Chapter 97. Acceptance

Victoria’s POV

My fingers fidgeted with the edge of my sleeve as I stood stared at him. Dominic’s eyes didn’t waver from mine, their dark intensity rooting me in place.

“Why are you suddenly quiet?” he asked softly, his voice like a low hum that resonated in the air between us.

“I’ve just been… thinking,” I admitted, though I wasn’t sure I wanted to explain what was on my mind.

“About?”

His question shouldn’t have unraveled me, but it did. I glanced down at my hands, swallowing the lump rising in my throat.

“Dominic, I…” I started, but my voice failed me.

He leaned forward, the movement deliberate. His fingers brushed mine, a fleeting touch that sent a spark through me. “You don’t have to say anything,” he murmured.

But I couldn’t stop myself. I leaned toward him, my heart pounding in my chest, and before I knew it, my lips were on his.

It was a soft kiss at first, hesitant, testing the waters. But when he responded, tilti