Closing my eyes and breathing in her attention, my senses heightened. Never had a woman drawn me so deeply into her without a single word or touch. I needed her. Wanted her intensity.
Then, without warning, her fingertips gently slid across my skin, tracing the lines of the tattoo as if silently committing each detail to memory. I felt my breath catch in my throat as goosebumps spread across my entire body. Opening my eyes, I found her already looking up at me. Her beautiful round eyes drinking in my response to the effect she was having on me. I could barely hold it together; I wanted to pull her in close, to devour her mouth in mine.
Sensing the shift, she quickly withdrew her hand from my skin.
“Inta, don't pull away from me “ I pleaded.
“Dominic, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry—“ she said before quickly rushing from my office.
A few hours ago I’d wondered if the connection I felt was a figment of my imagination, now I knew she felt it too. Now I knew the intensity and depth of what this relationship could be, and I wanted it with every fibre of my being.
"Inta, wait—" I shouted as she made a quick escape out the back door of the studio to her car. There was no way I could let her leave that easily. Something had just shifted between us and we both knew it, yet here she was running from me, from the possibility of us.
I reached her as she stood fiddling with the key in the car door lock; she was clearly flustered and struggling to speed up the process of getting into her car and away from me.
“Hey, what just happened“ I shouted.
“I’m sorry Dominic. I shouldn't have—“ she started, her back still to me.
“Inta, look at me". It took her a few moments to turn but when she did the expression on her face gave me all the answers I needed—she felt something for me. "You came to my office, why?"
"Dominic, I came to talk to you—" she said, staring at the ground.
"Inta, look at me—don't look at the ground" I said, sliding my hand across her throat and pushing her face upwards. Her sharp intake of breath was intoxicating but it was the wild look of challenge that had settled behind her eyes that was most inviting. Pushing her against the car and holding my hand firmly in place, I lowered my face to hers rubbing my stubbled cheek across hers and causing her breathing to become shallow and laboured. "Now, lets try this again Miss Inta; what just happened in my office?"
"I came to talk to you Dominic" she replied, staring me down confidently.
"Really Inta—what did you want to talk about" I replied, smirking and exhaling deeply into her ear.
"I can't work here anymore" she replied, taking the breath out of my lungs as she did.
I instantly dropped my hand and took a step back, "What? Why?". I could feel my composure slipping; could feel my temper threatening to explode. The defiant look in her eyes challenging every nuance of control I could muster.
"Your rule. I don't like it and I think I want to break it" came her measured reply.
Shaking my head with confusion and barely bridled temper, "What the hell are you talking about Inta?"
Stepping forward and resting her palms on my chest, she replied almost silently but with stunning confidence, "Dominic Capello, I suspect you've forgotten your own rules, particularly if tonight is anything to go by." she replied before stretching up to my ear and whispering, "Rethink your rule and I'll rethink leaving" nipping my earlobe between her teeth before disappearing into her car.
An hour and umpteen deleted text messages later, I finally found the words to reply:
"Given your very persuasive argument this evening, I've given the rule in question some consideration... It still applies however I may be convinced to overlook it under certain circumstances…"
"I'm listening Dominic"
"It's really simple; I want you Inta. What do you want?"
"I want to be free"
"Free. That's a strong word—what do you need to be free Inta?"
" For so long I've had to be in charge, in control of everything, everyone in my life. I don't want that anymore."
Freedom, I thought to myself. I'd known something was lurking beneath Inta's cool exterior and had definitely picked up on need for control, but if she wanted me to help her break away from that, I would.
"Freedom… I can give you that." I text back.
"I know. Tonight, the way you held me, the way you took charge, the way you commanded me. For a second, I wanted to scream at you for trying to boss me around, then I realised it was almost a relief to not have to think about the next move. I can't explain it, I just know I want it."
"What you want takes commitment Inta, from both of us. I know what I can handle. I know I can give you want you need. But for this to work, I need to earn your unconditional trust and you need to let me. Think it over; if you're still keen tomorrow we'll talk."
CHAPTER SIX
For the first time in weeks, the waiting room was finally empty. Since day one of our opening week, we’d been flat out; in fact our opening week had been so successful it'd somehow lasted for the last three weeks.
We'd managed to pull in new business and walk-ins as well as all of us bringing in existing clients for work on their current designs. Spider had barely come up for breath and was definitely proving to be the star attraction, though Joe too had what seemed like an unending list of clients. We were all exhausted, that much was plain to see, but I couldn't let the occasion go unmarked.
"Guys, are we all free to head out for a celebratory bite to eat after we close?" I called from my office. A chorus of replies came readily; these guys would never pass up a free meal. But I didn't hear from Inta, the one person I desperately wanted to say yes.
Watching her working over the past couple weeks had been a lesson for me. She was more precise and articulate with her designs than anyone else I'd worked with but with that came an intense pressure that she placed on herself. She was the epitome of a perfectionist; she could produce amazing ideas and execute them perfectly yet there was always something just under the surface that seemed to disappoint her. It was incredible to work with someone so innately creative but at the same time, it was overwhelmingly intense just working next to her, god only knows how she coped under the truckload of pressure she put on herself.
"Inta? You coming?" I shouted without looking up from the paperwork I was working on.
"I'm just here Dominic, no need to shout" she replied sarcastically from my doorway.
"Miss Inta… what have I done to be blessed with your presence in my office?" I said, leaning back in my chair and taking her in.
"Tonight, going out… I, I don't know if that's a good idea" she replied with uncertainty.
"Really, and why's that?" I questioned back playfully though I was kind of inclined to agree that after our late night meeting last week the opportunity of being with her outside of the studio and in neutral territory seemed fraught with danger. At least here, I could remind myself that she was out bounds. Until she gave me the go-ahead on moving to the next level, I had to respect our professional boundaries, whether I liked it or not.
It'd been days since our text exchange and if I was completely honest, I was nervous she'd changed her mind and decided against pursuing a relationship. Right now, understanding what she wanted and knowing what a relationship between us could become; I was clinging hopelessly to the tiny semblance of control that I could still muster.
"You should go, celebrate with the guys but you know how people talk Dominic; one girl, four guys—it's hardly a good look on my part" she replied.
"I don't give a toss what other people think, Inta, do you? Are you trying to avoid me?"
"No. It's not that" she replied, with a slight shake in her voice.
"Then what is it? I've been waiting almost all week to hear your reply. Been waiting to find out if you were serious about your text or—" I trailed off, too scared to actually admit out loud that this thing between us may not happen.
"I'm sorr
y Dominic, I think I'm scared that's all".
"Of me? Because of the other night?"
"No, of course not; you made me feel alive the other night; I haven't felt that way in so long"
"Then what Inta? I don't understand why you're holding back from something you know you want."
"I'm scared of giving up who I am" she spat out
"You think I'd want you to change who you are, what you stand for? That's not what this is about Inta. In fact, quite the opposite—I want you the way you are, exactly the way you are. But you've got some serious intensity going on, give yourself a break Inta, you're too hard on yourself—stop over thinking everything and relax".
"You don't know me Dominic; don't tell me what I've got to stop doing" she snapped.
"Inta, calm down" I replied, rising from my chair and walking toward her.
"There you go again, telling me what to do. I'm sick of being told what to do, where to live, who to see, what job to do—" she said crossing the room and heading for the door.
"Hey, Inta. What the—" I started, reaching the door before she did and stood blocking her exit.
"Get out of my way Dominic" she demanded, standing firm with both hands on her hips and the angriest look I'd seen yet. I'd had men cross the road to keep out of my path before, broken up more than my fair share of arguments and fights with a single glance yet here was this tiny woman standing up to me with no chance of her backing down without a fight.
"No."
"I mean it Dominic, move."
"No. And my friends call me Dom, so it's Dom to you now" I replied bluntly.
"I'm not your friend Dominic. I don't have friends, I don't need friends—"
It was about as much as I could take—bending to her ear, I hissed "We're going to figure this out Inta" before nodding toward my desk chair, "now."
She stood looking at me incredulously before dropping her eyes from mine and walking over to my chair. She’d been clear the other night that she wanted a break from being in control, which definitely explained why she was uptight, but whatever was holding her back had a firm grip—if she wasn’t willing to be open, the relationship she wanted would never work.
Turning away from her, I called out to the guys who were now waiting, "Change of plans guys. Grab some cash from the tin and head down to Charlie's, we'll be down soon. Lock the door on your way out". It took no time for them to fleece the petty cash tin, no doubt taking way more than they needed to, and then they were gone, leaving just the two of us.
Turning to Inta, she was sitting in my chair, eyes still downcast but peering out at me challengingly through her dark lashes.
"I'm shutting this door now, ok?"
Nothing. No response from her at all. She was seething, that much was clear, but otherwise she gave away no response, no reaction whatsoever.
"Inta, I said I'm shutting the door now. Ok?" I said, rephrasing the question to ensure she replied.
This time she nodded. It still wasn't enough. I wanted her to agree, to consent to my request. Wanted to know that she too was willing for what was happening.
"Miss Inta, you are infuriating—it's lucky you're so goddamn beautiful. I'm closing the door, are you ok with that? I'd like to know that you are before anything more happens."
"Dominic, do you mean that?" she asked, meeting my eye contact for the first time since sitting down.
"Of course I mean that, I'd never do anything unless you agreed to it".
"No, not that. Close the door" she replied simply. "Do you really think I'm beautiful?"
Closing the door, I crossed the office and stopped short of her before extending my hand and pulling her to her feet.
"Yes. I mean it. You are beautiful. You are also infuriating. You're nothing short of perfect and it's killed me working next to you the last few weeks without reaching out and pulling you into me" I admitted, feeling stripped bare and vulnerable.
"Then do it, Dom."
Without taking another breath, our lips met with ravenously. Holding her tightly, I pushed her backwards toward my desk. Without breaking away from her kiss, I lifted her slightly and planted her on my desk before reluctantly pulling away from her sweet soft lips.
Stepping back to breathe her in I noticed her eyes had glazed over lustfully and her lips were swollen and red from the roughness of our kiss.
"Miss Inta. What am I going to do with you?" I asked rhetorically.
"What do you want to do with me, Dom?" she challenged openly.
Smiling, I dropped into my chair and scooted over toward her. Reaching her, I gently pushed her legs opened and positioned myself between them. Resting my forearms on her thighs and level with her breasts, her warmth hit me like a heatwave. Her fingers tracing the outline of my jaw rendered me completely incapable of thought and all I could do was sit, spellbound by her touch.
"Dom?" she asked slowly, "What do you want to do with me?"
Reaching up to find her mouth, I stopped short of kissing her and whispered, "Everything, Inta. I want to do everything with you. Give this a chance" before taking her mouth in mine, greedily swallowing her surprised gasp as I sealed my lips over hers.
"Inta, I want to take you someplace special. Will you come with me" I asked, pulling back slightly from our kiss.
"Mmm" she murmured in agreement against my lips.
Standing, I lifted her off the desk and steadied her on her feet.
"Here, you'll need this" I said, passing her my spare helmet.
CHAPTER SEVEN
We’d been riding for almost an hour before we reached our destination.
The wind had been strong throughout the ride and we’d hit patches of sprinkling rain; not ideal riding conditions with a pillion passenger especially one as reluctant as Inta to get on the bike. Maybe it was me, but she was less than interested in going for a ride, almost pissed off at this being my only mode of transport. I’d never taken a woman riding before, never really had anyone I was interested in sharing the experience with, but Inta was different. She made me feel alive, kept me on my toes, and was beautiful inside and out.
Even with the wind and rain, it was an incredible night to be out in the fresh air. Guided by the bright orange hue of a full moon hanging expectantly in the night sky, it was a sight to behold. Without doubt, the water, with it’s reliance on the moon would also be amazing tonight.
I was nervous with her on-board though and had concentrated harder on my riding in the last hour than I had done in years. With Inta on board, I felt extremely conscious of being careful, of keeping her feeling safe and building her confidence in me. I wanted her undivided trust and wanted her to feel the same reassurance in me. If things were going to progress any further, if there was going to be something more between us, the relationship would need to be built on trust, I couldn’t have it any other way.
I had taken a couple of bends a little too quickly and had felt her cling to me; having her tucked in close and depending on me was an intoxicating feeling, one that I didn’t want to lose.
Slowing to a stop, I steadied the bike before reaching around and tapping her leg to let her know to hop off. Once she was standing beside me, I kicked out the stand and stood beside the bike, taking my helmet and jacket off before reaching over to remove hers. I eased her helmet off gently and turned to rest it on the bike as her hands snaked their way around my waist and she rested her head against my back.
“You’re shaking Inta. It wasn’t that bad, was it?” I asked her teasingly before realising something major was wrong.
“Dom… I was scared the whole time. My brother… he was… he was killed in a motorbike accident” she breathed.
“Shit Inta, why didn’t you say so? I’d have never insisted on the ride” I replied, pulling her into me and holding her tight against my chest.
As her breathing steadied and she stopped shaking, I held her back at arms length and asked, “Why didn’t you say something Inta? I would never have asked you to get on the bike if I’d kno
wn. I’m really sorry”
“It’s ok Dom. Motorbikes scare me but I'm actually feeling ok, better than I expected to. My brother, he would’ve survived if he’d not been so irresponsible. The accident was his fault—he was speeding and ran a red light… We still don't know why…" she trailed off, the words not needing to be spoken.
“Inta, I don’t know what to say. I would never put you in a position where you felt unsafe and I feel like a bastard for doing it tonight—why didn’t you say something?”
“I didn’t want to disappoint you by saying no. I wanted to spend time with you tonight. Besides, I felt safe with you Dom”.
“You felt safe with me?” I smiled.
“I did” she repeated, wrapping her arms around my waist and snuggling back into my chest.
We'd been talking for about an hour, watching as the waves calmed to a gentle rumble before the ocean caught me in her trap.
“Let’s swim” I whispered in her ear.
“I can’t Dom. I don’t know how” she said, alarm ringing in her voice.
“You don’t know how to swim?” I clarified, surprised.
“No. I’ve never learned. After my brother’s accident, my parents kind of switched off—I was so busy keeping everything else in control that I just never had any free time for these kinds of things”
“Do you want to?” I asked.
“Um… maybe. But not in that—“ she replied, pointing to the choppy water.
“Do you trust me Inta?” I asked, pulling her close.
Her answer came sweetly; a flutter of kisses across the base of my throat slowly kissing her way upward until she reached my ear and responded, “Yes Dom. I do trust you.”
“Let’s get you out of this—“ I said, reaching down to slowly peel the jacket back over her shoulders as she watched me unflinchingly. I gently planted a kiss on her forehead before moving on to unbutton her shirt, pulling it off and leaving her standing in her bra. Looking at her now, I could see a handful of tattoos covering her skin, but despite the light of the full moon, I was struggled to see any in great detail. Holding up her arm, I squinted to make out what the tattoo running up her arm said—I’d seen it the day we met and had yet to find out what it said due mostly to Inta and her wardrobe of long sleeve shirts.
Capello Brothers 2 Command My Heart Page 3
