Deceptive Allure: Bound by Lies

Chapter 7: Skye

Overwhelming terror causes my body to shudder as I cry. My breathing is rapid and verging on hyperventilation. The only thing keeping me grounded is the warmth from Dominic's hands. I search his eyes and notice the rage that's hidden behind them, yet their darkness is hiding something far more surprising. Kindness, worry, warmth. Where most people see a cold harshness I see a deep and complex struggle.

'Breathe for me Skye.'

His voice cuts through the overwhelming noise in my mind. My thoughts are screaming, rambling, and jumbling on top of each other fighting for their place at the forefront. As his thumb circles my skin once more, I slowly calm myself enough to hiccup a pathetic response.

'I first received a few images when I moved here. It was just one or two. I deleted them, then I didn't receive anything until just now.' Numbness settles over my body. I'm so exhausted. So tired of everything. How did I get this tired? Was I always this exhausted? My mind is quick to think back to the last few years.

Constant moving.

Constant lies.

Constant fear.

God I am so tired of being scared.  

Searching Dominic's face I am unsure how to read his feelings, it is as if a wall had been built up for him to hide behind but, I see that he is trying. Slowly he tilts his head down and a fire spreads over my body when his lips press against the top of hand. My breathing steadies, my focus now on his touch as his presence brings me tumbling back to reality.

'Skye, I need you to stop lying to me.' His sudden words hit me like a freight train. The fear in my eyes must be apparent and Dominic laughs. I am stunned as he chuckles. It's deep as it washes over me. Once again I find myself greedily soaking in every laugh he offers me, wrapping myself around it snuggly. Confusion pinches at my features.

'I just want you to tell me the truth.'

His tone is pleading as his thumb continues to massage my skin. I look away for a moment, but he quickly moves to place a finger under my chin and pull my gaze towards him. Suddenly his question from earlier on the plane hits me. What'sthe longest flight you've been on?

At the time it felt out of the blue, but now it feels like it is a reasonable question. I fight the spike of fear that causes a tight pain in my chest. I'm so exhausted. For the first time in my life I feel something else, apathy. I've gotten this far and now, I couldn't care less what happens to me. My body and mind has been chewed up and spat out.

As if sensing my hesitation Dominic offers me a smile. Despite it being a cold smile, I know for him it's genuine and my heart flutters.

'My longest flight was from Melbourne to New York.' As the words tumble out of my I feel the weight slowly lifting off my shoulders and it is at this point that I realise how much stress this situation has caused me. I was happy to use lies. I could hide behind them. Pretend my life wasn't the fucked up dumpster fire that it was.

'That's a good start Skye,' Dominic coos placing his lips against the soft skin of my hand once more. This time I notice how his stubble tickles my flesh. I imagine what it would feel like between my thighs. Shaking my head I push away the thoughts. I know that once I tell him the truth he will throw me out of his life.

'I never went to school in Edinburgh.' I wince at my words and follow up, 'I've never been to university at all actually.' I sigh shame creeping up my spine. 'I wanted to but...' I trail off and for the first time since sitting down I dare to search his eyes. To my surprise there isn't an ounce of anger on his face but concern.