The next morning, soft sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Dominic’s penthouse. Aria woke to the scent of fresh coffee and the low murmur of Dominic’s voice on a call in the next room. She slipped from bed, dressed quickly in the simple black slip he liked, and padded barefoot into the kitchen just as he ended the call.
Dominic turned, phone still in hand, and gave her a slow, appreciative once-over. “Morning, little one. I have a surprise for you today.”
Aria’s heart skipped. “A surprise, Master?”
He crossed the room, cupping her chin to tilt her face up. “I’m taking you shopping. New clothes, new shoes, whatever catches your eye. You’ve been working so hard to please me—I want to reward you.”
Her cheeks warmed. “You don’t have to—”
“I want to,” he interrupted g
