Dive into Temptation [ManxBoy]

44. Good Boy

A/N: This chapter will be on the shorter side because I had to cut a long one in half. Sorry about that. And I feel like I've reread this chapter a thousand times and it's driving me crazy trying to perfect it. So just have this.

~*~

Dom had been patiently waiting for me to take him back, being careful not to push me like he had promised. It did give me the sense that he was trying to prove to me that he was able to control himself after that horrible time he lost it. I guess I was to blame for that ordeal, though, since I had been the one to push him.

Dominic often shot me longing gazes and occasionally made flirty jokes right under Lily's oblivious nose. Sometimes, he would playfully touch my hair or make comments about me needing sunscreen, using it as an excuse to gently caress my face or back. I tried to ignore it all but his sweetness was tugging at something inside me. Dominic's cruel side really seemed to be gone. He had stopped the rude comments about Ryan, and even allowed him over. While it was still very clear he was displeased by Ryan, he made an effort to try and tolerate him. It made me wonder if that thing he said was true—that I could stay with Ryan if it meant he could have me.

It had been two whole months since we ended our passionate fling. It felt like a lifetime ago that I was Dominics and exploring sexually for the first time. Part of me missed the adrenaline I used to feel, the excitement of it all. But I definitely didn't miss the coldness of Dom, his unpredictable aggression. His explosive outbursts seemed like a distant memory, I wondered if maybe he was right that things would be easier between us if I just gave in and became his again. The main thing holding me back was Lily. I didn't want to hurt her and the baby.

And I guess Ryan was another thing holding me back. As much as I enjoyed the flirty attention from Dominic, I also felt sick with guilt for it. Knowing all he had done to me, and knowing that Ryan felt proud of me for leaving it all—it just felt undeserved. A conflicted part of me still craved the enigma of Dominic and I hated myself for it.

Ryan was still reluctant to take things further with me, which left me with an insatiable horniness. I still felt an uncontrollable bitterness towards Ryan for not helping with it, but I tried to accept it, since the last thing I wanted was to be like Dom. Ryan's sweet kisses and caresses were still frequent but I wasn't allowed back at his house after his dad caught us. That left our only alone time in the privacy of my bedroom. Ryan was planning to come over for the party tonight, though, and maybe I'd be able to get him drunk again.

Lily and Dominic were hosting a halloween party. Costumes optional for everyone except Dom and me. She had a whole thing planned for us to be accessories for her costume. They were expecting a lot of people. Friends of theirs, Lily's bandmates, some of Dominic's coworkers, old university friends. It was expected to be a big event, and I fully anticipated it to be just by the amount of alcohol and candy Lily got. She also went all out on decor for the party, decorating the clean modern look of Dominic's house and turning it into a spooky mansion. Dom wasn't thrilled by the amount of fake spider webs but he was happy that Lily was happy.

"I can't believe I have to wear this," I muttered, tugging at the dog collar around my neck. "I feel ridiculous."

"I think you look cute," Dom chimed in, earning a playful smack from Lily.

"You guys are both cute," she added with a smile.

Both Dom and I wore dog collars with leashes attached and floppy dog ears on our heads. Our white t-shirts were splattered with black, giving the illusion of Dalmatian spots. We were in Lily's and Dom's bedroom, getting ready for the party. Some guests had already arrived, but Lily was putting the finishing touches on her already stunning costume.