The Tension Between Us
I gasped as Dominic swore under his breath, rising to his feet. Instinctively, I stepped back, clutching my arms tightly against my chest like some sort of shield. My breath was shaky, and I couldn't help but feel the cold sweat creeping down my spine. There was something so raw and vulnerable about this moment, but I couldn't quite tell if I was more afraid of him or of the overwhelming emotions swirling inside me.
"I won't hurt you, Etta. I'd never lash out at you," Dominic's voice was soft, though his words carried an edge, the pain of his own internal battle evident in the way his hands were raking through his hair. It was already a mess, but now it looked more disheveled than ever. It only made him seem more human, more real.
"I can't help it," I whispered,
