Dominated (Obsessed II)

11.

Richard Dawson Jr.
On & On
•••

I checked into the hotel, throwing my bag onto the bed and loosening my tie like I was trying to choke the frustration out of me. Amelia was here, too—had her own room a few doors down. I poured myself a drink, whiskey, letting it burn down my throat as I stared at the city outside the window.

Mentally, I was wiped. Physically, I was running on fumes. And emotionally? That was a joke. I could already see Isabella's face when I got back. Her sudden determination to "make this marriage work" was laughable. I tossed back another shot just thinking about it.

I showered, changed, and felt like a new man—or as close to one as I could get. Anyone else in my position would've called it a night, but I wasn't built that way. Sleep could wait.

I knocked on Amelia's door, waiting a few seconds before she opened it. And damn, she looked good, too good. It's funny how she was at her most beautiful when she wasn't running her mouth.

She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, and gave me that look. "Don't tell me being on this trip means I'm never off the clock"

I let a grin tug at my lips, stepping forward. "Relax, you're not working. Not yet, at least."

She gave me a look—half annoyed, half curious—and stepped aside, letting me in. "Right. So, if this isn't about work, what is it?"

I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms. "What makes you think I'm telling you what to do?"

She raised a brow. "Aren't you?"

I grinned, shaking my head. "Shockingly, I'm not. I'm asking you to keep me company. Unless you're too tired."

She sighed, clearly torn between saying no and curiosity. "I'm a little tired, but... fine. Where are we going?"

"Just get a coat," I replied. "We're going for a walk."

Amelia rolled her eyes but grabbed her coat from the chair, slipping it on before stepping out into the hallway with me. I led her down through the hotel, past the lobby, and out into the night. Madrid was quiet at this hour, the streets mostly empty, save for the occasional car or late-night wanderer.

We walked in silence for a few minutes, she stayed close but still giving me space. I could feel her watching me, waiting for an explanation, but I wasn't ready to give her one just yet. Not until we got to where we were going.

Eventually, we reached a small, hidden alley, barely noticeable unless you knew where to look. I pushed open the rusted gate and nodded for her to go ahead. She hesitated, throwing me a look that said, What the hell is this? but followed anyway.

The alley wasn't anything special—dark, quiet, the kind of place you'd avoid if you didn't know better. But for me, it led somewhere else. Somewhere that mattered. We reached the staircase at the end, barely visible under the dim light from a nearby streetlamp. I gestured for her to go ahead, and she shot me another look but complied.

It led to a staircase, which took us up to a rooftop garden. It was small, quiet, and peaceful, tucked away from the noise of the city. It wasn't flashy or extravagant—just a place I'd found a long time ago when I needed a break. A place where I could breathe.

Amelia stopped in her tracks, taking it all in. The soft glow of the city lights in the distance. I could see the tension leaving her shoulders, the stress from whatever starting to melt away.

"I didn't expect this," she said quietly, her eyes still scanning the space. "This is... nice."

I smirked, leaning against the low stone wall. "There's more to life than business, you know. Even I need a break sometimes."