Written By Fate

by K Larsen

  “Hey, love. Rough day?” he asks hesitantly.

  “The worst,” I pout at him.

  “Fiona always spells trouble for you,” he chuckles, watching me.

  Gazing at me tenderly, he stands and rids himself of all his clothes before hopping in the tub with me. Our wet bodies slide against each other as I recline my head to his chest.

  “Sorry I’ve been a dick,” he says, caressing my shoulders. His hands slide along my skin, lower to my chest, and begin massaging my stress away.

  “Don’t sweat it,” I sigh. “I still love you,” I breathe, wiggling my hips in invitation to him. And like the bitch that I am I make love to Sawyer in the tub to rid myself of the lingering thoughts of Dominic Napoli.

  Playing House

  Sawyer and I pick Allie up from camp on Sunday and spend the remaining part of the day having family time together. I’m thankful she’s home for the rest of the summer. I need the distraction. July fades away and I realize I’ve thrown myself into Sawyer’s arms full force. We’re back to our normal routine as if Dominic never existed. I ignore all his texts, and the necklace that I love rests in its box in my nightstand drawer. Gorgeous flower arrangements have arrived weekly since his departure and I throw all of them in the trash without a second glance. My walls are fully intact again and I intend to keep them that way. Allie and I need stability and that’s what we have here with Sawyer.

  Marg: Hey

  What's up!

  Marg: Just checkin in

  Things are fine

  Marg: Are they?

  No Dom talk. that’s way over

  Marg: Liar

  Fine I still think about him

  Marg: Just give the truth a shot Clara

  No

  Marg: He might understand if you just TELL him

  Maybe but still...not happening

  Marg: What am I gonna do with you?

  Love me anyway?

  Marg: Always

  Things are comfortable and easy at home, Allie is chipper as always, and Sawyer seems overly happy these days. He snuggles more, hasn’t gone on any dates recently, and caters to my every need. You know when you're in bed and can't sleep, so you just start making mental movies of perfect scenarios in life? That's my life, and all the scenarios involve me and Dominic. Sleep is the worst. My dreams are always of Dom and are relentless in their attack. I wake up craving his touch most mornings. The shower never seems hot enough to scorch my skin and burn away my wants or the memory of his touch.

  “See you Friday.”

  Dom’s text reminds me that his next appointment is tomorrow. As is normal now, I force myself not to respond. Last week I secretly looked him up on Google and found a plethora of pictures from the last three weeks of him at various events with gorgeous women draped all over him. It made me sick to my stomach and I’d thrown my laptop against the wall. Sawyer didn't understand why I’d done it, and I wasn't about to tell him. But he replaced it the next day and asked me to be gentle with this one. He really is too good to me.

  I’m flat out tired today and my back is killing me from being hunched over bodies for so long.

  “Mom!” Allie races through the shop and bear hugs me. Sawyer chuckles and drops her bag by the front desk.

  “Hi, babe. How was your day?”

  “Good. Can I have a sleepover this weekend with Madison?” she asks hopefully.

  “Did Madison invite you?” I ask, hoping I’m not stepping into a trap.

  “Yeah, here,” she says and thrusts a note from Madison’s mom at me. I scan it quickly noting that she has, in fact, been invited over tonight.

  “I guess so,” I say. Allie jumps and fist pumps the air before thanking me ten times. After calling Madison’s mom and confirming, I agree to drop Allie at her house at six. That should give us enough time to get home and pack a bag for her. Allie takes her position at the front desk and Sawyer sits his next client down to get to work. Dom walks through the door at four, twenty minutes late. The sight of him steals my breath but I keep my poker face intact giving nothing away. I refuse to get sucked under his spell. Things are good at home and I've made my bed. I will lie in it. I will.

  “Hey,” I call out. “I’m all ready for you.” He struts back to my station and quickly removes his shirt. I try not to stare as he lies down on the table. “Sorry I’m late,” he says softly.

  “Me too. I’m out of here at five so I’ll do as much as I can,” I say curtly.

  “I was hoping we could talk,” he admits.

  “Sorry,” I clip and get started.

  “Clara.” My name drips like honey from his lips and I have to close my eyes and take a deep breath. Why does my name sound so amazing when he says it? It really does. It makes me want to hear it again and again. It’s so much easier ignoring him when he’s not physically near me. I stand and prowl over to Sawyer. His head pops up, giving me a questioning look. Knowing Dom’s watching, I grab Sawyer’s face between my hands and kiss him passionately. “Love you, muffin,” I purr. Sawyer sits, stunned, as the guy on his table whistles at us. I turn back to Dom and lick my lips as I walk back to my stool. His expression is dark; his face is tight and the muscles in his neck are straining against his skin. I am going to Hell. I smirk at him as I lift the gun and resume my work. Point made, I chuckle to myself.

  My knee bounces nervously as I work, knowing that I just used Sawyer and hurt Dom. There is something seriously wrong with me. Allie chirps happily at customers up front making appointments. At five she trots over to me. “Neat snake,” she says to Dom.

  “Thanks,” he says, his expression finally softening. I want to tell him to shut up and not speak to my daughter but I don’t.

  “Do you like snakes?” he asks. Allie nods her head excitedly.

  “This guy came into school last year and showed us a bunch of reptiles and we got to touch them and hold them. It was soooo cool,” she gushes.

  “That sounds like a lot of fun,” he replies, interested.

  “Totally,” she answers. “Mom, it’s five, can we go? Can I bring Lucky to Madison’s with me?” she rambles, a mile a minute.

  “Yes and yes. Let me just clean up,” I answer. She nods her head and moves over to Sawyer telling him how awesome it’s going to be at Madison’s sleepover tonight. I wipe and clean Dom’s side, cover the work with a paper towel, and tape it in place.

  “All set,” I mumble as my fingers drift over his skin. I notice his muscles twitch at my touch. I spin my stool to my tray without looking at him and start cleaning my station.

  “Right. Well. Thanks.” He stumbles over his words and I secretly smile that I’m affecting him.

  “One more session and it’s over. Ask Allie to book it on your way out.” I smile sweetly at him. His expression is forced and I know he’s dying to say something.

  “Hey mister. Does September sixth work for you?” Allie calls out to him, stealing his attention away from me, thankfully. I watch as he strides to her and looks over his calendar on his phone. I hurry to finish cleaning up while they arrange his last appointment. Grabbing my bag from the back room I pat Sawyer’s head on my way by and meet Allie at the front.

  “Mom! Guess what?!” she exclaims.

  “What?” I feign the same enthusiasm, making her roll her eyes at me.

  “Dominic said I could take a limo to Madison’s! Oh my god, can I?!” she squeals. I turn to Dom and give him the best death stare I can muster. Underhanded piece of shit. If I say no I’m the worst mom on the planet, but if I say yes he wins. “Pleeeeeaaaseee mom!?” she cries.

  “I’m sure Dominic has other things he needs to do, honey.”

  “Not at all. My evening is completely free,” he replies smugly.

  “Yes!” Allie elates.

  “Fine,” I give in.

  “How about we take the limo to your house first so you can pack, and then go to Madison’s?” he offers and I swear Allie just died and went to heaven. Her skinny arms circle his waist as she than
ks him profusely. Allie darts out ahead of us to jump into the limo and check everything out.

  “I never took you for a below-the-belt fighter,” I snip as we head outside.

  “I’m not above fighting dirty for what I want,” he murmurs close to my ear. I walk faster to put distance between us. During the ride to the house, Allie thankfully fills the silence with chatter as I sit on the opposite side of the car from Dominic. He answers all her questions and I find myself focused on the way his full lips move when he talks. I snap my eyes shut and shake the thoughts from my head as she flits around the back seat claiming everything is the most awesome thing ever until we pull into the driveway. Hurrying out, I dart inside and furiously throw things into Allie’s bag as she waits in the car with Dom. Once I’m sure I've packed everything she’ll need, I suck in a few deep breaths to steady my resolve. I will not give in to him, I dislike him immensely, I chant repeatedly in my head.

  Climbing back into the car I find the strobe lights in the floor are on and Icona Pop’s “I Love It” blaring. Dom is crouched on his knees flailing wildly next to a dancing Allie. The smile on her face is so big I’m worried her face might explode. I crack a smile watching my little girl have a dance party with the masculine six-foot-three handsome man and the chink in my armor expands despite my best efforts. “Mom! Dance with us!” Allie squeals, noticing me. Dom twists around looking like he just got caught stealing. His olive skin flushes with embarrassment and I burst out laughing. I climb into the car, move around Dom and Allie and perch at the divider to give the driver the address for Madison’s. When I swing back around Dom’s gaze--dark and trained on my rear--is anything but innocent. My heart flutters in my chest and I try to distract myself. It doesn't matter. I don't want him.

  Madison comes screaming down the steps of her front porch as we pull into her driveway completely mesmerized by the limo. Her mom appears as the three of us exit the car and Madison and Allie talk to each other at the speed of light.

  “Hi, Anna,” I greet.

  “Clara. This is a surprise.” She nods at the limo.

  “Anna, this is Dominic Napoli. Dominic, Anna, Madison’s mom,” I introduce them. Dom shakes her hand and smiles a dazzling smile at her. I’m sure that smile's made many panties drop.

  “Would it be okay if the girls took a ride around the block together?” Dom asks. The girls' faces light up at the prospect.

  “Oh, of course!” Anna says breathlessly. I nod, unaffected by his charm. The girls titter with delight as they scramble into the limo. Dom instructs the driver to do two laps around the neighborhood and bring them back. The limo backs carefully out of the driveway and as they pull away you can hear the bass pumping from the car. I chuckle to myself knowing they’re probably having the dance party of all dance parties.

  “So, ah, Mr. Napoli, how do you know the Lords?” Anna asks politely.

  “I met her in one of my clubs and couldn't tear my eyes off her.” He smiles coyly at me. I cross my arms over my chest at his dirty, dirty warfare. Anna sighs and looks to me.

  “You’re one lucky lady, Clara,” she giggles until another thought takes over. “Wait. Aren’t you and Sawyer married?” she questions. Most people assume this about us and we haven't bothered to correct anyone.

  “We aren't, no,” I explain. Her brows furrow in confusion. “We’ve lived together for almost five years, but we aren't married. Please excuse Dominic, he’s a little overt in his teasing. We did meet at one of his clubs but I’m working on a piece for him.” I smile smugly at Dom. “He’s quite the jokester,” I add. There, asshole, counter that. Dom moves to my side and brushes my hair over my shoulder.

  “Touché,” he mutters under his breath close to my ear, sending a shiver of want down my spine. He’s too close. I step away as discreetly as possible, using Allie’s bag as an excuse.

  “This has everything she needs,” I explain to Anna.

  “Oh, great. I’ll drop her off tomorrow around noon. Does that work?”

  “Sounds great,” I answer. Dom glances at his watch and excuses himself to make a phone call while we wait for the girls to get back. They arrive in one piece with shit-eating grins to boot. After I give Allie a hug and a kiss Dom and I say goodbye to Anna and get back in the limo.

  “I can't believe you!” I hiss when we’re finally alone.

  “Allie seemed to enjoy it,” he comments, ignoring me completely.

  “Don't you dare use her against me ever again,” I seethe.

  “How else was I to get you alone? You won't answer my calls or texts and barely spoke to me during our session today,” he snarls.

  “I don't want you to get me alone. There’s a reason I’m avoiding you,” I snarl back.

  “And what might that be?” he asks curiously.

  “I don't want you,” I state firmly.

  “Bullshit!” he shouts.

  “Excuse me?” I squawk.

  “I don't think I need to repeat myself. You heard,” he clips.

  “Sawyer and I are giving it another go. You need to stay out of my life,” I lie. His face twists into a tortured expression before his lips thin into a firm line and a vein in his neck bulges.

  “I’m quite aware of your understanding with Sawyer. Just as I’m sure you’re aware that I’ve been dating.” Ouch. That hurt. I lose all self-control right then. I play to win and I feel like I’m losing and I will NOT have that. It’s on. Bring it.

  Sliding across the seat I stop right next to him, my breathing ragged. “Yes,” I poke him hard in his sternum and his eyes widen. “I’ve seen enough pictures of your dates,” the word coming out in a sneer, “to last a lifetime!” I poke him again. Pressing myself against him I know I’m crossing a line but I don't care if I’m pushing his buttons. I stretch myself across him like a bridge, pulling him to the edge with me. “They all look so intriguing,” I snort and press my chest to his while his fingers grip the seat and his knuckles turn white. “I’m sure they satisfy your every need.” I slide my hand up his inner thigh and cup him. He’s hard and I gasp in surprise. “There’s no reason for you to want me with those girls at your beck and call, is there Mr. Napoli?” I finish, breathing hard in his face and still cupping him. His eyes are black with lust and I know I need to move away or I’ll be sucked into the tornado that is Dominic Napoli. I remove my hand from his crotch and slide as far away as possible. The tension between us is as thick as fog as I stare silently out the window at the passing scenery. His breathing sounds labored as it fills the silence but I don't dare make eye contact with him.

  “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.