Chapter 1

Dominic sits watching the fire as his brother’s family unwraps the Christmas presents he brought them. He smiles as he sips his cognac watching his niece and nephew’s faces light up. “You’ve outdone yourself again Dominic,” His brother Bartholomew Jr says with a smile as he sits next to him on the couch.

“Nah, that’s what an uncle is for,” Dominic says brushing him off and making his brother laugh.

He watches his brother interact with his family. Dominic has always been a bit of an outsider and not too keen on taking up the role of a family man. Just yet. He likes to live wild and free and doesn’t care about the stereotype that comes with his lifestyle. He has done his duty to his country having served four tours of combat in Iraq. He was good at what he did and misses the thrill of having an adversary lined in his crosshairs. He continues to do his duty to help rid the country of high-level threats on occasion.

A person with his experience doesn’t come out of the military without scars and a little regret. After returning from his tours he started his own business; becoming very successful. He’s the most eligible bachelor in New York. His parents were born with money and he grew up in the circles of high society but he would rather be in the club with his friends, in a pair of jeans than at a cocktail party in a tux.

Dominic stands hugging his brother “I’ll see you later” he says as his niece and nephew assault his legs “Don’t go uncle Dom” the youngest Alexa says hugging his leg. Dominic smiles “I have to go baby girl but I’ll see you in a couple of days,” Dominic says hugging them both and turning to leave. “Big night son?” His father asks from the bar. Dominic sighs “Yes father I have a few plans,” he says shaking his father’s hand “You know I would love for you to have a few little ones of your own Dominic. It’s time you settled down and made a family. You have more wealth than most men your age and the women fall at your feet. Why don’t you pick a good woman to marry and settle down?” His father asks with a sigh. Dominic being only 32 has amassed a fortune that surpasses his fathers and their family business in technology but he likes his free life and has never met a woman that would change his mind. He rolls his eyes “I hear you old man and like I’ve said before when I find a woman that changes the game for me I’ll marry her” Dominic winks with a smile as he gives his father a quick hug before retreating.

He walks out into the cold night air taking in a deep breath. New York winters can be brutal because of the half rain and half snow that falls along with the freezing temperatures. Dominic yanks his phone from his pocket and calls his best friend and business partner Trystan Garcia “What’s up Dom?” Trystan answers. “You game for tonight?” Dominic asks knowing his friend is always game for a good time. “Yeah but you know it’s Christmas right?” Trystan asks with a smile in his voice “I know but the parties tonight should be over the top. I’ll swing by in 10” Dominic says as he ends the call.

His driver pulls up at Trystan’s penthouse exactly 10 minutes later. Trystan dressed in jeans, boots and a sweater gets in “What’s up man?” He asks as they shake hands “Just need to get a start on a great night” Dominic replies with a sly smile. “Let’s get going then. What happened to family night?” Trystan asks with a smile pouring a drink from the mini bar. “Yeah, the family. The kids were great and loved the gifts but you know the old man has to give me the “you need a wife and kids” speech” “have you ever thought about actually doing it?” Trystan asks with a smirk baiting his friend “Shut the fuck up man. Hell no, why would I want to tie myself down and lose out on all the beautiful women to enjoy” Dominic states glaring at his friend “You are so predictable man, and a total dick sometimes. How’s your sister?” Trystan asks with a grin “You’re an ass. Alina is great she spent Christmas with her girlfriends in the mountains but she’ll be back the day after tomorrow. How do you not know this and she’s your assistant? Can we go now? There are hundreds of beautiful women that need attention” Dominic states as they pull up to one of the hottest clubs in New York.

They walk in and immediately get VIP attention; a private booth and never-ending drinks. Dominic and Trystan begin their night with drinks and women dancing all around. After several hours of drinking and dancing, Dominic is ready to head home “Come on man it’s time to go” Dominic says grabbing his friend's arm. Trystan grumbles leaving the woman sitting on his lap behind “You are such a buzz kill man and why are we leaving alone? I would have a very merry Christmas if I had one of those women coming home with tonight” Trystan grumbles “Me too, but we have a meeting tomorrow and don’t have the luxury of being shit-faced in the morning” Dominic laughs as they climb into his car and his driver pulls off.

They drive for about two blocks when the driver slams on his brakes and Dominic’s eyes shoot forward “What the fuck?” Dominic yells as the reason for the sudden stop comes across the hood. A woman dressed in tattered clothes skates across the hood of the car. She turns and her scared eyes connect with Dominic’s. He gasps at the bright blue color of her eyes almost like a gem and at the instant jolt, he felt looking at her. She screams skating across the hood and continues to run. Dominic watches as she leaves, then immediately she is followed by three men chasing her. “Follow them” Dominic demands “What the hell man let them go” Trystan states. Dominic ignores him as his driver follows the running men.

They follow them onto a side street but they can’t see them. Dominic gets out of the car and looks around listening for any sounds “What the fuck man get in the car. We don’t have back up here; do you want to get your ass jumped in the ghetto?” Trystan asks sternly getting out of the car with him “What, are you scared? We’ve been through worse, with fewer men, suck it up. That girl was in trouble.” Dominic states as he walks away from the car with Trystan on his heels “There are hundreds of girls in trouble it’s New York. Why do you care about this one?” Trystan asks as Dominic picks up on the sound of men yelling “This way” Dominic states as he breaks into a run towards the sound.

They round the corner in an alley and come upon three men searching the girl’s body. “Hey, get the fuck off her” Dominic demands as he runs to them. They turn and smile “Well if it isn’t a rich boy and his back up” one of the guys sneers “Oh hell, why am I his back up?” Trystan scoffs making Dominic laugh “I am a little more built than you” “Fuck you man,” Trystan says before turning back to the men in front of them “I’m going to tell you once to get the fuck away from her and leave before I put my foot in your ass” Dominic states stepping forward. “You and who else tinker bell? This is our turf and she shouldn’t have been walking around here. She’s a street girl why do you care anyway?” The man asks as the three-step away from her “I don’t care who she is. Leave” Dominic demands as he gives a sideways glance to Trystan.

Trystan and Dominic served together in Iraq before starting their business together. So, they fight together like a well-oiled machine. The men come at them with no skill. Dominic lays the first two out with simple maneuvers and Trystan holds the third in a headlock. “I told you to leave. You should have listened” Dominic smirks as Trystan puts the man to sleep. Dominic runs over to the girl who has dirty old tattered clothes on and scoops her up into his arms feeling far too light. “What the hell are you doing man?” Trystan asks confused about what has gotten into his friend as they walk to the car. Dominic doesn’t answer as he sets her into his car.

Trystan grabs his friend's shoulder “What the fuck man?” He demands turning him to face him “Don’t” Dominic warns “What are you doing she’s just a little banged up man, she’ll be fine” Trystan states searching his friend's face “I know but she got hit by my car and I just want to make sure she’s ok.” Dominic replies to his friend as he gets into the back of the car with the girl. Trystan rides in the front of the car and gets out at his apartment 15 minutes later without another word to his friend. Dominic sits in the back watching the girl as she breathes but is still unconscious.

Dominic arrives at his penthouse and carries her to his private elevator. He lays the girl on his couch and calls his doctor. Dominic sits watching with his liquor in hand as the doctor takes a look at the girl. The doctor stands “She has a couple of broken ribs and a few bruises but other than that and the fact that she’s very malnourished. She should be fine” “Thank you doctor Evans, I appreciate you coming,” Dominic says shaking his hand “I’ll see myself out,” the doctor says as he turns and leaves. Dominic picks the girl up and takes her into his guest bedroom laying her on the bed; covering her with a large blanket. He takes a seat in the chair by the door and watches and waits for her to wake up.

At 8 am Dominic gets a shower and prepares for his conference call that lasts about an hour. He hasn’t spoken with Trystan since last night and feels bad leaving his friend as he did. He had no answers for his friend about why the fuck he brought the girl home with him. He can have any woman he wants to bring home and share his bed but seeing the fear in this girl's eyes grabbed him and sucked him in. He finishes his conference call and is sitting in his office when he hears a shrieking scream rip through his apartment.

He jumps from his seat and bolts down the hall to the guest room. He throws the door open to find the girl writhing on the bed. “Shit,” He says as he climbs onto the bed and tries to wake her. He has seen night terrors before, having experienced them himself. She thrashes her arms and hits him in the jaw before her eyes shoot open. Dominic sucks in a breath when her eyes meet his. She scoots up against the headboard and curls into a ball. “I’m not going to hurt you,” Dominic says gently. “Where am I? Why am I here?” She asks panicked “You got hurt last night. You ran… you got grazed by my car running from some men who got a few good hits in before I could stop them” Dominic replies backing away from her “Why did you care what happened to me? I don’t know you. Why did you help me? Why didn’t you let me die there?” she asks sadly with confusion and resignation in her voice.

Dominic smiles as he sits on the bed. “I don’t have to know someone to do something nice or to help them” He explains sternly not liking her comment about dying “NO, no one does something for free. What do you want from me?” She demands, not making eye contact with him. “I don’t want anything other than to make sure you’re safe and feeling better,” Dominic replies offended by her words. “I don’t believe you. From the looks of the Picasso on your wall and the silk sheets I’m sitting on you have a lot of money and no one with that much money does something for nothing” She states sternly turning to look at him with narrowed eyes. Dominic stares at her baffled by her response.

She gasps as she sees the man before her. He is gorgeous like he stepped out of a magazine. His scent envelops her; cologne and a soapy smell. She gazes at him as his eyes watch her face closely. She admires the lines of his face and the perfect shape of his lips. Her eyes widen reaching his as she is sucked into two different colored eyes one black and the other color caramel contrasted by the light brown of his unruly-looking hair. This man makes her toes curl. He has a badass persona and confidence that pushes buttons in her she didn’t know she had. She watches as his mouth curls into a slight smile. “You at least have a good eye for art,” He says with a smile “I wasn’t always homeless. I had a life once, but you never answered my question. What do you want with me?” She asks her gaze turning cold “I told you, nothing but to make sure you are ok” he states standing from the bed. Dominic turns to leave gazing over his shoulder “You can join me for breakfast if you like” He smiles as he leaves the room.

She sits on the bed fidgeting with the covers as she decides what to do. “I can’t go back out there now. It’s cold and he said I could have breakfast” She thinks as her stomach rumbles. She looks at her hands “food would be good and a moment in the life I used to have couldn’t be bad” She thinks as she stands wincing from the pain in her side making her lose her breath. She walks to the bathroom in the room and removes her old tattered coat revealing an old t-shirt, a tattered pair of jeans, and shoes that have more holes than whole parts. She sighs as she looks in the mirror at the pale skinny girl before her with tangled hair. She shakes her head as she washes her hands and face with warm water. Enjoying if just for a moment the warmth of the water and the room she is in.

She emerges from the bedroom into a large living area and open kitchen. She looks around overwhelmed at the sight of the apartment, she walks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. As she peers out at the view of New York, she places her hands on the glass and begins to feel like the walls are closing in around her. She pounds on the window as she falls to the floor gasping for air feeling the walls closing in to suffocate her. Dominic watches closely and as she slides to the floor and bangs on the glass. He walks up behind her and wraps his arms around her tiny waist. He walks her out onto the terrace in the cold open air. She gasps breathing in the cold air “it's ok, I’ve got you” Dominic says as he sets her on a chair and wraps a blanket around her shoulders. “I’m sorry; I just… the walls were closing in and I couldn’t…” She gasps. Tears stream down her cheeks as she draws in deep breaths “I get it, I’ve had that happen to me before. You don’t have anything to be sorry for” Dominic replies rubbing her back.

She sits in the cold air with a man she just met and who rescued her from her attackers last night “Thank you” She says quietly feeling way too comfortable in his presence. Dominic smiles “You are most welcome. Would you like some breakfast?” He asks kindly. “I would love something to eat, anything would be great” She replies giving him a weak smile. “Not just anything. My cook has prepared a feast for breakfast. So, I hope you are hungry” Dominic smiles as he runs his knuckles over her cheek wiping the tears and igniting a wildfire in her veins. He stands offering her his hand. She hesitates for a moment but pushes her fear aside and slips her hand into his thankful for even just one morning in the sun away from the hunger and cold of her life.

She walks with Dominic to the dining table where the food is waiting. Her eyes get big as she surveys the content of the table. “I can’t remember the last time I saw so much food,” She says unbelievingly. “You can have whatever and however much you would like” Dominic states pulling out her chair. Dominic takes his seat and answers a few texts giving directions and responding to his friend. “If you really are doing this just to be nice, I can’t thank you enough. Thank you” She states shyly as she serves herself toast, eggs, pancakes, bacon, and Strawberry waffles. She looks at her food and wants just to dive in but she restrains herself and picks up her fork to eat as she was taught as a child.

Dominic watches as she eats with reverence, savoring each bite. He serves himself and eats watching her. “So, what is your name? If you don’t mind me asking” She asks softly making Dominic smile. “My name is Dominic Grayson and you? What is your name?” He asks sipping his coffee. She stares at her plate for a moment deciding on what she should tell him “if you don’t want to tell me it’s ok but don’t lie to me. Silence is better than a lie” Dominic states seriously. She is jolted by his honesty and the power he put into those words. She sighs “My name on the streets is Jinx” She replies softly. Dominic scoffs “Jinx, and why do they call you that?” He asks, curious why she has such a nickname. She stares at her plate “They call me Jinx because something bad always happens to everything and everyone around me. I’m jinxed to this life that was chosen for me.” Jinx explains sadly.

“I…” Dominic starts but his doorbell rings and an elderly woman comes from the kitchen to open the door. Jinx stands and walks to the other side of the table to face the door. Dominic watches and grabs her hand as she reaches the other side “It's ok Jinx, it’s just a friend of mine. You’re safe here” he says trying to calm the fear in her eyes.

She flexes her hand in his as confusion about his actions takes hold, along with a fiery desire that flows through her veins pooling in her stomach. She knows she can’t stay here. This man’s touch is lethal and leaves a burning desire in its wake. A desire that she has never known.

Trystan walks into the dining room with bags from Fifth Avenue Saks. “Good morning” He smiles eying Jinx and the fear in her face. “Hey man,” Dominic replies standing hugging his friend. “Hello, my name is Trystan. I’m Dominic’s friend” He says kindly offering his hand to Jinx. “Hello,” She replies softly but refrains from taking his hand. Dominic sits changing her plate to the other side of the table allowing Trystan to sit across from her. She sits watching Dominic’s friend closely examining his features.

She examines his face and hands as he talks to his friend. He is as gorgeous as Dominic. He’s Hispanic and has dark hair and dark eyes that have a playfulness in them. She can tell he has money but is not as comfortable with his wealth as Dominic, who wears his like a second skin. She watches Dominic’s facial expressions as he talks about business and she realizes that intense is not an apt word to describe the expressions that cross his face and the essence he carries about him. She shrinks into the chair watching him since he dominates the space with raw power and confidence. Trystan glances at her watching as she tries to become smaller as Dominic gets upset at a business deal.

“Dom, stop” Trystan grumbles seeing the emotions cross her face. Dominic stops at the tone he uses and looks at Jinx who has her knees curled to her chest in her chair. “I’m sorry Jinx, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable” Dominic states placing a hand on her knee. Jinx nods her head in response since she can’t breathe with him touching her. “Jinx, don’t mind him he’s intense but a big pussy cat” Trystan smiles winking at her. She gives him a slight smile as Dominic laughs a throaty laugh that calls to her making her feel butterflies in her stomach and her body clench with anticipation. “Now that is a beautiful smile,” Dominic says catching her eyes and making him catch his breath at the sadness in the deep blue pools. He takes note that her eyes look too big for her face.

Trystan smiles watching Dominic light up as he sees her smile. “I think I should be going, thank you for breakfast and for letting me stay here last night,” Jinx says standing from the table. “You can’t leave like that” Dominic states sternly, standing with her and making her step back away from him “I’m leaving you can’t keep me here. I’m not any ones prisoner” Jinx states sternly. Trystan watches closely before he stands up “Dom, back off she’s scared and you're being an ass” Trystan states sternly “I’m not trying to scare you, Jinx. I just don’t want you to go. Not until the doctor comes back to check on you” Dominic replies lying since the doctor has already been there.

Jinx blushes and shakes her head slightly. “Look don’t leave yet, Dom may be intense but he cares. Here take this and get cleaned up” Trystan smiles handing Jinx the bags from Fifth Avenue Saks. “I can’t take this” She states putting her hands up refusing to be bought by anyone. “Please take the clothes as a sorry for hitting you with my car last night” Dominic replies handing the bags back to her. She sighs “I’m not going to win am I?” She asks with a slight smile. “No, I would just do it,” Trystan says with a smile as he crosses his arms. “Fine, I’ll take the clothes but don’t think for one minute that you own me by giving me nice things. I can’t be bought and I belong to no one” She states sternly as she takes the bags and heads to the room she came from.

Trystan sighs as he and Dominic sit in the living room “Wow, Ella es una Fierra” Trystan smiles “a what? English man English” Dominic says with an annoyed look. “She’s got fire man” Trystan laughs. “You should have seen her when she woke up” Dominic scoffs blowing out a big breath. “I bet she was a pistol” Trystan replies laughing “That and more” “So, her name is Jinx?” Trystan asks “that’s what she says they call her on the streets.” “And she didn’t tell you her real name?” “No, and I didn’t want to push her” Dominic replies as he hears the shower turn on.

Chapter 2

Jinx gets into the shower and feels as though she washes off the streets. Allowing herself to relax in the hot water. Something she hasn’t been able to do for years since her parents died. She smells the soap and recognizes the scent since it was mixed into Dominic’s cologne. She finishes after 30 minutes and emerges wrapped in a fluffy towel. She takes out the clothes as she walks back into the room. He bought her a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, sweater, socks, shoes, lingerie, and a coat. She smiles at the choice of lingerie since this would have been something she would have picked for herself. She puts on the clothes thankful for the change since she’s had the same clothes for over a year.

Trystan watches his friend “What is it about her that makes you want to help her so badly?” Trystan asks seriously “I don’t know man. She recognized the Picasso in the spare room at just a glance. She’s different from the women we usually meet and she’s had some education. You can tell by watching how she walks and talks.” Dominic replies as he shakes his head unbelievably. “You may get pissed by me saying this but what’s new? Plus, I don’t give a shit. You need to find out who she is. Her name and her story before you go and make her too big of a part of your life” Trystan states placing his elbow on his knees. Dominic glares at him “She’s been here for less than 24 hours man give me time and who the fuck said I was making her a part of my life anyway?” “I’m just saying man don’t get too involved. I know you as well as you know yourself and that look in your eyes when you look at her is one I’ve never seen before. Just be careful” Trystan replies unmoved by Dominic’s response as he shakes his friend’s hand. “I will man thanks for passing by Saks for the order. See you later for drinks?” Dominic asks with a smile. “Yeah man, I’ll call you” Trystan replies as he stands leaving with a shake of his head.

Jinx dresses and towel dries her hair before emerging into the living area only to find it empty. She sighs and turns to go back to the room when she runs face-first into Dominic. He wraps an arm around her waist as she turns into him. His arms around her feel good, too good. She needs to step away but she can’t her feet are cemented to the ground. He is close enough to smell the heady scent of cologne and a scent that is all him. She sucks in a deep breath since his scent pulls to her and makes a desire pool in her stomach. Something she has never felt before. Dominic stares into her eyes at the deep pools of blue. Their mouths are so close he can feel her breath. “Sorry,” She says in a whisper. Dominic steps back placing his hands on her arms “It’s all right. I’m glad the clothes fit” “Thank you, they're a little big but they’ll work” She replies with a smile.

Dominic smiles at her seeing the fleeting happiness in her eyes “You are more than welcome, please rest and eat what you like until the doctor arrives” “Thank you I’m full. A welcome feeling, it’s been a long time since I’ve been full” She says softly “Will you tell me your real name?” Dominic asks abruptly. Jinx lowers her head “My name brings bad luck to everyone and it has the power to hurt people. You have been so kind. I don’t want that for you.” She replies sadly “A name has no power unless given to others to use. I have no intention of doing that. I just think that Jinx doesn’t suit you” Dominic replies with a reassuring smile as he places a finger under her chin bringing her eyes to his. She looks into his eyes and the emotion and security she feels looking at him make her hope that maybe he could be the one person to help her “My real name before I became homeless was Sapphire Larsen” She replies softly taking either a leap of faith or a spiral off a cliff.

Dominic takes a step back to look at her face then smiles at her “Sapphire, I like that name. With eyes as beautiful as yours that name fits you perfectly” She gives him a small smile loving how her real name rolls off his tongue. “Thank you. No one on the streets knows that name” She warns softly. He motions to the living room to allow them to sit and talk. She sits on a chair and he is on the sofa both dark grey and the walls white adorned in different shades of blue. “What was your life like before you became homeless?” Dominic asks getting down to business.

She looks out at the city and sighs “that’s not a story worth telling. There is nothing that can be changed and it’s not something I like to remember” She states sadly her eyes lost in memory. “If the story is about you. It’s worth telling” Dominic replies as he crosses one leg to rest on his knee. “Most people with money think that homeless people choose to be the way they are and that’s not true. Bad shit happens to people and when everyone turns away there is only one place you can end up. No one wants to give a homeless person a job either. They’re afraid they’ll steal, or of their appearance. We don’t want to be this way” She states sadly as she stands walking to the window.

Dominic watches as the memories of her past flow over her face. “I’m not judging you and I don’t plan to. If you want to tell me fine, if not, fine.” He says simply. She turns to him with tears in her eyes “Why? No one has ever been this nice and not wanted anything in return. Why me? What do you really want?” Sapphire asks holding onto a little hope in her heart. “Why not you? You’re obviously very smart, you know an original Picasso just at a glance and everyone needs a little help” Dominic replies as his phone rings. “Grayson” He answers as he stands and walks into another room to finish his call.

She stands there for a few minutes thinking about her options and decides that no one does things like this for nothing. She runs to the room puts her old clothes back on and heads to the elevator. She walks out into the cold and keeps her head low because of the dirty looks of the people passing her. She heads out to find the one person that has helped her on the streets. An old woman named Iris took her in and showed her how to make a living on the streets without stealing. She has lived on the streets for three years now and Iris helped her do that.

Dominic returns from his call and walks into her room to find the new clothes neatly folded. “Shit, Elena” he yells to the housekeeper “Yes Sir,” she says running into the room “When did she leave?” he demands “Just a few minutes ago sir” She replies softly. Dominic runs to the elevator and calls his driver. He stops on the way out to ask the doorman which way she went. Dominic gets in his car and orders the driver to go. Dominic spots her a few blocks up hugging herself as she walks.

He curses as he watches from a distance. He follows her to find out where she is going. “Keep your distance. I just want to see where she goes” Dominic orders his driver as he calls Trystan “hey man” “I need you to look up some info for me. Be careful and don’t ask too many questions just the basics” Dominic says sternly. “Yeah who?” “Sapphire Larsen. That’s her real name but she was scared to tell me and told me that her name can hurt people so be careful” “I got it, man. Give me about an hour to see what I can dig up” Trystan states ending the call. Dominic rolls down the window since they’re parked where he can see what’s going on.

Sapphire turns down an alley and spots the cart belonging to Iris. “Iris?” She asks not wanting to scare her but there is no answer. She lifts the sheet covering the area Iris sleeps in. She screams finding Iris blue and cold. “NO, Iris please wake up” she cries as she holds her head in her lap. “Please, please get up don’t leave me. WAKE UP!” she screams.

Dominic hears her scream and watches as she falls to her knees and holds someone. He is out of the car like hell on wheels running towards her. “Sapphire what…?” His question dies on his lips as he walks up seeing the old woman in her lap. “She took care of me out here and taught me how to survive. I wasn’t here for her and now she’s gone. Like everyone else in my life”, she rocks pulling the cover over her friend. His heart clenches as she looks at him with tears running down her cheeks. He steps forward to try and comfort her but stops. She scoots back putting her hands up to stop him “No, don’t you get it I’m jinxed. Everyone I care about gets hurt and dies. Just get away” She demands sternly the tears flowing down her cheeks.

Dominic can’t take the grief that fills his heart for her. He steps forward and pulls her to his chest. She fights him for a minute but gives into his warm comforting embrace “I’m not going anywhere, Sapphire. No one can hurt me. You’re coming back with me and we’ll get her taken care of” Dominic says softly hauling her into his arms as he walks back to the car. Once in the car he pulls her into his lap and tells the driver the situation. Five minutes later the police arrive. Dominic leaves her in the car and explains what happened to the authorities.

An hour later Sapphire is walking back into Dominic’s apartment feeling defeated and exhausted. She sits on the floor by the windows curled into a ball. Dominic pulls a blanket around her and sits in front of her. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep running away from my past. You said you would help me, are you still willing to?” She asks sternly wiping away her tears. “I am” Dominic replies simply. “I don’t want a handout. I’m willing to work and do what it takes but I also won’t be bought either” She states sternly. “I have an open position for a personal assistant. Mine just went on maternity leave and I need someone available at all hours” Dominic states, the tone of his voice, all business. “I can handle that. I don’t have a place to stay or nice clothes but I will do my best” She replies softly.

Dominic shakes his head. “You have a place here for as long as you like and for the clothes don’t worry, we’ll take care of that tomorrow.” He says waving his hand. He watches as life comes into her eyes for the first time since he met her “I’ll pay you rent too if you want and pay you back for the clothes as soon as I get my first paycheck” She replies with a hopeful smile. Dominic stands “you’ll do no such thing. The clothes are a uniform, of sorts, to do your job. Which will include social events with me and dinner events but the spare room is yours for as long as you like; no strings attached” He says offering her his hand.

She smiles and takes his hand as he hauls her to her feet. She lands against his chest and blushes as fire runs through her veins. “Thank you. You don’t know how much this means to me” She says softly. Dominic resists the urge to pull her into him and taste her heart-shaped lips. He stares for a moment taking in her beauty not only on the outside but inside as well. “You are welcome. I have a conference call in 10 minutes. If you like, get changed and in about an hour we’ll have lunch” he says with a smile as he steps back giving her space.

She smiles a small smile and nods unable to form words because of the disappointment she feels as he pushes her away. She heads to her room and changes back into the clothes he got her. She lies on the bed smelling the sheets and relaxing into the blanket. Her eyes close as she dreams of better days and warm nights.

Dominic knocks on her door over an hour later to find her sound asleep. He smiles as his eyes scan her beautiful face and midnight black hair splayed out on the pillow. He steps forward wanting only to hold her in his arms and runs his hands through her hair. He stops himself as she speaks in her sleep. “Mom, please don’t go, don’t leave me. Please!” She cries out as she begins to twist and turn in the bed. Dominic reaches for her and pulls her into his arms “Sapphire, wake up it’s just a dream, wake up” He croons as her eyes flutter open. He runs his hand over her face and his thumb lightly over her bottom lip. He holds her tightly, close enough to kiss, as he watches her eyes clear and something else begin to grow.

She sighs into his arms knowing that she shouldn’t. She stares into his eyes and the touch of his hand ignites a desire in her that she has never felt before. He closes his eyes taking a deep breath before placing her gently on the bed. “You should get something to eat before bed. We have an early start tomorrow.” Dominic says as he stands and leaves the room. She rubs her hands down her jeans and heads to the kitchen to get a bite to eat.

Dominic observes her as they eat dinner in silence. She steals glances at him only to discover he is staring at her. She smiles a small smile “Do I have something on my face?” She asks looking at him. He is caught off guard for a moment but recovers quickly with a smile “no, you are a very beautiful woman Sapphire. I just can’t think of what could have happened to you that would cause you to have to live on the streets” he says sipping his wine.

She sighs in her chair as her eyes and facial expressions go blank. Dominic realizes he may be pushing too hard “it's ok. You don’t have to tell me” Dominic says kindly. “I guess it’s the least I could do since you have been so kind” Sapphire replies as she clears her throat. Dominic watches her closely as she starts to talk “I was only 22 when my father was killed and my mother was unable to keep things going. We lost everything. She died only a couple of months later in a car accident. I was all alone. No family and no friends. Everyone turned their backs on us and left us to fend for ourselves” She tells him sadly remembering her mother and how hard she tried. Dominic grabs her hand giving it a light squeeze. Her eyes shoot to his as the fire from his touch moves through her.

Dominic smiles “You have a friend now and I won’t let you go back out there alone” he smiles as her face lights up and he pulls her hand to his lips giving it a soft kiss. She blushes at the contact and reacts on impulse pulling her hand away quickly. Making Dominic smile even bigger “I don’t bite. At least not unless you want me to” He says with a mischievous smile from behind his wine glass. She blushes even redder as she looks down at her food. She waits just a moment and stands to go to her room.

Dominic stands confused about her reaction “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I have a habit of making bad jokes.” He states trying to draw her back out of herself. She sighs and gives him a small smile “I’m just not used to a man talking to me, let alone saying kind things like that” Dominic scoffs “That can’t be true. You’re beautiful. I’m sure before you lost the life you had, you had a lot of boyfriends” she blushes and shakes her head “no, the only man that has ever cared about me was my dad” “and me” Dominic replies as he picks up their wine and walks them into the living room.

He turns on the fireplace and low music as they settle onto the couch. She sits at one end and he at the other. They sit and talk about art and music things she loves. Dominic watches the animation in her features as they talk loving her personality, enthusiasm, and love for life, something he lost in the war. He smiles “Are you ok to start tomorrow as my assistant?” he asks noting her heavy eyes “yes, I don’t want to be a bother or a burden for you. The quicker I start, the faster I can pay you for the clothes and the time I live here” she replies with a yawn as she set the wine glass on the table. Dominic checks his watch, making her smile “got a hot date?” she asks making him smile “I had one but she’s tired and has to sleep before work tomorrow” he smiles with a wink making her blush.

She stands and as she turns to leave, her feet get twisted in the blanket she was using and she stumbles back onto the couch into Dominic. He catches her face first against his chest. Their lips are so close he can almost taste them. She lets out a small giggle as she tries to untangle her feet. She looks back up at him his eyes dark and heavy with passion. She pushes back as her face turns red. “Sorry, I’m a little clumsy. Must be the wine. I don’t ever drink” he smiles and nods not trusting himself not to pull her back to him.

She goes to her room and just before she closes the door she yells “Good night Dominic” he smiles as his name rolls off her tongue “Good night Sapphire” he replies as he walks to his office to call Trystan. Trystan answers after the first ring “You ready for this shit?” He answers seriously. “It can’t be that bad. Just tell me” Dominic states sitting at his computer. “OK, Sapphire Larsen was the only child of Christopher and Quinn Larsen of Larsen Enterprises Empire. Back about 3 years ago the empire was mysteriously ripped from the family's hands. Her father was murdered about 2 weeks later before the court process was set to begin and her mother held on as long as she could but she was killed in a car accident 2 months after her husband was killed. As for Sapphire, she was left out of most of the news and no one knew what happened to her until now.” Dominic blows out a deep breath “I knew she came from money, you can tell just by looking at her, but this is unexpected. What do the unofficial reports say?” He asks knowing that there is always an unofficial report that usually holds more truth.

Trystan smiles “You know it’s almost creepy that we think so much alike” he replies pulling out the unofficial file he already researched. “So, rumor has it that Mr. Larsen signed a paper not knowing he was signing over everything to his business partner Felix Vinton and when the paper was forced into effect by the partner he tried to fight it and ended up dead. The wife tried to recover the family company but died in the crash just before the court date. Again rumor has it that Felix Vinton has been looking for Sapphire for years, for what? Who knows but I don’t think it’s to give her the company back”

Dominic sits in his chair thinking for a minute before speaking “I gave her my assistant position at the office. She starts tomorrow after we swing by Saks and get her some work clothes. If this man wants to find her he will but we will be there to stop him if he tries to hurt her. I smell a rat in what happened and I don’t think its chance that we happened to find her” Dominic says seriously. “You know what you’re getting into could turn into a shit storm real quick for both of us, right? But I can tell your mind’s made up so we’ll roll with it. Are we going out tonight?” Trystan asks Dominic laughs “No, I’m going to bed and you should do the same we have the big military contract proposal to run through to present them the day before the New Year’s party” “Right and that’s the only reason. I guess you’re all business tonight. See you tomorrow” Trystan says with a laugh “Fuck you man it’s the only reason right now. See you tomorrow” Dominic ends the call and heads to bed locking the floor’s elevator.

Sapphire sleeps off and on all night not used to the soft bed and warm blankets. She finally gives up around 3 am and walks into the living room. She walks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and sits on the floor with her knees pulled to her chest as she watches the never sleeping city below. She dozes off watching the twinkling lights before dawn.

Chapter 3

Dominic gets up at 6 am and takes a shower. He wraps his towel around his waist and heads to get a cup of coffee in the kitchen before getting dressed for the day. He walks into the kitchen gets his coffee and turns to the living room where he finds Sapphire curled up sitting on the floor at the window asleep. His heart breaks a little for what she has endured. He sets down his coffee and walks over to her. “Sapphire,” He says gently as her eyes flutter open.

She stretches her feet out and stands before looking at him “Sorry, I…” She starts until her eyes meet his and freely roam over his naked chest. He has what looks like a feather that peaks over each shoulder. The fire in her veins ignites and runs through her making her cheeks turn bright red. She looks away embarrassed that she can’t control herself and the desire filling her eyes.

Dominic smiles as she blushes knowing that her eyes have wandered over his body. He steps back and clears his throat trying to control his desire to pull her into his arms and taste the sweetness of her lips. “I didn’t mean to startle you but we will need to be going soon. The director at Saks is opening the salon and private areas for us early before work” He explains without emotion. She nods her head “thank you, I’ll just take a quick shower and get ready” She says before skirting past him and into her room. He turns grabbing his coffee before heading to his room.

They are in the car at 7 am and headed to Saks. Sapphire fidgets with her hands as she rides in his car. He watches her before placing a hand over hers “Stop worrying. You are going to be fine.” He says trying to calm her fears. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been fine. I don’t fit into this world anymore and it makes me more than nervous, that what happened to my family will happen to me or worse you.” She says staring out the window thankful for his hand over hers. He keeps his hand over hers until they arrive at Saks. He steps out and offers his hand to hers “Come on Sapphire I don’t bite and I won’t let anyone else bite you either:” Dominic says with a smile. She gives him a nervous smile and takes his hand.

Sapphire is rushed into a salon where they do her hair nails and facial. She watches Dominic with fearful eyes but he keeps his distance. She is primped and ready when the stylist walks in and takes her measurements. She rattles off numbers and styles for her workers to go find as she ushers Sapphire into a dressing room.

Dominic takes a seat as the clothes are brought in. He’s comfortable since he has been shopping many times with his sister. He waits with a cup of coffee answering a few texts and emails while he waits. “Mr. Grayson, she’s ready would you like her to come out?” The stylist asks. Dominic gives her a curt nod looking at his phone.

Sapphire takes a deep breath and walks out of the dressing room in a chic blue and white dress that comes to mid-thigh. The top is white and the bottom blue with a gold belt wrapped around her tiny waist. Dominic glances up and immediately does a double take as he stands from his chair. He is astonished at the woman before him. She is gorgeous, Black hair conditioned and laying around her shoulders in waves, her make-up naturally accenting her eyes, and a figure that all women in high society dream about. He stands shocked and speechless.

Sapphire’s cheeks turn red as she waits with anxious eyes for his approval. Hoping that he will like what he sees. She knows that she needs to keep an arm’s length between her and everyone but she wants more than anything for him to like the clothes. She lifts her gaze to meet his and is shocked by the look in his eyes. She takes a step forward feeling emboldened by the look of desire in his eyes. Dominic walks to her and takes her hand twirling her in a circle. Her eyes meet his and he gives her a roguish smile “You’re perfect” he says simply making her blush as joy fills her heart and butterflies flutter through her stomach.

She is ushered back in and tries on a few other models but doesn’t come back out to show him. “Mr. Grayson, She would like to know which ensemble you would like her to wear today.” The stylist says with a smile. “The first one is fine. Please have the styles and formals we discussed sent to my address” he says as he hands her his business card. “They will be delivered this afternoon.” She says with a smile as she walks back to the dressing room with the ensemble she first tried on.

Dominic smiles a megawatt smile when Sapphire walks out in the dress with heels and simple jewelry to match the first blue and white dress. She smiles a shy smile “I can never thank you enough for helping me, Dominic. I promise I will do all I can to not let you down” She says fidgeting with her bracelet. “I told you not to worry about anything. Are you ready to head to the office?” He asks offering her his arm. She squares her shoulders and holds her head high “As ready as I’ll ever be” she says as she slides her hand onto his arm and walks with him to the car.

Dominic answers a few calls on the way to the office while she watches the outside the window with unease. Dominic ends his call and pulls out a gift box. “Here these are for you. You will need them for work. Also, my sister is Trystan’s assistant. She is a great girl and easy to get along with. I’m sure you two will be friends right away. I wanted to make your first day easy so I asked Trystan to explain your situation to my sister. I don’t want anyone making you feel like you don’t belong with me… I mean with the company so, I made sure that only the necessary people know about your arrival” He explains in a business tone.

She sighs “I wish no one had to know but what’s done is done. I just want you to be sure that I’m the right fit I don’t want to make you look bad or screw anything up” She says taking the present. She sucks in a breath as their fingers lightly touch leaving fire in their wake. She opens the box and inside is an iPhone and iPad with all the accessories in light blue. She smiles at the color since it’s her favorite. “Thank you,” She says softly. “You are most welcome. I have programmed my number, Trystan’s, my sister Alina’s, and the office numbers in the phone.” Dominic says as they arrive at the office.

She looks out her window at the tall building labeled. Graysen & Garcia Enterprises. Dominic exits the car and comes to her side opening the door. “You ready?” He asks not wanting to rush her. Sapphire sighs placing the items back in the box. She takes his hand and slides from the car into the cold air. She pulls her coat close as he places a hand on the small of her back and walks her through security and up to the top floor. She exits the elevator into an expansive waiting area with two desks one on each side of a hallway. Dominic steers her down the hallway between the desks, past two different meeting rooms, and into another small more personalized waiting area. She smiles at the colors and seating chosen that make one feel at home.

Dominic walks her into his office. She stops looking at the view from his office that shows New York in all her glory. He smiles as he guides her to her desk that sits across the room from his separated by a glass wall and a doorway with a sliding glass door. “This is your desk and that is mine,” he says as he turns to walk into his office. She stands at the desk not certain of what to do. She rounds the desk and places her things on top. She is about to walk into Dominic’s office when a bouncy blond comes barging into the office stopping her in her tracks.

The blond walks past her almost as if she was invisible and walks into Dominic’s office throwing herself into his lap. Sapphire watches as Dominic hugs the girl tightly. She feels the ugly green head of jealousy coming up as she makes eye contact with Dominic. She turns quickly hoping he doesn’t see the hurt and anger in her eyes. She busies herself with the things on her desk. “He’s just helping you Jinx get a grip. He has given you any indications that he likes you. Get your head on straight and get to work” She chastises herself mentally.

Dominic watches the emotions cross Sapphire's face wondering what she is thinking as he hugs his sister. “Hey Alina how was Christmas?” he asks loving the carefree spirit of his sister. “It was great, we had a blast,” She says jumping off his lap. She is dressed in brown dress slacks and a multicolored blouse. She stands looking at the beautiful woman in the other room. She looks back at her brother “She’s hot, Trystan said you were hooked on a girl but I didn’t think she would be that beautiful” Alina says sitting in a seat in front of the desk. Dominic smiles at the comment “Hot? She is beautiful isn’t she?” Dominic says watching Sapphire fumble with the items on her desk. “Holy Shit, you should see the look on your face. You like her, really like her Dom. Is she your game changer?” Alina says smiling from ear to ear.

Dominic sighs as he sits back in his chair with a smile “I like her but I’m not willing to press my hand yet. She’s too vulnerable right now with everything that has happened. She is going to need your help with the Military deal and I want her heading the New Year’s party arrangements” Dominic says getting to business. “Yes sir, nice try to change the subject. Do you think she likes you?” Alina asks giving him a salute. “I don’t know and now is not the time to discuss it. If she does it doesn’t matter. I’m not pressing my hand yet. I don’t want you to push the issue either Alina. Be nice to her, she’s been through a lot” Dominic says brushing his sister off as he calls for Sapphire.

Sapphire hears her name in the raspy voice she could now pick out anywhere. She turns walking to his office with her IPad in hand. “Yes?” She says softly. Dominic stands rounding his desk as she walks in. “This is my sister Alina, Alina this is Sapphire. Alina will help you get settled and give you a tour of the top floor. She will also fill you in on the deals we have coming up and what your role is for each. I have compiled a list of names and details about investors that you will need to memorize before our New Year’s Eve party that you will be heading.” Dominic says watching the expressions cross her face.

Relief floods through her veins as Dominic tells her the blond is his sister. She smiles kindly shaking her hand. She listens intently taking in the details of what Dominic is telling her. “I will do my best,” She says taking the list he compiled for her. Alina smiles at her kindly “Let’s leave the general here to work and I’ll show you around” She says liking her arm with Sapphire making her smile. “Thank you.” She says softly as she gazes back at Dominic with a smile. He smiles and winks at her as the girls leave.

Alina walks with Sapphire showing her the facility, talking to her like they are the best of friends. Sapphire catches herself smiling loving Alina’s kind, free spirit. As they come back to the offices Alina turns to Sapphire with a big smile “Ok, now that we're done with all the boring stuff we can talk, just us girls. I’m not even half as serious as my brother and I hope we can be friends. I have to warn you though. I say whatever pops into my head and my brother hates my sarcasm” She says smiling as they sit in one of the meeting rooms. Sapphire smiles at her “Thank you for being who you are. I don’t have any friends but if I did, I would want one like you. No run a round and straight to the point” “Well you have a friend now. I hope Dominic told you that Trystan gave me the run down about your situation” She asks a little concerned. “Yes he did, but please don’t give me that look of pity. I don’t want people feeling sorry for me” Sapphire says mistaking her look of concern for pity. “Hold up, I don’t feel sorry for you. I am sorry for what you went through but you’re here now and that’s all that matters” Alina says holding her hand up and then smiling at her.

Alina goes over the specifics of her job and lets her get started on the New Year’s Eve party preparations by giving her a list of catering companies and services they’ll need for the party. Alina also hands her the specs on the military contract they are vying for and lets her know that she is the go-between between the military and Dominic. Alina shows her back to the office and heads to her own to work.

Sapphire sits down at her desk noticing the glass has frosted over between her and Dominic’s office.

She begins the endless phone calls to get the venue they picked set up and planned for New Year’s Eve. She finishes getting the last few details done around lunchtime. She looks at her phone and it says 1:12 pm. She also noticed she has a message from Dominic “When you get done please come see me” She gasps at the time he sent it have been 3 hours ago. “Shit. Shit. Shit.” She says as she stands with her notepad and walks to his door. She knocks lightly but gets no answer; she pushes the door open to find an empty office. She sighs and returns to her desk.

Alina pops her head into the office a little while later “You ready to eat?” she asks with a smile. “Sure, I was waiting on Dominic but he left his office,” Sapphire says shrugging her shoulders “it's fine he knows where the food is and he always gets the same thing. Let’s go, we all eat together in the conference room” Alina says linking her arms with Sapphires as they make their way to the conference room.

Trystan stands as they enter the room “Dios Mio” he says as he sees Sapphire for the first time today. Sapphire blushes at his comment. He walks over gives her a big hug and steps back grabbing her hand and making her twirl “You look great in the new digs” he says with a smile as he pulls out her chair “I said the same thing to Dom this morning. You look hot in that dress” she says making Sapphire blush even more. “Thank you, I wouldn’t have them if it wasn’t for Dominic’s kindness.” She says shyly as she takes a drink of the soda in front of her.

Dominic strides into the conference room a little pissed about a deal they just lost but excited to see Sapphire. “Did I hear my name?” he asks with a flourish as rounds the door. Sapphire sputters and spills her drink across the table. She shoots to her feet “I’m sorry, sorry…” She says trying to clean up her mess. Trystan stays her hands “It’s ok, accidents happen” He says softly trying to calm her. “I’m sorry I didn’t get any on your clothes did I?” She asks in a panic. Alina smiles “They’re just clothes and no you didn’t get any on me. It’s ok” She says as she continues her meal.

Sapphire turns to face Dominic who surveys her face carefully. She blushes as she looks at him “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your lunch” She says before walking out of the room. She walks to the end of the hall to her office window and stops placing her hands on the cold glass. She breathes deep trying to control her need to be outside. She feels the walls closing in and her breathing becomes quicker and shallow. The blood roars in her ears and she doesn’t hear the door to the office close.

Dominic sees her panic in the room and turns to follow her to the office. He watches as she tries to control her panic but loses the battle. She gasps as he wraps his arms around her turning her to him. He pulls her against his chest “It’s ok Sapphire, breath baby, breath.” He croons as she tries to calm her breathing. He walks her to his office and opens a window allowing the cold air to flow into the room. She takes a deep breath and the darkness is blown away by the cold air filling her lungs. Dominic sits on the couch with her still cradled in his arms. He gently strokes her hair until she is calm enough to talk.

She feels safe and secure in Dominic’s arms but she knows he only wants to help, nothing more. She takes a deep breath before pulling herself from his arms. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you miss your lunch too. I just… today has been busy and…” She tries to explain as she paces the office in front of him. Dominic stands grabbing her hands “it's ok, we knew this would be difficult Sapphire and I told you I wouldn’t leave you alone. This is new to you and no one is going to mention this when we go back to eat” Dominic says brushing her hair from her face. She sighs feeling his knuckles brush against her cheek. Dominic watches her reaction and his lips curl into a little smile as he sees she is affected by his touch.

Dominic steps back “Do you want to eat with Trystan and Alina or would you like for us to eat in here?” he asks placing his hands in his pockets. Sapphire thinks about the question for a moment “I think we should go back and eat with them; it would be rude not to” She says giving him a weak smile. He smiles at her courage and nods. Dominic walks her back to the conference room with his hand on the small of her back. She enters the room to find two smiling faces with no judgment.

Sapphire smiles as she takes a seat and Dominic is next to her “I’m sorry I left like that” She says softly. Alina smiles “it's ok, I think I have the impulse to run out of here at least twice a day, so no sweat,” She says eating a French fry and making Sapphire smile. “Do you like it here so far?” Trystan asks as he hands her a burger and fries. She smiles “Thank you. I love it here so far. You are all so nice and the job isn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I’ve already got the venue and the event planned for New Year’s Eve.” She says proudly. Dominic smiles “I’m glad to hear it,” he says feeling proud that she is doing so well.

They finish their meal in silence and each gets up to go back to work when they finish. Dominic and Sapphire head back to their office and are greeted by a beautiful red-headed woman. She is dressed in the latest fashion and wreaks of perfume. Everything about the woman spells out money. Sapphire rolls her eyes as the woman greets Dominic “Domi, How are you handsome?” She says grabbing his face and crashing her lips to his. Dominic stands frozen caught off guard by Giselle his ex-flame.

Sapphire is surprised by the woman’s audacity. She rolls her eyes and continues to her desk. She turns to see Dominic peel the woman off him but her stomach rolls at the sight of his hands touching her. Dominic catches her eyes and gives her a quizzical look. Sapphire rolls her eyes and acts like she is concentrating on the list he gave her to study. Dominic sees the anger in Sapphire's eyes and it makes him smile. He turns back to Giselle “Hello Giselle, what are you doing here?” He asks short and to the point.

She smiles at him “Oh, Domi so formal. I came to see if you had plans for tonight?” she says patting his shoulder. Dominic ushers her to his office. Once inside he closes the door and turns his icy glare on her “You know I’m not available Giselle, not for you. Why are you here?” He says impatiently. She rolls her eyes at him “Such a stick in the mud. Are you ever going to get over what happened between us?” She asks bored with his attitude. “You know I’m not. You slept with another man while we were engaged. I don’t want to see you and you know that. There is not and will never be anything between us again Giselle. Now either tell me what you want or leave” He says sternly. “Fine, I just came to see about New Year’s Eve. Are you going to the party with an escort?” She asks trying to be coy “It's none of your damn business but I’m bringing my date. Are we done here?” He asks holding the door open. She rolls her eyes and sighs “I guess so. I hope she’s worth letting me go” She says as she walks out into the outer office. Dominic laughs “Anyone is better than you Giselle and just so you know you don’t even walk in the same arena that she does” Giselle scoffs at his comment and leaves slamming the door.

Sapphire jumps at the sound of the door and looks up making eye contact with Dominic. “Can you come in for a moment I need you for a few things” Dominic says as he turns and walks into his office. She rolls her eyes and grabs her notepad and pen before walking into his office trying to school her face to not betray her hurt and anger.

Dominic sits in his chair and Sapphire is in front of him. Her expression is cold and distant as she asks “What did you need?” Dominic watches her carefully “I need you to make sure the Guestlist for New Year is completed and sent to the security team by tomorrow. The Security team will be in place all night at the party and we need to get the Limo service for all the guests who prefer not to drive home.” He says watching her closely. Sapphire writes the things she needs to do but doesn’t make eye contact with him. “Will, that be all sir?” She asks her voice cold and betraying her hurt and anger. “Yes,” He says flatly.

She stands to leave making it to the door before Dominic grabs her arm “What’s wrong?” He asks turning her to him and searching her face. He sees the fleeting expression of hurt then her face turns to anger “Nothing” She says yanking her arms from his. He frowns “It’s not nothing, what’s wrong?” He asks forcefully. “Nothing, I just thought you were different that’s all. But like always I’m wrong. I’ll get back to work and make sure everything is taken care of” She says coldly as she pulls her arm from his hand. Dominic sighs and smiles a little smile. He doesn’t owe her an explanation but decides to give her one “Sapphire, that woman Giselle is an ex-girlfriend of mine who likes nothing more than to piss me off by coming here whenever she feels like it. She knows I’m single and she’s the one who fucked up our relationship so, she wants a second chance and I don’t” he says watching her face.

Sapphire nods her head as Dominic walks back into his office. She sits in her chair and smiles a small smile thankful that he told her about the woman even when he didn’t have to. The butterflies in her stomach flutter and her heart skips a beat. She shakes her head “get it together Sapphire. You don’t need a man to make it. You need to get your shit together and keep your emotions and heart in check” She thinks chastising herself.

The rest of the day is uneventful. They work until 5 pm then head home. Sapphire is happy to arrive at Dominic’s apartment. “You seem much happier this evening,” Dominic says as he loosens his tie and places his briefcase on the ground. “I am happier, thanks to you,” She says with a smile as she slips her heels off. Dominic smiles at her “It makes me happy to see you smile Sapphire. If you want, get a shower and we’ll have dinner”. Sapphire smiles and nods before going to her room; where she finds clothes hanging in the closet and drawers. She gasps and drops her shoes on the floor. Dominic walks in behind her “I was hoping they would all be put away” he says surveying her closet. She turns to him with joyful but also sad eyes. “You didn’t need to do all of this. I… I…” she stutters before she gives into her desires and wraps her arms around his neck.

Dominic laughs as she throws her arms around him. He smells her hair and wraps his arms around her holding her to him. “Thank you” She whispers as she holds on tightly. “No thanks needed Sapphire. You deserve this and more” He says holding her just as tight. She loosens her hold on his neck pushing back a little to look in his eyes. “You’re my angel. I… I… can’t thank you enough” She says as she looks at him her eyes full of hope. Dominic sighs loosening his hold and lowering his hands to her hips “I’m no angel and your smile is all I need” he says watching her eyes. They stand lost in each other’s eyes for a moment until he starts to lean into her and Sapphire panics. She pushes back and smiles at him. “Thank you, Dominic,” She says as she checks the drawers for night clothes to wear. Dominic smiles and turns to leave the room. He blows out a breath as he leaves, knowing that all he wanted to taste her lips but the fear in her eyes sucks him in and refuses to let him press his hand.

Sapphire comes out a little while later with her hair in a messy bun, dressed in a silk nightgown with a silk robe. Dominic smiles at the clothes since they don’t do much to hide her attributes. Sapphire finishes her meal first and takes her dishes to the sink. She begins to wash them when Dominic walks up behind her “Leave those. Elena will take care of them” He says placing his hands over hers. She gasps at his touch as the fire spreads from his hands through her veins. “I don’t mind really. She cooked, it’s the least I can do” Sapphire says continuing. “I don’t want you to wash them. You are a guest here and all you need to do is rest” He says grabbing her hands from the water and shutting it off.

He holds her hands in his as the fire burns in his eyes. She looks up at him as the fire reaches her cheeks making her blush. He raises his wet hand and brushes her hair from her face. She sucks in a breath at his touch, making Dominic step closer and wrap his hand around her waist. She looks into his eyes and sees the passion and desire there. Her breath picks up and as he leans closer to her she stops breathing. Dominic smiles as he kisses her cheek “Breath” he whispers in her ear jolting her back from her lust-induced trance as she sucks in a deep breath.

Dominic steps back from her, allowing her to get her footing. She smiles a shy smile at him “Sorry, I…” She starts but he interrupts her “Stop saying sorry for everything. You did nothing wrong.” He says grabbing her hand. She smiles a nervous smile at him watching their joined hands. “I know but I just, I don’t know how to…” She says unable to get the right words to form. He notices her frustration and releases her hand “It’s ok when you’re ready we can talk about it. Until then, sleep well” He says as turns and leaves. Sapphire stands for a moment before going to her room, closing the door, and slides down the wall as she tries to get herself together.

She sighs frustrated with herself “Dear heart, stop getting involved in everything. Your job is to pump blood that’s it” she thinks to herself before getting into her bed and drifting off to sleep. Sleep eludes Dominic for hours until finally, he can drift off to sleep.

Sapphire jerks awake in her bed unable to breathe. She stumbles to the door and out into the living room. She fumbles for a light but is unable to locate it. She stumbles forward tripping over the rug, before slamming into the chair. As she stumbles towards the windows she falls banging her shins on the coffee table. She is hyperventilating now with tears running down her cheeks and all she can think about is getting outside.

Dominic hears banging in the living room and jumps from his bed half naked, dressed only in a pair of sweat pants. He retrieves his gun and stalks into the living room. He flips on the light and is shocked to see the side table flipped over furniture moved and Sapphire on the floor tangled in a blanket that has fallen. She turns and catches his eye making him gasp at the tears falling down her face. He puts the safety on the gun and sets it on the kitchen counter before going to Sapphire. “Hey, you ok?” he asks softly.

Sapphire can’t get her words out because she feels as though her chest is caving in. She points to the window as she grabs her chest. Dominic nods picking her up in his arms. He carries her out to the terrace and sits down on the chaise with her in his arms. The terrace is covered so there is no snow but it is freezing. She gasps for air as the cold fills her lungs. She snuggles into his chest as he holds her tightly until her breathing slows.

Dominic resists the urge to drag her to his room and keep her there so she feels safe. He holds her close on the freezing terrace. When she snuggles into him he sighs tightening his grip. “It’s ok Sapphire, Just breath,” He says as her breathing slows. He kisses her head softly and rubs her back trying to soothe her fears. She sits back looking at him with tear-filled eyes “I’m so sorry, I’ll clean up the living room” she says through her sobs. Dominic shakes his head not believing that she is so sweet. “Don’t worry about that. Do you want to talk about what happened?” He says trying to understand what she is afraid of.