𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐱 | 18 +

𝐓 𝐖 𝐄 𝐍 𝐓 𝐘 - 𝐒 𝐈 𝐗

Carter

The set was buzzing with activity as I stood off to the side, waiting for my cue to do the next stunt. Crew members were darting around, adjusting lights, setting up cameras, and checking last-minute details. The air was alive with the usual energy of a film shoot, but despite the noise and bustle, all I could think about was Juliet.

Usually, she would be sitting in the director's chair, watching me with that intense focus she always had when she was working. Her eyes would track every move, making sure everything went perfectly, and every so often, she'd catch my eye and give me one of those little smiles that always made me feel invincible, like I could nail any stunt they threw at me. But today, her chair was empty.

I sighed, adjusting the harness strapped around my waist as I waited for my turn. I knew she couldn't be here. Her stitches needed more time to heal, and the doctor had insisted she stay home and rest until they could be removed. Still, it didn't feel right not having her here.

I couldn't help but think back to this morning. Juliet had been in a mood, and not just any mood, her "I'm missing work, and I hate it" mood. She'd spent most of the morning being whiny, pacing around the penthouse, complaining about being stuck at home, and constantly asking when she could get back to work. I'd laughed it off at the time, teasing her for being such a workaholic, but deep down, I understood. Work was a huge part of her life. It was who she was, and sitting still didn't come naturally to her.

"Ready, Carter?" one of the stunt coordinators called out, pulling me back to the present.

I gave a quick nod and stepped forward, pushing thoughts of Juliet to the back of my mind for now. I needed to focus, especially with some of the more intense stunts lined up for today. As much as I missed her, the last thing I wanted was to get distracted and end up hurt.

The next few hours were a blur of action sequences, high jumps, and carefully choreographed fight scenes. I threw myself into it, trying to channel my restless energy into my performance. It helped, but every now and then, I'd catch a glimpse of that empty director's chair, and the ache of missing her would come creeping back.

By the time we wrapped up for the day, I was exhausted, both physically and mentally. But as I peeled off the last bit of gear and wiped the sweat from my brow, all I could think about was getting home to her. She'd probably be in the same whiny mood, still frustrated about not being able to work, and I wanted to cheer her up.

On the way back, I stopped by a little flower shop and picked up a bouquet of white roses, her favorite. I knew they'd make her smile, if only for a moment. Then, at the grocery store, I grabbed her favorite chocolates and a few snacks she always liked to have while watching TV. It wasn't much, but I wanted to do something special for her, especially since I knew how hard it was for her to be stuck at home.

By the time I got back to the penthouse, the sun had started to dip below the horizon, casting a soft, golden light through the windows. I stepped inside, the bags of snacks and flowers in hand, and quietly closed the door behind me.

The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was unnaturally quiet, considering Juliet's usual energy. I set the bags down on the kitchen counter and made my way to the living room, only to stop in my tracks when I saw her.

Juliet was sprawled out on the couch, fast asleep, one arm draped over her stomach and the other tucked under her head. She looked so peaceful, her face relaxed in a way I didn't see often, her breathing steady and soft. She must've passed out at some point while waiting for me to get back.

A smile tugged at my lips as I watched her. Even when she was asleep, she managed to look beautiful. I tiptoed closer, trying not to wake her, and gently set the roses and snacks down on the coffee table.

For a moment, I just stood there, looking down at her, my heart swelling with affection. It was rare to see Juliet like this, so still, so quiet. Normally, she was full of fire and drive, always thinking about the next project, the next goal. But here, like this, she was just... soft. Vulnerable. And I loved seeing this side of her, too.

Carefully, I leaned down and slipped my arms beneath her, lifting her up as gently as I could. She stirred a little, mumbling something unintelligible, but she didn't wake. Her body felt so small and light in my arms, and I held her close as I carried her up the stairs to her room.

Once we were in her room, I carefully laid her down on the bed, pulling the covers over her. She let out a small sigh, rolling onto her side and curling up under the blankets. I sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, watching her sleep, my chest tight with emotion.

God, I was lucky.

Leaning down, I pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight, beautiful." I whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face.

I straightened up, but before I could leave the room, her sleepy voice stopped me. "Carter...?"

I turned back, surprised to see her eyes half-open, her expression groggy but soft. "Yeah?" I asked, moving closer to the bed again.

She blinked slowly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're back." she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

I chuckled softly, nodding. "Yeah, I'm back. Go back to sleep, beautiful."

Juliet sighed contentedly, closing her eyes again. "Missed you." she whispered, her voice barely audible as she drifted back into sleep.

I stood there for another moment, watching her, my heart feeling impossibly full. I couldn't help but smile as I quietly left the room, pulling the door shut behind me.

Even on days like this, when work was exhausting and things felt off without her on set, coming home to Juliet always made everything better. She was my home, in every sense of the word, and I was the luckiest person in the world to have her.

With one last glance at the bedroom door, I made my way back to the living room to clean up, my thoughts still lingering on the peaceful image of her asleep, knowing that tomorrow, no matter what, we'd be back in each other's arms.

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~ R