Page 84 of Sweets and Sycamores
“What?”
“Oh gods,” Allie repeated, still searching him for any signs of depletion. “You used so much power to put out the fire. Because I’m not strong enough.” Her voice cracked, hot nails lodging inside her throat. “Please don’t get sick again.”
Dom’s features smoothed into something beautiful, his emerald eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Allie.” He said nothing and everything with her name, a scolding as well as a plea.
Dominic pulled her to his chest in a strong, warm hug. Her arms went around him reflexively as she rested her head on Dom’s rock-hard chest.
“You’re worried aboutme?” She nodded against the soft fabric of his sweater. Dom breathed into her hair, one hand firmly locked around her waist, the other rubbing circles on her back. The move was comforting and familiar, yet the last time he’d done this, Allie had been in pain and out of control. “I’m fine, Allie.”
“Are you sure?” she whispered.
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course I do.” Allie squeezed him harder to her, as if she could transpose the answer to his body. “Always have.” Always will, she thought, but didn’t find the courage to say it out loud. Always seemed like such a long time for someone who was bound to leave.
“Good.” He sighed contentedly.
Allie melted into his arms, inhaling long breaths until she found that comforting cedarwood and leather scent under all the burnt smell. Exhaustion seeped into her body once she relaxed, and she took a moment to check on her magic.
That warmth behind her chest was gone, replaced by a cold and quiet feeling, just like the one she had before fully manifesting her power. Allie winced at this realization, but Dom’s arms strengthened their hold around her.
“It will replenish,” he assured her. “With time, and sleep, and food.”
“Are you Reading me?” she asked with a hidden grin.
“Do you blame me?” His voice was raspy and accusatory in the kindest way. Allie shook her head.
Dominic took a step back, and Allie saw the reluctance in his eyes, as if this distance was hurting him. She, too, hated the cold air that swirled around her, missing his warmth immediately.
But his large hands cupped her cheeks, thumbs softly stroking under her eyes. Allie wondered if he could feel the skin heating up under his touch.
“Get some sleep. We’re closed tomorrow.”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, long and sweet, his body shuddering through an inhale. The spot under his lips burned in the most delightful way, the sensation spreading through her limbs and muscles like a shockwave.
Allie wished it had been her lips.
Chapter 31
LET ME
Dom didn’t sleep a wink last night. He was moments from bursting with the restless energy coursing through his veins.
He should have kissed her. He wanted nothing more in his life than to taste her lips, feel her soften against him, make her body tremble under his touch.
He wanted her. All of her. Mind, body, and soul.
After climbing up and down the stairs countless times, convinced he must knock on her door and kiss her until she begged for air, then talking himself out of it, Dom spent the entire night in pure agony, as if someone was going to deny him his next breath.
Dawn arrived after what felt like a week of suffering, and Dominic jumped out of bed as if he’d been held prisoner. It was a miracle that his jaw was still intact, but it hurt while he brushed his teeth with more force than required.
He went about deep cleaning his apartment, an activity he hated with a passion, but which kept his hands occupied. His mind, on the other hand, was under the spell of the beautiful Witch, her gorgeous brown eyes, red mane of hair, and all the ways he could get tangled up in it.
When the purple light faded into a soft, stronger orange and the first rays of sun were out, Dominic moved on to another task that would keep him busy since the bakery was closed today. Some of the furniture needed repairing, he decided, and got to work on the wobbly drawers of his nightstands.
The morning was in full bloom when he heard the door open downstairs, followed by soft steps about the bakery and the sound of the coffee machine.
