Chapter 26

Elena's POV

I needed to escape—immediately. Dominic's words echoed in my ears, each syllable like a brand against my skin. The way he'd touched me under the table, the knowing smirk on his face when my body betrayed me.

It was all too much.

"Zoe," I said, grabbing her arm. "We're leaving. Now."

But when she stood, she swayed dangerously, nearly toppling our table. Axton caught her just before she face-planted.

"I'm fine," she slurred, though her unfocused eyes told a different story. "Jus' need some air."

Great. My designated driver was three sheets to the wind. I wasn't completely sober myself, but at least I could stand without assistance. Getting us both back to campus safely was going to be a challenge.

"I'll call a cab," I said, fumbling for my phone.

"Nonsense." Dominic's voice cut through my panic like a knife. "I'll drive you both."

"Absolutely not," I replied instantly.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression maddeningly calm. "Would you prefer to risk your safety with a stranger? Or perhaps you'd like to wait for public transportation at this hour?"

As much as I hated to admit it, he had a point. It was after 2 AM, our campus was miles away, and Zoe looked about ten seconds from passing out completely.

"Fine," I conceded, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice. "But you're dropping us at the dorm. No detours."

Dominic's smile was serpentine. "Of course."

Olivia watched this exchange with barely contained fury, her fingernails digging crescents into the leather booth. "Seriously? You're leaving with her?"

"Business before pleasure," Dominic replied smoothly. "I'll call you."

Outside, the night air hit me like a slap, briefly clearing the alcohol fog from my brain. Felix was already waiting with the car, opening the back door without a word. Axton helped Zoe inside while I stood awkwardly on the sidewalk, suddenly reluctant to enter Dominic's territory.

"After you," Dominic gestured.

I slid into the car beside Zoe, who promptly slumped against my shoulder.

The car pulled away from the curb, gliding silently through the empty streets. Axton and Felix engaged in quiet conversation up front, leaving an uncomfortable silence in the back.

"Your father's medical care will continue uninterrupted," Dominic said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Despite our... personal disagreement."

I looked up, startled. "What?"

"Our financial arrangement may have ended, but I won't withdraw support for your father's treatment. That's not who I am."

"Why would you do that?" I asked, unable to keep the skepticism from my voice.

"Because I said I would." His tone suggested this explanation should be sufficient.

"People say a lot of things," I countered, thinking of Ethan's empty promises, Elaine's cruel lies.

Dominic didn't say anything.

I expected Felix to drive us straight to campus, but instead, the car turned into an exclusive downtown neighborhood, pulling up before a gleaming high-rise with a uniformed doorman.

"This isn't my dorm," I said flatly.

"Observant as always." Dominic stepped out, extending his hand to help me from the car. "Axton will ensure Zoe gets home safely. You and I have something to discuss."

My eyes narrowed. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

"The choice is yours," he replied with infuriating calm. "But don't you want to see what I've done with your feedback?"

"What feedback?"

His smile held a hint of genuine amusement. "About the lack of natural light in my previous accommodations."

Curiosity warred with self-preservation. Against my better judgment, I found myself following him into the building, past the doorman who greeted Dominic by name, and into a private elevator that required a key card for access.

"What is this place?" I asked as we ascended.

"Yours," he replied simply. "If you want it."

The elevator doors opened directly into the apartment—or rather, what I could only describe as a penthouse. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a breathtaking view of the city lights. The space was massive, open-concept, with gleaming hardwood floors and minimalist furniture that somehow managed to look both elegant and comfortable.

"I don't understand," I whispered, stepping into the living room. A wall of windows faced east, perfectly positioned to capture the sunrise, I realized. Just as I'd once mentioned I preferred.

"It's simple," Dominic said, watching me take it all in. "I bought this for you. Whether our arrangement continues or not, it's yours."

"That's insane," I breathed, running my hand along the back of a plush sofa. "I can't accept this."

"Why not?"

"Because it must cost a fortune!"

He shrugged, as if the price were completely irrelevant. "Your father needs constant care. This location is ten minutes from his doctors, fifteen from your campus, and has a dedicated nursing suite." He gestured down a hallway. "You mentioned once that you wished you could care for him yourself. Now you can."

I stood in stunned silence, trying to process the magnitude of what he was offering.

"Why?" I finally asked, my voice barely audible. "Why would you do this when I ended things between us?"

Dominic moved closer, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps I'm not ready to let you go."

The raw honesty in his voice sent a shiver through me.

"There's a master suite through there," he said, nodding toward a door. "Bathroom has a shower large enough for two." He pulled his shirt over his head in one smooth motion, revealing the sculpted planes of his chest and abdomen. "You should clean up. You smell like that club."

I stared at him, utterly bewildered by this turn of events, by his half-naked presence in this beautiful apartment he'd apparently bought for me, by the implication that he expected us to shower together after everything that had happened.

"I—" Words failed me completely.