POV: Olivia

His words settled deep inside me, heavier than the heat in my body. My chest rose and fell quickly, but something shifted beneath the need, something softer, something deeper, I swallowed hard, my voice shaking, not just from desire this time.

“Dominic… please,” I whispered, my forehead resting against his. “I’m sorry.” The words surprised even me. But they were true. I felt his grip tighten slightly, not hurting, just holding me there, making sure I didn’t look away.

“For what?” he asked, his voice lower now, quieter, but still intense.

“For putting myself in danger,” I said, my breath uneven. “For thinking I could stop you like...