Chapter 3 #2
I pushed the feeling aside, reminding myself that Dominic was not my alpha. I redirected my thoughts to the task at hand.
I retrieved my cell from my pocket and presented the same photo I’d shown Adelaide earlier. “Mr. Harrington, we need to talk about the recent vandalism to campaign materials in the Historical District. I’m sure you’ve heard about it by now?”
Blake’s smile didn’t waver, but something flickered in his eyes. “Of course, a terrible business. Please, sit.”
We settled into plush leather chairs as Blake perched on the edge of his desk, his posture casual yet commanding. “Shameful behavior, really. I hope they catch whoever’s responsible soon.”
“We wondered if you might have any insights into who might be behind it?” Penny asked, leaning forward.
Blake raised an eyebrow. “Me? I’m afraid I don’t know any more than what’s been reported. Why would you think I’d have inside information?”
I met his gaze steadily. “We spoke with Councilwoman Fairfax earlier. She mentioned that the trouble started around the time you announced your candidacy.”
A shadow passed over Blake’s face, so quickly I almost missed it. “Are you implying something, Mr. Sterling-Hart?”
“Not at all,” I said smoothly. “We’re just trying to gather all the facts. Your campaign has generated a lot of excitement... and controversy.”
Blake chuckled, but the sound lacked warmth. “Change often does. But I assure you, my vision for Millcrest includes preserving its rich heritage. Sometimes progress requires... necessary sacrifices, but—”
The office door swung open, cutting off Blake’s words. A sudden rush of recognition hit me as a scent I knew well filled the air—the sharp aroma of pine mixed with the warm fragrance of cinnamon.
Dominic Steele strode in, his steel-gray eyes widening slightly at the sight of us. A meticulously groomed blond man in an equally perfect suit followed close behind him, tablet in hand.
“Blake, I—oh. I didn’t realize you had company.” Dominic’s voice held genuine surprise.
Blake’s smile returned full force. “Dominic! Perfect timing. Let me introduce you to Leo Sterling-Hart from Cobblers’ Corner and Penny Lee from Vintage Vogue.”
“We’ve met,” I said, my voice tight. Memories of our last encounter flooded my mind—Dominic’s hands on my skin, his lips on my neck, the heat between us...
Blake turned toward the blond man. “And this is Brian Collins, Dominic’s executive deputy.”
“A pleasure to meet you both,” Brian said, extending his hand. His smile revealed teeth so unnaturally white they seemed to glow in the office lighting. “I’ve heard about your shops in the Historical District. Fascinating properties.”
I shook his hand briefly, noting the cool, dry feeling of his palm against mine. His appearance was pristine—from his immaculate suit to his precisely styled hair.
“Mr. Harrington, I have those projection reports you requested,” Brian said, turning to Blake and offering the tablet.
“Thank you, Brian. That will be all for now,” Dominic said as Blake accepted the tablet.
Brian nodded once, his movements precise and controlled. “Of course. If you need anything else, I’ll be in the conference room finalizing the presentation.” With another practiced smile, he exited the office, closing the door softly behind him.
“Good lord,” Penny whispered in my ear, quiet enough that only I could hear. “Are those teeth even real? They’re unnaturally white. Like, scientifically impossible white.”
I suppressed a smile despite my tension. Dominic’s gaze locked with mine, his expression unreadable. “L— Mr. Sterling-Hart. Mr. Lee. This is... unexpected.”
The tension in the room ratcheted up several notches. Penny cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “We were just discussing the recent vandalism of campaign posters with Mr. Harrington.”
“Oh?” Dominic’s eyebrow arched. “And what conclusions have you drawn?”
I bristled at his tone. “We’re still gathering information.”
I lifted my chin. “Though it’s interesting that you’d involve yourself with Mr. Harrington’s business ventures, given your own company’s stake in the Historical District.”
My fingers traced the edge of the pin in my pocket as I noted how Dominic’s shoulders stiffened at my words. A muscle twitched in his jaw, and his steel-gray eyes darted to Blake for a fraction of a second—so quick I almost missed it. The scent of pine and sandalwood grew sharper, more pronounced.
“A wise businessman explores all opportunities, wouldn’t you say?” Blake cut in smoothly, his baby-blue eyes gleaming. He clapped Dominic’s shoulder again, the gesture oddly possessive. “Besides, we’re kindred spirits, right Dom?”
My skin prickled at his choice of words. Something about their dynamic struck a false note, like a piano key slightly out of tune.
Blake laughed, the sound grating on my nerves. He studied me with a pensive gaze for a moment. “Come now, Mr. Sterling-Hart. Surely you don’t think we’re behind this nonsense? Dominic and I both want what’s best for Millcrest.”
“And what exactly is that?” I challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re more interested in profits than preservation.”
Dominic stepped forward, his eyes flashing. “That’s not fair, Leo. You don’t know the whole story.”
“You keep repeating that line, but you’re not bothering to fill me in on the details.” My omega instincts flared in response to his alpha presence. “In the meantime, all I see are two corporate sharks circling our town, waiting to take a bite.”
Dominic’s jaw clenched, his cool-gray eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and something deeper I couldn’t quite place.
The air around us suddenly felt charged, his alpha pheromones intensified, flooding my senses and making my omega instincts prickle with awareness.
His agitated scent transported me to our last disagreement, stirring up recollections I’d rather forget.
“But you already did, didn’t you?” I snapped bitterly.
I watched Dominic’s face carefully, searching for any hint of his true feelings. His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching beneath the skin, and something flickered in those steel-gray depths—anger? Hurt? It was gone before I could be sure.
Electricity seemed to spark in the space dividing us, our pheromones mingling in a heady cocktail of anger, attraction, and something deeper I couldn’t quite name. For a moment, I thought Dominic might reach for me, might try to bridge the chasm between us.
Instead, he took a step back, his expression shuttering. “If that’s what you think of me—of us—then perhaps this conversation is over.”
I felt a pang of regret, but I pushed it aside. “Perhaps it is. Penny, let’s go.”
As we headed for the door, Blake called out, “Leo, wait. Whatever you might think of me or my campaign, I do care about this town. I hope you’ll give me a chance to prove that.”
I paused, hand on the doorknob. Without turning, I said, “Actions speak louder than words, Mr. Harrington. I guess we’ll see what yours have to say.”
Penny and I rode the elevator down in silence, the tension from the confrontation still thrumming through my veins. It wasn’t until we were back on the street that Penny spoke.
“Well,” he said, running a hand through his pink hair, “that was... intense.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “That’s one word for it.”
“So, what’s the deal?” Penny asked, his brow furrowing. “What did you mean about him taking a bite out of it? Because honey, it doesn’t sound like you were just talking about the Historical District.”
My face went hot. “I... we...”
“Spill it, Leo. What happened?”
I took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. “We kissed. And maybe... a little more.”
Penny’s eyes almond-shaped eyes widened. “A little more? Define ‘a little more’.”
I waited until we were out of earshot of passersby before responding. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to reveal. “Let’s just say things got... heated.”
“Heated how?” Penny leaned forward, practically vibrating. “Wait. Is that why you smelled different for days after Dominic disappeared? Did you...?”
I nodded. Embarrassment heated my cheeks.
Penny’s mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ of surprise. “You what? When? How?”
I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the heat creep up my neck. “It happened the night that note was chucked through the window. In my apartment. Above the shop.”
“Oh my god, Leo!” Penny’s voice rose an octave. “Details! I need details!”
“Keep your voice down,” I hissed, glancing around us. “It was a mistake. A moment of weakness.”
“I bet it was,” Penny waggled his eyebrows.
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “What am I going to do?”
“Well, for starters, you’re going to tell me every juicy detail.”
I glanced around, making sure no one was within earshot. “We argued and then suddenly we were kissing and then...” I trailed off, the memory of Dominic’s hands on my body caused my skin to tingle.
“And then?” Penny prompted, practically bouncing with excitement.
“And then we were on my kitchen counter,” I admitted, my cheeks burning. “It just happened so fast. One minute we were fighting, the next...”
Penny squealed, clapping his hands together. “Leo Sterling-Hart, you minx! I can’t believe you lost your V-card to Mr. Tall, Dark, and Dangerous!”
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “I know, I know. It was stupid and reckless and—”
“And hot as hell, I bet!” Penny finished for me. “But wait, what about all that stuff with the mayor? And Blake Harrington? And Dominic’s company?”
Reality came crashing back, and I felt my stomach twist. “That’s the problem. I don’t know what to believe anymore. Was any of it real? Or was I just... convenient?”
Penny’s excitement faded, replaced by concern. He squeezed my arm gently. “Oh, Leo. What are you going to do?”
I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. “I honestly have no idea.”
“So,” Penny ventured, “what do you think? Is Blake behind the vandalism?”
I frowned, considering. “I don’t know. He’s definitely hiding something, but...”
“But?”
“But I’m not sure it’s as simple as him being the bad guy,” I admitted. “And then there’s Dominic...”
We started walking, no particular destination in mind. The late midday sun cast long shadows across the street, the air heavy with the promise of an approaching storm.
The memory of Blake gripping Dominic’s shoulder flashed through my mind, his fingers digging in with unmistakable possession.
The image burned into my memory. My stomach twisted into knots.
Alpha-alpha couples weren’t exactly rare these days.
Penny had two alpha moms who’d been happily married for decades.
Hell, I was descended from two alpha brothers who’d elected to share their omega.
Oh God, Had I... had I slept with someone else’s man?
A car horn blared outside, jolting me from my spiral of guilt. There’d been no ring, no indication he belonged to someone else. But still... the acid taste of uncertainty coated my tongue.
Penny nudged me gently. “Want to talk about it?”
I sighed, the weight of everything pressing down on me. “I just... I don’t know what to think anymore. Every time I think I have Dominic figured out, he surprises me. And not always in a good way.”
“You still have feelings for him,” Penny said softly. It wasn’t a question.
I nodded, unable to deny it. “But I can’t trust him. And now, with him working with Blake...”
“It complicates things,” Penny finished for me.
“Exactly.” We walked in silence for a moment before I continued, “And then there’s this whole mess with the vandalism and the threats. It feels like it’s all connected somehow, but I can’t see the full picture.”
Penny hummed thoughtfully. “Well, we know more now than we did this morning. That’s progress, right?”
I managed a small smile. “I suppose so. Thanks for coming with me today. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
He grinned, linking his arm through mine. “Crash and burn, obviously. Now, what’s our next move, Sherlock?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
I truly didn’t know anymore.