Dom (Alliance, #3)

by S.J. Tilly

“And, if I were a gentleman, I’d make sure you get at least two favors to every one of mine.”

Big Guy: Mine was pretty normal, too. But I couldn’t stop thinking about this knockout I met at the airport this week.

Me: Oh yeah? I bet she was super funny and brilliant.

Big Guy: You think I would settle for anything less?

Me: Of course not. I’ve seen your face.

Me: I don’t mean that in a serial killer way. Send. Me: I meant that I’ve seen how handsome your face is.

Me: Reimplementing the blocking request. See text from two days ago.

I turn my head to my second computer monitor, which is currently off, and stare at my reflection on the black surface. This is why you’re single.

Big Guy: I deeply regret not texting you yesterday. Clearly, you’re the cure for changing a normal day into a good day.

Big Guy: Evening, Angel. Did you use your backpack today? Me: I did not. But it’s sitting in the middle of my living room, so I saw it. Big Guy: Close enough. I have to jump on a call but wanted some Valentine goodness first.

Big Guy: Goodnight, sleepy girl.

I’m trying to remember to just call King and Aspen my brother and sister and drop the half, even if I’m only saying it in my head. I don’t want to have that divide between us forever.

Either way, giving me a bodyguard is probably a sign that they actually like me and it hasn’t just been some act. If they didn’t care about me, they wouldn’t mind if I got abducted by some enemy.

“Probably working too much. Seems to run in the family.” She snorts. King shakes his head as he stands from his seat next to her. “Quit spreading lies, Honey. You work more than I do.”

Since, in reality, Leland had been cheating on Aspen, and Aspen was the one who asked King to kill him.

Big Guy: Hope you’re having a good dinner. My family is over, and I’m about to kick a nine-year-old’s ass in Mario Kart.

It’s been almost two weeks since our flight together, and other than the day right after, we’ve texted every day since.

“I wasn’t even trying to look.” I push back from the table and get up, keeping the phone against my chest. “Sure you weren’t.” “I wasn’t!” she insists. “I was going to try and startle you.” Savannah snickers. “But I startled myself instead.”

“Just some guy,” I groan. “It’s new, and I don’t want to jinx it, but I really like him.”

“What does he look like?” Savannah asks as she leans closer, arching her neck to try and look over the top of my phone. I press the phone back against my chest. “Hot.”

“He’s tall and handsome and has these beautiful eyes and…” I trail off when I see Savannah’s wide-eyed expression. “What?” “You really like him, don’t you?”

“But he makes me smile.”

Me: My sister-in-law saw your text about “dessert,” and now I’m dying of embarrassment, so I kind of hope your nephew kicks your ass.

Me: But I also don’t want to date a loser, so you better win.

“She’s all jumpy because she’s talking to a boy.” “Savannah!” I chastise. When the man at my side doesn’t move, I dart my eyes up to King. And sure enough, he’s staring down at me with a very serious look. “Who is he?”

King tilts his head. “Is he the reason you were late getting your luggage?” My mouth drops open. My intimidating brother inclines his head. “That’s what I thought.”

“Bo reported that she was thirty minutes late getting down to baggage claim after that flight.” Savannah grins. “Way to go, Val!”

Big Guy: Every day, you make my day.

Big Guy: Tell me to have a good day. Me: Have a good day, Big Guy.

Me: *sends selfie*

Big Guy: I was expecting carbs, not your pretty face. Big Guy: For the record, this is way better than a plate pic.

He called me pretty.

We’ve been texting daily for the whole month of October, but we don’t talk on the phone that often. So knowing I’m about to hear his voice has my heart thudding. “Hey, Mama.”

“Tell me you’re in town this week,” he demands. I groan. “I can’t. I leave tomorrow and then fly home Saturday.” “Of fucking course.” Dominic sounds resigned.

“Well, shit. Where are you going?” “Hawaii.” I sigh. Like going to Hawaii is anything less than amazing. Dom chuckles at my tone. “Poor darling. Is this for work or fun?” “Fun. Though staying home is sounding like a lot of fun, too.” Dominic lets out a full laugh. “Did you just compare me to a tropic vacation?”

“My brother is renewing his vows with his wife. So it’s basically a wedding, but not exactly.”

My brother rented out a group of those over-the-water bungalow things. Which is great, because apparently, my new thing is to let men buy me expensive things.” “You better just be referring to me and that little backpack,” Dominic says flatly.

“I gotta go. Tell me to have a good night and send me a picture when you get to Hawaii.” “Have a good night, Dominic.” “Night, Angel.”

King is two bungalows down. His best friend, Nero, and his wife are in the one between us, and Aspen is on the far side of King. And… The breeze flutters my bright pink skirt around my knees. And even with them all so close, I feel lonely. So goddamn lonely.

I’ve tried really hard to be her sister. Just as hard as I’ve tried with King. And they’re both nice to me. It’s just…

I’m happy King found Savannah. They’re good for each other. And I’m happy he’s doing this for her—surprising her with this sunrise ceremony. And I’m going to have fun today. I will.

Big Guy: You look beautiful.

Big Guy: *sends photo of empty first-class seat* Big Guy: I’m already annoyed at whoever is going to make me get up so they can sit here because I know it won’t be you.

Me: Just remember, The Fugitive is off-limits. Send. Big Guy: Obviously. That’s our movie.

Aspen purses her lips. “The longer you try to keep his identity a secret, the more curious everyone is gonna get. And a curious King can be an extremely obnoxious thing.”

Aspen leans her head back, closing her eyes. “I still say you should let King run the guy now. Can never be too careful.” I make a humming sound, understanding her point but having nothing to add. Unlike Aspen and King, I’m not wealthy. I’m not powerful. I’m just a normal no one.

Dom’s not after me for my money or anything else.

Big Guy: Some asshole bumped into me in the airport and didn’t even buy me a cookie.

Big Guy: Where are you going? Me: Vegas. I got invited to a last-minute bachelorette party by one of my coworkers. We’re getting there tonight, staying two nights, and then coming back Sunday.

Me: Make my weekend better and tell me you happen to be in Vegas right now. Send. Big Guy: I’m in Vegas right now.