Chapter 72 Seventy Two
Before Izzy could take another step, Mark lunged forward, pressing his lips roughly against hers. She froze for a split second, shock flashing across her face, before she shoved him violently away.
“How dare you.. You Bastard!” she shouted, her voice sharp and full of fury. Her hand lashed out, slapping him across the cheek with a sting that left her palm tingling.
Mark staggered back, laughing, a low, cruel sound that made her blood boil. “Look at you,” he sneered, eyes dark and calculating, “still dripping… still wet for me. Can’t hide it, can you?”
Izzy’s chest heaved with anger and disgust. “Don’t you ever touch me again, you bastard!” she snapped, her voice low and dangerous.
But Mark wasn’t done. He grabbed her wrist, yanking her roughly toward him, trying to force himself closer. She twisted, struggling, her heels digging into the floor, but he was bigger, stronger. Panic fluttered in her chest as he leaned in, his grip tight.
Then, like a storm breaking, Dominic appeared.
Mark hadn’t even noticed him at first… his hand was squeezing her breast. Dominic’s hand shot out, catching Mark square in the jaw with a brutal punch. The sound of the impact echoed sharply, and Mark stumbled back, his smirk gone, replaced by surprise and pain.
“Get the hell away from her,” Dominic growled, his voice low, dark, and deadly. His eyes blazed, the kind of fire that promised consequences if Mark dared to move again.
Izzy pulled back slightly, her body trembling.. from fear. She ran closer to Dominic instinctively, relief flooding her as he stepped protectively in front of her.
Mark rubbed his jaw, glaring at Dominic. “What the fuck-/” he began, but Dominic didn’t give him a chance to finish.
“You bastard,” Dominic snapped, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming. “How dare you touch what's mine?”
Izzy held his hand to stop him from hitting Mark again
“Get our Or next time, it won’t be just a punch.”
Mark’s smirk wavered. He looked between the two of them, realizing he had crossed a line he couldn’t come back from. Without another word, he spun on his heel, muttering curses under his breath as he stormed out, clutching his throbbing jaw.
Izzy’s knees weakened slightly as the tension drained out of her. She sank back against the wall, her heart pounding, chest heaving. Dominic’s hand found hers, fingers curling around hers with a possessive, reassuring grip.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice softer now but still laced with that commanding intensity.
“I… yeah,” she whispered, finally letting herself breathe. Her eyes met his, gratitude and desire mingling with the lingering rush of adrenaline. “Thanks… for saving me.”
Dominic’s lips curved in a faint, dangerous smile. “Don’t thank me. I shouldn't have left you alone. I'm sorry this won't happen again.”
She nodded, feeling a warmth and safety she hadn’t felt in a long time, his presence grounding her even as her body still trembled from the earlier encounter.
Dominic’s hand gripped Izzy’s wrist firmly as they walked toward the staircase. Every step was controlled, purposeful. His jaw was tight, eyes scanning the corridor behind them, as if daring Mark to come back.
“Don’t worry about him,” Dominic muttered, his voice low and dangerous. “If he tries anything again… I’ll make sure he regrets it for the rest of his life.”
Izzy swallowed hard, feeling a shiver run down her spine. She had seen his protective side before, but this… this was a whole new level. She squeezed his hand, silently letting him know she trusted him.
Dominic guided her toward the door, his hand sliding from hers to the small of her back, keeping her pressed close to him. “Let’s get out of here,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear. “Let me take you home. I would tell Sarah to round up for you. I'm not letting that bastard touch you again. Not him not anyone.”
Once they were outside, the cool evening air hit her face. She glanced up at him, meeting his dark, intense gaze. “You really mean it, don’t you?”
Dominic’s hand cupped her cheek briefly, thumb brushing over her skin. “Every word,” he said simply, voice low and unwavering. “No one touches you. No one dares. You're mine ”
Izzy’s chest swelled with warmth and desire. Even after everything.. the threat, the fight, the humiliation.. she felt a shiver of relief and excitement. Dominic wasn’t just her sex partner… he was her protector.
And she realized, with a fluttering in her stomach, that she liked it more than she ever expected.
Dominic pulled up in front of Izzy’s apartment building and killed the engine. The streetlights cast a soft glow over the quiet road, but the tension inside the car hadn’t faded. Izzy sat still for a moment, fingers twisting in her lap, her body sore and her mind restless.
As she reached for the door handle, Dominic’s hand caught her wrist gently.
“Hey,” he said, his voice firm but calm. “Take tonight easy. Lock your doors. Call me if anything feels off.”
She nodded, offering a small smile. “I will.”
They both stepped out of the car..and that was when they saw Maya.
Maya stood near the entrance gate, arms folded, phone in hand. The moment her eyes landed on Izzy, her brows knitted together. Izzy looked… off. Hair slightly messy, movements stiff, face pale but flushed in places. Not her usual self.
Dominic noticed too.
“Hey, Maya,” he said, polite and composed, giving her a brief nod. “Good timing.”
Maya blinked, clearly not expecting to see him. “Uh…hi. I was just waiting for Izzy.” Her eyes slid back to her friend, scanning her head to toe. “What happened to you?”
Dominic placed a light but unmistakably protective hand at the small of Izzy’s back. “She’s had a long day,” he said evenly. “Can you take care of her tonight?”
Maya’s confusion deepened. “Of course..but..” She paused, lowering her voice. “Izzy, are you okay?”
Izzy forced a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’m fine. Just… exhausted.”
Dominic held Maya’s gaze for a second longer, something serious passing between them. “I mean it,” he added quietly. “Keep an eye on her.”
Maya straightened immediately, her playful tone gone. “I’ve got her,” she said firmly.
Dominic nodded once, satisfied. He turned back to Izzy, his voice softer now. “Get some rest.”
Their eyes held for a beat…everything unspoken hanging heavy between them…before Izzy stepped away and walked toward Maya.
As Dominic drove off, Maya didn’t say a word until they were inside the apartment and the door shut behind them.