Dive into Temptation [ManxBoy]

15. We Have To Tell Her

A/N: May have to break the daily update streak tomorrow because I work a little more hours than usual. We'll see. Heres this chapter just in case. 

We reentered the family room, instantly becoming the center of attention, probably due to the lingering scent of weed. Part of me feared maybe they had heard some of Dom's aggressive words, but with Lily's lack of suspicion, it was unlikely. Mom shot me a harsh glare, the only time she had acknowledged me during the entire visit. I quickly looked away, my face still hot with embarrassment, likely concealing the red marks from Dom's earlier grip on my face.

"Okay, everyone line up," Lily directed us to our spots for the photo.

I made sure to position myself at the far end, away from the baby, so the residual smoke wouldn't bother her. Dominic slid in right behind me, towering over me by a full head. I felt uncomfortable with him so near and tried to hide it. Lily then quickly set the camera timer and dashed to her place beside Dominic. Just as the camera flashed, I felt a hand groping my ass. I shot a quick glare at a grinning Dominic and swiftly moved away as the group began to break up. I felt annoyance brewing at Dominics audacity. He was so obnoxious. How could he touch me so blatantly in front of my family?

Lily checked the photo and quickly raised her hand, "Hold on! Everyone back into position."

There were groans of annoyance, but everyone returned to their spots. I opted to stand in front of my dad this time, keen to avoid another encounter with Dominic. Luckily, no one seemed suspicious of my position change. But as we settled in, a shout came from my uncle.

"What the hell!" He exclaimed, Dominics eyes sparkling with mischief. "He grabbed my ass!" He said, enticing a few chuckles. He then playfully elbowed Dom in the chest.

"My bad," Dominic flashed a charming smile, still chuckling, and seemed to be instantly forgiven.

Immediately, a wave of shame washed over me. So that's how I should've responded when Dom grabbed my own ass, not just ignored it. A surge of guilt consumed me, regretting my passive acceptance of Dom's actions. I felt a deep sense of shame for being so dismissive of Dominic's inappropriate behavior. Not even just the ass grab. All of it. I was just so weak willed, I had no idea how to tell him no, how to set boundaries.

The day continued as expected. I found myself isolated, not engaging in any conversations, while everyone else seemed to intentionally avoid me. My parents were noticeably distant, and I couldn't help but feel salty as they spoke with smiles to everyone else. Dominic made a few attempts to pull me into the chatter, but it was evident I wasn't interested. Whenever I found myself in groups like this, I always seemed to retreat into my shell, despising the idea of talking where all eyes would fall upon me.

A twinge of embarrassment hit me as I thought about how Dominic was finally seeing my family's treatment towards me. It must have been clear to him by now that I was the black sheep of the family. What did he think of that? Maybe he was still simmering from our altercation in the bedroom. If he was, it wasn't apparent due to his ever-charming facade. I, on the other hand, was still riled up, my leg bouncing in agitation. As I glanced down at my wrist, the bruise left by Dominic's grip was a harsh reminder of his strength. It was intimidating to think that he had left a mark by merely holding me in place, probably using just a fraction of his power. I didn't want to see what else he could do if I sparked his jealousy again.

The sun began its graceful descent, signaling a day spent. I realized that we had spent an entire day visiting, yet my presence had been nearly invisible, having only uttered a handful of words during the whole visit. It was disheartening to think about. Leaning back in my chair, I mirrored Lily's actions. She cradled her stomach, playfully rubbing the food baby, her eyelids drooping with the weight of sleep. She summoned Dominic, whispering something into his ear, to which he responded with a nod.