HIS

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

I woke up feeling like I'd been mummified overnight—parched inside and out, crusty enough to rival the Sahara in midsummer. I've officially learned my lesson with alcohol... well, at least until I start feeling human again.

Then Domenico strode into the room like a scene out of a romance novel—navy-blue suit, crisp white shirt, dark brown dress shoes, hair slicked back with just the right amount of effort. He looked good enough to make someone reconsider their vows of chastity. Not that my clueless, uninitiated self would really know, but I still can't believe he's mine. I shot him a smirk, and he leaned in and gave me a soft kiss on the lips—completely unfazed by my dragon breath. The audacity... and I kind of love it.

"There's aspirin and water on the bedside table," he said gently. My heart gave a little flutter at the gesture. I sat up, pressing my back against the headboard and patted the empty space beside me. He joined me, sliding me onto his lap and wrapping his arms around me in a tight, comforting hug.

"I have to cancel on you this morning," he murmured, glancing at his watch. "Something's come up at the company and I need to be there in fifteen minutes. You'll have to drive yourself to campus." Then he looked at me, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Unless you feel like skipping class and tagging along to the office?"

I slid off his lap onto the bed and groaned into the pillow "that was not what I wanted to hear this early in the morning".

"I get it, babe. I'll swing by your place later today. Just text me when you get to campus—and again when you're back home, alright?" he said, his voice gentle but firm, while rubbing his hand up and down my back. I felt a sting on my butt and totally forgot I only had underwear on underneath this t-shirt.

"Did you just assault me" I teased, flashing him a mischievous grin

"Yup, now lift that sexy ass and get into the shower. Catch you later," he said, planting a soft kiss on the top of my head. I opened my arms for a hug, and he pulled me close, enveloping me in warmth

"I'm going to miss you today. These past few days of being together made it hard to let go."
"I know," he replied with a soft smile. "Be good." He leaned in, kissed me gently, and just like that—he was gone.

After my shower, I got dressed and made my way to the kitchen for a bottle of water—gotta hydrate if I want to feel human again. A note sat on the microwave, simply reading "breakfast." Ugh, he's honestly too sweet. I'll have to thank him later.

I grabbed all my bags, including the haul from our shopping trip, and headed downstairs. The drive to campus was quiet—I skipped music knowing it'd only worsen the headache.

As I pulled into the lot, I felt the weight of every glance landing on the car. I parked, slipped out, and disappeared into the building, silently wishing the day would pass quickly.

Domenico's POV

Saying I was pissed barely scratched the surface. I'd planned to drop Olivia off and pick her up again—simple, meaningful. But no, a property developer managed to run out of funds halfway through his latest project. How do you take on something so massive and not plan for overruns?
Normally, I don't let people summon me like some puppet, but I had to be there to sign off on paperwork. The deadlines hit today.
I walked into the building, greeted by everyone, offering nothing but a nod in return. Call me a jerk if you want—today, I just didn't care. I already missed my girl.

I greet my secretary who handed me a cup of coffee and the file I requested on this company "good Morning, everyone" I said, entering the board room. I stretch my hand as I greeted Mr. Scott and the two men accompanying him, who introduced themselves as the CFO and COO. Scott, as it turns out, is the CEO.