Free Uncle Dominic's Touch by Jenika Snow Page B

several long drinks from his own glass. Silence came back once again.
    Finally he spoke, “So where do you plan on doing your residency at?”
    Her throat still burned something fierce. “Not sure yet. I’d like to stay some place local, but I haven’t decided yet.
    He stared at his glass for several long minutes, and she wondered what he thought about. She didn’t know what else to do, she swallowed more of the alcohol that felt like acid down her throat.
     “Holy shit. What the hell is this?”
    He chuckled. “It’s called Diablo. It is a rare whiskey that I got when I was overseas. It's been aged longer than you’ve been alive.”
    “Well it tastes like shit.”
    “It is an acquired taste.” The way he watched her was intense. “I’m really proud of you, Chloe.”
    She shifted on the couch. Her foot throbbed, but what was at the forefront of her mind was Dominic, not the pain. “Well, you’re about the only one.”
    “You shouldn’t say that. Your parents love you. Your whole family loves you, even if they don’t show it like they should.”
    She wanted to argue how her parents had never been there for her. Aside from school related functions or anything that would make their reputation excel, they paid little attention to her. “I wish you were right, but you know what, it really doesn’t matter.” Feigning a smile, the look on his face told her she hadn’t pulled it off.
    “Look…” He glanced away from her to stare at the television that wasn’t even on. She longed to go over to him and run her hand along his cheek.
    All the things he might be about to say rushed through her and her heart slammed in her chest. What if he told her again that what they had shared was a mistake, that it was disgusting and immoral? She didn’t think she could stand to hear those words come from him again.
    “There are a lot of things I've wanted to tell you over the years. I can’t remember how many times I sat down to write to you but ended up throwing away the letter. What could I say to possibly rectify the situation?” He turned and looked at her then, and she could see so much anguish in his eyes. “I stole your innocence. Took it from you without any consideration to how it would make you feel. I shattered your youth.” He dropped his head and she thought he was going to cry. His words had sounded choked, strangled even.
    Her heart ached from the pain in his voice. All those years ago she had told him it was right, that what they had done felt so right. He hadn’t believed her and she knew he wouldn’t believe her now. She had to try, though, because she still loved him, so much.
     
     

 
    Chapter Eleven
     
    Chloe got off the couch and moved toward him. Dominic lifted his head and looked at her. When she stood in front of him, she dropped to her knees and clasped his hands in hers. She stared down at their entwined hands and noted how much bigger his were. Several scars littered the tanned flesh. How she wished she could wipe them away.
    “Chloe.”
    She shook her head and dragged her eyes up, looking into his face. He looked like a defeated man, like he was scarred, not just on the outside but on the inside as well.
    “What happened eight years ago is not something I regret. I've thought about it every day, wishing things had gone differently afterwards. I know why you reenlisted with the SEALS, and I know it was because you couldn’t stand yourself or the guilt you felt.” He opened his mouth to speak but she lifted her finger and placed it on his lips.
    “I know you. I know that you're an honorable man that thinks only of others. You have no guilt to feel over what we shared that night. I know I don’t.” Rising so that she was face-to-face with him, Chloe knew she had to speak from the heart if she was going to get through to him. This scene had played out in her head over and over throughout the years.
    “I love you, am in love with you. I don’t expect anything in return, don’t