Chapter 23
Ajori
In my dream, the space between us was non-existent, leaving no room for rational thought.
Domino had me pressed against something cool and solid.
My breath came in uneven gasps, each inhale laced with anticipation as my body reacted instinctively, far ahead of my mind, which struggled to process the intensity of the moment.
“You enjoy testing me, don’t you?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that resonated deep within me.
Domino's presence enveloped me completely, his hand sliding expertly up my spine, igniting a fire that I couldn't deny.
“I asked a question,” I managed to reply, my voice softer than I'd intended.
His hand stilled for a brief moment, then tightened just enough at my waist to serve as a reminder of who commanded that space.
“That wasn’t a question,” he countered, his breath warm against my ear, steady yet stirring. “That was you testing me.”
My fingers curled against the surface, as my pulse quickened in response. “And what if I were?” I shot back defiantly, even as my body betrayed my bravado, craving his proximity.
A quiet chuckle erupted from him, low and teasing. “Then you should already understand what the consequences of that are.”
Before I could formulate a retort, he spun me around with an unexpected quickness, the firm pressure of his body against mine pinning me to the surface. The look in his eyes did something to me I couldn’t explain.
“You don’t get to talk to me any kind of way... not if you expect me to maintain my patience with you.”
My breath hitched in my throat, caught between confusion and exhilaration. “I wasn't—”
“Don’t,” he interrupted, raising his hand with a gentle authority, fingers brushing against my chin to tilt my face just the way he wanted.
“You've got a sharp tongue,” he continued, his thumb grazing my bottom lip with a feather-like caress. “And I’m beginning to think you take pleasure in testing the limits, seeing how far you can push it.”
I swallowed hard. “And if I do?” I whispered.
His grip tightened just enough to pull me closer, his presence overwhelming in the best and worst way at the same time. “Then you’re going to learn... and I don’t have a habit of repeating myself.”
My breath came quicker, and my body reacted faster than I could control.
Domino watched me with a knowing intensity, as if he could see the very course my thoughts were taking.
“Say something else,” he teased, a playful challenge in his voice. “Let’s see if you still have that same energy.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could muster a word, a soft yet firm knock echoed through the room and jolted me awake.
Sunlight streamed through the window, spilling across the room in warm, pulling me fully back to reality.
I blinked rapidly, my chest rising and falling with a quickened rhythm, remnants of the dream still clinging to my consciousness.
I took a deep breath, dragging a hand down my face as I surveyed my surroundings.
Kyrin was sprawled across the foot of the bed, half-tangled in a blanket, his mouth slightly open as if he had fallen into a deep slumber without a care in the world.
On the other side lay Lainey, cocooned like a burrito, one leg tossed over a pillow she had clearly claimed as her own.
I let out a small, relieved breath, appreciating the comforting presence of them around me.
Their plans hadn't included staying the night, but after everything that had transpired, neither wanted me to sleep alone. Lainey had flung herself onto the bed first, claiming she wasn’t about to leave me to “spiral and overthink in luxury,” and Kyrin followed right behind her, saying something about “doctor’s orders,” even though no doctor said that.
I didn’t argue because, for once, I too didn’t want to face the silence of solitude.
The knock came again, sharper that time.
I slipped out of the bed as quietly as I could, making sure not to disturb either of the sleeping forms beside me.
With a quick motion, I grabbed a soft robe hanging from the back of the chair and tied it loosely around my waist, the fabric brushing against my skin as I moved toward the door.
When I opened it, I was greeted by one of the house staff, dressed crisp and composed, his expression chipper.
“Miss Ajori. Your father requests your presence for a private breakfast.”
My stomach flipped at the word father.
“Give me ten minutes,” I responded, almost hesitantly.
He inclined his head slightly before stepping away.
I leaned against the closed door for just a moment, drawing in a deep breath to regain my composure before moving away to get ready.
I traded the robe for a soft, fitted lounge set that hugged my figure without being overly formal. It was comfortable yet still put together. I pulled my hair back with an elastic band, allowing a few loose strands to frame my face softly, then slipped on a pair of casual slides.
By the time I made it to the sunroom, I paused at the threshold, captivated by the breathtaking view.
Tall glass panes stretched from floor to ceiling, allowing the golden morning sunlight to flood the space.
Tropical greenery swayed just outside, the breeze gentle, peaceful.
The table was elegantly set for just two with fresh flowers arranged in crystal vases, silverware polished to a shine that caught my reflection, and plates already artfully arranged with colorful fruit, delicate pastries, and perfectly cooked eggs, all looking pristine and untouched.
At the head of the table sat Alejandro, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
He held a steaming cup of coffee in one hand, a small smile playing on his lips as he caught my eye.
“Morning,” he greeted, offering a short but genuine smile that momentarily softened the tension in the air.
“Good morning,” I returned, politely.
“Sit, please,” he gestured to the other chair.
I approached slowly, taking my seat across from him as one of the staff members poured my tea and set a plate of fruit, pastries, and eggs that smelled like they came straight from heaven’s kitchen.
“Thank you,” I murmured automatically.
Once she stepped away, the subsequent silence settled heavily around us until Alejandro finally spoke.
“I know last night was… a lot, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to talk to you. Just you and me."
I lifted my head, studying him carefully, trying to figure out the layers beneath his calm exterior, understand our relationship and where I stood with all of that.
“Alright,” I finally replied, leaning back slightly, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. “So talk.”
“Ajori, I had enemies; the kind that don’t just come for me, they come for anything connected to me. And the easiest way to hurt a man like me is through his child.”
I stared at him, my jaw tightening in response to his confession.
“I stayed away to protect you,” he continued, an almost pleading tone in his voice. “I couldn’t risk bringing you into my world… not then, at least.”
My lips pressed into a thin line.
“You don’t get to act like that was noble,” I said, holding my ground. “You still left.”
“I did,” he admitted, taking full accountability, meeting my gaze with a seriousness that felt raw and real, “but I never neglected you in my heart. Every move I made was to keep you safe.” He paused for a heartbeat before adding, “I sent money when you were younger… consistently. More than enough to make sure you and your mother were taken care of.”
I maintained my stoic expression, resisting the urge to show the turmoil inside me.
“But as you got older,” he went on, his voice tinged with remorse, “it became more of a risk. Transfers, patterns, and people started asking questions, so I had to pull back. I promise you, I didn’t disappear out of selfishness.
I truly thought Vanessa was in a position to provide.
Based on what I sent her, you both should’ve been secured for years. ”
A bitter breath slipped out of me. “Yeah… about that.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “How is your mother doing these days, anyway?”
I rolled my eyes sharply; my voice laced with sarcasm. “How is she doing? Well, let’s see… she’s out partying half the time, barely home, and I’ve been working two jobs just to make sure the lights stay on.”
His expression hardened at that, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes.
“So I’ll have you know,” I added, my voice rising with indignation, “your precious safety plan didn’t stop Vanessa from stealing from me.”
His head tilted slightly, surprise etched across his features, a mixture of shock and confusion. “Stealing?”
“Yeah,” I fired back. “She stole the money from my runs. And before you assume I was doing those jobs for just some extra cash to go shopping with or play house, I wasn’t. I needed that money for my brother’s surgery.”
Alejandro straightened just a fraction. “Domino mentioned your brother needing surgery. What exactly is wrong with him?”
My voice trembled, but it didn’t break. “He has a congenital heart defect. He’s been on the donor list for years now. That last run was supposed to be the final stretch of money I needed to get him on a private list… one that could actually save his life.”
My fingers curled slightly against the table.
“She took it and disappeared,” I included. “Now she won’t answer my calls or anything.”
For the first time since I’d met “my father,” his composure cracked… just a little.
His hand clenched against the arm of his chair, jaw tightening as something darker flickered behind his eyes.
“She’s always done things like that, though,” I went on, my voice quieter now, almost tired. “This time it just hurt more because that money wasn’t for me; it was for her son with a heart that’s giving out.”
Alejandro closed his eyes briefly, exhaling through his nose. “If I had been there—”
I shook my head, cutting him off. “You weren’t, so I was.”
That wasn’t anger, that was truth.