Twisted Devotion

Forty Two

The early morning light filtered through the small window, casting a soft, golden glow over the cabin. Ava stirred awake, her eyes heavy with sleep, but there was a warmth pressing against her forehead—a gentle, lingering kiss. She felt Dominic's presence close, his touch so uncharacteristically tender that it sent a ripple of comfort through her. She managed a small, sleepy smile, her heart oddly calmed by the warmth he'd left behind.

She heard the soft click of the bathroom door as Dominic slipped inside, and for a few minutes, she lay there, letting herself savor the feeling of warmth his touch had left behind. The realization that she could find peace here—however strange it was—made her heart feel both lighter and heavier.

The sound of the shower came on, muffled by the door, and Ava found herself staring at the ceiling, her mind drifting back to everything he'd said last night. The intensity in his eyes, the unguarded way he'd spoken about seeing her for the first time... it felt surreal. Despite everything that had happened, some part of her couldn't shake the feeling that she was beginning to understand him, bit by bit, in ways she never thought possible.

Moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Dominic stepped out. Ava's eyes drifted to him almost instinctively, her gaze caught on the way he looked in the morning light. He was dressed only in a pair of loose black joggers that hung low on his hips, his skin still damp, and he was rubbing a towel through his hair, his muscles flexing with each movement.

Her breath caught, and she felt her cheeks grow warm as she stared, unable to tear her gaze away. His shoulders, broad and powerful, his chest carved and defined... everything about him exuded strength, and there was an ease to his movements that was almost mesmerizing. A soft heat crept through her, settling low in her stomach, and she swallowed, pressing her thighs together as she tried to quell the unfamiliar sensations coursing through her.

Dominic noticed her gaze, his hand stilling for a moment as he caught her staring. A smirk spread across his face, one brow arching in a look that was both amused and smug. He took a step closer, his eyes darkening as they took her in. "See something you like?" he asked, his voice low and teasing, breaking the silence.

Ava snapped out of her trance, her cheeks burning as she looked away, but she couldn't hide the small, embarrassed smile that tugged at her lips. "I wasn't... I mean... I was just..."

He chuckled, his smirk widening as he leaned down a little, his face close enough that she could feel the warmth of his breath. "You don't have to lie, Ava. I'm glad you find me attractive." His voice was a soft rumble, and his words sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.

She bit her lip, trying to suppress her smile, but it was impossible. The tension between them was electric, filling the small room with a charge that felt both exciting and dangerous. She could see the glint of satisfaction in his eyes, the way he seemed to revel in her reaction, and despite herself, she found that she didn't mind it.

Dominic straightened, tossing the towel aside as he stretched his arms over his head, a lazy grin still lingering on his face. "Hungry?" he asked casually, as if nothing had just happened.

Ava blinked, her heart still racing as she tried to collect herself. "Um... yeah, actually," she managed, her voice sounding far too breathless for her liking.

"Good." He turned and headed toward the small kitchen area, and she watched him move, still trying to make sense of the strange mixture of emotions swirling inside her. This man—her captor, her tormentor—was also the same man who had kissed her forehead with a tenderness that had made her feel safe, the same man who now had her heart racing with just a look.

Ava pulled herself up, brushing her hair out of her face, and joined him by the kitchen. He moved with a surprising grace for his size, pulling out a few supplies and setting them on the counter. She couldn't help but notice the way his muscles shifted with each movement, his strong hands steady and confident as he prepared breakfast.