Page 41 of Yes, Love

She paused, and a bit of panic passed through her green eyes. “No.”

“Don’t go back to him. You can stay at my place until you figure something out.” I could feel it in my bones that this was a cry for help.

Lucy forced a laugh. “Don’t be daft, Dominic. You only want me to stay with you so I’ll take you back, but I. Don’t. Want. You.”

Bloody hell, that was cold.

Lucy bit her lip as she took in the look of hurt that I was sure passed over my face. “I’m sorry. You’re just trying to help, but I’m fine. I’ve got to go, but it was good to see you. Let’s not fight next time, yeah?” She reached out to pat my hand, and then she was gone.

I let out a deep breath and leaned back in my chair. I covered my face with both hands and mumbled, “Fuck.” Will was hurting her, and I had to do something about it. Should I follow her?

I glanced down at my watch and groaned. I had to be at Ava’s in an hour to pick her up for a charity dinner. I could hear Kitty’s voice in my head, “It’s so important for the two of you to show up at this event together, but it’s going to matter the most to Ava’s career. It’ll paint her in such a wholesome light.”

Fuck.

None of that mattered. I knew Ava would agree, and I’d call her and explain everything on the way. I stood and walked out of the coffee shop, just as the barista was heading over with my tea. “Sorry!” I called over my shoulder to her and stuck a tenner in the tip jar.

I scanned the parking lot and didn’t see Lucy anywhere. I’d waited too long. I’d lost her. Fuck! I kicked the front tire of my car and ran my hands through my hair. I pulled out my phone and called her, but it went straight to voicemail.

As I prepared to call again, I got a text from Ava. WHAT THE FUCK, DOMINIC??? It was followed by a photo of Lucy and me in the coffee shop. Another text came through. Like whatever! I know we aren’t really a thing, and all the good sex in the world isn’t going to make you stop wanting Lucy. WHAT. EVER. But you just made me look like the biggest dumbass! The fucking trolls are already having a hay day with me! Everything we’ve worked for these past few months is basically undone!

Twenty One

Ava

I dabbed at my tears with a tissue before they could mess up my evening makeup look. Pull yourself together, idiot. What did you think was happening with Dominic? Did you think he could seriously love you after loving someone like Lucy? You are So. Damn. Stupid.

The photo of Lucy and Dom, all cozy and holding hands in a coffee shop hurt like hell. I knew it was a recent photo because Dom’s hair and scruff were the exact lengths they were yesterday. When he was on Wild Love his hair was shorter, and he was always clean-shaven.

He’d texted back immediately that it wasn’t what it looked like, then he tried to call me, but I turned off my phone. At first, the silence from my phone was unnerving, but now it was almost a relief. I already knew the notifications coming in would be comments either filled with pity or trolling me. I didn’t want either, and I didn’t want Dominic’s explanation.

And gawd, I didn’t want Jeanie to call me and chew me out for screwing up all her hard work. Fuck Jeanie.

She’d planned an appearance for Dom and me at some fancy charity dinner. I couldn’t even remember what we were supposed to be saving. Whales or Dolphins, maybe? It was something to make me look environmentally conscious and intelligent. Or maybe I was only invited to make the event look prettier. The world didn’t care if I was kind or intelligent. They just wanted pretty.

Now that the rumors were flying about Dom and Lucy, though, maybe I was off the hook. I glanced down at my one-shoulder silver sequined gown. When I went shopping for it yesterday, I imagined Dominic sensually unzipping it after the charity dinner. I imagined him running his strong, gentle hands down my bare back and saying something sexy about messing up the pretty painting.

Why the hell did he say shit like that to me anyway? Why would he act like he honestly cared when there were no cameras? It had always been Lucy, and it always would be! Fuck!

I kicked off my black stilettos and stomped up the stairs to change. I was flying into a childish rage. I knew it, but I couldn’t stop it. Dr. Courtney said my anger was a defense mechanism. I got angry and shut people out when I was afraid of feeling sadness. Cool. What was I supposed to do about it? Take more fucking pills?

I heard my front door open just as I was sliding into a pair of sweatpants.

“Ava?” Dom’s voice called out.

“Shit!” I growled and yanked off the sweatpants. “I’m changing!” I snapped. “I’ll be down in a second!” Instead, I chose a plain red sheath dress and took my sweet time getting it on and heading downstairs.

When I spotted Dominic sitting at my kitchen island with his head in his hands, I got ready to let him have it. “What the actual hell were you thinking? People are calling me stupid all over the fucking internet! If you’ve been fucking her on the side, you could have at least picked a fucking private place to meet—”

“Ava,” Dom glanced up, and the pain in his eyes closed my mouth.

I felt my rage melt away. He was seriously hurting. Oh fuck. I wanted to fix it. Who cared if he still loved Lucy? I couldn’t stand the look in his eyes. My voice immediately softened. “What is it?”

“Will’s hurting her. She sent me a text. Said she needed me. She had bruises on her arms, Ava, and she wasn’t acting like herself. The look in her eyes…” Dominic balled his fists. “It was the same one my mum had for years.”

Dom shook his head. “She came to me for help, but I failed her, and now that picture’s out there, and there’s no telling what he’ll do if he sees it! I can’t let him hurt her, Ava. You have to understand that.” Dominic’s voice cracked, and so did my heart. Of course he couldn’t leave the woman he loved in the hands of a monster. No one in their right mind would, but especially after everything he’d been through with his own parents.

I gave him a stiff nod. “Do you have any idea where she’ll be tonight? Did she mention anything at all that would give you a clue?”

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