Chapter 15: Tangled in Temptation
1152 Words
Elena stood by the elevator, arms crossed over her chest, heart pounding erratically in her ribcage. Her conversation with Dominic earlier had left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. The way he looked at her—like he knew something, like he felt something—unnerved her. But it wasn’t just that. It was the way his fingers had brushed against her arm, the way his voice had dipped when he said her name. Her body had responded before her brain could even process what was happening.
The ding of the elevator pulled her out of her thoughts. The doors slid open to reveal Dominic, his jacket draped over one shoulder, his shirt slightly unbuttoned at the top. His eyes met hers, unreadable, and for a split second, she forgot how to breathe.
“Elena,” he said smoothly, stepping out. “Still here?”
She swallowed. “I was just leaving.”
He tilted his head slightly. “Long day?”
She nodded. “Very.”
He didn’t move, and neither did she. The hallway felt too quiet, too intimate. Her senses were on high alert, every nerve in her body tingling from the proximity.
“I was thinking,” he said, his voice lower now, more private, “about that night.”
Her heart nearly stopped. She couldn’t look away from him, couldn’t pretend she didn’t know what he meant. Her lips parted, but no words came out.
“I still don’t know who she was,” he continued, stepping closer. “But there’s something about you that keeps pulling me in.”
The air between them thickened. She could feel it—the attraction, the tension, the way her body ached just from his voice. But she couldn’t tell him the truth. Not yet.
“I’m not her,” she lied softly, hating herself for it.
He didn’t believe her. She could see it in the flicker of doubt in his eyes. But he didn’t press. Instead, he took one more step, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his skin.
“You drive me insane, Elena.”
Her breath caught in her throat.
“I try to be professional,” he continued, “but every time I see you, I want to forget all the rules.”
His hand reached up slowly, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. The touch was electric. She closed her eyes for a second, absorbing it, her body swaying slightly toward his.
“Dominic,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
He leaned in, his lips a breath away from hers. “Tell me to stop, and I will.”
But she didn’t. She couldn’t.
Instead, her hands found his shirt, fisting the fabric as she pulled him closer. Their lips met in a kiss that was anything but gentle. It was heated, desperate, hungry.
His arms wrapped around her waist, lifting her slightly as he pressed her against the wall. Her head tilted, giving him full access to deepen the kiss. Their bodies aligned perfectly, as if made for each other, like two pieces of a puzzle that had finally found their match.
When they finally pulled apart, gasping for air, she looked up into his eyes—dark, intense, filled with desire.
“We shouldn’t be doing this,” she said, her voice hoarse.
“No,” he agreed, brushing kisses along her jaw. “But I don’t care.”
His mouth moved down to her neck, and she arched into him, her hands running over his broad shoulders. Every inch of her was on fire, craving more. She had tried to resist him, to keep things professional, but it was impossible now. The line had been crossed, and there was no going back.
He pulled back slightly, his hands sliding down to her hips. “Come with me.”
She hesitated. “Where?”
“My place.”
Her heart skipped. “Dominic…”
“I need to know,” he said, his voice rough. “I need to feel you again. I need to remember.”
Those last words struck a nerve. She didn’t know what he remembered, or if he truly meant it. But she wanted him just as badly, and maybe—just maybe—being with him again would help her understand the hold he had over her heart.
She nodded.
---
The car ride was silent, but charged. Every glance, every touch, every second was filled with tension. When they arrived at his penthouse, he led her in without a word, his hand firmly gripping hers.
Inside, the air changed. It was darker, quieter, more intimate. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the glittering city skyline, but she barely noticed. Her eyes were only on him.
He closed the door behind them and turned to face her. “Are you sure?”
She nodded, her breath hitching.
He crossed the room in two strides, pulling her into his arms and claiming her lips again. This time, it was slower—more reverent. His hands caressed her back, his fingers expertly unzipping her dress. It slipped from her shoulders, pooling at her feet.
She stood before him in nothing but lace and bare skin, and his eyes roamed her body with a hunger that made her tremble.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured.
She reached up, unbuttoning his shirt, revealing his toned chest and the familiar scar that ran just under his collarbone. Her fingers paused.
“I—I’ve seen this before,” she said softly.
He frowned. “What?”
She quickly covered. “Nothing. Just… déjà vu.”
But inside, her mind was spinning. That scar. She had seen it once before—years ago—when she saved a boy from drowning. A boy with haunting blue eyes and that very same scar. Could it be…?
“Elena?” Dominic’s voice pulled her back.
“Sorry,” she whispered. “Just thinking.”
He kissed her again, this time gently, grounding her. His hands explored her curves with aching tenderness. He guided her toward the bedroom, his body pressed to hers with every step.
The night unfolded in a blur of touches, whispers, and moans. He worshipped her like he had been starved of her for years. She gave herself fully, losing herself in his arms, her soul entwining with his in a way that felt fated.
They collapsed into the sheets hours later, their limbs tangled, sweat glistening on their skin. She lay against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
“You feel familiar,” he said sleepily, brushing his fingers through her hair.
Her heart thudded. “Do I?”
“Yeah. Like I’ve known you forever.”
She closed her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek.
“You have,” she whispered so softly, he didn’t hear it.
But one day, he would.
- Writer
