by A. P. Jensen
Juliet woke face down in rumpled sheets. She was naked and Dominick was nowhere to be found. Juliet was a bit disgruntled that he wasn’t beside her so she could jump him. Being held prisoner in Dominick’s house had excellent benefits. Despite the fact that she still looked like hell, there was a spring in her step. She wasn’t sure how Dominick could want her when she looked like this. He must really… Juliet paused when she remembered his claim during their lovemaking. He didn’t really mean it, did he? Juliet banished the flare of hope in her belly. He was focused on her right now because of her connection to Lee and because of her drama. He might not be attracted to damsels, but he couldn’t turn from a woman who needed help.
Juliet dressed in jeans and a shirt and realized she had to do laundry. She downed more pain pills and grabbed her phone before she wandered into Dominick’s office. He was there, of course, on the phone. Juliet felt the heat from his gaze as she settled in a chair and saw that she had a text from Maile.
I’m fine, she responded.
Maile’s text came back almost instantly.
Are you sure? Do you want me to bring you anything?
Juliet considered. More clothes?
Whatever you want. Tell me what you need.
By the time Juliet sent off a short list to Maile, Dominick hung up the phone.
“How do you feel?” he asked.
Juliet dropped the phone on her lap and smiled at him, even though it made her face ache. “Excellent.”
His eyes warmed. “Good.”
“Can I help?” she asked and rounded the desk.
“You don’t have to do anything.”
“But I want to.”
Dominick handed her a calendar, a list of clients and a detailed report for each project. “You can return these calls.”
“Sure. What else?”
“I have invoices and a couple of other things to order.”
“Great.”
His cell rang. “I’ll take this outside so you can make calls.”
He brushed a kiss on her lips before he walked onto the deck. Juliet stared after him for a moment before she got to work. Juliet made the calls. It felt good to have something businesslike to execute. The fact that no one could see what she looked like was another point in her favor. Juliet moved seamlessly from one task to another and blinked when Dominick set a sandwich in front of her.
“Break,” he said.
Juliet sat back and realized that he left her in the office for over an hour. Juliet immediately began to go over her notes and list the tasks that had been taken care of. Dominick raised a brow, but didn’t comment.
“You could give Brent a run for his money,” Dominick said.
Juliet frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Business is in your blood.”
“I’m adopted,” Juliet reminded him.
Dominick shrugged. “Doesn’t seem to matter. You’re as focused as a CEO. I guess Gray was good for something.”
“I was raised around business,” Juliet said as she took a bite of the sandwich. “I think I like the challenge. I like knowing how things work and am always looking for ways to improve.” With that thought, Juliet leapt to her feet. “My laptop and paperwork?”
“In the living room.”
Juliet sat again. “I’ll work on Sumi’s accounts tonight.”
“Sumi?”
“She’s a farmer. She has five acres and grows organic lettuce, cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and asparagus. Actually, I had crops in the car.”
“I put them in the fridge. I thought you went to the market.”
“No. Sumi came by the shop and Maile told her I was a bookkeeper.”
“So, you have three clients.”
Juliet gave him a long look. “All unintentional.”
“What do you want, Juliet?”
She set the half-eaten sandwich on the plate. “What do you mean?”
“What was your goal in the mainland?”
“To have my own business.”
“Is that still what you want?”
Coming back to Hawaii changed her mind about a lot of things. Here, life was stripped of distractions. Here, people still chatted with cashiers in grocery stores and you couldn’t go to the post office without seeing someone you knew. It was a small community where people cared. In the mainland people were aloof, self-involved and cold. Within an hour of being in Hawaii Juliet had a place to stay and a job. Nowhere else in the world did she have such support and obstacles. Juliet surveyed Dominick, an enigma if she ever met one. He allowed her to sleep in his bed that first night and watched over her ever since. Juliet wasn’t sure what to expect when she came back, but being bullied into a bookkeeper position and getting into a relationship definitely wasn’t it. If it wasn’t for Gray, Freddy and Brent’s threats, could she be happy here?
“I have no idea what I want anymore,” she admitted.
“That’s a good place to be.”
“It is?”
His mouth crooked at the corner. “It means that you’re not completely opposed to being here. I can work with that.”
Juliet remembered his possessive warning in bed. “About what you said earlier,” she hesitated and shuffled some papers around on his desk before she finished, “you said something about claiming me?”
“What about it?”
“What did you mean by that?”
Dominick rose and braced his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned down so their faces were a hairsbreadth apart.
“You wanted to know what’s wrong with me. I’m a control freak, a perfectionist who’s trying to be satisfied with what I have. I lost everything once.”
“Okay,” she said cautiously.
“I was mad about losing my wife until I realized she was never mine. I haven’t claimed anyone since.”
“And you think you’re claiming me?” she asked, trying to understand what was happening.
“I claimed you and you accepted.”
“I don’t understand.”
“A claim means your problems are my problems. You sleep in my bed. Someone fucks with you, they fuck with me.”
Juliet searched his face and realized he was perfectly serious. “But why me? You could do so much better. You can find someone without drama and without—”
“Juliet, I’ll put up with whatever comes with you if it means you come home with me.”
She blinked. “What?”
“I claimed you the moment I saw you watching the wedding ceremony. The lady in red. I waited to see some asshole walk up to you, to put his hand on you. I watched you during the whole ceremony. I claimed you before I heard you speak, before I knew who you were.”
Juliet couldn’t breathe. Dominick was dead serious. He wanted her before he knew who she was? What?
“I was so structured before, so rigid before I lost my business. I was ruthless, unyielding. When I came here, I stopped trying to control everything and waited for things to unfold for me. They did and I’ve been content. Then I see you. You came right up to Lee and I find out you’re related. You asked me to take you home and then Maile persuades you to stay and not go back to Seattle. Everything since has put you in my path.”
“So, you’re following your intuition?”
“Something like that.” He nuzzled her and then brushed a kiss across her stiff lips. “I wanted you and you’re here. That’s all I care about.”
“This is freaking me out,” she said in a thready voice.
“I just want you to know where I stand.”
“And you’re telling me why?”
His hand stroked down her neck and caressed the dark smudge where Freddy’s forearm applied pressure yesterday.
“After what happened with Freddy, you want to leave. I want you to stay.”
Juliet stared at him. No man had ever laid out his wants and feelings like this. She didn’t know what to say.
“Just give it time, yeah?”
Juliet nodded slowly.
“Okay,” she said and rose. “I’ll be in the living room.”
Chapter Twelve
Juliet worked in the living room on Sumi’s account and sent her an email to confirm some details. Maile texted that she was coming over. Juliet lingered on the first floor so Maile wouldn’t ring the doorbell and disturb Dominick who was in the office. Julie opened the door to Maile who had two buckets of fried chicken and a huge bag filled with more clothes for Juliet.
“How are you?” Maile asked and hugged her tight.
“I’m okay.”
“Are you really?”
After being taken care of by Dominick, she was definitely okay. “Yes.”
“I brought dinner,” Maile said and looked around the first floor with wide eyes. “This place is amazing.”
“It is.” Juliet went rigid when Maile wandered into one of the guest rooms. “What are you doing?”
“Do you think he wants to get rid of anything for my furniture shop?” Maile asked, voice muffled as she walked through one of the bedrooms and peeked into the closet.
Juliet cast a worried glance upstairs before she bustled Maile forcefully out of the room. “Stop being a snoop!”
Maile regarded Juliet through narrow eyes. “You did it, didn’t you?”
“Did what?” Juliet asked after another glance upstairs.
“You slept with Dominick Bryson.”
That brought Juliet’s gaze back to her friend. Maile clapped her hands and jumped up and down.
“Oh, I’m so happy! Go, Dom!”
“How the hell do you know that?” Juliet asked, miffed that it was so obvious.
“You know I can sense sex in the air days after the deed. It’s a gift,” Maile said as she retrieved the food and her bag of clothes for Juliet. She went upstairs and without hesitation, went down the hallway to Dominick’s office where they could hear the rumble of his voice.
“Hey, I brought food when you’re done,” Maile said and ambled down the hallway, pausing to look into every doorway before she reached Juliet who was in the living room shaking her head. “What?”
“Nothing,” Juliet said and got out plates. “What’s going on with you and Benny?”
“Nothing anymore. He said I’m too aggressive or some shit like that.” Maile slapped her ass. “He can’t handle this and that’s okay since I’m not looking for a forever man.” Maile hopped on a stool and leaned forward. “How is he?”
“Who?” Juliet asked, playing dumb and giving her friend a warning look.
Maile glanced down the hallway and then waved her hand. “He’s still in the office. How is he?”
“Amazing, of course.”
Dominick ambled out of the hallway and winked at Maile before he went to Juliet. He pulled Juliet into his arms and gave her a sweet kiss.
“Good to know, baby,” Dominick said.
“Thanks for taking care of her, Dominick,” Maile said in a sugary sweet voice.
“No problem,” he said.
Juliet tried to step away from Dominick, but he wrapped his arm around her waist to keep her close. Maile’s grin was a bit too smug for Juliet’s liking. The doorbell went off. Juliet stiffened. Dominick gave her a reassuring squeeze before he went downstairs to answer the door.
“You’re an ass,” Juliet hissed at Maile.
“Why? You should tell him that he’s amazing. He’s a good guy, Juliet.”
“I know that. I just—” Juliet broke off as Dominick reappeared with two people.
Juliet barely had time to register that Lee was back from his honeymoon before she was in his arms. When he pulled back, his face morphed from worry into rage in a split second.
“That fuck!” Lee shouted.
Juliet jumped as Lee turned to Dominick.
“You got him good?” Lee bit out.
Dominick nodded. Lee’s hands balled into fists at his sides. Moana came to Juliet and gave her a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug.
“We just came from seeing Callie. I think Lee’s in shock,” Moana said quietly. “He couldn’t wait to come home.”
“I’m sorry. Your honeymoon—” Juliet began.
Moana waved her hand. “Nothing’s more important than family. How are you doing?”
“Better now that I know he’s off island.”
Moana nodded. “I’m worried about Callie. I mean, she’s pregnant with his child. What’s going through her mind?”
Juliet never thought about it. She’d been so focused on her own shit that she didn’t stop to wonder how it felt to carry the child of a man who your family banished from the island.
“My sisters live in town and run a spa. If you or Callie needs help, let me know and I’ll call them.” Moana’s eyes lit on the chicken. “We came straight from the airport.”
“Sit, eat,” Juliet said.
Moana didn’t hesitate. She took a stool and showed Maile pictures from their travels as Juliet walked over to Lee and Dominick. Dominick wrapped her against his side. Lee’s eyes went between them thoughtfully, but he didn’t comment.
“I can’t believe this,” Lee said, gesturing to her face. “I mean, Freddy? Callie’s fucking pregnant! I wish I got my licks in before he left. He would’ve begged me to stop, that asshole.”
“He’s gone. Brent says he’ll take care of keeping him away,” Dominick said.
Lee sneered. “If Freddy ever sets foot on this island, he better hope I don’t hear about it.” Lee paused and gave Juliet a strange look. “Scarlet replaced Freddy as COO?”
Juliet frowned. “I don’t know.”
“Brent told me she’s kicking ass in the position and that you’re the one that suggested it.”
“We grew up in the office. We may not have the degree, but we know the logistics, business contacts, routes, everything. Why should Brent bring in another Freddy when we know more than an outsider? It’s stupid,” Juliet said.
“Well, he promoted her. He hasn’t had this much free time ever.” Lee shook his head. “How long have I been gone? So much shit’s gone down. I can’t believe it.”
Dominick handed Lee a beer. It took Lee three beers before he calmed down enough to sit and eat. Moana was a delight. She was friendly, talkative and hilarious. Juliet listened to the tale of how they met, about Moana’s huge, extended family and felt a pang of want.
“My niece is having her first birthday next month. You should come. It’s going to be a blast!” Moana said.
Juliet nodded, but she had no idea where she would be next week, much less in a month. All the stories and the complex workings of Moana’s family made Juliet envious, but she shoved that away and enjoyed the moment. It was late when Lee, Moana and Maile left. There were lots of hugs and kisses and promises to get together soon. Juliet stood in the open doorway of Dominick’s house and waved as the cars drove away. Lee cut his honeymoon short to come home and see her and Callie. Moana fully supported him because nothing was more important than family. They spent at least two hours talking and laughing in Dominick’s kitchen as if they really were a family… She couldn’t remember the last time she enjoyed herself so much.
Dominick drew her into the house and locked the door. “I’m glad Lee’s back.”
“Me too.”
They walked upstairs. Everything was clean since Moana insisted on washing the plates since they crashed their dinner. Thanks to Maile, there had been more than enough to go around.
“Okay?” Dominick asked as he led her into the master bedroom.
“Umm hmm.”
Dominick stripped and ushered her into the large, custom shower. Juliet didn’t fight him even though she wasn’t completely comfortable being naked in front of him. Dominick was hands on now that they slept together. The constant feel of his hands or lips on her throughout dinner wasn’t lost on anyone, especially her. She couldn’t help feeling cherished. The last person to baby her was her mother. No man had ever been this forward or aff
ectionate with her. She wasn’t sure how to handle Dominick so she didn’t and allowed him to do whatever he wanted.
Dominick pushed her under the spray and shampooed her hair. Juliet braced her hands on his chest and jumped when his fingers slid between her thighs. She couldn’t open her eyes since they were covered in suds.
“Dominick?”
“Mmm,” he said.
His fingers curled and she went up on her tiptoes.
“I like having you here, Juliet,” he said.
“Me too,” she said with heartfelt sincerity.
“You think I’m amazing?”
She nodded vehemently as he pressed her against the wall. She opened her eyes and saw him standing in front of her in the middle of the spray. His eyes held hers as he lifted and slid inside of her. Juliet caught her breath as she flexed around him. Dominick grunted and leaned into her.
“Feel good?”
Juliet blew out a breath and nodded.
“You want me?”
She nodded again.
“Tell me you want me, Juliet.”
“I want you.” She shifted and wrapped her hands around his neck for balance. “Come on, Dominick.”
Dominick didn’t hesitate. He made love to her in the shower, slow and easy with the water slicking their bodies. Juliet became the aggressor when Dominick would have drawn it out longer. They tumbled damp but satisfied into bed. Juliet splayed on top of him, breathing unsteady.
“You have to go to work tomorrow?” she huffed.
“No.”
She raised her head to look down at him. “Dominick.”
“I want to teach you how to take over my office.”
Her heart skipped. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“But, I don’t know if—”
“I’ll teach you and check the sites on Monday.”
Juliet didn’t like that she was taking him away from work, but she didn’t have time to argue. Dominick’s hands were moving over her and she couldn’t keep her thoughts straight so she forgot about everything but him.
“Are you an only child?” Juliet asked the following day. She worked on the laptop Maile got her while Dominick worked at a long table.
“Yes.”
