HARPER
"Hello, Harper," Camilla said sweetly, as if we hadn't seen each other in ages. She pulled out her phone, and before I realized what was happening, the light from the camera hit my eyes. I blinked, then came the sharp click.
I froze, swallowing hard. My stomach dropped as she typed quickly, her thumb hovering for a second while she glanced up at me with that wide, knowing smile.
"Oops. Sent to Daddy," she said with a mock gasp.
My heart stuttered. I took a step forward, ready to snatch the phone out of her hand, when Owen's impatient voice sounded.
"Camilla!"
Shit. He was still here.
I leaned back against the door, seething. "Delete that," I hissed.
Camilla only smiled wider. "See you at home, Harper." She blew me a kiss and sauntered off, hips swaying.
I watched from where I stood as she slid into Owen's blue Aston Martin DB12. Then the car backed out of the lot and zoomed off.
I heaved a breath. God. Why was I the only one all this unpleasantness was reserved for?! I should have known she'd be here with Owen. I mean, anywhere Owen went, she was too. It only makes more sense now as I thought about it, considering our college days. How often she appeared in places only Owen and I were aware of. I frequently ruled that as a coincidence until now.
Now she had sent that picture to father. I didn't even want to imagine the caption she must have added to it. I groaned, resting my back on the door, and stumbled inside as it wasn't locked.
My back smacked into a solid warm body, and Dominic's intoxicating scent reached my nose. I jumped back from him; the swiftness made me miss a step, and I began to fall backward. My eyes widened, and my hands flailed as I tried to reach for something but failed. I shut my eyes, bracing myself for impact, but strong arms wound around my waist to balance me.
I held onto his arms as if they were a lifeline, opening my eyes bit by bit to meet his. Blue eyes stared at me with concern. The most concerning gaze I have received in my life. And it was coming from none other than Dominic Fletcher.
"You're really clumsy, are you not?" Dominic murmured in a rough voice, his lips twisted into an amused smile.
My cheeks heated up, and I pushed myself from him, then stumbled again as a wave of dizziness washed over me. Dominic started to move towards him, and I held out my hand to stop him.
"I'm fine. Thanks." I said.
"You are," he let out, giving a gentle nod, before pointing to the two-seater near the wall close to a tall blue bookshelf. "You should sit because I don't think you look too good. I'll get you some water and ibuprofen."
"I'm fine, really," I insisted. "I just need to go home."
Dominic snickered, rolling his eyes. Yes. That was sexy too. He gripped my hand, pulling me towards the sofa and forcing me into it. "Sit. I'll be right back."
I shot up from the chair, scowling at his retreating form while muttering under my breath. "What part of 'I'm fine' doesn't he understand?"
He returned a few seconds later with two tablets of Ibuprofen and a glass of water. I eyed the drugs in his hand, then gazed up at him.
Dominic chuckled. "Do you think I'd hurt you? You work in my nephew's company, you should know more about drugs than I do, then."
He continued as I didn't accept the medicine. "I told you I have a soft spot for damsels in distress, and no, I don't intend to take anything from you. Well, if you're willing to offer. Who am I to object to it?" His eyes glinted with naughtiness
My cheeks warmed up again. What the hell was he implying? That I'd offer him money? My body?!
Don't think that way, Harper. How could I not? It's Dominic Freaking Fletcher!
Dominic clutched my hand in his, and I was instantly aware of how large they were compared to Owen's. It was warm, yet calloused. It looked like the hand of a man who knew hard work and could give an insane…pleasure.
I gulped, eyes trailing from his palm to his arm, the veins visible in them. I seemed to understand the people who had hand fetishes because Dominic Fletcher's hand was just the kind that'd drive any woman crazy and strip them out of their clothes without trying too hard.
"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?" Dominic's voice brought me back to the present.
"N—nothing!" I stuttered, flinching as he pushed the cup of water into my other palm. How long had I ogled him for? Gosh. He must think me stupid and weird.
I brought the cup to my lips, peering at him through my lashes. He was staring back at him. I saw something flash in his eyes. Wonder? Interest? Worry? Maybe all. Or maybe nothing. Because as soon as I blinked, it all vanished, and the amused smile returned.
"Thank you," I whispered, wincing at the bitter taste of the drug on my tongue.
Dominic shrugged. "I'm happy to help."
Another brief second of silence, until my phone buzzed. I stared at my phone, seeing a message from my father on the screen.
I want to see you at home. Now!
Shit! That bitch had really sent him the image. I was still in the bathrobe and Dominic's jacket. I couldn't return home looking like this. Hell, I didn't know what I was thinking wearing it out in the first place.
"Where's my dress?" I asked, not bothering to ask if he had changed me or someone else.
"In the room and…"
I didn't wait for him to finish as I hurried to the room, wearing my dress and heels. I returned to the living room to see Dominic seated, swiping through his phone. He raised his head as soon as I stepped in, and his eyes raked over me.
"Please take me home," I said, trying to cut through the tension from his eyes and the pressure in between my legs.
"Sure." He simply said.
—
When I arrived home, I didn't meet with my father, Elizabeth, or even Camilla. It was noon. And I was lucky to have been able to sneak in because most of the time, Elizabeth was always in the living room with Camilla.
The relief I felt had barely settled inside me when I heard my father's voice.
"Harper!" He bellowed.