“But it did happen,” Misty cried out, unable to help herself.
Domenico’s tone hardened. “What is the point of all this? I apologized already, Misty. But I can’t change the past.” He was beginning to feel impatient and furious even though he knew it was wrong. He did not make a habit of apologizing but he did so – for her. Didn’t she realize how privileged she was to hear him say ‘sorry’? He wasn’t used to begging and he sure as hell didn’t want to be used to it. He would not let himself be manipulated and from his point, that was exactly what Misty was doing.
“That’s not the point, Domenico. I want you to explain why you chose not to tell me about Rebecca. Didn’t you care about what she could do to me because of what…what you had between you? Are you so selfish---”
“If that’s what you think of me then there’s nothing to be said,” Domenico cut her off harshly.
Misty bowed her head, doing her best not to cry until she could be alone.
They did not speak for the rest of the ride.
Chapter Nine
Dear Diary,
Jayme Cavalier wants me to leave Domenico Moretti.
And I’m hurting so badly that I’m beginning to think maybe I should. I want to see Domenico driven wild and furious in jealousy. I want to see how his face looks like as I let Jayme have his hands roam all over my body, undress me before Domenico and let him cup my br**sts the way Domenico does.
I know I won’t ever let this come true, but God sometimes I want it so badly because then – maybe then Domenico would understand how I hate knowing other women have tasted him, too.
Misty’s eyes were red-rimmed behind her sunglasses. Domenico had not come to her room last night and she didn’t know if she was okay about it. She was beginning to understand just how manipulative Domenico could be.
Could she really marry him?
The answer eluded her, and even the serene quiet of the rooftop area failed to soothe her today. It was her last day working in Lyccan Hall, but because of yesterday’s fiasco people had become extremely skittish around her, fearful that she would remember how they had treated her and tattle to Domenico about it.
Finally, Mr. Cavalier had asked if she wanted to take a break from work. Misty understood what he was really asking. He wanted her out of the way so that his office would return to normal, and that was why she had been at the rooftop since ten in the morning – and with a few more hours to kill before the work day officially ended.
“May I join you?”
Her eyes widened. “Y-you!”
It was Jayme Cavalier again. It felt déjà vu and ironic at the same time, meeting him in the rooftop once more. He was in shirt and jeans this time, and he looked very relaxed with his twinkling eyes and carefree smile.
“I know I haven’t properly introduced myself but surely you’d have remembered my name after my gallant rescue?” He gestured at the extra space of the bench she was sitting on. “May I?”
She reddened. “O-oh, yes, sorry.”
She noticed how the few other employees in the area stared at Jayme as he gracefully took a seat. It made her look at him more properly, and she realized with a surprise that he really was handsome.
“You’re waiting for Domenico?”
She shook her head quickly, staying silent. She did not believe in sharing her problems with other people, and she certainly didn’t think it would be a good idea to talk about Domenico with another man.
Jayme smiled. “Amazing. You can resist the urge to complain about men.”
That made her laugh.
“There. That’s better.” He leaned against the bench. “Would you like some coffee?”
She blinked. “Coffee?”
“Yes, coffee.”
“Umm…I don’t really feel like going out.”
“But you do want to drink coffee?”
His insistence made her smile. “Yes, but---”
“What kind?”
“A mocha frap?”
Jayme took out his phone and dialed a number. “Two mocha fraps, rooftop. Thanks.”
She was grinning when he finished the call. “You,” she said good-naturedly, “are such a showoff.”
“I know.”
They were quiet again and Jayme only spoke after a man in a blue and white uniform had handed them their mocha fraps before leaving just as quickly and unobtrusively.
“Blue and white are the colors of your pack then?” she asked.
Instead of answering, he asked, “Are you really marrying Moretti?”
She choked on her coffee.
“Should I take that as a no?” he teased.
Misty smiled but shook her head. “It’s a ‘yes’. I’m still marrying Domenico.” Now was not the time to express her doubts.
“I see.” His lips twisted. “I was hoping you’d say no.”
Her eyes widened.
“We Lyccans aren’t the type to beat around the bush.” He stared at her directly. “I find you interesting. Attractive. I hope you’ll reconsider your decision.”
“I’m…I’m speechless and, umm, honored?” She was stumbling all over her words, mostly because she never thought someone like Jayme Cavalier would be attracted to her – if he really was that.
“I can prove I’m attracted to you if you want,” Jayme offered wickedly when he saw the wariness in her eyes.
She choked again. “No, no need!”
Jayme burst into laughter. “Ah, well. It was worth the try. Friends then?”
Misty looked at his hand doubtfully.
“Come on. I won’t bite.” He grinned wolfishly. “Not unless you want me to.”
Another laugh escaped her and she took his hand gingerly for a really quick shake.
Misty felt much better when she came back home, recalling fondly the many stories Jayme had shared about Lyccan society. Although Jayme had the same striking looks that Domenico had, they were still polar opposites. Jayme was a lot less complicated and more open about what he thought and felt.
Her smile faded when she saw Domenico standing alone in the expansive foyer of his home, her family nowhere in sight.
“Where have you been?”
Ignoring that, she called out her siblings’ names one by one but none of them answered. She whirled back to demand at Domenico, “Where’s everyone?” It was already eight in the evening. All of their classes should have ended by now.
Domenico gritted his teeth at the way Misty avoided his question. “I had Matteo drive them to the mall. A shopping trip to ensure that they do not witness our discussion. Now answer me,” he gritted out. “Where have you been?”