to get you.”

  As he watched her hurry away, he knew that the night would be special. He had tried to be patient, but he wanted to make her his as soon as possible. His instincts were screaming that something was going to happen soon and he was afraid of what that might mean to her.

  * * * *

  “Teresa.”

  She couldn’t stop a shiver of fear from running down her spine at the sound of Vincent’s voice. She turned to see him approaching her from the door. Glancing around, she realized they were the only two in the store. She had sent her clerk out for lunch. Don’t worry, she thought. He won’t hurt you.

  “Vincent.”

  He handed her a dozen pink roses. “I want to apologize for my behavior last night. It was unforgivable of me to treat you like that.”

  She took the flowers and hid a grimace. She had never liked roses. Setting the bouquet on the counter, she smiled at him. “I understand why you were angry, Vincent. My behavior with Dominic was inappropriate. I don’t know what came over us.”

  “Men like LaFontaine and I hold a certain allure cast by our wealth and power.” He touched her hand. “I can see how a girl like you could get carried away by it.”

  Thank goodness Vincent didn’t seem to lack confidence. She didn’t feel like arguing about it. “You’re probably right.”

  He leaned against the counter. “How long have you known LaFontaine?”

  “I’ve been friends with him for five years. Why?”

  “Have you ever met any of his friends?”

  “Sure. The people who work at the club.”

  He dismissed them with a wave of his hand. “Those are his employees. You don’t become friends with the people who work for you.”

  “I met Mickey O’Flynn last night.”

  “Ah, the tall, rather unpleasant fellow.”

  She hadn’t found Mickey unpleasant at all. In fact, he had been rather charming.

  “He’s a business associate. Never socialize with business associates. They’ll try to take advantage of you.”

  “You must be a lonely man. His friend, William Bradford, lives in Reno. Dominic spent a couple weeks out there helping him with some things.”

  “Or so he says.”

  She shrugged. “Why would he lie to me?”

  “All men lie, sweetheart. It’s in the blood.”

  “If he has lied to me, why should I care? He’s an adult and we aren’t exclusive, so he can go where he wants to.”

  There was a flash of impatience in his eyes. She didn't intend to play his game. There was no way he would get her to doubt Dominic. For five years, he had stood by her. He had been a friend during times when she felt there was no one out there for her. He held her while she cried and laughed with her when she was happy. She might doubt he could want her as more than a friend, but she could never doubt that he loved her.

  “Vincent, I’m glad you stopped by. I was going to call you.”

  A smug smile came over his face. “I’m glad to hear that. I forgive you for last night. I blame LaFontaine.”

  She couldn’t believe he really thought she was going to call and apologize. “Actually, I was going to let you know that we couldn’t see each other anymore. I don’t think we’re right for each other. I think what happened last night just reinforced the truth.”

  Anger and something sinister skated over his face. She took a step back and then silently berated herself. Don’t show fear or weakness. He’ll attack. She wondered why she thought of Vincent like a rabid dog. There was a wild look in his eyes.

  “You were going to break up with me?” He leaned over the counter and reached for her. Grabbing her arms, he jerked her towards him. She gasped at the yellow streaks swirling in his brown eyes. For a moment, she had the strangest thought that another soul stared out from those eyes. She wondered if that was what Dominic’s warning had meant. He snarled at her and she couldn’t help but cringe away from him.

  “No one leaves me without my permission. You’re mine, Teresa. You need to accept that I won’t give you up. Your soul is pure and just what I’m looking for. I’ll win you from him. I’m warning you, don’t make me fight for you. You won’t like the way I do it.”

  The bell over the door rang as a brunette woman walked in. Her quick glance took in the scene at the counter. Whether she sensed the danger or not Teresa didn’t know, but she thanked the woman in her heart for having the courage to come up to them.

  “I was wondering if you could help me.” Her voice held a hint of the Midwest in it. Her sharp gaze took in the tight grip Vincent had on Teresa’s arms. The woman’s cold eyes looked at Vincent and acknowledged the fact he was trying to intimidate Teresa.

  Vincent shoved her away from him. “Remember what I said.” He smiled at the woman. “There’s always help for a beautiful woman. If I can be of any service to you, please don’t hesitate to call me. Here’s my card.”

  Teresa couldn’t believe he had the nerve to try to charm another woman when he had just been threatening her. The woman took the card, but didn’t say anything until after Vincent had left. Calmly tearing the card up, she looked at Teresa.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I will be. Thank you for stepping in like that.”

  “Men like him are a dime a dozen. Think they’re God’s gift to women and don’t believe any of us can resist them. He doesn’t realize God made us smarter than that.”

  She laughed. “Some women find him attractive.”

  “Those are the women who make the rest of us look bad. He’s not my type at all.”

  “What is your type? If you don’t mind me asking.”

  “My type is more outdoorsy, I guess. Tall, dark hair and very rugged.”

  “What does he do for a living?”

  “He’s an archaeologist.” The woman smiled. “As you can tell, I have someone very definite in mind.”

  Her clerk returned at that moment. Teresa studied the other woman. “My name is Teresa Ryder. If y
ou don’t have any plans, would you like to join me for lunch?”

  “I’m Danielle Weston and I’d love to take you up on your offer.”

  Teresa grabbed her purse and they left. They were halfway through lunch when Teresa realized she had never laughed so much with anyone besides Dominic.

  “I think I know what your type is.” Danielle sipped her glass of wine.

  “You do?”

  “Sure. Your type is like the jerk in the store, only about a hundred times better. He’s sophisticated, but not snobby. He has money yet isn’t obvious about it. Most importantly, he loves you beyond all reasoning and will do anything for you.”

  “Boy, did you hit it.” She smiled.

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “We’ve been friends for five years and all of a sudden he decides he wants to be more.”

  “Are you opposed to the idea?”

  “Not at all. I’ve been lusting after him from the second we met, but he’s so much more than any other person I’ve been with. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint him.” She blushed. “I can’t believe I’m telling you all of this.”

  “Don’t worry. I don’t know anyone in New Orleans except for you, so your secrets are safe with me. Just think of me as your guardian angel.” An ironic smile slid across Danielle’s face. “Has he ever indicated he wanted to change you?”

  “No. He’s always told me I’m perfect the way I am.”

  “You’ve known each other for five years. That’s plenty of time to learn a lot about each other. Does he have any annoying habits?”

  “None that I’ve seen. Something worries me at times. Dominic suffers from bouts of depression. I know he has nights where he doesn’t sleep at all. At times it seems like he’s hearing or seeing things that I can’t.”

  “Does it scare you?”

  She shook her head. “He would never hurt me or harm himself. I just feel so helpless because I can’t do anything but talk to him.”

  I’m sure that’s the important thing for him. I’ve had moments like your friend and just knowing there’s someone out there to talk to helps keep me from the edge.”

  “So you think I’m silly to worry about disappointing him?”

  Danielle reached out and touched her hand. “In the years I’ve lived, I’ve figured out that regret is the hardest emotion to live with. Never do anything you’ll regret because you’ll never forget it. I think you’d regret not taking the chance to fully love Dominic. Grab what he’s offering with both hands and enjoy it to the tiniest moment. You might be surprised to learn that your world will be complete when you’re together.”

  The sincerity in Danielle’s voice brought tears to her eyes. She knew that whether Dominic chose to seduce her that night or not, she would grab a hold of him and never let go.

  “Thank you, Danielle.”

  “You’re welcome. Now I must be going. I have a business meeting in a few minutes.” The brunette stood and smiled at her. “I enjoyed our talk.”

  “Would you like to have lunch again tomorrow?”

  Danielle shook her head. “I’m sorry. I have a business lunch.”

  “If you’re free tomorrow night, why don’t you meet me at Fallen Angel? It’s my friend’s club.”

  “I would love to. Say around nine?”

  “Great. I’ll let Dominic know and he’ll reserve us a table.”

  The two women said good-bye and headed in opposite directions. As soon as Teresa turned the corner, Mika’il appeared beside Danielle.

  “Why, Danielle, getting involved in a mortal’s life? That isn’t like you.”

  “Go away, Mika’il. I have mortal friends.”

  “I know, but Teresa is a stranger. I must admit your speech about not living with regret was quite stirring.”

  She stopped and turned on him. “Do you think I don’t regret what I did?”

  “I’ve never seen much remorse from you.”

  “I repented. I got down on my knees and begged. He chose not to forgive me. Fine. I’m not letting His refusal drive me mad. I’m not letting guilt eat me alive either. I’ll live the life I’ve been given, but I’ll live it my way. I won’t become the hunted or the hunter.” She walked away from him.

  “Good for you, Danielle. Most mortals don’t even have the courage to live.” Mika’il bowed in respect and vanished.

  Chapter Four

  Dominic wiped his hands on his pants. He couldn’t believe how nervous he was. It was silly really. He had taken Teresa out for dinner a million times before and never felt like this. That’s because you were never going to end up in bed with her. He didn’t want to think about what he was planning for after dinner. It was a huge step they were about to take, even though he knew it was the right one. Ever since he had first talked to her, he had wanted her. A need was building inside him for her. It wasn’t just lust. That emotion would have burnt out early on. His love for her had grown over the years to be the most critical thing in his life. When he was with her, he was home. It was as simple and as complicated as that.

  She opened the door and his mouth dropped open. She had always been beautiful in his eyes, but tonight she glowed. Dressed in a white silk gown, she looked like an innocent virgin until he noticed the slit in the skirt going to the top of her thigh and revealing glimpses of her stockings. The plunging neckline displayed the top of her breasts. She wasn’t overly endowed in that area, but he had never been much of a breast man.

  She was wearing stilettos that brought her closer to his height. The diamond and sapphire jewelry set he had bought her for her last birthday graced her skin. With trembling hands, he held out the single lily he had brought her. Her bright smile made him feel like he had given her the moon. He certainly planned to take her to the stars later on.

  “You’re so beautiful. You make my heart ache,” he confessed in a husky voice.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. He savored her warm moist mouth as if she were the finest chocolate. He dipped his tongue in and stroked hers with a soft velvety touch. Never once did he demand or take from her. His goal was to give her all the pleasure.

  The closer he pulled her, the deeper the kiss went. They became lost in the taste and texture of each other. She nibbled at his firm lips like she was tasting the ripest fruit. He continued to sip from her mouth as a connoisseur would sip the finest wine. In a final moment they pressed together so close, their shadows became one.

  A bitterly cold wind rushed around them and forced them apart. They looked at each other and acknowledged they heard the voice in the wind. He pushed her into her apartment and turned to search the night. No one stood where he could see them, but he knew someone was hiding in the shadows and hating them. He hadn’t felt anything until the wind, so whoever it was found it easy to hide in the dark.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  She handed him her jacket. He held it out for her to slip on. He slid his hands over her shoulders and she shivered. At her sharp intake of breath, he knew she was anticipating their night as much as he was. He escorted her from her apartment to his car waiting at the curb. Usually, he drove himself, but tonight he wanted to focus all his attention on her. He was taking her to his house outside of the city instead of his apartment. He wanted everything to go right. His chauffer, Terrance, held open the door for them.

  “Thank you, Terrance. We’re going to Paisible.”

  Before Dominic climbed in beside her, Terrance stopped him. “Sir, something isn’t right around here. All my instincts are screaming alarms.”

  “Thanks. Keep your eyes open.” He slid in the car.

  “Yes, sir.” Terrance shut the door. He slid behind the wheel of the Rolls and pulled from the curb.

  “Where did you find Terrance?” she asked as she settled into his arms.

  He smiled. “Terrance found me actually. He used to be a mercenary.”

  “A mercenary? Why would you hire someone like that?”

  “Why not
?”

  “His loyalty can be bought. How do you know he wouldn’t turn on you if someone gave him enough money?”

  “When did you get cynical?” Dominic shook his head. “I don’t keep Terrance around because I need a bodyguard. I can take care of myself. I hired him to give him a chance to regain his humanity.”

  She gave a puzzled frown. “Regain his humanity?”

  “He decided being a mercenary wasn’t the right thing for him anymore. When he stopped caring about the people he was fighting for, he knew it was time to get out. While I’m sure he has several talents, I figured the best thing for him to do was what he had been doing. He’s another set of eyes for me. I don’t truly think anyone is out to get me. Sometimes crazy people become obsessed and it pays to have someone there to watch your back. I’d trust him with everything important to me, even you.”

  “That’s high praise from you. It’s strange to think I’m so important to you. It scares me in so many ways. I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”

  “The only way you could disappoint me is by not taking a chance on us.”

  “I met a woman today who told me the worst thing is to live with regret. I don’t plan to do that. We’re going to start learning everything about each other. There can’t be any secrets between us.”

  “Do you have any earth shattering secrets?” He laughed.

  “I might. Are your secrets deep and dark?”

  His smile disappeared and he turned to look out the window for a moment. He saw their reflections in the glass. Her eyes glowed with love and he found himself doubting he deserved her. If he couldn’t receive God’s forgiveness, there was no way he was good enough for this wonderful woman.

  Stop it, you fool. Mika’il’s voice shot into his mind. How do you know God didn’t have this planned from the very beginning? Maybe He knew she would need you.

  She needs me? Did He plan for how much I seem to need her? I can’t go a minute without thinking about her.

  Ah, love is a wonderful thing, isn’t it, my friend? A laugh echoed through his thoughts. Trust me, as the years go by, it’ll only get worse.

  Have you ever been in love? He couldn’t imagine an archangel in love, but God had allowed stranger things to happen.