Chapter 24 – A Morning of Regrets
Rachel's toes subtly grazed against Dominic's shins, igniting a fervent desire within him. His body pulsed with longing, yearning for the intimacy they had shared moments ago.
Dominic's inner fire raged, and he yearned to yield to his desires. Their passionate encounter in the car had left him craving more.
With an ardent resolve, he turned on the bed, drawing closer to her, their bodies pressed together in an embrace. The alluring scent of her skin left his mouth parched, and he couldn't help but admire her delicate figure.
Rachel, always modest in her attire, possessed an irresistible charm. Her petite frame, accentuated by a slender waist, was complemented by voluptuous curves, rendering her akin to a model.
Dominic leaned forward, his lips tracing the contours of her neck. His desire soared, his gaze fixated on her bosom, gently rising and falling with each breath.
Yet, in the midst of his overwhelming desire, he abruptly withdrew, his body stiffening with restraint. He clenched his fists and cursed silently.
Dominic's longing was undeniable, but he couldn't act upon it. Rachel was inebriated, and he refused to exploit her vulnerable state.
Retreating from her, he leaned against the headboard, studying her features intently. He hadn't had the chance to truly observe her before.
Rachel possessed a flawless visage, her features symmetrical and pristine. A hint of youthful plumpness graced her cheeks, adding to her allure.
Although Dominic recognized that she had a slim build, he found her current appearance captivating. She exuded an air of innocence and purity that he cherished.
As Rachel slumbered peacefully, her even breaths soothing, Dominic shook his head in amusement. "You never listen, do you?" he whispered, pinching her cheek tenderly.
Torn between desire and restraint, he quietly exited the room, leaving Rachel to her dreams.
In the bathroom, Dominic discovered that the water he had prepared for Rachel had turned cold. It was a small sacrifice, as he had an alternative means of regaining his composure.
He sighed wearily and removed his T-shirt before immersing himself in a cold shower, willing his body to cool down.
Dominic's thoughts lingered on the passionate moments he had shared with Rachel, their desires barely restrained. As he emerged from the bathroom, his self-control had been restored, but his mind remained entangled in the memory of their intimacy.
The following morning, a ray of sunlight gently caressed Rachel's face, stirring her from her slumber. She blinked, her bleary eyes gradually adjusting to the new day. Her throat felt parched, and a dull ache throbbed in her temples, serving as a relentless reminder of her previous night's indulgence.
With a scratchy groan, she raked her fingers through her tousled hair and stumbled toward the bathroom. Standing before the mirror, her reflection revealed an unexpected revelation. Her neck and chest were adorned with unmistakable red marks, not reminiscent of insect bites.
"Dominic Peterson!" Rachel exclaimed, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment. "You called for your husband?" Dominic's voice resonated as he casually entered the bathroom. A glistening sheen of sweat adorned his sculpted face, his gray shirt clinging to his chest, evidence of his recent run.
"What did you do to me last night?" Rachel demanded, her arms defensively crossed over her chest.
Dominic raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on the hickeys that adorned her neck. "You're seriously asking me what I did to you? Shouldn't you be asking what you did to me? You initiated everything. You clung to me, touched my body, rubbed my—"
"Stop it!" Rachel interjected, her face flushed with mortification. She refused to believe his claims. With an expression of helplessness, Dominic walked away momentarily, returning with a crumpled shirt in hand.
"Here's the evidence," he declared, his tone mischievous. "My chest bears evidence of your actions as well. Care for a look?"
Rachel quickly averted her gaze, repelled by the prospect.
"No!" she protested vehemently. Her memory of the previous night remained hazy, consisting of fragmented flashes. Yet, she begrudgingly recalled her initiation in the car, and her mortification deepened.
She fervently wished for the ground to open beneath her and engulf her in oblivion.
"I didn't do anything, okay?" Dominic conceded, his voice gentle as he extended a cup to her. It contained honey water, soothing her parched throat and alleviating the remnants of her hangover.
Rachel had effectively disregarded Dominic, proceeding to prepare herself for the day. She chose a modest turtle-neck dress and hastened to her workplace. Dominic observed her actions with an amused smile, finding her reactions endearing.
Upon her arrival at the Porter Group, Rachel was summoned to the conference room, where Nikolas awaited her.
"We have reviewed all the designs you submitted for the autumn and winter series," Nikolas began, holding up a portfolio as his gaze drifted over the table toward Rachel. "We have unanimously decided to utilize Daley's designs."
Gratitude welled within Rachel as she acknowledged the honor bestowed upon her. "Thank you for this incredible opportunity," she expressed. "I am still relatively new here, and I am aware that I have much to learn. I am open to guidance and value any advice you offer."
Rachel had not anticipated securing such a significant project in such a short time, given her limited tenure at the company.
The decision to utilize her designs had not been unanimous, however, Alesha Turner, a colleague with more seniority, expressed her dissatisfaction in a hushed aside. "These designs are rather ordinary," Alesha murmured.
She had been anticipating her own designs to be chosen and felt slighted by the decision.
A friend chastised her, urging her to lower her voice, as Rachel was within earshot.
"Did I say anything inappropriate?" Alesha retorted defiantly.
Unperturbed by the murmurs, Rachel maintained her composure, focusing on her tasks at hand.
"Thank you for your support, Mr. Barrett," she addressed Nikolas, who was beaming with pride as he reviewed her portfolio. "I appreciate your trust in my work. If you ever have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out."
Nikolas responded with a grin, his admiration evident in his eyes as he looked at Rachel. "Your designs exude a cozy ambiance," he noted. "They possess a unique and memorable quality without overwhelming. I see great potential in you, but further refinement is necessary. Excel in your upcoming projects, and I will provide more opportunities for your growth."
Rachel, discomforted by his gaze, fidgeted slightly. She recognized the underlying implications in his words but chose to respond with a polite smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Barrett. I will strive to meet your expectations."
As the meeting concluded, Rachel couldn't help but sense the disapproval of her fellow designers, especially Alesha, who had been dissatisfied with the outcome.
Unbeknownst to Rachel, Alesha had been eavesdropping on a private conversation between her and Nikolas earlier, confirming her suspicions.
"It's no wonder Nikolas favors you," Alesha sneered inwardly